BUS

Starting Monday, January 11th Cable Muse Network is sharing stories of “The Phoenix Seven” every day. From the greyhound race track to forever homes.

I can’t tell the story of “Bus” without talking about Alec, my first greyhound who I adopted 9 years ago and was the beginning of my love affair with these magnificent animals. Alec was a red and white very large male who was retired at the age of 4 ½. I had previously owned golden retrievers who were wonderful, but no animal has pulled harder on my heartstrings. Alec was my constant companion through some very difficult times in my life, including the loss of both of my parents. Alec was to have come with me on my move from Florida to Albuquerque, October 31, 2009, having been cleared by the vet two weeks prior despite his advancing age. He woke me early that very morning groaning. When he couldn’t stand, I rushed him to the vet but he sadly passed away in route. It was Alec’s 12^th birthday. The vet said it appeared he had some sort of blood disorder. Although I knew I would adopt another greyhound, I didn’t anticipate it would be so soon.

I had been in Albuquerque about a month and started perusing the southwest greyhound sites on-line. I ran across Greyhound Companions of New Mexico and appreciate the information they provided written by Judy Paulsen. I decided to fill out the application, knowing that it would probably take months to work through the process….especially since I was new to the area and would likely have to plead my case as I was renting and would not have a fenced yard. Evidently, my comments and understanding of greyhounds were persuasive. Judy left me a voicemail message indicating that she thought I would be an excellent candidate for adoption based on my history. Later I contacted Kent Matthis who came by my house to do a site visit. I had told both that I would be going up to Ohio for the holidays to visit family and couldn’t see how an adoption would be fair to a new greyhound until after my return. They seemed to agree, so we looked towards after the first of the year and perhaps even spring.

Sometimes plans simply change. Judy called me in early December to let me know that one of their dogs that had come in was not going to be adopted after all (“Bus”). Evidently, a dear lady retired physician was experiencing health problems and all agreed that the planned adoption of Bus should not take place. When Judy called, she suggested that the dog could be fostered until I returned from Ohio. She asked if I was interested and I immediately agreed. At some point during the conversation, it occurred to me that I could take the dog earlier and simply drive to Ohio and take him with me. Judy thought it was a great idea and an excellent opportunity to bond. This conversation was early in the week and I decided that I would take him on the weekend which allowed me to make arrangements for a dog walker, pick up some supplies and so on. She then directed me to the website so that I could see a picture of him. When I did, I about cried. It was as if looking at Alec’s little brother. There stood a beautiful red and white male greyhound.

Kent brought him to my house on Saturday along with graciously loaned crate and coats. That first weekend was interesting. My furniture had not yet arrived from Florida so he had wide-open spaces to explore. He was cautious in general and did a good job of doing his “business” outside. I was delighted. The only concern that I had was his reaction to my cat “PJ.” At times he seemed just a little too interested. Fortunately, PJ is a good greyhound trainer. He doesn’t run (good because that would just excite the prey instinct) and if his space is invaded, he doesn’t hesitate to hiss and swipe. Although it took a few weeks, the greyhound eventually learned to give wide birth. Now PJ will walk between his legs, but still asserts his space when necessary. I never leave them together unattended because of the early interest the greyhound showed. I know I keep referring to him as “the greyhound.” During this time I knew his name was NOT going to be “Bus.” Other names just weren’t sticking. My daughter lobbied for “Jack” because she has a chocolate lab named Colby and she envisions them together at some point. He picked up the name “New Dog” in Ohio and I even toyed with the Spanish version for a while. He was a fantastic traveler to Ohio. I couldn’t believe how amazing he was on the trip up and back. Quiet, laid down, was happy to go out when I stopped and didn’t demand otherwise. My son was pushing for Rudolph, perhaps because of the holiday time, but I wasn’t sold. I then spent time looking on line for Greek and Roman names that would depict his nobility. I didn’t have nearly so hard a time when naming my three children!

Recently, however, I have decided that his name should be Rudolf (aka “Rudy”) after the phenomenal dancer Rudolf Nureyev. As he has gained confidence in his walks in the neighborhood, Rudy has taken to dancing as he walks, sometimes even performing mid-air pirouettes as we begin. I suspect that my dog walker (whose name is also Judy) has been calling him Rudy. Every time I have said that name since, he turns and looks at me and begins his dance walk. So he now has a name!

Life is good for Rudy. Although I work full-time, he gets walked a mile early in the morning. Around 1 in the afternoon, Judy comes by and takes him on another even longer walk. He gets a short walk as soon as I get home and then another long walk before we retire. He is becoming the darling of the neighborhood. Everyone talks to him and he is a perfect gentleman when greeting people. He loves squeaky toys, but tends to break the squeakers pretty quickly. He especially seems to enjoy chasing them when they are thrown. Since he is so young (turns 3 on January18) and smart, I have decided he needs a job and will be starting agility work with him in the next month or so. I think he will excel. He has mastered the stairs in my house, is receptive to new commands I am teaching him such as “Wait!” and will do just about anything for a milkbone.

I have only had him for a month, but I can’t imagine life without this magnificent creature. Despite his young age, he, like Alec, is an old soul. I melt when I look in his eyes and realize that no matter what I give to him, I remain in his debt.