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The Further Adventures of Vladimir and Vitali

Posted by stevepryor on February 7, 2013
Posted in: greyhound exploitation, greyhound rescue, greyhound videos, Murphysboro Dog Park, Rescued/Retired Greyhounds, Vladimir and Vitali. Tagged: , , , , . 3 Comments

Sorry it’s been so long since the last post, but with my mom being sick and my travels back and forth to Louisiana, I’ve had other things on my mind.

Today was a beautiful day so I took the opportunity to take Vladimir and Vitali, our two rescued greyhound brothers, up the road a few miles to the Murphysboro dog park. We were the only ones there for about an hour, then a couple showed up with their 2 dogs and a short time later more people started to take advantage of the nice weather and get their dogs out for some exercise and socialization. We stayed approximately four hours and the boys were totally exhausted when we arrived home. Four hours of running and playing for a sprinter like a greyhound is a lot!!

The boys met a few old friends and made some new ones, of the 2 and 4 leg variety. As usual, I took some photos and video of the days activities, which I have posted a few below this post and the others will be posted in a day or so to the photo or video links in the menu above.

I will part with these words…please remember greyhounds are unique among dogs, they are bred in huge numbers for only one purpose, to be the fastest greyhound and when that does not happen they are as expendable to their owners as yesterdays newspaper. A racing greyhound is NOT a pet and is not treated like a pet, it is a commodity that if it does not turn a profit, it will be done away with in one way or another. Some of the lucky ones, like Vladimir and Vitali, make it to a rescue group and become available for adoption, others…numbering in the 10’s of thousands meet fates that can range anywhere from “humane” euthanization to hanging and practically anything in between that could be done to cause death and I mean anything, there are documented cases of drownings, electrocutions, being shot (pistols, rifles, bolt guns), beaten…you name it, it’s been done to these gentle creatures.

Greyhound exploitation is still prevalent in a few states and it’s time to pull the plug on those few remaining states that allow this travesty to continue.

You’ve probably heard me say this time and time again if you’re a regular to this blog, but, the next time you are in a position to help out a dog or are ready to add a new member to your household…PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE consider a greyhound, you will be amazed at the wonderful pet you get and you will almost certainly be saving one from a fate much less kind.

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Greyhound Musings…

Posted by stevepryor on December 4, 2012
Posted in: Benefits of Owning A Greyhound, Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound General Info, Greyhound Pics, greyhound videos. Tagged: , , , , . 1 Comment

Hi

If you want to meet people when you’re out on a walk with a dog, there is no other dog I know of that gets the amount of attention a greyhound does. Everywhere you go people point and stare and hope you pass by them so they can ask questions or find out more about this gorgeous creature. As the fastest dog on the planet and the 2nd fastest accelerating land animal on the planet, people are always curious about this regal breed that can attain a speed of 45 mph from a standing start its first 3 strides. What allows the greyhound to reach that type of acceleration, is its lean but extremely muscular build, biggest heart, and greatest area of fast-twitch muscle associated with any breed as well as the double suspension gallop and also the extreme versatility of the spine.

Walking one of these “lightning bolts on a leash” is like walking with a celebrity, almost everyone you meet wants to know more about them and for most it is the first time they have actually had a chance to see one up close and personal. Common remarks are; they’re so soft or they’re so gentle and placid.

Some people ask about the tattoos in the ex racing greyhound’s ears. There are 2 numbers, one in each ear. One is the track number, the other is the year they were born and the order in the litter. With these, you will find the whole pedigree all the way back to the end of the 1800’s. Some people say the number does not prove birth order as most owners do not mark them in order. I don’t know, maybe some do and some don’t. In any event, to find that dogs pedigree, log on to http://www.greyhound-data.com, type in the number and presto…there it is!

Another question I hear from people is about the size of the greyhound’s heart…a  greyhound’s heart weight ranges from 1.18 to 1.73% of their body weight, which is higher than an elite racehorse at 1.0-1.3% of its body weight.  Other types of dogs have a heart weight equal to 0.77% of their body weight, and compare those to 0.5% for humans. So you can see the greyhound has the highest blood volume of any athlete, relative to its body size. All this means that the Greyhound heart is not only larger and more efficient than any other dog’s, but outperforms that of a thoroughbred racehorse.

One other thing I am asked frequently and something that is very important to some people deals with dog odor. Well, due to incredibly small sebaceous glands, the short hair and very low body fat, Greyhound’s exude little or no characteristic “doggy odor”. You can have three or four greyhounds in your home and not notice them near as much as you will that one Lab or Shepard, Doberman, etc. This also transforms into more domestic tranquility as greyhound’s are very affectionate dogs towards those that they know and trust. For centuries different greyhounds have been allowed to hunt and race together, so aggressiveness towards other dogs and people has been almost totally eliminated from the breed. This also means that owning several Greyhounds can be a calmer experience than having those breeds listed above (and many others) that will engage in continuous  “pecking”  as puppies.

Look closely and you can see the ear tattoo

Look closely and you can see the ear tattoo

The Adventures of Vlad & Vitali….

Posted by stevepryor on June 13, 2012
Posted in: greyhound life, greyhound movies, Greyhound Pics, greyhound rescue, greyhound videos, Rescued/Retired Greyhounds. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

Hi

A couple of weeks ago while out on our morning walk through our back yard, we happened upon….. a snake. The boys had stopped all of a sudden to smell the ground and it was then that I noticed, about 4 feet in front of us, a black snake about 2 1/2 to 3 ft long. As I stood there watching it, the snake raised it’s head few inches off the ground and turned around to look at us. It was this movement that got the dogs attention, first Vlad, then Vitali.

Vlad appeared to be curious and showed no sign of distress, but Vitali went completely bonkers, as soon as he locked eyes on it he started to rear up like a wild horse being broken in those cowboy movies. He bucked and twisted and was hopping all over the place on his hind legs and making the most awful screams, yelps and other vocalizations I have ever heard come out of the mouth of any living creature. During the entire time, the snake did nothing except flick his tongue and follow us with his head, otherwise he did not move.

I took both of the boys away from there and brought them back into the house, where Vitali was still visibly shaking, bottom jaw quivering, so I stayed with him and comforted him awhile. A  little later I went back out to the same spot and the snake was still there, (maybe had moved a few feet) so I, with the help of a branch prodded it back into the woody area bordering the property where I assume it came from. I did, however, sprinkle some snake repellent pellets along the border a day or so later hoping it would choose another path from now on and so far have not seen it again.

Sometimes when out for a walk, the boys will see a stick on the ground and approach it very cautiously, ready to react if it should move.

I have a little movie posted in the video section about their encounter with a turtle. I guess, for them, it’s a reptile thing.

 

Looking For A Pet – Consider Greyhound Adoption

Posted by stevepryor on May 5, 2012
Posted in: Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound Pics, greyhound rescue, greyhound videos, Rescued/Retired Greyhounds. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

Greyhounds are absolutely gorgeous dogs that are well known for their ability to race. As the second fastest land animal on the planet, they are revered… as long as they can run. When they cannot, they are simply disposed of in whatever way the trainer sees fit. This means that many are abandoned or put down. As a result, greyhound dog rescue is incredibly important and something that more people should be educated about.

Greyhound dog rescue is a niche area because there are a number of groups that are dedicated to rescuing greyhounds.  A few dogs are treated well whilst in racing service, but the vast majority are not. They are forced to almost continuously wear muzzles, are pulled and jerked around and are often claustrophobic after finding themselves in small cages for hours on end on a daily basis. The owners and trainers that do treat them well tend to find good homes for them when they are retired, unfortunately the vast majority do not.

Greyhounds are often abandoned or put down as soon as they are injured or cannot race. This means that they may be abandoned and actually wander around a strange environment until found, if they are lucky. However, there are a number of greyhound specific dog rescue groups that cater to greyhounds exclusively and do their best to find them new homes that they can settle into. The more people that adopt them, the more openings there are so other greyhounds can be rescued and rehomed.

Greyhounds are wondrous creatures and make excellent family pets, which makes dog rescue all the more important for them. They are really placid, loving and very low maintenance because they enjoy their own space. If anyone is looking to dog rescue for his or her next pet, look for a greyhound! It is very rewarding and satisfying to know that someone cares for them and gives them the attention and love they deserved but went without for the first few years of their lives.

Greyhounds are as fast as they are smart, as wise as they are loving. Outdoors, it is a thrill to watch this dog run at full stretch. In short bursts, the greyhound can accelerate to over 60 ft per second within 4 or 5 strides or around 45 mph. The only other land animal that can accelerate faster over a short distance is the Cheetah

Indoors, he becomes a quiet and dignified family member, expecting hugs and petting from his family. Greyhounds are very affectionate, but will not overly dote on you. The Greyhound’s gentle nature makes him a good children’s dog.

 

 

Greyhound Fun Facts

Posted by stevepryor on April 18, 2012
Posted in: Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound General Info, Greyhound Health, greyhound rescue, Rescued/Retired Greyhounds. Tagged: , , , , , . 2 Comments

The Greyhound is an extremely powerful and muscular dog. The breed has a long, slim tail and legs. The chest is narrow and deep, while the waist is extremely slender. The breed also has a long and narrow head, neck and muzzle giving the Greyhound an extremely aerodynamic body. They have large hearts, lungs and muscles required for its famous double suspension gallop and incredible bursts of speed. The ears of a greyhound fold flat against its neck when running, similar to the wings on a departing bird or plane.

Tall and lean, the Greyhound is the worlds fastest breed of dog. As a sight hound, the breed pursues game using its vision and speed. Today, however, the Greyhound primarily serves as a sweet and personable companion. The breed can be any color, including black, fawn and red, often combined with white or brindle markings. The Greyhound has been owned by many prominent figures in history, including President Rutherford B. Hayes and General George A. Custer.

The greyhound has his eyes well positioned at the sides of his head giving him a far wider field of view than other dogs (270 degrees versus 180 degrees.) They can actually see things that are behind them. They are sight hounds and can spot movement up to half a mile away.

Greyhound racing became popular in the 1920’s as the aerodynamic build and size of the breed allows them to be the fastest dogs in the world. The Greyhound can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour in less than 3 seconds! Greyhounds are undoubtedly the best sprinters, not only in the dog world, but in any world, having the fastest acceleration of any land animal on earth, topped only by the Cheetah.

A Look Back
One of the most ancient breeds known to man, evidence of the Greyhound was first discovered in tomb carvings in Egypt dating back to 2900 B.C. Aristocracy and culture has always surrounded the Greyhound, and in early times, only royalty bred them. As hunters in England, they were used on practically all kinds of game from deer, stags and foxes, but the hare is the Greyhound’s natural quarry. In America, Greyhounds arrived with the Spanish explorers in the 1500s and were among the first dogs recorded at American dog shows.

Although the breed is extremely athletic and fast, they are surprisingly mellow. They are not as hyperactive as is commonly believed, nor do they require constant exercise. They are often referred to as 45 mile per hour couch potatoes. Greyhounds are one of the most common rescue breeds in the world, due to the fact that racetracks have in the past euthanized (killed) them in huge numbers after they are too old or slow to race any longer, or have been injured and are no longer profitable.  This still happens, however thanks to the determination of many rescue organizations, the tracks and breeders are watched more closely and it has become increasingly tougher for them to get away with such wanton acts of violence toward this gentle breed.

Is A Greyhound Right For You?
Although a loving companion, the Greyhound possesses the typical independent spirit of the hound, so patient training is necessary. They enjoy the company of their families as well as other dogs. The breed’s short, smooth coat is easy to maintain. Due to the Greyhound’s athleticism, they need daily exercise, although a short walk a couple times a day will suffice. They should be kept on leash or in a fenced area due to their tendency to run and with their acceleration they would be a football field away before you could get a word out of your mouth. Many greyhounds have a definite prey instinct and some will chase anything that moves quickly. Due to this, some are not suitable to live with cats or other small animals. The breed, however, is a pack animal and is happiest when there are people or other large animals around for companionship. Greyhounds can vary in degrees of their ability to get along with smaller pets. Our two boys, Vladimir & Vitali have no problem at all with any of our cats, either the inside ones or the outside ones, nor have they ever caused an issue with our little parrot (sun conure) when it is out exploring in the house.

When thinking about adopting one of these magnificent creatures, you can pretty much put your order in for one that suits your lifestyle. Want an older one, you got it, want one that’s cat friendly, you got it, want a certain color, you can get it. There are so many that need loving homes, you can just about “special order” your grey just the way you want him/her.

Contact your local greyhound rescue organization and find out what they can do for you!

Giving Up Sunset

Posted by stevepryor on February 8, 2012
Posted in: Dog Adoptions, greyhound blogs, greyhound fosters, Greyhound General Info, Greyhound Pics, greyhound websites. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

The day is drawing nearer that we will have to turn our foster greyhound girl Sunset over the the young man who will be giving her a forever home. This will be bittersweet as she has adapted well to our family and is a darling girl, and it’s impossible not to form an attachment to these wonderful “babies”. The whole idea though in taking on this task, was to prepare her for her forever home and also for her to have some time to recover from her medical procedures. We will miss her very much, but we are so happy she will be going to someone who wants her and will no doubt fall in love with her as we have.

Sunset & Vladimir

Rescued Greyhound Mix – Update

Posted by stevepryor on January 20, 2012
Posted in: Dog Rescues, GPA, greyhound mix, lurcher. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

Hi Everyone…

Greyt news, our recently rescued greyhound mix, has been named Murphy. A very nice and fitting name given to him by Robin of GPA (Cape) since he was rescued off of the streets of Murphysboro, Illinois! He was fully vetted a couple of days ago at Skyview Animal Clinic in Cape Girardeau, Mo and is spending a couple days recuperating at Happy Tails, also in Cape. We all were so happy to see that he tested heart worm negative! Murphy also, while there, received his shots and was neutered.

From all reports we’ve received in the last couple of days from the vet staff, he is a very sweet & loving boy. It is so rewarding to know we all made a difference for this furbaby and have given him the chance to live a nice, comfortable life with people who will love him and give him the attention he needs and deserves.

Greyhound Pets of America – Carbondale, Il. Petco “Meet & Greet” – 11/12/11

Posted by stevepryor on November 14, 2011
Posted in: Dog Adoptions, Dog Rescues, Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound General Info, Greyhound Pics. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

Hi

Yesterday  (11/12/11) was our monthly Greyhound Pets of America (Cape) “Meet & Greet” at the Carbondale, Il. Petco

A very nice time was had by all, we had lots of inquiries about what greyhound adoption is all about and the hounds were absolutely thrilled to see their greyhound friends. The dogs just love to be petted and petted they were as for the four hours the meeting lasted they received plenty of attention from people as wide ranging as toddlers who were barely able to walk to the older folks who were barely able to walk  😉

I want to thank Petco for supporting the cause of pet adoption and rescue, not just greyhounds, but other dogs and animals also.

One of our members who is always present at these events was sick and could not make it yesterday and she was missed, get well soon, Laurie 🙂  Laurie and her husband Jon are the adoption coordinators for the Southern Illinois area for our group, Greyhound Pets of America (Cape Girardeau chapter)

Below are a few photos from the event…

 

Two Whippets who came and visited with their larger greyhound cousins!

Greyhound Coats – Don’t Be The “One”

Posted by stevepryor on October 28, 2011
Posted in: Dog Adoptions, Dog Rescues, Greyhound - Important Information, Greyhound General Info, Greyhound Pics, Rescued/Retired Greyhounds. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Halloween is upon us and that usually means the weather is getting cooler (at least in this neck of the woods…Southern Illinois) and cooler weather means it’s time to start breaking out the greyhound coats and other gear to help our greyhounds stay warm and dry.

You may be saying, “I have had lots of dogs and I never put coats and things like that on them and they did just fine”.
That may be true, but greyhounds are not “regular dogs”, they have less fat to insulate them from temperature extremes and they also have very thin, light fur compared to other dogs, even other canines with short fur. As stated above, they have virtually no fat to insulate them, no undercoat in their fur, so give them a break and get them a coat for the upcoming winter months.
The breed, however, can vary in their sensitivity to temperature changes and coats made to fit your hound will ensure your dog is able to cope.

A good warm, waterproof winter coat is an absolute must have. To deny such a sensitive dog this basic item is cruel and granted your dog may not freeze to death when outside for short periods, but it will nevertheless be very uncomfortable without the appropriate attire.

Don’t be the one that’s seen out running around dragging your poor shivering greyhound(s) around in the dead of winter with no protection from the cold.