Weekend Hound Blogging: Three Dog Pack

We almost adopted a third greyhound back in March. Last weekend while working the meet-n-greet we learned that he was still available, and so we decided to become a three hound home. The plan was that he would move in on Friday evening.

Friday turned into a heartbreaking day, though. We lost Morrison to cancer, but we decided to go ahead and not postpone the new guy’s arrival. Besides, Morrison had already met and approved of him earlier in the week when he came for a visit. Welcoming a new hound on the same day we said goodbye to Morrison seemed a bit strange at first, but Joey is such an upbeat, happy dog, that we were all quickly glad he was there.

This is Joey…

Joey is a 71 pounder, obviously a handsome fella. He’s a velcro hound, and a true cuddle monster.

His wonderful foster mom took great care of him, helping him through a number of neuroses. For instance he no longer lives in fear of ceiling fans, but he does occasionally glance up at them to make sure they’re not coming to get him.

He knows “target,” “shake,” and “take a bow,” which makes him our best educated dog.

He ran two races, but lost them both. He’s considered a special needs dog because of his weirdness quirkiness neurotic nature, but he fits right in here at the house of weird special needs dogs.

Here’s what the Greyhound Pets of America – Central Texas adoption site said about him:

[Brindle, male, 3 years old, cat friendly, small dog friendly, no small children, special needs]
Our Joey, with a combination of medication, gentle training, and consistency, has made tons of progress. This spring, Joey completed a basic obedience class that required him to (1) leave the house, (2) ride in the car, (3) interact with strangers, and (4) learn while in the outdoors — not far from a busy highway! He has a very nice “come,” “off,” “target,” and “wait,” and a pretty good “down” and “take a bow.” Joey will also ‘woof’ to go out or come in. His house manners are very good, although a croissant left on a countertop is way too big a temptation for him. Although he no longer fears helicopters or ceiling fans, he remains somewhat anxious and obsessive, especially in new places. That’s just Joey, and he is extremely workable, given a patient guardian. This beautiful dog is very bonded to his foster mom, whom he follows everywhere in the house and yard. He kind of wishes he were top dog, but when the 17-lb., blind, elderly terrier in his foster home scolds him, Joey straightens up and flies right. Joey does well with calm children 7 years old and up, adults, and all other critters except the squirrels in the garden — he dreams of squirrel stew. 

The label on his medication says that he isn’t supposed to drink alcohol, drive or operate heavy machinery, but he can hang out on the couch and play with toys including his giant wolf.

Phoebe and Daphne seem to really like him, and Phoebe likes the new toys (especially that wolf) that came with him.

Joey’s been here since Friday and he fits right in. Friday was an awful day, but I’m glad we didn’t postpone his arrival because he’s already made this weekend a lot more bearable.

Friday was bittersweet, but it ended with a bit of a brown brindle lining. 

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Want to make a fast friend by saving a greyhound in Central Texas? Check these pups out. Or go here to find a greyhound near you. You can also go here to find out why greyhounds are running for their lives.

If you have dogs who need proven leadership, go here to find a cat.

James Brush

James Brush is a teacher and writer who lives in Austin, TX. He tries to get outside as much as possible.

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