Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Icky Tooth Gel = Run Away!
Greyhounds are notorious for having bad teeth. One of the things most adoption groups will do when a greyhound joins the adoption program is make sure they receive dental care at the same time as their spay/neuter. As you can imagine it is impossible to get a dog to sit still in a dental chair so groups take advantage of the time a dog is anesthetized to have their teeth cleaned as well.
Bella had her spaying done at the farm but did not have any dental work done. We made an appointment for her back in October, but as it turned out, her teeth were in great condition so she didn't need to have the procedure done.
I believe one of the reasons is we feed a high quality raw diet to the dogs. They get chicken necks every day which provides a source of calcium along with the teeth scraping action of chewing on a bone. However we also give them grain-based treats (who doesn't like a cookie?) and peanut butter. These may contribute to tartar build up on the front teeth. To manage this build up we use Petz Life get (or you could get Vetz Life from a vet - same stuff). I squeeze a Lima bean sized portion on my finger and put it on their teeth. The dogs lick the gel and distribute it to all of the other teeth. Rio & Wavorly know the drill and take it.
Bella flees when she sees me coming. She DOES NOT LIKE IT. She's like the little kid that will not take the medicine. Today she fled upstairs to her crate (her safe place). It took a half hour for her to come downstairs, which was the time required to be safe from the icky nasty gel.
I am not sure what we will do, but we will continue to work with her on this. She really doesn't like anyone looking at her teeth.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Escort Service
Bella is a most gracious greyhound. She will escort us around the house and from our back door to the back gate.
In the morning she patiently waits for me to get dressed and then escorts me downstairs where she patiently waits for the rest of the house to get up and moving.
She will go outside with the other dogs but quickly returns to the back door to check on our progress. She dutifully walks beside me to wait to get leashed up at the back gate. She is so polite.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Bella's New Winter Coat
Bella has a new winter coat. The orange coat is lined with black fleece and is much easier to get on her than the 3 lightweight coats we were layering to keep her warm. She MUST wear a coat because she has a naked belly and tends to get cold quickly.
To Grandmother's House We Went
Bella traveled with us to my parent's house when we went to visit them this past Thanksgiving week. All in all it was a very successful trip.
Prior to our departure we were informed that Bella had been car sick on longer trips with previous foster-parents. We decided to give her a small breakfast, about 1/2 of the amount of food she normally eats. We then loaded up the car with 3 dog beds, gear and 3 greyhounds and off we went. We are pleased to report that we had not gastro-upset on our trip there or back. Perhaps it was the small meal, or perhaps it was the presence of the other greyhounds, or perhaps Bella is becoming a more seasoned traveler. Whatever the case, she did very well.
She also adjusted well to visiting my parent's home. We took extra precautions with exit doors. My dad installed a gate across the back door and we set up our x-pen (part of the gear we lugged with us) around the front door. The last thing we wanted to do was search for a lost dog.
Bella decided that my parent's couch was mighty comfy. Fortunately it was covered with a sheet to protect it. She would always comply with our commands to vacate the couch, although it was a bit reluctent.
We also found a fenced in baseball field where the dogs could have a really good off-leash run. This was the first time we had Bella off leash and she seemed to enjoy it. She would do crazy circle sprints of about 15-30 seconds followed by 2 minute rest breaks.
The only problem we had on our visit was due to an error on our part. Bella did not seem inclined to get up for the last turn out, so we let her alone. We woke up the next morning to find she had piddled on one of the carpets during the night. From this point on we are insisting she get up for a late night turn out whether she seems inclined or not. To be fair to Bella this carpet was probably the one Wavorly had piddled on during a previous visit.
All in all it was a fun time. Bella travels very well and adjusts very easily to new surroundings.
Prior to our departure we were informed that Bella had been car sick on longer trips with previous foster-parents. We decided to give her a small breakfast, about 1/2 of the amount of food she normally eats. We then loaded up the car with 3 dog beds, gear and 3 greyhounds and off we went. We are pleased to report that we had not gastro-upset on our trip there or back. Perhaps it was the small meal, or perhaps it was the presence of the other greyhounds, or perhaps Bella is becoming a more seasoned traveler. Whatever the case, she did very well.
She also adjusted well to visiting my parent's home. We took extra precautions with exit doors. My dad installed a gate across the back door and we set up our x-pen (part of the gear we lugged with us) around the front door. The last thing we wanted to do was search for a lost dog.
Bella decided that my parent's couch was mighty comfy. Fortunately it was covered with a sheet to protect it. She would always comply with our commands to vacate the couch, although it was a bit reluctent.
We also found a fenced in baseball field where the dogs could have a really good off-leash run. This was the first time we had Bella off leash and she seemed to enjoy it. She would do crazy circle sprints of about 15-30 seconds followed by 2 minute rest breaks.
The only problem we had on our visit was due to an error on our part. Bella did not seem inclined to get up for the last turn out, so we let her alone. We woke up the next morning to find she had piddled on one of the carpets during the night. From this point on we are insisting she get up for a late night turn out whether she seems inclined or not. To be fair to Bella this carpet was probably the one Wavorly had piddled on during a previous visit.
All in all it was a fun time. Bella travels very well and adjusts very easily to new surroundings.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Settled In
 |
| No more "Stop touching me!" |
Rio and Wavorly, our resident hounds, experienced this with us when we brought a two-year-old girl with a mending leg break (Wavorly) home to begin a new situation with a (sometimes) grumpy, eight-year-old
We experienced the same adjustment period when Bella came to stay with us. Posturing, barking, growling, and other expressions of dominance were displayed by everyone. (Well, not Lydia or me, for the most part.) No real aggression or animosity, just boundary testing.
Gradually, as the dogs figured things out and negotiated in a way that dogs do, tensions have settled a great deal. This scene pictured here is evidence of how far things have progressed. Yes, Bella's and Rio's paws are touching.
As Leela might say, "ahhh that's sho shweet!"
Monday, October 3, 2011
Personality
Now that Bella has been a part of our family for a month her personality is coming out. It is quite stressful on any dog entering a new environment. I wish I could convey that everything is going to be all right, that she will be well cared for. The only way to do this is to let time pass.
Now that is has Bella has relaxed. She has learned the house routines, where she fits into the family. Now she is less stressed and a lot of fun to be with. She is a wonderful companion. She loves riding in the car and is the best of the three dogs at getting into the car. She has a sweet prance when we are walking/running and is quite content to keep with the pack. She prefers to walk with Wavorly.
We are starting a bit of training with her. We did some "COME" training in the back yard, which is a fun, fun game that can pay dividends if she gets loose. (The "COME" game is played with 2 people who stand apart from each other. One gives the command "Come" and rewards the behavior with absolutely yummy treats and a big party. Then the other person at the other end of the yard gives the command and rewards. The dogs love to run back and forth, hopefully associating good things with the word, come. This has come in handy if one gets loose.) Bella thought running back and forth was the best game. We are also asking her to touch my hand before she gets breakfast. This is coming along slowly. It's not that she doesn't get it, I don't think she sees much benefit to it.
So there you have it, it's been a fun month so far. Can't wait to see what the next month will bring.
Now that is has Bella has relaxed. She has learned the house routines, where she fits into the family. Now she is less stressed and a lot of fun to be with. She is a wonderful companion. She loves riding in the car and is the best of the three dogs at getting into the car. She has a sweet prance when we are walking/running and is quite content to keep with the pack. She prefers to walk with Wavorly.
We are starting a bit of training with her. We did some "COME" training in the back yard, which is a fun, fun game that can pay dividends if she gets loose. (The "COME" game is played with 2 people who stand apart from each other. One gives the command "Come" and rewards the behavior with absolutely yummy treats and a big party. Then the other person at the other end of the yard gives the command and rewards. The dogs love to run back and forth, hopefully associating good things with the word, come. This has come in handy if one gets loose.) Bella thought running back and forth was the best game. We are also asking her to touch my hand before she gets breakfast. This is coming along slowly. It's not that she doesn't get it, I don't think she sees much benefit to it.
So there you have it, it's been a fun month so far. Can't wait to see what the next month will bring.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Princess & The Pea
We bought new dog beds and stacked one on top of an old bed. Bella tries to make herself comfortable
The family took a walk this evening and stopped by @RitasItalianIce for some yummy vanilla custard. #icecream
The family took a walk this evening and stopped by @RitasItalianIce for some yummy vanilla custard. #icecream, a photo by LydiaL on Flickr.
Bella enjoyed some vanilla custard. She stopped eating when she was full.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Social Butterfly
Bella loves people. She gets all wiggly, tail-waggy when she meets someone. She KNOWS that people want to meet her whether they do or not.
Yesterday we attended a greyhound picnic and Bella got to meet a lot of people and greyhounds. She just couldn't sit still with all of the activity going on. She behaved herself very nicely and was a joy to have with us.
Yesterday we attended a greyhound picnic and Bella got to meet a lot of people and greyhounds. She just couldn't sit still with all of the activity going on. She behaved herself very nicely and was a joy to have with us.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Bella's Boo Boo
Bella received a small cut on her leg when she zoomed around an azalea bush branch that grabbed her. She was not impressed with my nursing abilities.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Bella enjoys the shade
We have a Coolaroo bed outside for the dogs to lounge on. Bella took advantage of a beautiful day to do that.
Stuffie Flinging
Bella is still quite young at 3 years of age, so she has a lot of play left in her. This was superbly demonstrated last night when Bella had a glorious time playing with stuffed animals (stuffies). She especially enjoys toys that squeak when she chomps on them.
She played this wonderful game where she would toss a stuffie in the air and chase after it, happily chomping it to get a squeak. She got so worked up that Grant went outside with a squeaky stuffie and got her to race around the yard, back into the house - jumping over Rio, and back outside again. Fun, fun, fun. Except for Rio and Wavorly who did their best to stay out of her way.
Whoever brings this fun girl home will have to have some noisy stuffies for her to play with. The good news is the noise only lasts about 10-15 minutes and then she is done.
She played this wonderful game where she would toss a stuffie in the air and chase after it, happily chomping it to get a squeak. She got so worked up that Grant went outside with a squeaky stuffie and got her to race around the yard, back into the house - jumping over Rio, and back outside again. Fun, fun, fun. Except for Rio and Wavorly who did their best to stay out of her way.
Whoever brings this fun girl home will have to have some noisy stuffies for her to play with. The good news is the noise only lasts about 10-15 minutes and then she is done.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Grant's Take on Bella (so far)
Lydia has been telling you all about our foster greyhound, Bella Curie ("Bella".) I thought I would chime in.
The first thing you would notice about her is that Bella is a large, strikingly beautiful dog. As you might be able to tell, she has a soft, shiny, thin, black coat with white points on her muzzle, feet, and tail. Her throat, chest, and belly are almost bare (and very rub-able.)
She has more energy than our two resident hounds and sometimes gets a burst of it later in the evening. She does the stairs beautifully. In fact, this morning, in a particularly excited mood, she ran down the entire flight of about 12 steps in three bounds. No fear, here.
We set up a crate for her in our bedroom (about the only place we could find room for it,) which she uses off and on. Some nights she'll prefer the crate, while others she will stay on the first floor with Rio and Wavorly.
She is a very sweet, playful girl. She loves meeting new (or familiar) people on her walks and is sometimes too happy, trying to jump up on them. We are working on this. Lydia has told you that she walks very well on lead, but has a zig-zag habit that is likely due to being distracted by all the new sights and sounds she encounters on our walks. That said, I have seen her walk in a perfect heel for fairly long stretches (which she gets lots of praise for doing,) so I know she can do it.
Bella is very lovable and loving in return. She seems to have above average energy for a greyhound and would do well, I believe, with an active single or couple.
Home Alone (Almost)
For the most part either Lydia or Grant are at home with the dogs. Occasionally they go out and leave the dogs home alone for a few hours. On Thursday Bella and the resident greyhounds, Rio and Wavorly, were left alone for 6.5+ hours.
We are very happy to report that there were no problems (poops or bad behavior) with leaving them home alone all of that time. When Lydia got home everyone went into the back yard where Rio and Wavorly did their business. Bella didn't relieve herself until our evening walk, which was about 12 hours from our morning walk. She didn't appear to need a turn out. This makes us think she will be fine if she had to be left for several hours.
We are very happy to report that there were no problems (poops or bad behavior) with leaving them home alone all of that time. When Lydia got home everyone went into the back yard where Rio and Wavorly did their business. Bella didn't relieve herself until our evening walk, which was about 12 hours from our morning walk. She didn't appear to need a turn out. This makes us think she will be fine if she had to be left for several hours.
Soul Man
Soul, another adoptable greyhound, enjoys a belly rub while Bella rests at the Mexican War Streets House and Garden Tour.
The girl loves to shop
Bella has her paws on some lovely new martingale collars in the Greys Landing car at the Mexican War Streets House and Garden Tour.
Lydia and Bella hang out in the back of the car.
Lydia and Bella hang out in the back of the car.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
On Walking
Bella, as mentioned previously, is a lovely walking partner. She sniffs and checks things out, as any self-respecting greyhound would do. Occasionally she will lift her leg to mark something and leave a "message" for dogs who come along later.
One thing she doesn't do is eat found food. Our neighborhood is a target rich environment for found food. Bella passed up a half eaten ham sandwich, donuts, and other goodies people tend to discard in our park. They didn't even register on her radar. Which is a very good thing as people also discard chicken bones. It's good to know she is not interested in these things.
We also met a bunny last night on our walk. It was interesting but she didn't pull to chase after it. Neither did she chase a cat we met on the walk. (The cat kept it's distance.) Close squirrels, however, are tempting to her.
For the most part she walks with a loose leash, although she will cross back and forth in front of me, so vigilance is required to not fall over her. She will pull if she wants to smell something.
One thing she doesn't do is eat found food. Our neighborhood is a target rich environment for found food. Bella passed up a half eaten ham sandwich, donuts, and other goodies people tend to discard in our park. They didn't even register on her radar. Which is a very good thing as people also discard chicken bones. It's good to know she is not interested in these things.
We also met a bunny last night on our walk. It was interesting but she didn't pull to chase after it. Neither did she chase a cat we met on the walk. (The cat kept it's distance.) Close squirrels, however, are tempting to her.
For the most part she walks with a loose leash, although she will cross back and forth in front of me, so vigilance is required to not fall over her. She will pull if she wants to smell something.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Mexican War Streets House Tour
Early Sunday morning was stressful in the house because one of the resident greyhounds, Wavorly, needed to go to the emergency vet. All of the dogs picked up on her pain and our stress. Bella had difficulty settling down all night, also due to the fact a noisy neighbor decided to go on a very loud rant at 4 AM. That and the previous day's activities made for a very tired household.
We live in the Mexican War Streets on Pittsburgh's North Side. Sunday was the annual House and Garden Tour day and Greys Landing Greyhound Placement had a booth to promote Greyhound Adoption Awareness. Because everyone was so tired I decided to take Bella alone to the booth. Bella was very hesitant on being taking out of the house by herself. She had quite readily gone on her morning walk with Rio, but now was being asked to go by herself. She was unsure what was going to happen to her.
Bella was a bit anxious and tentative all day. She was more timid when it came to meeting people and other dogs. Bella met up with a small terrier and did quite well. She didn't want to hang out at the booth, but really wanted to go and roam the neighborhood.
I took her home for a few hours to rest and we returned to the booth to meet more potential adopters.
She was better the second time out, but was timid around most people. The rest she was quite happy to meet. Its seems as if when she is out she prefers to be active. There is plenty of time to rest once you get home.
We live in the Mexican War Streets on Pittsburgh's North Side. Sunday was the annual House and Garden Tour day and Greys Landing Greyhound Placement had a booth to promote Greyhound Adoption Awareness. Because everyone was so tired I decided to take Bella alone to the booth. Bella was very hesitant on being taking out of the house by herself. She had quite readily gone on her morning walk with Rio, but now was being asked to go by herself. She was unsure what was going to happen to her.
Bella was a bit anxious and tentative all day. She was more timid when it came to meeting people and other dogs. Bella met up with a small terrier and did quite well. She didn't want to hang out at the booth, but really wanted to go and roam the neighborhood.
I took her home for a few hours to rest and we returned to the booth to meet more potential adopters.
She was better the second time out, but was timid around most people. The rest she was quite happy to meet. Its seems as if when she is out she prefers to be active. There is plenty of time to rest once you get home.
Ligonier Highland Games
Saturday was a big day for the family. It was Ligonier Highland Games day. Greys Landing Greyhound Placement had plans to attend the games and walk around with the greyhounds, talking to people about what wonderful pets they make.
The gang did so well in the back that half way there we took off their muzzles. Once we got to the games we made a beeline to the field where the opening ceremonies featured the massed pipe bands. Bella didn't react at all to the sounds of the bagpipes and drums. She took in the crowds and noises very well.
We met a lot of lovely people at the games. Bella got a chance to meet up with other greyhounds and enjoyed their company. Once again Bella was ready to go and see more after a brief afternoon rest.
The gang did so well in the back that half way there we took off their muzzles. Once we got to the games we made a beeline to the field where the opening ceremonies featured the massed pipe bands. Bella didn't react at all to the sounds of the bagpipes and drums. She took in the crowds and noises very well.
We met a lot of lovely people at the games. Bella got a chance to meet up with other greyhounds and enjoyed their company. Once again Bella was ready to go and see more after a brief afternoon rest.
A Car Ride and a Walk
Friday night we decided to take the whole gang for a walk around the Riverview Park loop. This meant we had to take our first ride in the RAV4 together. For safety sake it was muzzles on for the dogs because we didn't know if one dog would get snarky with another in such close quarters. As it turned out they all traveled very well with one another.
Greyhounds enjoy going for walks. Some are able to walk longer than others. Bella had enthusiasm and energy to spare. She really enjoyed all the sniffing and exploring a good walk provide. Plus there is the added bonus of meeting people along the way.
We started on the up hill side of the loop, worked our way down and then back up again. When we got to the bottom, Wavorly was done, but soldiered on bravely. Rio and Bella were still going strong. About 3/4 of the way up Rio had significantly slowed down but Bella was just as energetic as at the start. Grant took Bella for a jog up the hill. She matched his speed with a nice loose leash. This makes us think that Bella would make a wonderful jogging/walking partner for a family who enjoys getting out and seeing the world.
Greyhounds enjoy going for walks. Some are able to walk longer than others. Bella had enthusiasm and energy to spare. She really enjoyed all the sniffing and exploring a good walk provide. Plus there is the added bonus of meeting people along the way.
We started on the up hill side of the loop, worked our way down and then back up again. When we got to the bottom, Wavorly was done, but soldiered on bravely. Rio and Bella were still going strong. About 3/4 of the way up Rio had significantly slowed down but Bella was just as energetic as at the start. Grant took Bella for a jog up the hill. She matched his speed with a nice loose leash. This makes us think that Bella would make a wonderful jogging/walking partner for a family who enjoys getting out and seeing the world.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The Flirt
Bella is a flirt. She adores men. My husband she kisses. Me, nothing.
But don't think she is cheap. She's not Irma la Duce. She's more like Gigi. Sophisticated but available.
But don't think she is cheap. She's not Irma la Duce. She's more like Gigi. Sophisticated but available.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Bella thinks ducks are interesting
She would have tried to get them if she were not on her leash. She may have tried to go into the water, but I am not sure she knows what water is. The ducks and their splashing about were mighty interesting.
Bella's safe spot
Bella hides in the corner during a rainstorm. We think she feels more comfortable in stressful situations in a den like atmosphere.
Obviously Wavorly is nonplussed.
Fitting in
Bella has been with us for one week now and we are starting to see her relax. She is learning the house rules and works well within them.
She has been enjoying walking the neighborhood and LOVES to meet people. She has the tendency to jump up on people, so we have to work with her to teach her that it's not good to do that. We went on a long walk last night, down to the riverfront. She found the noises underneath the highway overpass a bit unsettling, but she started to figure out they weren't a threat to her, so she settled down. She does well on long walks, and would fit in nicely with a family who likes to take them.
We got a crate from Greys Landing and have put it in our bedroom. She has only used it one night preferring to sleep with the other greyhounds. She will come upstairs in the morning to wake us up and let us know the day has begun, so we sleepyheads better get a move on.
She is also learning that it is not a good thing to take food from the other dog dishes without permission. She is a very quick learner, so she is settling in nicely.
She has been enjoying walking the neighborhood and LOVES to meet people. She has the tendency to jump up on people, so we have to work with her to teach her that it's not good to do that. We went on a long walk last night, down to the riverfront. She found the noises underneath the highway overpass a bit unsettling, but she started to figure out they weren't a threat to her, so she settled down. She does well on long walks, and would fit in nicely with a family who likes to take them.
We got a crate from Greys Landing and have put it in our bedroom. She has only used it one night preferring to sleep with the other greyhounds. She will come upstairs in the morning to wake us up and let us know the day has begun, so we sleepyheads better get a move on.
She is also learning that it is not a good thing to take food from the other dog dishes without permission. She is a very quick learner, so she is settling in nicely.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sphinx
We are officially the foster parents for Bella Curie, a 3 year old black beauty, who has come to us from quite the adventure. Bella had been originally fostered and adopted by other people. Sadly she didn't fit into their lifestyle so was returned to Greys Landing to find a (new) forever home.
It must be stressful on her being shuffled around to different homes. We have had her 5 days now and she is settling in, learning the rules of her new home.
Our initial impressions of her is that she is quite the explorer. As a matter of fact, we learned one of her kennel names is Miss Curious, which suits her quite well. Our resident greyhounds have never been into the basement, while Bella took the first opportunity to go down with Grant and check things out.
Another thing she is working out is where in the pack order she is. In her previous foster home she bossed the boys around, getting them to give up their beds for her. No such luck here, I'm afraid. Rio, the resident ten year old male, will growl at her when she stands over him willing him to move. No young whipper snapper is going to make this old guy move. Wavorly, our four year old girl, isn't a push over either. So far Bella has not pressed matters and taking things with good grace.
It must be stressful on her being shuffled around to different homes. We have had her 5 days now and she is settling in, learning the rules of her new home.
Our initial impressions of her is that she is quite the explorer. As a matter of fact, we learned one of her kennel names is Miss Curious, which suits her quite well. Our resident greyhounds have never been into the basement, while Bella took the first opportunity to go down with Grant and check things out.
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