Chloe The Rescued Retired Greyhound Racer (Click to enlarge)
Although I have many more Little Tchefuncte River Golden Retriever proofs that I may post in coming days and weeks, I feel inspired to talk about Greyhounds today. Chloe arrived with her mom and house-sister, Dreamer, for the 2010 calendar shoot. If you have been keeping up, you know that I am awed by these dogs, and the heroic people who adopt them.
I do dwell on the heroism of Greyhound rescuers, but let’s face it, these are special dogs. If there wasn’t such a need for people to step up and add one to their family, if they qualify, I think we could keep their sweet dispositions a secret. When you consider that these dogs came from situations where they lived in crates, except for minutes at a time, when they race or empty, it’s remarkable how quickly they fall right into being…well…dogs.
No racing Greyhound is supplied with toys; it’s just not done. But they come into their forever homes learning quickly that a squeaky toy is buckets of fun. I’ve rescued many dogs over the years and some simply do not play…with anything, but most Greyhounds come into the studio loving the sound of a cheeping toy. Frida, our Chihuahua, has no interest in toys. She had a rough little life too, but the most playing I ever saw her do is being really animated with a grape before eating it.
Greyhounds seem so much more forgiving of past abuse than many other breeds. I guess it always stuns me when I see horribly abused dogs shine up to any human when they have been removed from the abusive situation. Big hearts reside in those large Greyhound chests. Contact Greyhound Pets of America or Greyhound Pets of America – Louisiana Chapter for information about being one of these heroes.
As always, please comment on my post or photo. What do you like or dislike about this image? Come on, don’t be shy.
IMPORTANT JULY 11TH UPDATE: A number of you wrote (I don’t konw why I can’t get y’all to post online 
) to tell me about why we need to avoid giving our dogs grapes and raisins: They are harmful to dogs’ health! They can cause renal failure in some dogs. Cease and desist. Poor Frida, it’s the only toy she ever showed an interest in. Good thing I never made a habit of it. Here are a couple of articles I was sent off-line: Grapes, Nuts and Other Foods Your Dog Should Avoid and Raisins/Grapes, by the Merck Veterinary Manual. Thank you to all who responded with this important information.
It is true. Many greyhounds do not know anything about toys when you first get them away from the track. Others become hoarders and take everything in sight, toys or otherwise. I have also heard that there are occasions when trainers play fetch with some greys with their muzzles, so each hound’s experiences are different thus leading to many different reactions in their new home.
We often foster and enjoy seeing those various responses. Some greyhounds don’t touch a toy at all in the few weeks we have them, others walk in and start playing.
Now for Chloe. I love Chloe! The picture suits her. She was my very first foster greyhound. We only had her about a week and I was lucky enough to be the one to bring her to her new family, where she immediately made herself at home. I have the pleasure of seeing her at local Meet & Greets and such and she always brings a smile to my face. This picture does a fine job capturing her personality. Gotta love that little red goofy-eared girl!
Yes, she sure was a pleasure to spend time with. For any readers who would like to see part of ishapespace’s pack, check out Stay Focused and today’s post, When Dogs Smile The World Smiles Too.
Also, readers might want to check out important information about Heat Stroke In Greyhounds on her blog, As The Rabbit Runs.
my mom is the proud owner of three retired racing greyhounds. these animals are so sweet and lovable and they had no idea how to play with toys when they were first adopted but now they don’t go outside without a big stuffed toy in their mouths.
living in massachusetts, we are thrilled that greyhound racing will be eliminated as of january 2010. woot! woot!
I have not heard of this. Tell me more. Wow, it must be in Massachusetts only. Y’all are more enlightened
One state at a time, whoo hooo! I can’t imagine them giving up on racing Greyhounds in Florida without a huge fight. But when the fight begins, I’ll be on the forefront.