One Year Ago...Yesterday

I don't know what got into me last year but I think I was lonely. Besides my sisters both had them and I wanted to fit in. I weighed the pros and cons. I was afraid to give up my freedom for another. I didn't want to be woken up in the middle of the night. But I did want unconditional love. So I decided to get a dog.

So I read and read and read. I happen to be very logical about some things and I decided to be logical about getting a dog. There are certain kinds of dogs that go better with certain kinds of people. I wanted to find the one that would fit into my life so we'd both be comfortable. I finally came to the decision that a Greyhound was right for me. I guess it was the size that drew me in. Or maybe it was just that they had been "working" dogs most of their lives. And they had sweet demeanors. But mostly it was size. Napolean's syndrome I suppose.

I read everything I could get my hands on about Greyhounds. I looked into groups that help with adoption of them. I learned so much about Greyhound racing and the dogs lives when they race. I studied all the things they have to adjust to when adopted. I was prepared. So I filled out the paperwork and made an appointment to meet a dog.

No amount of preparation can really prepare you. I got to the pet store where Greyhounds Unlimited was doing a "Meet and Greet." There were so many dogs. But I knew which one I was looking at. He wore a red bandana to stand out from the crowd. His name was Thumper.

His foster mom told me all about him as I cooed over his beautiful coat. He was nervous and distracted. The parrot in the cage particularly interested him. Good thing it was behind glass. She assured me that once I got him alone he opened up and had a great personality. I think he and I were both too scared to show our true selves. So I finished the paperwork, wrote a check, listened to all the great dog care advice, had his toenails clipped, picked out a leash and collar, bought some food, treats, etc, and struggled out to my car. He was scared and pulled really hard on the leash. I wondered what a little girl like me was doing with such a huge dog. But we eventually got into the car and headed home.

The first couple of months were full of new things. He was so very shy at first. He got a new name (since he didn't know the one he previously had). He was dubbed Tiger for his beautiful coat. He learned where to sleep and where to play and that I didn't like it when he dug holes in the backyard. He learned how to get over his fear of going up and down stairs. I learned that he is very sensitive and loves to have his belly rubbed. We went to training classes together; where he learned to sit and lay down and sort of to heel. Though he never did get "stay".

Eventually, just as his foster mom said, he opened up. We started to notice him wag his tail more. He would jump excitedly when I got home. He loved our afternoon walks. Though he'd almost pull me over when went after squirrels. He loved treats and would do anything for them. Most of all he is happy and comfortable. He's become such a big part of our family and I can't really imagine not having him. Tiger brings so much happiness (even when he chews up plane tickets and drags my underwear into the living room). I can't believe it's been a year. What a good year it's been.

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