FRIDAY THE 13TH

I suppose its a day for  black cats, but I'm highly offended that Mom P is comparing me to one. No need to get insulting just because I like to snuggle and lie around on top of her  rather than just beside her like those other 2 dogs. Apparently, finding me curled around her head on her pillow this morning was the last straw. HEY!  Its the softest part of the bed, and I can squish my entire body onto it if I curl really tight. Those chunky yellow dogs can't do that.  I'd better hurry and take advantage  while I'm still skinny enough to fit.

We all stay in curling training by taking shifts in the "lookout" armchair in the front corner of the living room.  It has a window on either side. You can see one street by hanging your head over the right arm, and the other street over the left. While Fonzy & I may be too gentle to play guard dog; as sight hounds, we can be jam up  watch dogs.  While we don't go berserk  like the little yappy dogs that live on either side of us; we definitely announce any interesting stuff ( like folks passing by) that we spot from our lookout perch.

BTW, speaking of guard dogs; my first attempt at the Doberman Disguise was a total failure.  I hit topsoil on my dig for red clay.  Chocolate brown points on my black coat just weren't that impressive.  Mom P may have been impressed when cleaning it off, but not in a good way!

FLIP SIDE OF THE BLACK DOG JINX

You may have heard that we Greyhounds are worthless as guard dogs. Probably true against dog savvy bad guys.  Luckily, most baddies aren't.  That means us black Greys can sometimes be  mistaken  for those ultimate tough guys and our distant cousins, Doberman Pinschers. Herr Dobermann was no dummy. We do share some ancesters.   Where do you think they got their lovely athletic physiques? As a result, we black guys, who resemble them are the only hounds with much intimidation factor.

Sorry, I love everybody too much to actually take a bite out of crime. You know that if you followed my prison blogs.  Still, with this GA red clay, a dirty nose and feet would let me do a fair impersonation of one of those fierce dudes.  Mom P is trying to build me up to Fonzy's muscular size to reinforce the image.  Currently, the best I can do  when Sis Sam , with her Chow background, barks at passers-by, is to stand behind her with Fonzy and yell,"Yeah, Us, too!" As sight hounds, we are also  pros at staring at folks.  That can un-nerve  a person.  And we are big dogs.  If you want to fake somebody out, its best not to broadcast the fact that we are flower children and all about peace and love.

SPRUNG FROM THE BIG HOUSE

OK, I went from being  "a contender" a few months ago to finishing last place in my final race in December, but that's not a crime is it? Why did I wind up in prison for 2 months? Don't get me wrong. I confess we got some pretty sweet treatment from the ladies who took on the job of training us for life beyond the race track. Not too shabby.

Anyhow, last week we graduated, switched places with a new group of retired racers, and started our journey back north, to our next situation. About half the group were met  along the way by  new adoptive families. The other half, including me, met foster moms.  All of us,though, have the same assignment: learning the house manners required to become pampered  family pets.  My foster mom is named  Pat. Hereinafter, she will be known as Mom P.  She introduced me to her dogs and my new foster siblings.  Fonzy is a Greyhound and former racer like me. We're about the same height; but he's older, light colored, and considerably heftier, 'though he still likes to run a bit. Sister Samantha startled me.  First of all, she's not a hound but a shot,broad, fluffy  old lady dog. I was taken aback when she instantly started poking me and wanting to play. "Cool it, Lady. You don't know me that well!"

That was a few days ago. At first, I stuck as close as I could to Mom P. This morning, she told me how pleased she is that  I now opt to hang out with them as often as I do with her. She also gave me some bad news by mentioning the "black dog jinx" that sometimes means it takes us longer to find furever homes; so I should settle in and get comfortable.  OK. I'm a happy guy.  I'll be glad to meet new people, but its not half bad here.  I've already picked out some favorite toys and napping spots, learned to operate the doggie door, and conquered the 13 steps up and down to the back yard. I'll be a pro at this pet business before you know it!

03/18/2012

Harris is such a gentle spirit. He is very sweet and loves attention. He is very sensitive to the emotions around him. When you are excited he is excited, when you are sad he is sad. He loves interact with people and loves when you are happy to see him. He lets you know that he loves you everyday and lives to make you smile. He is a people pleaser and is very devoted. He has no aggression, or sleep startle issues. His trainer has even started teaching him to roll over and army crawl. This dog is a great companion!

03/11/2012

Harris is an acrobat as he likes to spin circles at the end of his leash when he is happy. Speaking of happy this boy is always happy. He is full of energy and loves to show off his speed to his trainer. She thinks he is just beautiful. He is very sweet and loving and has no aggression. He isn't crazy about brushing his teeth but he just pulls away. He does however love a bath. His favorite treat is a biscuit with peanut butter in his kong.