Hey for all you home bodies like me who are home with the hounds and not out partying here is a chance to bring a bit of party into your home!! Our own Robert Harsch compiled a greyhound video on YouTube He even put the music together!! So everyone get ready to cut loose with a round of Auld Lang Syne Robert Harsch Reggae style!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcgf4fomVXs
Well it is just minutes after the new year and already Darrin is asleep in bed and I am on my way out to let the dogs have one more turn out and to pass out the best treats I could find. I am so blessed to have the best husband, the best dogs and the best friends in the world!! Money? I have little...riches I have MUCH!!

I wrote a new bio for Run today and sent it to Judy. I have to confess I was dragging my feet because I love having Run here...but that isn't completely fair to her. She needs and deserves more than I can give her right now. I wanted to write a bio that said, "Hurry and adopt this dog because I adore her"....but then I also wanted to write a bio that was so unflattering no one would ever want her. Hopefully I wrote one that does her justice. She is a very good girl. So many dogs so little time!! The weather is cold and windy. The dogs only got a quick run outside. No one wanted to be out very long. I hear rumor that a real winter storm is brewing. I made soup for the dogs last night. I had a bunch of turkey...added some rice, carrots and threw in whatever else is hanging around....a wilted apple went in as did some yogurt that needed to be used up. The dogs thought it was manna straight from heaven. Good news for them is I have more turkey!!

It took a week but she has a name. Naming a dog is a tough thing. You want to chose a name that you really like but one that isn't super common. If that name holds some meaning for you all the better. Of course said name has to pass not only your criteria then it is subjected to the whims of the rest of the family...start with at least 6 names your husband will veto at least 3 of them right off. Think you have the perfect name...not so fast....the last test is to see if the dog likes it and responds to it. So have at least 3 to try so you have a back up if you get dog-veto. At last the dog formally known as "Little Blue Girl" and "New Kido" has been named. Her name shall be "Charm"

PS....if your hated mother law or horrible neighbor who is a stripper is named Charm...I don't want to hear about it!

Here is a picture of Nitro Doris. She is currently fostered with the Tripps and is ready to start searching for the right home. Carol refers to her as ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!! While I think they are all beautiful, Carol has a real eye. Dori is very sweet but a bit timid. She would do best in a home with other dogs who will set the example of how to act.

I hope everyone had an excellent Christmas. Hot Cha Kennels was blessed with a couple of miracles. A week ago my heart was breaking as I felt I was saying good bye to my Izzy....she had become very sick and every x-ray and blood test seemed to bring worse news. She couldn't stand, walk or even lift her head. It took some time and lots of vigilant care but Izzy is quickly recovering!!! I would guess her to be about 90% back to herself. I thought it would be a miracle if she could walk by Christmas...if ever. Izzy not only could walk but she was begging for treats on Christmas day. My sister was here and I swear that dog got a treat every time Sherry walked by her. Then my friend Pam came by and suddenly Izzy was getting twice the treats. I rejoiced with each treat she wolfed down.

I promised you two miracles. The second is pictured below. I spotted her on line a couple of weeks ago. I emailed my friend Mary Ann, who had rescued her and told her how much I liked the looks of her. I had that old tickle in my soul that told me this little 2 year old blue girl was my family. Mary Ann said "She is just your kind of dog BUT she is already spoken for". Then in the midst of Izzy being sick, the very pinnacle of my fear and worry the call came. Her promised home didn't follow through and she could be mine. This news was my bright star of hope in the Christmas season. I planned to go on Thursday to meet her but bad roads kept me home. On Saturday Judy proved again how much she likes happy endings (in this case happy beginnings), by dropping everything to drive me to Idaho to meet this little girl. I needed a driver so I could hold her most of the way home on my lap. Mary Ann and her husband met us half way. At this time of year it is hard to lay down all your doings and spend a day transporting pups. Both of these women who I am proud to call dear friends gave me the gift of their precious time. The new girl has fit in here just like she has always been here. I am still toying with names...I need to decide soon...something better than "Hey". So now Tabu's crate has a fresh start. It was a little hard to first let the new girl into the crate. But life is too short to postpone love and besides I had already let her into my heart....into the crate was just the next step.

GOOD NEWS....Tava's mother Nitro Ducky has officially been retired and will be getting her vet work done asap. She will then wait for the next available haul to our area....likely not until Feb. Here is a picture of her last litter of lovelies. I see that soft look Tava has in all of their little faces. It will be fun to see them launch into their racing career....then maybe one day into a pet career.

Other good news...Izzy is holding her own. She is eating and alert. She isn't able to walk without help but hopefully that will come soon. Izzy walking on her own for Christmas would be a great gift!!

The weather outside is warm and sloppy. I turned Tava my greyhound girl out to play and the first thing she did was take off running and slid, falling on her side. Greyhounds have a way of landing like a pile of sticks. Just as you are about to run for the phone to summon the vet...the greyhound gets up, looks around sheepishly and lopes off like they meant to do that.

My sweet Aussie girl Izzy has been very sick. X-rays revealed a mass of undetermined origin. could be a tumor or it is possible it is part of the lung which is either swollen or displaced because of swelling else where. Cancer has not been ruled out....but neither has pancreatitis. Either way the long term prognosis is questionable. Although she is weak she is not having any pain. So we will stay the course and pray for improvement. Even if this is the final part of her life I am determine to make the most of it. Since I can not control the wave I have two choices....I can drown or try to ride the scary wave and do my level best....I am committed to the second option.

On a much brighter note. I talked to my cousin who adopted Scratchy and Timber this past summer. She is completely in love with her greyhounds. She did confess she is considering putting another bed in her room so she has a place to go when her two bed hogs squeeze her out. She sighed as she told me her leisurely walks have turned into jogs. Paula said she will be in the best shape of her life if this keeps up. She commented that she must be a sight clomping along the winter roads in her sweats, big Sorrel pack boots her hair pillow mashed and combed by the wind. I laughed and told her not to worry because no one will even see her when she has greyhounds. It is an interesting phenomena that I can look like the biggest slob in the world and if I have a greyhound at the end of a leash I feel dressed up. The absolute best is if you are lucky enough to have TWO greyhounds...black as night is the most elegant of colors...but any greyhound will certainly improve yourself image.

We are adjusting to our loss here at Hot Cha. I did get a letter from the folks from the Nitro Kennel. I had sent them a note and updated them about Tava. They love to hear how the Nitro dogs are doing in their new homes. She told me all about what happened to Tava's litter mates and informed me that they still have Nitro Ducky, Tava's mother. She even sent me this picture of her. Ducky may be retiring from brood duty this upcoming year. Wouldn't it be great if she could come to Montana when she retired? I let the kennel know I am willing to at least foster her if we can orchestrate it. We will see how it pans out.

We have had a little bit of movement in the greyhound community. We were asked to take in a greyhound boy from a family that had moved here from out of state. Currently Rocket is in Billings and being evaluated. Initial reports are that he is a very nice and handsome boy. Nitro Dorris was also returned. This was a case of a mis-match. Dori is a bit on the timid side and the activity of a family home was overwhelming to her. As painful as it was her home decided to let her go so she could try to find a better match. Dori is at Tripps and being evaluated and will start her search for the perfect spot for her. Run is still here. She is as active and fun as she can be. She is a bright little cookie...she can be a little demanding....but what a girl!! She my two younger girls, Iris and Tava go out to play together often. They make quite a trio all bundled up. The weather has been mostly over cast and chilly but not horrible cold or wet. We are all ready for some sun.

I have started this post a number of times... While we were away we got word that one of my own pack passed away. Our sweet little Tabu. She had a normal day on Tuesday, ate a good dinner and snuggled in for a nap and never woke up. Although I am grateful for her peaceful passing it was so unexpected that the shock has been difficult. Tabu never had a sick day in her life and at 12 years and 1 month was as vibrant and active as most 3 year old dogs. She could still jump up on my grooming table. I showed her this past year and we earned another obedience title. Our last show was Sept. in Helena. She was the only one of my dogs who was unfazed by me using the scooter I needed for my bum leg. Tabu never let me down. I showed her 4 times this past year and we always took home a ribbon. With so many dogs you would think one more or less would not be as big of a deal but the pack seems much smaller now.

Tabu came to us when she was about 8 months old. She and her sister had been dumped on a back road in Oregon. I had been longing for a red merle female and suddenly there she was...a blessing. I learned many things while working with Tabu. She had no confidence and would roll over at the least pressure on the leash. I had to revamp my training and teach her to heel completely off lead. My mantra was for her tail to wag as if it propelled her. This was more than just a learned behavior it was a gauge to make sure my training was right for her. Soon Tabu was strutting and her attitude joyful. Over the years I competed often with her, obtaining many titles. We never left the ring without the judge commenting on her happy tail wag. Tabu did upper level obedience and when we got bored we dabbled in agility and tracking although we never competed in those venues. We did weight pull together. I mainly started pulling with her because I was doing it with my Aussie boy Dusk. It took Tabu a while to gain confidence. Her first two competitions were barely enough to earn the legs needed to get her title. I had decided after her third pull I would retire her. Then all the sudden the light bulb went on and that day she started to enjoy herself. What was to be her retirement pull was the beginning of her fun. She easily pulled 840 pounds that day. Sept. 2004 on her very last pull to earn her Championship I let her pull all she wanted. She had her all time best pull at 1040 pounds. I unharnessed her in the pulling chute to indicate the end her career. All of these accomplishments pale in comparison to what she was to us. Tabu was the easiest and sweetest dog a favorite with everyone who met her. I could always count on her to help me with teaching dog classes. Tabu loved to do things and made friends easily. I have bragged on Tabu many times. Tabu's life was a victory for the unloved and unwanted. She started as an underdog and became one of the best and brightest. I am so proud of her. I admire her spirit. I loved watching her grow....I loved being a part of it....I loved HER. Now her crate sits empty, her bowl unfilled, her leash hangs useless on the wall. On my watch we added a small heart charm made of Australian opal, a reminder of the blue and sparkle of Tabu's eyes. I selfishly want her back, to caress her soft coat and to hear her welcoming bark. We were so blessed to have her in our lives...it is so hard to know that chapter is finished...but there is hope in knowing the book is still open.

Rest well my beloved little friend. You were everything you could be and so much more than ever was expected. We will forever miss you.....Thank you, Tabbie.

Today Rain went home in the pouring rain. It was pouring rain when she arrived and it was pouring rain when she left for her home. In fact she was named Rain because Lynn's connection to rain. She said many of her life changes have happened in the rain and it is very positive for her. Perhaps it is the connection with heaven...little Miss Rain is certainly that.

KISSIE PUPDATE
She was so hilarious her first romp in all that snow over a week ago. We got a good foot up here on the bench. She was a wild girl racing around. It was amazing the speed she had in that depth. Kissie loves to ride in the car as well. Its now a daily thing, she and Nuzz get to come take the kids to school, and pick them up at the bus stop at the end of the day, and sometimes take rides into town if I only have a quick in and out stop to make. She really enjoys it. Comes all the way up to the front from the back-back. Nuzzle doesn't mind, at least she's not 'bitching' at him on occasion. She likes to lay on the second seat when the kids aren't in the car. She also likes to lay on the bed on the nights Sean's not home. And there are the mornings that I don't rise soon enough for them and the two of them will jump on me. Literally lay on me, pinning me. Its hard enough to get one off, but the two of them, its not fair! They're so big! And usually they are nibbling on body parts, pawing at me, roo-ing, jumping on me. Quite the incentive to get out of bed. And Kissie's nickname could be shadow. She follows me everywhere now. Lays in whatever room I'm in. And she's so close to my side sometimes I actually step on her. I'm getting used to her being there, or behind me when I turn quickly say in the kitchen or bathroom. And I know I'm still not seeing all of her personality yet. I'm still amazed at how she was fostered for so long---- and THANKFUL because she's ours! And she just adores Sean. When he comes home for the weekend, or say from his hunting trip, she's so excited to see him. Her tail waging, jumping all over him after he gives the okay. She just loves him.

All is well in the Hardy house.

Well that is all for me for a week or so...I am leaving this rain drenched state for sometime in the sun. We are heading to AZ and then Mexico. If it keep raining like this we will need a ark instead of a plane to get out of here. Adios

Sail is only a little worried when Trish meets Sweet Cheeks. After all Trish fawns over all the greyhounds. It isn't until Sweet Cheeks is in his car he starts to worry. Sweet Cheeks on the other hand was sure of herself the whole way.

It has been a couple of crazy weeks around here. Now the boarding dogs who were here for the Thanksgiving holiday are back home and finally the dog laundry and dog dishes are back on the shelf clean and waiting for the next rush which will happen in a week or so. Good news on the foster front. Robbie is staying with Tripps FOREVER!!! I think Carol knew when she saw him on line that he was family. Connie has been officially adopted by the same Billings family who adopted her sister earlier this fall. Ami has been claimed by her foster family. I don't know how he kept the secret but foster dad surprised foster mom with the adoption papers on her birthday. Last Friday the little IG boy, Racer left to be fostered with Hartes. They sent me a picture of their big red greyhound boy Eli laying and being used as a pillow by Racer. The two seem to have become instant buddies. Yesterday Trish from Billings met Sweet Cheeks. Trish waffled just slightly and said she was only fostering but that did not last long... Sweet Cheeks blinked her big soft eyes and Trish was reaching for the adoption papers. Howie made the trip to meet a new foster home...ha ha ha right I saw the picture on the web site looks like love to me. Rain (HH Pretty Woman) has a fresh name for her fresh start. She will go home tomorrow. So now in foster care here is only Run. Poor little Run Run...I am sure a non cat home will turn up soon. In the mean time I enjoy her little busy ways. We got a great update on Kissy who is doing wonderful. I will post it tomorrow.

I did have a really cool thing happen which is non-dog related. I was headed out to the kennel when I noticed a magpie harassing something on the ground under one of our pine trees. I went over to investigate and saw a small owl...I mean tiny. I didn't look too close but it looked like it might be hurt so I hustled out to the kennel to grab a small crate and a towel in case rescue was needed. When I got back the owl was gone but I spotted him in a nearby tree. What I mistakenly thought was a injury was a small bird....or as the owl called it dinner. I snapped this picture with my trusty phone. He is clutching the small bird in front of him. Judy's bird books and my on line search makes us think he was a Northern Pygmy Owl. He was tiny...not much bigger than the sparrow he is holding.

Today Gigi galloped across the rainbow bridge. Leaving behind a loving home and a warm spot for her sister. Because Gigi was the kind of dog she was it seems almost inappropriate to shed tears of sorrow. In hope of a fitting tribute I offer this....

Gigi's song

I dreamt of green grass under my feet and a soft spot to sun myself.

I dreamt of no demands....no racing, no puppies and no fleas.

I dreamt of a magical place of kind hands, warm beds and I dared to hope for home cookin'

I dreamt of a place where I would be seen for who I am.

To be cherished and to be told I am beautiful.

I dreamt of a family of my own

I dreamt of you.

Lynn you made Gigi's dreams come true. Our hearts go out to Lynn for her loss but also rejoice in the fact that Gigi got to really retire in her last year.

Man what a day....By 7 Pm I finally slowed down enough to clean the little dog nose prints and bath water splatterings off my glasses. The phone rang before 7 A.M. it was Carol telling me the drivers for the haul just called and were leaving Butte. I raced out to do a quick turn out of my crew and the boarding dogs. Then picked up Lynn and headed into Missoula. We arrived just in time to see the first dogs hop out of the trailer but ironically they were not our dogs....oops the driver opened the wrong door. Still the two boys who hopped out and into our arms at least got to stretch their legs and got to water a bush. Then came our dogs. First out was Robbie and Howie. Their leads handed off to eager walkers, the girls came out. I think all three came out at once. Our two lovely black 9 year old retired moms Sweet Cheeks and the long awaited HH Pretty Woman. And of course little darling Connie. After a quick walk everyone was loaded up and we headed to the bath house. By 10:00 everyone was bathed and ready to head for home. Big thanks to those who made the time to come out and scrub dogs. I had planned to load up BOTH black girls but Sweet Cheeks was intercepted by Jennifer, a bather turned eager foster home! Watching them come off the truck and then bathing can be really nurturing and potent bonding time. There are 4 dogs in this load of 5 that are tentatively spoken for...we will see how things pan out.

After we left the bath house we had another appointment... 2 more Italian Greyhounds from Great Falls. A tiny delicate little female and a handsome boy. Both of these will head to our sister GPA group in Idaho. Whew it has been a long dog day and at 10:30 I am ready to head out and do my last turn out and then hit the shower...and of course the old dog is barking at me because she NEEDS something. I think all she needs is to see my little face. For all her years of being quiet and laid back she sure is making up for it now.

This week end we will be welcoming the last greyhounds of the year. We will keep you posted on the details but as always if you can help bathe dogs contact Judy so you can be on the "call" list. The Holidays are coming just a little early this year for some. Here is a miracle unfolding right before our eyes....at least for one little greyhound girl.

As some of you may remember Gigi (HH Real Live Girl) is in the final stages of bone cancer. She continues to maintain a quality of life with meds but it is becoming even more apparent that the final days are here. About a week ago her half sister (same mother) appeared on the web site as "available" but she was in KS and the load we are to receive is coming from OK. We requested her and were told since the KS dogs were not slated for a haul until April she could not be held for us. Gigi just celebrated her 10th birthday on Sunday it seemed so hopeless...knowing this was Gigi's last birthday and that her sister was stuck in KS with no ride to a waiting rescue group. Then on Monday things started to shift. Emails were flying back and forth and the phone lines were burning. The end result is that somehow HH Pretty Woman will make the OK haul and arrive in Missoula this week end to spend the holidays among family.

At 13 years + 1 Month + 1 week...we lost Chester beloved greyhound friend of Trish in Billings. I never ran my hands over his white and brindle coat. I never fondled his pointed velvet ears...and yet I felt as though I knew him well. Trish's stories and adoration made me familiar with his soft spirit. I hope that now those memories will serve to comfort Trish. When one of our seniors is let go...you can't help but look at the senior sharing your home with worried eyes. Are they feeling OK? Are they happy enough? Do they need a extra blanket or cookie? Are their golden years golden enough? Chester was so fortunate to be truly cherished. We should all be so blessed in our lives to have a love so true. Chester will b e missed even by us across the state who only knew him in stories.

Schist is doing what schist's do....he is splitting....separating from his tail. I expect he will lose about half of it. Maybe Schist really should be his name after all. I suspect you would get dirty looks from people if you opened up your back door and called for him..."Schist!!! Oh Schist!!!" It really is a name that sounds like something you don't want to step in. I guess we should stick to Schultz. Little Jewel was cat tested last night and again this morning. She just isn't interested in that CAT....who can blame her Sigh is a tough guy. Tonight Jewel will head to her new family. I guess I will go on record now as saying....if for some reason she doesn't work out she can come back here. What a sweet little girl!! And almost a matched set with my Iris. Speaking of my dogs....Tava turns 3 today!! There will be an extra goodie for her tonight.

So there we were me Judy and 5 greyhounds heading to Three Forks. Judy was compiling the adoption books as we bombed down the road. The books looked great by the time we arrived to meet up with Brian and his son Steven. The wind was blowing like crazy!! In fact a muzzle fell out of the van and I had to chase it down....Spark, smart girl, helped by stepping on it. The dogs traveled well and were quiet. Although Herc pottied when we were at the meeting place (twice) Brian reported that he messed in his crate before they got to Billings. Poor Herc has had enough fun for this week. Fortunately Herc is now in his home. Bek said it took him less than 5 minutes to find his big new fluffy bed and claim it as his own. Hannah is in her home and seems like a perfect fit. Trish reports that when she left, Hannah was sprawled out like she owned the place. Sweet little Elsie charmed her family and had kisses for EVERYONE including the cat!! 5 dogs hauled and 3 already home! Great work!! Both Bek and Trish used the same word to describe today's placements..."AMAZING!!!".

Tripps brought Run and Jewel home from the vet and they are now resting. Run got sick on the table and threw up while she was under. She is still feeling yuck tonight....we will watch her very carefully for a few days. Hot Shot travels with Tripps to Billings tomorrow...there is possibility that Jewel will tag along. I double checked Jewel with Sigh our test cat and she again passed with flying colors. No interest after the first curious sniff. Schultz is being treated for happy tail and will stay here at least a few more days. Hopefully it will heal up quickly. He has a long skinny elegant tail...I hope he can heal it up so he can keep it.

PS....I did help Judy walk dogs...really I did....I just handed them off to get a picture.

It has been a busy week of getting dogs vetted and ready for homes. Tomorrow I take the last dogs to be vetted...then Judy and I will transport the first group of 5 half way to Billings. Big thanks to Zipper's owner Brian for meeting us.

It is hard to pick a favorite in this group. Of my girls here Elsie is darling with her sweet want to be loved ways. Jewel is a jewel....she loves to play with stuffies. Run is smart as a whip and a bit intense and Hannah is a real beauty and so sweet. Today Hannah had her spay and we decided to have her old injury x-rayed. We were hoping to send the x-ray with her into her new home. But the vets are funny about letting go of them. So I took out my camera phone and took a picture of the x-ray. Everything looks fine and she should enjoy many pain free years. Shultz (Gable Schist) is here. He was banging his tail and injuring it at the kennel so now he is in a plastic crate which we hope will prevent big tail wags which cause bandages to go flying. So far the bandage has stayed on for about 10 hours...that is pretty good for a greyhound tail wrap!! Due to his injury he got bumped from the transport tomorrow. But hopefully he can go soon!! Thursday Elsie, Hannah, Ami, Spark and Herc will head out. Friday there is a ride lined up for Hot Shot and maybe Schultz.

Here are the Italian Greyhound kids. They are probably around 12 pounds. Both will be looking for homes soon. Nice dogs although a bit nervous at the moment. The female in the foreground is at Tripps and she is yet un-named. Racer the male in the background is here with me. Good little pups who will get their second chance at a forever home here in our greyhound community. IGs are interesting because they are actually true Greyhounds which were bred down in size to be lap dogs...where the whippet was sprouted from many breeds. IGs are a very old breed, some say over 2,000 years old!!

Today the new pups all got to enjoy a romp and lots of sun. We got new pictures of everyone which will soon be on the web page. They arrived a little early which was really NICE!!! We loaded them up and headed to Rods and Dogs which is a do it yourself car and dog wash. I couldn't envision how it would work but it actually works much like car wash where you pay for the water and can select what kind of shampoo, conditioner, de-skunker or even blower you want to use. Great idea really. Then home for a light dinner and lights out. Today we combed through their vet records and figured out which dogs needed shots, wormed everyone and gave everyone the once over. We checked teeth, did cat testing and got a general feel for them. There will be lots to do to get them ready for homes. It will be a busy week!!

Turbo is now home in Glendive. He is settling in and learning about home life. Audrey is in Billings and should be settling in soon. The new greyhounds should be here TONIGHT around 10 PM. If you can help bathe and greet dogs please contact Judy to get on the "call" list. Already at least one of the extra girls may be spoken for. Hurray!! We will be getting pictures tomorrow so stay tuned to both the web site and here for news.

Tomorrow we will also be getting a different kind of delivery. Two Italian Greyhounds who will be looking for homes. They will not technically be part of our group but since they are cousins some of our greyhound family have offered to help them. Tripps will foster one and I will foster the other. They were found running the streets of Great Falls. They have been described as fearful so may be special needs. We will get them here and evaluate them and hopefully find them nice warm laps.

Ever get up feeling like this will be a great day? Today is that day. Not only is Turbo (Brurree) meeting his family but Audrey is tagging along and catching a ride to Billings. I will really miss the little black cutie pies!! The other things that makes today special is that it is

JUDY PFAFF SCHLAPPY's

BIRTHDAY!!!!

It is interesting when family members of the greyhound community reunite. Often they seem excited but only for a few seconds. With Turbo and Arlo there was some tail wagging and sniffing and then it was if they said "Oh it is my brother no big deal" There was no leaping in the air or whining just a subtle greeting. However we did notice through the evening they stood by each other most of the time. It was clear there was a connection even if it wasn't the crazy reunion we envisioned. Sad to say it seems taking your family members for granted is not exclusive to the human race.

Brace yourselves greyhound friends we have incoming this weekend!!! Are you prepared to foster, bathe or even adopt? We have some super nice dogs coming in and this is the last big load coming this year. As most of you have heard the Wichita track closed and in doing so many dogs who were on the verge of retiring or whose owners decided not to move them to other tracks were left homeless. We have been able to find spots for several but there are still more waiting and our foster homes are over extended so if you are thinking of fostering and helping some nice greyhound get a jump start into pet life please call PDQ....if we can find foster space we can get more dogs safe. I do a lot of fostering and for the most part it is really fun. It can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to months but our favorite people flunk fostering. Some foster dogs are EASY and others are a little more work. But all are worth it!! Check out the web page "available hounds" to see who is coming. We have not yet received an estimate for arrival in Missoula. But I will post it here. We will be doing a bathing party so stay tuned.

Judy brought Arlo over to see his brother, Turbo, last night we took some photos. I will post later this eve.

Tonight feels like winter....it is wet and cold. I am not looking forward to the upcoming months of cold. Today Bruree arrived in town!!!! He was transported by a woman who has greyhounds. She had attended the recent Dewey Beach reunion and happened to offer transport for one dog west. We were the lucky ones chosen. Big thanks to Linda who brought him to Missoula. Bruree is the son of Glengar Eileen (now Allie of Great Falls) and the Brother to Crystal Arklow (now Judy and Brent's Arlo). He certainly seems to live up to his heritage. He is happy and friendly as they come. I will try to get some pictures of him tomorrow.

My greyhound girl, Tigger, will turn 15 next spring. She has developed a new trick that is making us all nuts. When ever she needs something she simply stands up and barks until her little minions come running to wait on her. The scene goes something like this....
Tigger barks a couple of times....I go make sure she is OK then go back to whatever I am doing.
Tigger barks more....I ignore her but Darrin goes to check on her.
Tigger barks more Darrin tells her to be quiet.
Tigger barks more...I go see if another dog has her bed and tell her to go lay down.
Tigger barks more I make sure she isn't too hot or cold.
Tigger barks more...Darrin starts barking (yelling) at me to make her stop.
Tigger barks more....I check her bed again is it fluffy enough and empty.
Tigger barks more I check her water.
Tigger barks more and Darrin barks more.
Tigger barks more...is she hungry or just messing with us?
It has taken us a couple of weeks to catch on to her game. I feel like a bully when I tell her to "PLEASE SHUT UP!!" She has a sweet expectant face.
Tigger just blinks her big eyes at me and barks more.
Tonight I was complaining to Judy about the barking in jest I said "Well she is just too bony to spank". Judy's answer wasn't an answer at all....she said "Isn't it nice that she feels so loved and comfortable to bark after all these years?" SIGH....I better go the princess is barking at me...and I thought I was in charge.

Falcon

Amongst the joy and buzz of the arrival and homing of the new greyhounds there has been some heartbreaking farewells. This week Falcon who was placed earlier this year lost his battle with bone cancer. Interestingly he passes his riches to his litter sister. In the last load of dogs that came up from OK was his full sister, Sexy Individual. Renamed Tessa she joined Falcon in his home during his last few weeks. She will remain to ease the sorrow of the loss and to bask in the love of his home. Falcon started a small legacy. Because of his wonderful spirit his family have opened their home and hearts to other homeless greyhounds. First there was Falcon...then Lilly ( was Ivy), then Betty (was MTV) and now Tessa....and it all started with one beautiful and sweet greyhound boy. Although it would be easy to lament the fact he only got to be in a home a short while, we must focus on that he got to enjoy a real home and in fact opened the door to others. That will make him live on in memory. How many of us will offer our home and hearts to other greyhounds because of the love of one great greyhound?

We also had to bid farewell to Neal who just arrived in the last load. His story was brief but he will be missed and never forgotten. Run free and without pain our grey-boys.

Neal

The whole world seems to be letting out a content sigh today. The Billings transport and the crazy week of fostering and vet appointments is done. The dogs all trickling into their new homes. We only have two little foster girls left in this area. Barcardi and Audrey....both are super sweet girls with no baggage. I am sure they will find homes soon. Even Roman my god-dog Afghan Hound boy is back here with me after several weeks away.

Chester the birthday boy!!

The icing on the cake is today we celebrate 13 years of life with Chester. He is the cherished companion of Trish in Billings. Remember when we were little we counted every day of our life. We were not just 5 years old we were 5 and a HALF years....because that 6 months made us so much more mature. As dogs age something similar happens. After a dog hits about 12 years we stop counting in whole years. Those 6 month markers some how become as important as back when we were 5. We begin to feel the importance of those cherished months. So today while Chester celebrates 13 years with ice cream....I will celebrate with him and my whole pack will get a dollop of rich creamy yogurt....after all it is Tigger's 14 year and 7 month birthday too.

Today I ran Sylvie and Nacho to the vet to get ready for homes. All the dogs who were vetted this week came through with flying colors. On the way home I dropped off Sylvie and picked up Dori for babysitting while Tripps are on the road with the rest of the gang. We did the last worming and every one is ready to head out. Tripps have worked their buns off this week to get everything pulled together. My hat is off to them!! Hopefully we will get pictures of the dogs going into new homes.

Tomorrow is homecoming for more than just hounds. It is also Homecoming for the U-of-M Griz...which means hounds will be parading with the best of them in Missoula. If you have the inclination to show off your hound (and who doesn't) get your tennies on and grab your leash!! For more info go to http://www.gparockymountain.org/Homecoming%20Parade.html
Last year was a blast!!! The chili was to die for! Unfortunately I won't be able to strut with the rest of you this year...sigh...dumb leg. HOWEVER....on Oct 13th it is Apple Days in Hamilton. The gals at http://www.collarcrazy.com/ have a booth down there and have suggested that perhaps the greyhounds need to put in an appearance. It will be the last hurrah for the Farmers Market in addition to other events. So you can order your custom collar now and pick it up then. Be sure to check out their many fabric samples...but Irene and Amber always have fabrics that aren't on the the pages. Last collar I bought for Tava a periwinkle blue with glow in the dark lime spots...so cool!! They are very accommodating and will help you find the perfect collar for every occasion and every pet.

I wonder why they ever named this regal beast

S C A M P E R

Today brought a little rain and a little sad news. My dear friend Lynn who adopted Gigi (HH Real Live Girl) called to report that Gigi's periodic limp has been diagnosed as bone cancer. Gigi arrived in Missoula last November. She rode the bus with Trish's Birdie, My Tava and Waldo. It seems so unfair...After racing 162 times and producing 15 pups she should entitled to many months of gentle retirement. While we were discussing the unfairness and all Gigi had done in her life we started talking about riches. For dogs...riches are not held in a bank account or in fancy collars. Dogs count riches in the love they are given, the fullness of their tummies, the softness of their bed and the kindness of their owners touch. To a dog, richness is finding the perfect sunny spot to nap or sharing a ice cream cone with their person. Although her time may not be bountiful...Gigi is wealthy in other ways. For now we will focus on giving her a preview of heaven.

HAPPY DAY!!! Kissie finally met her match today. She is now home with an experienced greyhound home in Frenchtown. She will have a couple of greyhound brothers and a collie sister. Clarissa and Angel both are hitting the road tomorrow AM. So within 24 hours all three of the girls who have been fostered for weeks are going to be in their HOMES!! I am very excited.

There are 12...count them 12 greyhounds who will board the bus on Friday and start the trek to Montana. Most of them are spoken for!! They will first head to Tripps and be vetted. The following week end they many of them will make the trip to Billings area for placement. Bek has a crazy placement agenda set up. Bek's snowball of enthusiasm has ended up in a avalanche of placements!! I wonder if the paper in Billings would be interested in doing a follow story...hmmm I hope others will take Bek up on her offer to supply info...if anyone wants to get a similar story in the paper in THEIR area. It worked once lets do it again!!

I smiled the other day listening to Dan Tripp tell me about his foster dogs. Tripps are fostering Angel and Clarissa. Angel is doing wonderful and has relaxed and left her baggage behind her. Little Clarissa is a pretty, petite and young black female. She is really sweet but has no confidence and is on the shy side. Tripps have been letting her hang out with their own pack in the house so she can learn how to be a real dog. Dan was telling me how after a month she is just now willing to approach him but only for a moment and she recently started taking cookies from Carol's hand. He than said "You know, a dog like Clarissa can't just go anywhere. She needs a REALLY good home that will help her grow up and be patient with her." I could tell by the protective edge in his voice that he was well into "foster dad" mode. It is a interesting phenomena how protective you can feel about your foster dogs. You want them to be happy and you want them to have owners that are really committed. You want the best home for each dog. I have often been asked, "How can you let go?" For me, I let go to make room for others. I have certainly fostered many dogs I would have loved to kept. Often when the right home happens it just feels right. It isn't a matter of letting go it is just letting things happen the way they should. Fostering is hard work. It can be very emotional both in heartbreak and joy. But aside from the personal inconvenience....fostering saves lives. It is the first critical step towards a forever home. Foster families get to see that dog blossom. Showing the world to that innocent greyhound is wonderful. That foster dog will always remember you...The relationship is kind of like you have with a favorite aunt. Fostering can change your world. Pictured above are two of my three lovely greyhound girls...once upon a time they were just foster dogs.

Angel has a home waiting for her. Robert and his greyhound, Jack, have offered to transport her next week. Kissie is healing and anxious to find a home. And anyone interested in Clarissa will have to meet with foster dad, Dan Tripp's approval. He may be as picky as a daddy on prom night.

About the time I was making real progress with Kissie's owie healing she ran through the door and busted it all open. At first I thought it would be OK but by Saturday is looked ugly and she made a trip to the vet to have it fixed up. She has a drain and I got the chance to learn how a drain works. The gunk doesn't go through the tube it travels along the tube and out. So you have to keep the area where the skin meets the tube cleared off....no scabs. Turns out Kissie is a bleeder which means she has a low clotting factor. Not a big deal on a day to day level but certainly something to know should she require surgery in the future. Now I am looking at her long toe nails wishing for some other brave soul to cut them. The vet remarked about what a super nice dog she is. Kissie is liked by everyone who meets her. I am amazed she is still here in foster care. How can she be over looked for this long?

Asta (formerly AMF Asp) came out to stay for a few days. She looks faboo!! I had no idea she could be so white and man is she happy and willing to tell you all about it...."Roo roo roo rooooo!!" There is something especially wonderful about seeing these old brood girls make the leap from used up and discarded by the industry to cherished family member. Funny thing about the older dogs, sometimes it is like pulling teeth to get people to cast them a serious look. But it seems their love is sweeter and more addictive than any other. Homes who have taken retired brood girls always want another.

Due to the placement boom going on in Billings more dogs are getting a ticket to ride the big bus to Montana. A couple more weeks should have the foster blog hoppin' again.

Yesterday we were on the verge of canceling the dogs who are headed to Montana in a couple of weeks. Now because of some of our hard working reps we have light in the tunnel again!!!

Today greyhound rescue got a shot in the arm with a wonderful article in the Billings Gazette. Please check it out
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/09/04/news/local/23-greyhounds.txt
Great job to those who helped get it in the paper. I called Bek to tell her I saw the story. She was busy on the phone, swamped with calls related to the article. I do hope some of these calls will bring us some worthy homes for our pups!! Bek said if someone wanted to pursue a similar story in their area she would be happy to share the research and stats she came up with. One of the things about rescue is how easily some one's enthusiasm can be spread. Today the wind under our sails is named, BEK!!

Kissie is on the injured list. She now sports a 5 inch owie on her side that required stitching. two weeks and hopefully she will be as good as new. Always something.

If you think greyhounds are the spice of life then whippets are the Tabasco sauce. Case and point...

The other night I am up getting my dose of Sex and the City reruns. My husband and greyhounds are in bed asleep. Izzy my queen Aussie and Katy Did the whippet are relaxing in the mud room. I heard some movement back there but nothing too interesting. Then in a quiet moment between commercials I hear "slap slap" It wasn't loud but it was odd. I got up and scootered (still nursing the tendon) across the kitchen as I am about to round the corner I say "Katy leave it!" Living with a whippet will make you suspicious like that. Katy runs up to the gate really happy and bright eyed which puts me on high alert. I round the corner and everything looks OK but then I notice something white on the floor....then it moves. I shriek,"Katy get back!!" My husband is woke from his slumber and is almost instantly at my side and I tell him to get the dogs in the other room. In his sleep induced haze he starts to herd the dogs into the other room. Leaving my scooter in the dust, I hobble over as fast as I can to look at my poor Pacu fish laying on the carpet. I am not sure what to do since he is big and has teeth, he kind of scares me. Finally I see a plastic bag which I use to scoop him up and put him back in the tank....dog hair and all. That dang whippet took the feeding lid off the tank and managed to fish Chief Cabrone out of his tank. It was only a 4 inch opening but she managed to get this 10 inch fish out with out spilling a drop of water and only her muzzle was damp. Thankfully her sushi snack survived. He is back in his tank wary, scratched and with a little fin damage but otherwise OK. The following day she stole a small bag of bird seed which she shared with everyone. The result was soft stools for everyone. This week "Whippet" is spoken with the edges of a swear word!!
I should mention to Katy that the Pacu is a cousin to the piranha. The pacu is a vegetarian but we will leave that part of the story out.

Things are pretty quiet around here as of late. Brink, my new aussie puppy is doing wonderful. He is a very sweet pup and I am enjoying him. I can't wait until the day I can start to really work with him. I got my cast off this week...Hallelujah!!! I am in a boot and still not fully weight bearing. I started PT today and hopefully will be able to use my crutches more and in a few weeks WALK.

On the foster frontier. We are in the process of deciding which and how many dogs to get in on the next load. It will likely be a small load as we currently have 3 dogs waiting. Angel is doing well at the Tripps and has earned house privileges. Carol reports that Angel seems to be coming along nicely. She is relaxing and has been very good with her dogs. Clarissa is still her little immature self. She is insecure and although absolutely sweet she suspects there maybe a boogie man lurking who might swallow her whole. She will grow up one day. Kissie is still Kissie. Fun, bright active and loving as ever. I have been spending time with her in the kennel loose with my dogs large and small. She has been a perfect lady. She has been muzzled when out in a group but so far there hasn't been a need. Kissie stands by me and stares at me. I am sure she wants me to take her muzzle off so she can use her tongue. Kissie is sure I have toes and hands that need kissing. Since I am not able to run to the rescue if something happens she will just have to deal with it. When she is unmuzzled she really loves playing with stuffies and giving kisses kisses kisses. I have promised her one day she will have a basket of stuffies of her own and a family who will never tire of her affection. She is patiently waiting. The smoke has cleared and the days have been mild and sunny....ahhhhhh routine....I like it.

Five is a a new foster home who will continue to nurture her and help her blossom. She has been a rewarding dog to foster. When she came here we weren't even sure who she was. We discovered her race name was Magic Whim. When she got here she was very ratty looking with her Brillo pad coat coming out in clumps. She was covered in sores and her skin was flaky....I am not talking about a little bit flaky I am talking about flakes the size of your thumb nail and sores the size of quarters. She had a major worm load of which I will spare you the details. It took three wormings, supplements and 3+ feeding a day to get her to start gaining. Now one of our favorite foster homes will finish the process and we will see if they are brave enough to let go of her. Speaking of foster home failures.... Arklow is now officially called Arlow SCHLAPPY. Brent and Judy only lasted a couple of weeks as a foster home. Big Congrats to Arlow

Wednesday I went to Polson. Sherri met me and I picked up Angel. She will now be fostered with Tripps. I was very anxious to get to Polson....good thing we went when we did as a fire up that way has had HWY 93 north closed much of the day today. What was in Polson I needed so badly? Check him out....An Aussie puppy who was a stray and now is calling Hot Cha home. His name is Brink, he is about 5 months old and the best pup ever. I know it is a little insane to bring a pup home when I am in a cast....but I will be freed next Tuesday and then can start to maybe walk a little. Besides you can't put every thing on hold because you are benched....play the game!!

Today was smokey but thankfully not in the 90's. All the foster dogs are here for a few days. With 5 lovely girls in the foster room it is much like a sorority out there. Judy swung by this afternoon and we removed stitches and did another worming on the fosters. We also did another photo session of the foster dogs.

Here is Kissie and my Niece Emily. Kissie loves hugs and kisses. The other day I was sitting in my chair and I was holding Kissie's leash. All of the sudden she went stiff with full attention. I was a bit alarmed as she was looking near my feet. Her face softened and her tail went crazy and Kissie discovered BARE TOES. I was giggling and trying to get her to stop kissing my little pigs. Thankfully about that time Darrin showed up and Kissie immediately went to him to get a hug and kiss from him. I quickly handed him her leash. He walked her for a moment then stopped to chat with me. At this time Kissie's eyes got big again and her ears went up. She was delighted to discover Darrin had sandals on. Let the kissing begin!!! This girl is a HOOT!

Judy managed to capture the moment Miss Dottie realized this was her family. Could a dog smile wider? The first picture she seems to be thinking it over and the next throwing her heart into it.

Two weeks have flown by. I had surgery to fix my ruptured Achilles on July 26th. What started as a out patient ended up being a over night and most the next day stay in the hospital. I was very woozie coming out of anesthesia....too woozie to go home. So they found me a room right by the orthopedics nurses station and loaded me up with antibiotics and pain killers. I was wheeled out of there more than 24 hours after surgery. I am smart enough to know being in the hospital the first 24 hours is a real blessing as that is sometimes the hardest part. It is now 10 days, 1 Dr visit and two casts later and I off all of the big pain killers that have kept me in a fog. Although I am still really limited I am at least clear headed enough to be bossy :>)

A couple of days after surgery was the infamous greyhound picnic and auction. I insisted I at least be wheeled out for the auction!! I scored a couple of excellent buys and some of Kathy B.'s incredible red pepper jelly. Reports are that we made some good $$$$ for the pups. I am already looking forward to the picnic next year!

Today was an excellent day here at the kennel. Started by my cousin Paula calling me and giving me a update on her "Wonderful Perfect Boys" or as we know them Timber and Scratchy. She adores them and called to tell me they have relaxed enough to start to play with toys. Just as I was getting off the phone Judy arrived with Dottie to bathe her and get ready to send her home. A bonus was she brought all of the foster dogs over so I got to see Kissy, Clarissa and Oxygen again too. As bathing was wrapping up Joe and Linda arrived to meet Dottie and give her a new name. She is now "Azure Sky Tritchler". This big eyed shy little grey-girl was almost instantly smitten with her new dad and pined when he had to go out to the car for just a second. Azi (Dottie) seemed to know this was HER family. It was great to see Azi head home and to meet Joe and Linda but for me the icing on the cake was seeing Bella Diesel and Chopin again. Bella was social and wonderful as ever. She has a way of strutting around and preening...that girl knows she has the look. I got a rare chance to have a heart to heart with Pannie-my foster grey-boy. When he came here early this year he was so heartbroken...his former family really loved him and it was hard on everyone to let go. Pannie spent many evenings with his head pressed against my chest while I assured him that there would be something else for him....something wonderful. Today Pannie again pressed his head against my chest and this time he assured me the promise I made came true and he again was secure and happy. It was really meaningful to have that time with him. I feel spiritually fed as a foster home. Big thanks to Paula for loving her boys and sharing them with me via phone calls and to Joe and Linda who came the extra mile to Victor to pick up their new girl and to let me see Bella and dear Pannie. Big thanks to all those homes out there who fulfill the promise we make these greyhounds; "Hang on...something wonderful is out there for you!"

Ozona is on his way home. He was fostered with Bek in Billings for a past few weeks. Sounds like his family are already completely in love with him. Ozona always knew he was a prince....now he will be treated like one at last!! Best wishes to him and his family.

The new grey-kids are here. A nice nice bunch of dogs. If you are thinking of adding a dog to you crew ya better call soon. I am sure all of these will be placed quickly.

Kissie was a last moment addition. Carol, Judy and I spent a couple of days trying to talk ourselves out of her. We thought she was cute and we all needed a little pick me up after losing Sam. So Kissie is here to carry on where Sam left off....a party dog to be sure. Her race name was World Class....and truly she is!

New greyhounds are arriving this evening. Watch the progess by going to http://k8nkc.com/July20-2007/
We still would love to find foster homes for a couple of them. Big thanks to Tripps for taking the reins on this one. They will be fostering most of them and overseeing the vet work. I will post pictures soon.

Through no fault of her own, little MTV has been returned. Her owner underestimated the energy of a young greyhound and the group dynamic with her other dogs. MTV is a pretty girl who is a litter sister to Oxygen. She is happy, fun and looooves to be loved. This brings up an interesting observation. Most applications we receive desire a female as young as possible. However the dogs that are the easiest for most folks to integrate into their home are dogs over 4 year and often male. In my memory we have never had a return of a black boy of any age and no older black females either. It is ironic that the hardest dog to place is a black male...double that if he is over 5 year old. Yet that is the very type of dog that really never is returned. Perhaps the reason lays in the fact that the folks at the track realize there are limited homes for black boys and therefore cull more heavily. Perhaps it is because the folks who adopt a black male often are the people who are adopting for more than just superficial reasons. I suspect the answer lies somewhere in between.

My surgery was postponed until Wednesday the 26th....dang!! I am anxious to have it over with. We have dogs coming in Saturday. These are dogs who were ordered before I found out I needed surgery. We desperately need foster families!! We have Angel, a pretty blue girl in Kalispell who was returned who needs foster care. We also just got word that MTV is being returned. Her owner under estimated her time and energy for a fun greyhound 18 month old puppy. Both of these girls will attend the picnic and you can meet them there.

Sad news....Sam our foster dog has been limping off and on, which is always a bad sign with a greyhound. His pain seemed chronic and may have been the cause of him lashing out at some of the other foster dogs. Although the xrays were not absolutely conclusive it was safe to assume that he had the beginnings of an bone tumor. Whatever he had seemed to be moving fast as he seemed more uncomfortable each day. The heart wrenching decision was reached to release Sam from his pain. Although Sam's quality of life was diminishing already it is heart breaking to say good bye to such a sweet boy.

Dang looks like I will be out of the fostering loop for a while. The MRI of my achilles tendon showed a complete rupture. I go under the knife on Friday...full recovery will take months. Needless to say this is screwing up my life in more ways than I can count. We have dogs coming this weekend. I was afraid we would have to cancel our dogs. Thankfully Carol and Judy are taking on getting them settled in. We are still looking for good solid foster homes for a couple of them. The picnic is still on....you can meet available dogs, buy a nice new collar, bid on something wonderful at the auction, eat lunch and generally celebrate greyhounds! There will be some adoptions happening during the picnic....therefore...your dogs must be on lead but your heart is allowed to run wild

On another note....Kelso's Will Tell is now adopted and going to be called Lucy. When she was here I rolled her over to remove her stitches and look what I found. Little Lucy has more ink then just her ears. Some smart vet decided to start marking the dogs when he does a spay. I do hope this trend catches on!!

First thing on the agenda today was arranging Dr and vet appointments. The race was on....first call was to an othro-ped to arrange for an exam and MRI of my tendon. For Pete's sake the thing is probably ruptured but I could not score an appointment until Friday the 13th...hmmm should I worry? So far I am ahead in the race....but only because of a head start. Next I called the vet to arrange to have a dental and an wound I discovered on Timber tended too. An hour later I was in the car taking Timber to his appointment. What is wrong with our system? He is resting comfortably back home...a full dental and surgery $135....my prediction is my exam and MRI will easily by pass that $$ mark and I will get half the service and NO friendly pats. Hands down the dog wins the medical care race.

Winning the cutest dog of the week award is Oxygen. She was pretty wiggly and hard to get a really nice picture of but in the process we got several cute ones of her. Oxygen is very much like a sweet sixteen year old girl. She can be very silly and fun but not completely wild. She was very proud of herself today when she stole Sparky's toy. Oxygen is very beautiful...the kind you catch yourself staring at. She has the temperament to match.

What a crazy week. With the heat, the 4th of July, vet appointments and lastly me ripping or rupturing my Achilles tendon it has been a BUSY week. Above is Big Sparcone enjoying a toy. He was a pretty decent retriever for a greyhound. Sparcone's name has been evolving, Sparcone = Sparc = Spark = Sparky. He will soon go home to Tripps. One day he may be a really white dog instead of a tea-stained dog. We know for sure he will be cherished and treated like a prince. Hopefully the existing pack will welcome him too. Below is Judy resisting tonsil tasting Ozona. Today Ozona made the trip with Zipper to Billings. Judy delivered Zipper into the waiting arms of her new family. Ozona will wait at Bek's house and go home in just a few days. Scratchy has tentatively been spoken for. The available dog pool is now Timber, Sam, Kelso's Will Tell, Oxygen and Five. There is a bus coming from KS soon. We sure would love to welcome some of those dogs. It is the perfect time to welcome a greyhound into your life. Right now we have no two dogs alike. A little something for everyone.