I got news of Goss tonight. Judy said they no sooner pulled up and the house door flung open and Mary was there calling to her new girl. Goss who I described as almost invisible and undemanding in the kennel, pranced right into her new home and was crowned queen Babe. It was clear to all involved that Mary and Goss had a mutual need and understanding immediately. HURRAY for Goss/Babe!!! Good job Julie for taking the lead on this one and congrats on your first placement. We all hope it will be the first of many...may they all be as magic as this one! Thanks again to Carol and Judy for transport.

Cody also went home today. He moved from Great Falls where he was fostered with Whitney to his new home in Billings. We will bug Trish for a update and pictures.

Here are a couple of pictures of Blu in his new home. I spy a bunch of well loved dog toys back there. Are Shelia and Odie sharing their toys? BTW Blu is a blue brindle. For those of you who may not have ever seen one he is brindle with a gray cast to his entire coat. It is interesting to note that dog who carry a blue dilution gene will have gray/blue nose leather. If you look closely you will see his nose is not black.

Goss left early this AM for her new home. I will be anxious to hear the update on how the adoption went. Goss really deserves to settle in and be doted on. She is such a sweet girl. Amazing news is that we have a nibble on a home for Waldo the Wonderful. A family with other greyhounds. My fingers are crossed!!

Our little girl Goss has been claimed and will be heading home tomorrow. Julie in Great Falls met a woman who recently lost her dear old greyhound and was interested in another. It didn't take Julie long to figure out that the perfect dog for this wonderful quiet home was Goss. So Goss will pack her little bags and head to Great Falls. We will wait for a update.

Follow up on Blu. His adoption went off without a hitch. Jackie (his recent owner) could not say enough nice about him. It was hard for her to let him go but she felt it was in his best interest. She has bad arthritis and Blu was very sensitive to her pain. Jackie said she felt like her pain was keeping him in a constant state of worry. So she decided for his own happiness to let him go. I really admire Jackie for trying to make a decision for the happiness of the hound. I can only imagine how difficult it was. Blu rode well and walked easily into the waiting arms of Pam and John. It it interesting how easily dogs who come from homes where they are loved adjust to new homes. Pam reports that her 3 hounds are adjusting to each other quickly. Sheila (GH princess) had to set some ground rules but is now sharing "HER" couch...as long as he stays on the other end. Pam said Blu wandered around and was a little lost yesterday but he is settling in and is figuring out he is there to stay. Pam promised me a picture....maybe this week end.

Tava is doing well. She has joined my pack seamlessly. It is like she has always been here. I am still so thrilled she is mine!!

Right now the hounds are outside taking a turn in the paddocks. They all got their nails done last night. Waldo's nails wear unevenly because of the crooked leg. But his nails are mostly white so easy to clip. The coat Goss is using will need a little repair. Looks like it came un-sewn in front. Always something....

Tina to Tava

Proof that even the most experienced foster home is not immune to Cupid's arrows. Today Tina's journey to her new home turned out to be short indeed. Last night I did my last turn out and was holding Tina and telling her good bye the tears started....that crying didn't end until this morning in Carol's driveway. I had Tina packed and loaded and was in the van driving to Tripps. I was feeling sick and of course crying. I called Judy and said "I don't want to do this!" She said "Well...you don't have to." I called Darrin and said "I don't want to do this!" He let out a strange noise half groan half growl and asked "Why?" I really could not fully explain. Tina is cute....but I have let cute dogs go before. Tina is sweet...but I have let sweet dogs go before. Tina likes me but again I have let dogs who like me leave before. It isn't about her acting like Iris, or looking like Tigger. It isn't even about having recently seen Lance off. I just can't explain other than the thought of letting her go made me feel heartbroken. Darrin said "Well it is up to you. We can work it out." By now I was in Tripps driveway. Carol had the cats all caught and ready for the cat test. I stepped out of the van and said "I can't do it." Carol said "Are you sure? It is really a great home." We opened the back of the van and I opened Tina's crate. Then Carol patted my arm and said "We all understand. If you feel strongly then she should be yours." At that moment I felt like a weight was lifted off me. My tears turned to a smile and Carol broke into a funny little happy dance. The only down side was I was worried about disappointing Pam and John who were ready to welcome her into their home. When I got home I called Pam, I was ready to grovel and tell them what a heel I was. Pam had already heard the news. She and John were happy for Tina and me. Pam laughed and said "We totally understand what it is like to fall in love with a greyhound! Congrats to you and Tina!"

Carol and Judy however are not the kind of girls to let a good home go to waste. After a whirlwind of phone calls. They are on their way to Kalispell to pick up Blue. A boy whose home feels like she can no longer meet the needs of a large dog. She loves Blue and didn't want him fostered which is why he never was on the available page. My fingers are crossed that this is the perfect match for Pam and John.

So Nitro Tina will shift her name to Tava Muir. And Blue....well we will have to stay tuned and see what happens.

Good news!!! Tina will journey to her new home today...unless she fails her cat test in the morning. It is a really good thing that Tina is leaving now, had she stayed much longer I am sure she would not have been leaving at all. She is a dear girl and I adore her. But I will learn to be satisfied with being her Auntie. If the foster homes work out for Goss and Waldo I will be an nearly empty nest foster home. I do have a little busy aussie foster girl who is looking for the right spot. The next bus from KS isn't planned until April!! I wonder if we will be able to wait that long.

Christmas here at the kennel was a quiet event. Christmas Eve the dogs had all had a nice long romp in the paddock and was ready to settle in. They had satin balls with dinner (thanks to the Hartes and Santa Wyatt). Christmas day it was raining and rather miserable out so they stayed in and all had pig rolls to chew on. For dinner they all got a portion of beef stew with their kibble. MMMMMM!!!!!

Here is a update on Birdie who went to her home about a week ago. It's offical...Birdie is being adopted by Trish.

I have been gifted & blessed with the most precious gift I could have ever asked for!
Her name is Greys Free Bird - and I call her Birdie.

A week ago Birdie was in transport on the "Bear Creek Express" with Lance to Billings. Lance was headed to his forever Home with Prudence and Birdie was designated to come to my home as a Foster. There were many of you that had faith in me and wished me luck in my endeavor to not fail Birdie as a Foster. There were bets taken, snickers and whispers from many of you. The cruelest remark being: "don't worry, she won't get out of the parking lot without Trish claiming her".

Well that was the truth and that's exactly what happened.

I spotted Birdie's picture on our Web site the day it was posted. Each day I watched to see if someone was going to claim her. There was something about her face - her little overbite and buck teeth, her age and her history! I couldn't shake the desire to find out more about her. I asked Joni for a personality profile (Joni is a professional and knows these dogs - I have only known her to lie once and that was when she told me Tina was a biter and bit her!!!! That's another story.) Joni reported that she doubted there would be any problems with Birdie coming into my Home with 3 mature GH boys.

I knew I was going to fail when Joni asked me what color of collar I would like for Birdie. I said "Pink would be nice". I knew I was in trouble by multiple phone calls to Joni during the week to find out what my girl was doing. All the signs were there - I was starting to fall in love!


When I first meet Birdie I thought this girl needs a soft bed, a quiet Home and leisure walks with Chester my 12 yr. old. - after all she is 9 yrs old! Found out I was the one in need of a soft bed - Birdie has the heart & spunk of a 4 yr old! She is confident, self assured, knows what she wants, knows how to get it, funny, comical, active (just like Joni said) and gets along well with her brothers.
I complained to Judy that she was way too easy! So easy that I can't help but think this was meant to be - all so right and that she has been waiting for me and I for her!

I have been asked how the Boys are adjusting to her in our pack. Chester is all accepting - he is at the age of contentment knowing life is secure and good no matter what happens. Tate watched her every move for a couple of days. Birdie laid down on his bed with him one night and Tate's eyes got big and looked at her, looked at me, then looked at her and again at me - then settled back for his nap with a sigh...."it's cool". Tate has never worried that another could knock him off his pedestal. Sail was the one that showed some anxiety - he kept claiming me as his own with his head in my lap. Finally dawned on him that there is enough of me to go around and hasn't been as clingy (Hint: Sail is a 90 lb mama's boy). Birdie and Sail now sleep together.

During this week Birdie and I have been baking in the kitchen - doing some sewing - wrapping presents and getting ready for Christmas.
Just girlie stuff!

It's quiet upstairs as I write this - I think I better go check on them - perhaps I'll just watch them sleep!

Everybody wants to know how Lance is doing. Here is a short update from his new family.

Our first night for bed, I had beds and blankeys all set up his crate too. He was about to follow me downstairs again I told him to stay and make his bed. He did, when I came up stairs he was in MY BED in my spot, I sat down on the bed and he moved over. The past two nights he sleeps in my bed right next to me. If I move, he moves too, as to always touch me.
Today I was helping my mom with some sewing and I went to the storage room. Lance ran to the door and was whining so much my mom told him it was ok, I was going to be back. I tried to wrap presents today, lance hand to help. Needless to say, we bonded. I love him so much and he loves me! he is sleeping now on his bed downstairs, right next to me.
He has no problem up and down stairs, he does baby his foot at times. I help out by rubbing his other hip. Let me see... not sure if anything else. He is just great and I love him with all my heart. He and I are really great together.

I have been asked if I miss Lance...and how I could let him go. Above you will see the answer to both questions. I could not be happier for him. A person all his own to adore is exactly what he was waiting for. Other good news today. Cody is on hold for a family in Billings area. Foster homes are lined up for Goss and possibly Waldo after the holiday.

Ho Ho Hounds!!! Yesterday, Wyatt, a foster dog from last year returned to bring gifts to the foster dogs. What fun it was to see him and visit with his family Jeff and Paulette. Wyatt looks wonderful and had a good time playing with the greyhounds. This year Wyatt was diagnosed with bone cancer his owners researched options and decided to have his leg removed. They are happy to report that Wyatt's recovery has been smooth sailing and he is once again enjoying a pain free life. Goss was really showing off for them. She was offering to play with toys. At first if she thought we were watching her she dropped the toy. She learned that we liked it when she played so she would play bow on a toy and see if we were impressed. She is gaining confidence, as she does she is showing what a charming girl she is. The crew here have been enjoying the box of treats, chewies and will feast on Satin Balls for Christmas dinner. Goss has claimed the fuzzy bed. Thanks Jeff, Paulette and the greyhound boys (Wyatt, Eli and Sun).

Not much to report today the sun was out so the gang got to go out and play. First thing that happened was Waldo took off running and hit some ice and went over onto his side. Of course he got up limping on his good front leg. But after I checked it out he decided he wasn't hurt and ran off to play...BOYS!!

Speaking of boys....there is a boy greyhound who is being fostered by Whitney in Great Falls. He has been waiting and waiting for a home. It is weird how sometimes a really nice dog will linger in the foster system for no apparent reason. Cody likes to be a good boy but is so ready to bond he can barely stand it. Maybe Santa will bring him a new home for Christmas!!

Well Lance and Birdie are spending their first night at new addresses. Carol, Judy and I met Trish and Prudy at Three Forks. The roads were clear and the day was sunny although there was a finger freezing wind. We arrived just slightly ahead of schedule so had the time to walk the dogs a bit. Trish pulled up and bailed out of the car almost before it stopped rolling. She was instantly hugging Birdie and kissing her....then she looked up and greeted the people. HMMMM I am not sure this "FOSTER" dog even left the parking lot a foster dog...I suspect if things go well at home with the "foster" brothers that Birdie will sink her roots into Trish's home.

I was glad to see that Lance was really calm and perfectly happy to go with Prudy. He seemed to realize that it was time for him to go. Lance and I rode over together in the back seat which was nice. I realized that today Lance would react the way I reacted. If I got emotional he would worry. So I really focused on what a good thing this was going to be for him. I had a lump only for a second when we got into separate cars and parted ways. This was the goal all along. To get him to a place where he could be ready both physically and mentally for a home. Now we wait to see how he and Prudy do together. I really hope that they have many happy years ahead. Time will tell. I am anxious for the first updates.

Today's big event was the discovery of a new toy in the paddock. It is simply a piece of fleece I found in a give away box at a garage sale this summer. But it gave them hours of fun. Tina found the toy, then the group discovered it and Birdie took possession of it. Birdie loved to throw it in the air but I wasn't able to get a snap of her leaping up after it. In the end everyone lost interest and Tina had it all to herself. Just to help you identify dogs. Birdie has a pink collar and Tina the green one.

Here is Lance ready for his next adventure his new home. I am excited, hopeful and a little nervous about his new home. I hope it is a hand and glove match, but only time will tell. I am glad he is at least getting the opportunity for a real home. Stay posted for updates.

After a week of thawing temps and rain we now have winter back in force. The last couple of days has been really windy and today the snow came back. Not much snow but with the humidity in the air and wind it is dang cold. The greyhounds had a couple of quick trips out to the paddocks just to break up the day. They were pretty glad to come in and get back in bed...I kind of envied them. Go out to play and then snuggle back into bed.

The ball is rolling for Lance and Birdie to leave. There are always so many little details to tend to. Today they got booster shots and Lance will stop by the vet on his way out of town for a rabies booster on Monday. There are teeth to check, nails to clip and baths for both this week end. Of course paperwork to organize and packing food, new collars and muzzles for them. Lance has acquired some things that will be going with him. Beds, coats, toys and of course a chunk of my heart.

Here is our boy Lance trying to make the perfect nest. He has kicked most of the bedding off the bed.

Lance has a wish to be home for Christmas and it is looking like his wish may come true!! We have a potential adopter who will be meeting Lance next week. As with all adoptions, when they meet if they don't click it can all come undone. But if when they meet the magic happens Lance will make the move to the Billings area. I do hope cupid will be flying low that day!! After 14 months here at Hot Cha, it will be hard to let him go. Lance is such a good and devoted boy. His potential new owner is dog savvy and has some friends who will help her settle him in. She is looking for a soul mate and that is Lance's calling in life. This week I will be taking him for one more meeting with Teresa Slabodnik, who has kindly offered her time and the use of her underwater treadmill to help Lance rehabilitate from his broken foot. With her help Lance has regained a good deal of the use of his leg.

This is Waldo and Reba (aussie) playing.

Here is Birdy enjoying a roll in the snow. Goss had to go see what was going on. But Birdy didn't need help and models her icy outer wear.

The girls are Goss, Birdie and Tina (with her head through the fence)

The greys all got to play outside this afternoon. The sun was out and it was really wonderful. I turned the three girls into one paddock all muzzled and blanketed. Waldo and Roman the Afghan were in the paddock nextdoor. When I returned from getting my camera all three girls had somehow shed their muzzles. So my first chore was to go find all the muzzles. They were flung everywhere, a red one here, a pink one there. I don't know who the culprit is....it couldn't be a coincidence that they all wiggled out of their muzzles within 5 minutes.

This eve Brent and Judy brought me a load of GPA food and some pig rolls for treats. We should be stocked until after Christmas....which is a blessing based on the anthill Costco has become this season. They also got a visit with the foster crew and helped me feed everyone.

Goss is starting to relax. When Goss returned I saw a behavior in her I have never seen from her. When I approached her to direct her to the outside door she cringed and peed. I was stunned. Goss has never been a in your face kind of dog but she was never a shrinking violet either. It was clear she was very nervous. I ignored the behavior but took the pressure off to let her work it out. Yesterday I used an even softer approach and still she responded by crouching and peeing. I again ignored the peeing and gently took her collar and directed her to the door. I also made sure she had as much exercise as I could give her. Often exercise will help a dog work through whatever behaviors have cropped up. This morning I got a tentative tail wag from Goss, which I welcomed with smiles and pats. By this afternoon she was racing around and wagging her tail freely. In the kennel she is learning which crate is hers and is happy to have a routine. I am not sure why this sweet girl was so insecure. Hopefully with a little time and TLC she will quickly return to her usual self. I was glad to see her greet Judy and Brent with tail wags.

Waldo has discovered his mouth but has not learned to control it yet. Everything goes into that mouth. Your hands, other dogs ears, sticks, toys, whatever is handy. The past couple of days he has received several corrections from both his playmates and me. It is hard for him to know his strength but he is learning to back off. Big goofy pup, he is so cute it is hard to stay mad at the big doofus!! He really would benefit from someone with some time to spend with him. Waldo is desperately seeking a foster home.

I got some pictures today which I will post some of tomorrow. For now it is time for me to head out and do the last turn out and tuck everyone into bed.

News from the foster front...Goss was returned today. Through no fault of her own Goss was bounced from her second home. It is so hard on the dogs when homes give up on them. On the up side Goss looked great. Scott Graber picked up Goss and drove her to Missoula this evening. He could not say enough nice about her. The first thing he said when we met was "Who ever adopts this girl will be so LUCKY!!! She is wonderful." Goss seems content to be here and she remembers me. She is just 6 years old. She is pretty brindle with some frost on her elegant face. She is sweet and somewhat quiet. She has been living with a small dog and has lived with children. This is becoming her home away from home, this is her 3rd stay here since July when she arrived in Montana. Watch for pictures of Goss on the web site and updates here.

Not much going on with the rest of the crew. It was frosty and foggy here today....too damp and cold to be out much. I did get a glowing report from Gigi's new mom. Gigi is doing wonderfully. When Gigi (then Girlie) arrived a month ago her mouth was an absolute infected mess. During her spay and dental she lost every single tooth. The vet said there was one tooth they could have saved but it seemed like a single tooth would cause more problems...so out it came. With the infection and painful teeth removed Gigi is feeling wonderful. She plays with her greyhound sister, Bailey. They run side by side play growling and bumping each other. She is adored by her other greyhound sister, Stranger. Her mom claims that "Gigi is the perfect fit. She has bridged the gap between silly Bailey and sometimes aloof Stranger. Gigi is a doll!!"

Right now it is 4:45 the greyhounds have been outside in the paddocks for about a hour. Tina and Birdy are together and Waldo is out with Roman (afghan hound 18 month boy). Lance was out earlier and tore his coat that I made for him last week. It is nice when the dogs can get outside for a while. After Lance tore his coat I didn't put coats on the rest of the gang. It isn't that cold and they won't be out that long. Nothing like a nice brisk romp to make them sleepy and ready for bed.

Waldo had been out with Katy (my whippet girl) until he started to play too rough with her. As some of you may remember Waldo came here in Nov. When he arrived we quickly spotted the reason he was put up for adoption so early. His front right leg is crooked. Turns out his ulna stopped growing while his radius continued to grow causing the twist. In surgery they broke the short ulna, which should fill in some. We will have to wait and see if his leg will straighten out or not. It seems like it is coming around some. He still packs it when he is in a hurry but uses on the rare occasion he walks. Last Sunday Judy came out and helped me get stitches out of Waldo's leg and Birdy's spay site. Speaking of Birdy....why she hasn't torn her coat to shreds is beyond me. The first time I turned her out with a coat on she walked the entire fence line rubbing her coat on the fence. The coat won that battle. Monday I turned her out again with a coat. The plan of attack that day was to roll on the ground. She must have spent 15 minutes on her back rolling and kicking her long legs in the air. The coat kept her warm and dry...coat won that battle too but was covered in icy snow. Birdy is 9 years going on 10 months. Nothing grown up and dignified about this girl. She is SILLY!! Interesting side note....Birdy's father is a full brother to the mother of Judy and Brent's Frosty. There are certainly common family traits there.

The first post of our GPA-RM foster dog blog. Hopefully this will be easy to update and you can get to know our foster dogs. Most of you have been on the web site and have probably seen the current foster dogs. Here at my house I have Lance (since Oct. 2005), Tina and Birdy (since Nov. 2006) and Waldo (since a week or so ago). My other dogs include 10 of my own little darlings (5 Aussies, 2 greyhounds, 2 Italian greyhounds and a whippet) I also board dogs and so those may from time to time appear in the blogs too.