thegreytrescue

 This past June, our family welcomed Thor, an almost 5 year old retired racing greyhound into our home.When he arrived on our doorstep, it was a bit frightening. Going from a 5 pound geriatric poodle that was our family dog to a 70 pound mound of skin, bones and sinewy muscle was a bit daunting. He seemed skeptical, and who could blame him? He knew his life to be as it was at the racetrack - housed with other dogs, told when to eat, when to sleep, when to take a bathroom break..but now everything was different.We had planned ahead for his arrival: bought him two cushy beds, a beautiful, raised set of eating dishes, an assortment of toys, food and treats, but his main concern was getting used to an actual house. The stairs leading to the backyard where very concerning to him. We had to encourage him and praise him when he’d gather the courage to do them. But before long, he seemed to get that this was where he was staying.His first night’s sleep was at my husband’s side of our bed - on the floor, that is. Whenever my husband or I would get up, Thor followed. I don’t know if he was concerned, curious, or a little bit of both. But in the night’s to follow, come 8 o’clock in the evening, Thor would find his bed and lay down for the night - never getting up - barely lifting an eyelid if there was an interesting sound.It didn’t take long for Thor to establish his routine and role in the family. He started to recognize the sound of our jacket zippers - sometimes signifying an impending walk - sometimes meaning the house was a bit chilly. Unfortunately, it was almost impossible for him to recognize the difference. He learned to know what time it was to walk the kids to school, and when it was time to pick them up. He learned the sound of his cookie jar lid being removed and replaced, and would come looking for his treats. He even realized that when no one was looking, he could usually find some leftovers at the table from the kids’ breakfast!Nevertheless, as dog-ish as some of his behaviour was, it was in the coming days that we’d realize that this greyhound wasn’t just another dog…   

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