new foster greyhound arriving this weekend

[radfringe]

call us crazy -- we already have two dogs (airdale and a greyhound) and 4 cats

but the woman that does greyhound rescue in the area called -- she has 9 or 10 greyhounds coming in this weekend, all will be going to foster homes for a couple of weeks or so until forever homes can be found

soooooo, this saturday we'll be making room for one more in our home.
don't know if it will be male or female or what it will look like -- all I know is they are between 14 to 18 months old...

my job on Saturday morning is to clear out an area in the den, and set up the kennel, drag out the extra set of food bowls, wash the extra dog bed cover and then after the foster dog arrives -- I have to make him/her a coat -- meanwhile the dog will be wearing an old sweatshirt when outside.

If you are considering adopting a dog -- think about going to the pound or other animal shelter. If you have your heart set on a "pure bred" consider contacting breed rescue organizations.

dispite the name "____ rescue" -- these are not necessarily abused animals -- many are given up by people who are unable to care for the dog -- and my experience has shown that they really try to match you and dog for a good fit.

[ernstbass]

1. Congrats on your new addition!

And I agree with your suggestion about adopting at your local pound. these dogs are put to death so "don't breed or buy while homeless dogs die"

[livetohike]

2. Congratulations and I am jealous!

I have two adopted shelter dogs. I would have a dozen or more if my husband would go along with it.

Good luck and post a picture of the new family member when you have time.

[luckypunch]

3. Good luck with your foster

I have a Greyhound, and would love to be able to foster others, but I don't have the time right now.

I think it would be very difficult to give them up after having them a while though, I could see myself ending up with 2 or 3 of them.

[BrklynLiberal]

4. Congrats. I have friends who have greyhounds and they sat that they

are just like potato chips...you can't have just one. Most of the people I know have at least 2. Some have 3 or 4. They are wonderful, sweet pups, especially the rescues.
How wonderful for all of you.

[radfringe]

5. fostering is delayed

shortly after posting this -- we got a call from the greyhound rescue org. -- dogs have been quarantined at the race track for a while and won't be coming this weekend

they think it may be kennel cough. so it may be a couple weeks until they are released for fostering/adoption

[ernstbass]

7. Please keep us posted

[kslib]

6. How do you manage a new addition with cats?

I've wanted to foster, but I've heard intros with kitties can be hellish. Do you have any tips?

[radfringe]

8. our cats are use to dogs

but it still can be tricky.

we have the living room and loft area barricaded off from the dogs so the cats have their own "safe rooms" -- when new dog is in the house the cats hang out in there most of the time.

we don't force the introductions - pretty much let them meet on their own and under supervision. We keep the muzzle on the foster dog until we feel we can trust it, and if the dog goes after the cat we yell "NO - Leave it", and bring the dog into another room and make him/her lay down and praise for laying down. Same goes if it looks like the dog is even thinking about chasing the cats.

when we are not home we keep the dog in a big kennel -- large enough to move around in, and still have room for food/water bowls, pillow and toys

after a couple of days, we will leave the dog out of the kennel and go outside for 10-15 minutes, and then gradually increase the "unsupervised" time.

every dog is different, so alot of it depends on the dog and how well they respond. If a cat walks by and the dog doesn't react -- we praise and give treats.

With out previous foster dog - it took 2 or 3 days before we felt comfortable enough to leave her running around the house without a muzzle or under tight tight supervision.

The greyhound organization we work with knows we have 2 other dogs and cats -- so they try to match us up with a foster dog that is laid back or one they already know has been exposed to cats and is ok with cats

[kslib]

10. When I finish nursing school

and settle in my new place, I really want a greyhound. They are so beautiful, and have such wonderful attitudes; plus, (s)he would make a good walking partner! :)

I was worried about getting one since I have cats, but you've given me a little hope that it might work out okay with the right dog and the right intro. method!

Thanks!

[LibertyLover]

9. Congratulations and thank you

I have 5 dogs, all who have been adopted from rescue groups, including 2 greys. Our first grey was adopted the day after he arrived from the track (he still had sand in his coat) so he didn't spend very long at the foster home, but our second, a gorgeous little dark grey bitch, was at the foster home for several weeks. It made our job of fitting her into our roster much easier. So thank you for fostering a grey.

And to anyone considering getting a dog, may I echo Radfringe and say that rescue groups and the local pound are wonderful places to find a special companion. I've got 5 dogs, all of whom were adopted and all of whom are wonderful. You should see our adopted 110 pound Siberian Husky cuddling with our 2 year old toddler. I wouldn't trade them for anything.