RELEASE THE HOUNDS!!!

I'm back, recovered from my bout of yuckiness - just the predictable onslaught of ragweed season, gets me every time before I pull out my allergy meds - and have finally succeeded in wrestling the keyboard away from Brutus.  He got a kick out of doing yesterday's post in first person, and apparently you all liked it too!  I'll make sure I give him the occasional opportunity to take over (he's good at that sort of thing, just ask my husband....)

There were so many cool things at the dog fair, we couldn't fit it all into one post.  Brutus did not mention yesterday that the fair was put on by Greyhound Adoption of Ohio (GAO), so there were a proportionately large number of greyhounds and greyhound activities there.  All three greyhounds in my extended pack were adopted though this organization, who is one of the biggest of it's kind in our area.  So today's post is in honor of the hounds, those I know well as well as those who just started following our blog!!

So let me take this opportunity to introduce you to some of these lovely creatures, and tell a little of each of their stories. 

MAGGIE

Adopted by my step-mom Barb 4 years ago, Maggie is the oldest of the three hounds at 7 years.  She is the most gentle, quiet girl, who loves to lounge in her bed most of the time.  She loves leisurely walks, her toys, and treats - her favorite is yoghurt!!  She gladly hosts my Duncan as a houseguest, and will do her best to tolerate Brutus (who is fabulous at "pushing her buttons" and getting her all riled up!)

Don't let that mild-mannered description fool you, though - get her in an open field, and this ol' girl can absolutely FLY!!!  Maggie was the only one of the three hounds to lure-course this weekend, and you could tell how much she loved it!!  The minute she noticed what was going on, Maggie was the picture of focus. You can see more action shots of her luring coursing in yesterday's post.  Oh, and the muzzle is only to keep her from tearing up the lure if she catches it - Maggie wouldn't hurt a fly otherwise!

  Maggie chilling on her bed, cool as a cucumber!

But get her out in an open field, and an alter-ego emerges!!

Look at her go!  The epitome of grace and speed!

Back to her mild-mannered self - hanging with the Brute

GRACIE

Adopted over 3 years ago by my now step-sister Aimee, Gracie is the diva of the pack.  A little more aloof than the other hounds, she is always watching and waiting for her chance (she has been known to remove the lid of a Grey Poupon mustard jar when no one was looking).  Her prey-drive (desire to chase little furry things) is the strongest of our hounds, but you'd never know it, as she is as gentle as can be with Aimee's daughter Mayna!  If we go for a pack walk, Gracie completely ignores Brutus, which is probably the best-case scenario for both of their sakes!!

Hugs & kisses from Mayna!

Just watching the world go by....

... but ready to step up and protect the pack if a strange dog comes by!

"My god, Brutus - if I don't acknowledge you, will you just go away???"

MONTY

Last, but certainly not least is the Mont-Man.  The most recent addition to the pack, he was rescued for the first time 3 years ago by Aimee & her husband Andy. Since then they've had to rescue him a few more times - first from a horrible pit bull attack (while on a walk Christmas day - yikes), and then from a nasty bout of pancreatitis/colitis earlier this year.  It looked bleak both times, but with lots of love, time (and unfortunately, money) Monty is his still going strong.  He has permanently retired from running (even lure-coursing) due to injury, but when given the chance to run, Monty effortlessly eats up huge amounts of ground with each stride.   Otherwise, he is content to lounge about, or "sharking" (as Mayna says- referring to his great talent as a land shark) for food.

Monty and Gracie are just two peas in a pod!

Professional couch potato, and proud of it!!  Love ya' big guy!!

We'l leave you today with the a photo of one of the hounds best sides -  no butts about it!!