last updated on February 15, 2003
Reviews
- Chapter 11: Helping the Fearful Dog Stand on His Own Four Feet
Part II: Finding Your Soul Mate (this section contains chapters 3, 4 & 5)
Part II
I couldn't wait to read the chapter titled, "Finding Your Soul Mate!" I jumped into the chapter almost literally, anxiously awaiting those words to help me find the greyhound that was perfect for ME! The title had intrigued me ever since I opened the book for the first time and scanned the Contents.
What was she going to tell me to do? Do you look deep into those wonderful greyhound eyes to see if the dog was a lover or mischievous, I wondered? Was she going to tell me how to stroke this special dog and be able to tell the personality by whether it nibbled playfully at my hand or nudged it lovingly? Would she tell us how to play with them and be able to tell that way whether that dog would be a perfect fit for the very center of MY heart? What words of wisdom did she have on this oh-so-important subject?
What was she going to tell me to do? Do you look deep into those wonderful greyhound eyes to see if the dog was a lover or mischievous, I wondered? Was she going to tell me how to stroke this special dog and be able to tell the personality by whether it nibbled playfully at my hand or nudged it lovingly? Would she tell us how to play with them and be able to tell that way whether that dog would be a perfect fit for the very center of MY heart? What words of wisdom did she have on this oh-so-important subject?
What a surprise when she slapped me in the face with "REALITY" and "COLD, HARD FACTS" and "DECISIONS!" THAT wasn't what I wanted to read about!! In the very first paragraph, on page 25, Lee Livingood said, "Dogs require a huge commitment; and, although I believe wholeheartedly that they're worth it, that commitment isn't one every family can - or should - make." WHAT! Oh, well, whether I like it or not, she IS right. She went down the list of all my favorite things to say to describe greyhounds to
people, and told me it was a myth to think that all greyhounds are all of those things. Then she had the nerve to tell me greyhounds aren't perfect! I always thought mine were ... well, sort of ...
Okay, I see her point. What sweet greyhound eyes could I look into, or what beautiful greyhound head could I stroke ... and then walk away and say that dog wasn't my "soul mate"? Not a one. But, what better thing could I possibly do - or help a potential adoptive family do - than look at these beautiful, precious dogs AND our own lives REALISTICALLY so that, when the commitment is made to adopt, there are no real surprises when we realize that that sweet dog we have fallen in love with turns out to be - of all things - A DOG!!
She poses six questions for consideration:
1) Does a dog fit your lifestyle? - She urges you to consider your life and habits and "busy-ness" ... BOTH NOW AND IN THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE - to see if you can accommodate a dog as a dog should be - part of your life; not left behind.
2) Are you committed for ten or more years? - Considering the young age most greyhounds are when adopted, you can fully plan on caring for your dog for approximately ten years. He is not disposable when he gets old or misbehaves or isn't cute any more, or WHEN YOUR LIFESTYLE CHANGES. Lee Livingood makes a very good point when she reminds us that children grow
up and become independent; but a dog stays as dependent through the years as she is when you adopt her.
3) I will discuss this one at the end.
4) Do you have children? Do you plan to? - Because greyhounds are peaceful dogs, they prefer quiet, well-mannered children. If your children are energetic "free spirits" you might want to get another breed of dog. If you do not have children yet, or if they are quite young, consider the fact that both dogs and young children can be difficult and time-consuming. You might want to wait until the children are of school age.
5) Are you prepared to take care of your aging racer? - Are you away during the day? What if your racer develops bladder problems and you are not there to let him out? When he becomes arthritic, can you help him up the stairs; into the car; on the bed? What if your dog becomes ill with a lengthy illness? Do you have the money to care for him?
6) Will you consider your racer a member of the family? Nothing less ... like a child.
Now, let's go back to question #3:
Can you afford a dog? - At the very beginning, it will cost you between $500 and $700 for the basics: the adoption fee, physical exam, dental work, and all the things you must buy when you get any dog. "The American Humane Association estimates the first year of acquiring and owning a puppy will cost about $1500." With food, check-ups, vaccinations, etc., Lee Livingood says, "... you can expect to spend about $750 a year for a 65 pound dog."
I agree 150% with Lee Livingood on every single point that she makes. These are very important consider-ations because you are making a very important decision. I just have to add that, when my husband and I decided to have children, we considered the necessary practical points such as finances, our own readiness, etc. However, if I would have had to look ahead to every single bump in the road, it would have scared me to death and we would never have been sure we could do it all - all the way through to the end - and I'm sure we would never have had children. (Especially if we had sat down and added up all a child would cost!!) All of you who have children probably did what we did ... considered the important things as best we could and then made a life-time commitment ... no matter what.
Lee Livingood makes a final point: She quotes one man who admits he spent $90 for his dog and $25,000 for the minivan to drive him to the vet. Another woman covered her bare floors with carpet because her greyhound fell once and was afraid of them. Another bought a waterbed just for her greyhound! Lee freely admits "we greyhound people" are a funny lot ... myself included!
people, and told me it was a myth to think that all greyhounds are all of those things. Then she had the nerve to tell me greyhounds aren't perfect! I always thought mine were ... well, sort of ...
Okay, I see her point. What sweet greyhound eyes could I look into, or what beautiful greyhound head could I stroke ... and then walk away and say that dog wasn't my "soul mate"? Not a one. But, what better thing could I possibly do - or help a potential adoptive family do - than look at these beautiful, precious dogs AND our own lives REALISTICALLY so that, when the commitment is made to adopt, there are no real surprises when we realize that that sweet dog we have fallen in love with turns out to be - of all things - A DOG!!
She poses six questions for consideration:
1) Does a dog fit your lifestyle? - She urges you to consider your life and habits and "busy-ness" ... BOTH NOW AND IN THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE - to see if you can accommodate a dog as a dog should be - part of your life; not left behind.
2) Are you committed for ten or more years? - Considering the young age most greyhounds are when adopted, you can fully plan on caring for your dog for approximately ten years. He is not disposable when he gets old or misbehaves or isn't cute any more, or WHEN YOUR LIFESTYLE CHANGES. Lee Livingood makes a very good point when she reminds us that children grow
up and become independent; but a dog stays as dependent through the years as she is when you adopt her.
3) I will discuss this one at the end.
4) Do you have children? Do you plan to? - Because greyhounds are peaceful dogs, they prefer quiet, well-mannered children. If your children are energetic "free spirits" you might want to get another breed of dog. If you do not have children yet, or if they are quite young, consider the fact that both dogs and young children can be difficult and time-consuming. You might want to wait until the children are of school age.
5) Are you prepared to take care of your aging racer? - Are you away during the day? What if your racer develops bladder problems and you are not there to let him out? When he becomes arthritic, can you help him up the stairs; into the car; on the bed? What if your dog becomes ill with a lengthy illness? Do you have the money to care for him?
6) Will you consider your racer a member of the family? Nothing less ... like a child.
Now, let's go back to question #3:
Can you afford a dog? - At the very beginning, it will cost you between $500 and $700 for the basics: the adoption fee, physical exam, dental work, and all the things you must buy when you get any dog. "The American Humane Association estimates the first year of acquiring and owning a puppy will cost about $1500." With food, check-ups, vaccinations, etc., Lee Livingood says, "... you can expect to spend about $750 a year for a 65 pound dog."
I agree 150% with Lee Livingood on every single point that she makes. These are very important consider-ations because you are making a very important decision. I just have to add that, when my husband and I decided to have children, we considered the necessary practical points such as finances, our own readiness, etc. However, if I would have had to look ahead to every single bump in the road, it would have scared me to death and we would never have been sure we could do it all - all the way through to the end - and I'm sure we would never have had children. (Especially if we had sat down and added up all a child would cost!!) All of you who have children probably did what we did ... considered the important things as best we could and then made a life-time commitment ... no matter what.
Lee Livingood makes a final point: She quotes one man who admits he spent $90 for his dog and $25,000 for the minivan to drive him to the vet. Another woman covered her bare floors with carpet because her greyhound fell once and was afraid of them. Another bought a waterbed just for her greyhound! Lee freely admits "we greyhound people" are a funny lot ... myself included!
Pat Bernhard January 2002