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Post by greytfriend on Jul 20, 2006 9:35:47 GMT -5
Dotty's Mom here again!! My whole family is having such greyt fun and gaining such enjoyment from having Dotty join our household that I am thinking of getting another 'hound! But of course I am undecided. Things are going SO well right now that I am afraid/unwilling to upset the apple cart!! And most of all I want Dotty to be happy. She seems very content now, being a lovesponge and soaking up all the attention coming her way. But all the books and articles seem to indicate that Greys are such social animals (due to years and years of breeding/genetic profiling and behavioural/environmental conditioning and ingraining) that they do best in multiple dog households. But I read a book, DOGS OF DREAMTIME: A story about second chances and the power of love, by Karen Shanley. It was downright scary in that it described how she wanted her dog Kiera to be happy and brought in (separately) two doggy companions for her heartdog. Long story short, the dogs fought for the human's attention so much and so viciously that Karen felt compelled to find a new home for the second dog (Molly) she brought in, and had the third dog (Magic) euthanised!!! Now, mind you, Karen was referring to Australian shepherds, not Greys, and there is a world of difference between the two breeds. Nonetheless, it was a disconcerting read. I would never want Dotty to feel usurped in any way. Also: hubby loves Dotty, but would not feel so warmly inclined toward a dog that wasn't so well behaved re. toileting, begging, counter-surfing, etc. What if my new dog has these bad habits and instead of Dotty (and me!) teaching him the ropes re. what's expected in order to please the family, he ends up ignoring me and corrupting her?? I'll love them whether they eat the roast beef off the counter or not, but hubby is not so magnanimous... Anyroo, I've got designs on HARDONTHETICKER (Ticker), and I was wondering if any of you faithful kennel volunteers could fill me in on his day-to-day behaviour. You've seen him a lot more than I have, and I would really appreciate any insights you could offer regarding his temperment, behaviour, etc. Thanks in advance for all of the support, encouragement, and advice that I know will be forthcoming!! You are all so generous with your time and knowledge! I appreciate any hints and tips you could provide. LOL, Dotty ;D and Anna
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meganm
Junior Grey Lover
Puppy Love
Posts: 292
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Post by meganm on Jul 20, 2006 10:27:31 GMT -5
two is no harder than one. I waited until my first one was settled until I got a second, but I know many people who have gotten a second within days of getting the first I don't have any insight on Ticker's behaviour but he is adorable the only advice I would have would be to let Dotty do the picking of who will come home with you. Your dog's reaction to other pups at the kennel will let you know if it will be a good match. I also think getting a Boy for your girl is a good choice. I find the boys much more easy going and couldn't imagine having two girls in the house!!! Happy chipping!
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Post by jiffer on Jul 20, 2006 10:45:52 GMT -5
Ticker is a sweetie! He loves to get ear scritches.. has big soulful eyes. He's quiet and seems to be a very good boy. A few times at the late night Friday turnout, he's decided that it just wasn't long enough so he'd play games with me outside, running away when I'd try to get him to come in... he loves to play. If you're really interested, Call Bill up; make an appointment to see him and bring Dotty out. You'll know if they'll get along right away.
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Post by greytfriend on Jul 20, 2006 12:36:19 GMT -5
Hi! I have spoken to Bill -- several times already!!! He must be getting pretty sick and tired of me by now! Anyroo, he seems to think that Dotty will get along greyt with just about anyone or anydog, so he thinks that Dotty and Ticker will be a match made in dog heaven!! Any suggestions as to how I can sneak a 76 pound furry folding table into the house? Hubby thinks that a one-dog household is just fine, thank you very much!! But I just know that if he would let Ticker work his magic.... Love to all!
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Post by ocydroma on Jul 20, 2006 13:37:40 GMT -5
I have 10 greys so of course I am biased....I have never had a problem bringing a new one home. All hubby has to do is meet Ticker and see how well he behaves with Dotty and I'm sure you'll be taking the big guy home. I volunteer 3 to 5 times a week at the kennel and Ticker is one of the better behaved boys. Some of them act like big rambunctious teenagers but he is a nice boy. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you can get hubby out to at least meet him.
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Post by jiffer on Jul 20, 2006 17:45:53 GMT -5
Take the family to the kennel "just to see". I came home with two of mine that way.. and it wasn't me who said we should get them Rene used to think we were a one dog home, until I convinced him to go to the kennel to look. Tee hee. It helps when you're there to get hubby to walk the potential... he'll cave in no time!
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Post by greytfriend on Jul 25, 2006 16:05:54 GMT -5
OH MY!!!! GUESS WHAT DOTTY AND I DID!!!! WE BROUGHT TICKER HOME!!!!! I can't believe I just did that.... My husband had NO IDEA what I was doing today -- and I question if I knew what I was doing!!! But I did it -- and I'm SOOOOOO GLADDDDDD!!!!! Ticker is simply amazing!! But what do I... how do I... tell my husband??? I'm scared, and that barn is EEEVILLLLLL!!! And so are those adorable "available" photos. My husband is going to ban me from going on the internet, this I know... Quick -- send me a reply before I lose my Forum privileges!! Anna Dotty ;D Ticker
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Post by multiplicity on Jul 25, 2006 16:24:21 GMT -5
;D ;D ;D Chipping Day!!! ;D ;D ;D
Congrats on your new family member! I do not have any advice on how to handle the BIG surprise when hubby comes home but I will cross my fingers for you! I hope you have him wrapped around your finger!!
I am the animal lover in my house but Greg was actually the one who picked grey #3...Greys are sooo easy to love! Hopefully even if your hubby gets a little mad it will quickly dissipate once he looks into Ticker's big ol' eyes!
Good luck!
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Post by greyhound2 on Jul 25, 2006 16:47:29 GMT -5
LOL- I told my husband our second one was depressed and we going to look after him for awhile. That was four years ago and he is his dog. He still make comments when he's been bad about yea he's depressed.
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Post by GreyPoopon on Jul 25, 2006 18:35:15 GMT -5
Good for you!!!! When I saw he'd been adopted, I hoped you'd gotten him. I'm glad he was ready to go. I hope your husband "understands". Let us know when you return to the internet.
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Post by jiffer on Jul 25, 2006 20:00:06 GMT -5
I figured as much I saw he was adopted last weekend. Congrats!
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Post by lexiesmom on Jul 25, 2006 21:53:24 GMT -5
Hi Good for you. I hope all went well with hubby. I got Lexie in Feb and hubby is allergic so I won't be getting more. I really do want to so much. I hope it all goes well. I am sure that Ticker will be hard to resist when he is there in person. Keep us posted. I have to live vicariously through others when it comes to chipping. June
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Post by greytfriend on Jul 25, 2006 22:06:48 GMT -5
I am so ashamed and embarrassed. My husband Mark made me take Ticker back to the kennel. I feel so terrible for Ticker. That poor darling dog deserves so much better. He was a perfect gentleman -- so well-behaved and such a sweetheart! I can't believe I led him on and let him down so badly. I honestly thought that I was going to be able to provide him with his forever home. I have never in my life misread my husband so poorly before. I can't bear to think that his heart is broken like mine is. I hope that he just thinks that he was on a fun playdate with great toys and treats and a super playmate, Dotty. He was so good in the house -- it was as if he's always lived in one! I wouldn't blame you one bit if you all hate me. I hate myself. I acted impulsively and selfishly and may have ended up hurting a very beautiful, wonderful, worthy dog. I just hope that my stupid escapade doesn't scar Ticker or make him jaded. Please, God, forgive me and help Ticker find a wonderful, fantastic home. He certainly deserves a great family. I'm so sorry. I feel that by letting Ticker down, I've also let down every dog lover in the world. I don't deserve to be a greyhound parent.
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Post by GreyPoopon on Jul 26, 2006 8:33:26 GMT -5
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Post by multiplicity on Jul 26, 2006 10:44:45 GMT -5
I am so ashamed and embarrassed. My husband Mark made me take Ticker back to the kennel. I feel so terrible for Ticker. That poor darling dog deserves so much better. He was a perfect gentleman -- so well-behaved and such a sweetheart! I can't believe I led him on and let him down so badly. I honestly thought that I was going to be able to provide him with his forever home. I have never in my life misread my husband so poorly before. I can't bear to think that his heart is broken like mine is. I hope that he just thinks that he was on a fun playdate with great toys and treats and a super playmate, Dotty. He was so good in the house -- it was as if he's always lived in one! I wouldn't blame you one bit if you all hate me. I hate myself. I acted impulsively and selfishly and may have ended up hurting a very beautiful, wonderful, worthy dog. I just hope that my stupid escapade doesn't scar Ticker or make him jaded. Please, God, forgive me and help Ticker find a wonderful, fantastic home. He certainly deserves a great family. I'm so sorry. I feel that by letting Ticker down, I've also let down every dog lover in the world. I don't deserve to be a greyhound parent. Don't be so hard on yourself. *hug* I can't believe he made you bring him back when you were soooo excited but his decision is not for me to judge. Perhaps in the future he will be as ready as you are to welcome another grey into your family. Ticker will be OK. For a greyhound, moving into a home is so much change and commotion that at the end of one day he probably doesn't have a clue as to what really happened. Ticker will go on and find a family and make his way onto a couch and into someone's heart...do not worry, I am sure there is no harm done. This is a very sad story but I am sure nobody hates you...I don't hate you...please don't hate yourself. *hug* Sheri ps. I think that your are probably an awesome greyhound mom that just wanted to spread the love...and there is nothing wrong with that!
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