Post by CampWhippet on Feb 5, 2006 19:22:57 GMT -5
communications.uwo.ca/western_news/story.html?listing_id=20662
By Karmen Dowling
Jennifer Alexander's life has gone to the dogs.
The number of four-legged friends at her home outnumbers the humans and she spends most weekends with dozens more of the creatures.
Greyhound dogs have been the main focus in Alexander's life for the past couple of years, after she came to know of the breed while searching on the internet for information about bus travel.
After typing "Greyhound bus", several listings came up about the dogs used for racing in the United States.
"I became obsessed," says Alexander. "After reading all the information about these dogs, I knew I wanted one. And once you get one, then you want two, then you want three and then you want 10."
While she admits 10 dogs wouldn't be possible (or permitted) in her present circumstances, she has adopted the maximum number for a residential occupant, three.
"They are active when you need them to be and very quiet, plus shedding is minimal," says Alexander. "And they love you back - it seems they know you've done something good for them."
She volunteers at the kennel where she found her dogs, GRA (Greyhound Relocation and Adoption) Canada. The facilities are near Mount Elgin, on a three-acre grass/farm land operated by Freddie and Bill Cowen.
GRA Canada is committed to finding loving family homes for greyhounds retiring from the racing industry. They service Ontario as well as other areas of Canada and Northeastern United States and could have up to 55 dogs at a time waiting for new homes. Caring for so many dogs takes time and dedication - and volunteers.
"They are always looking for help with letting the dogs out, changing the beds and feeding them," says Alexander. "It makes me happy and gives me pride to help these animals out."
Greyhounds come in every colour, they are very slender, deep-chested, long-in-the-body, long legged and have very narrow heads. Their average life-span is 12 - 14 years. While known for speed, they don't necessarily need to run all the time.
"We take our dogs to a field every Saturday to have a good power-run," says Alexander, noting several Greyhound adopters get together for a group walk in Springbank Park once a month. "However, they don't need to do this as often as people may think. My dogs like to sleep a lot. Even though I take them for walks three times a day, it's actually more my benefit than for theirs."
While Alexander says her dogs - she calls them "my kids" -- are perfect for her lifestyle, they aren't for everyone. While good-natured, they have never been in homes with families and need extra time and understanding adapting to new surroundings.
For information about greyhounds and Greyhound Relocation and Adoption Canada, visit:
www.gracanada.com
By Karmen Dowling
Jennifer Alexander's life has gone to the dogs.
The number of four-legged friends at her home outnumbers the humans and she spends most weekends with dozens more of the creatures.
Greyhound dogs have been the main focus in Alexander's life for the past couple of years, after she came to know of the breed while searching on the internet for information about bus travel.
After typing "Greyhound bus", several listings came up about the dogs used for racing in the United States.
"I became obsessed," says Alexander. "After reading all the information about these dogs, I knew I wanted one. And once you get one, then you want two, then you want three and then you want 10."
While she admits 10 dogs wouldn't be possible (or permitted) in her present circumstances, she has adopted the maximum number for a residential occupant, three.
"They are active when you need them to be and very quiet, plus shedding is minimal," says Alexander. "And they love you back - it seems they know you've done something good for them."
She volunteers at the kennel where she found her dogs, GRA (Greyhound Relocation and Adoption) Canada. The facilities are near Mount Elgin, on a three-acre grass/farm land operated by Freddie and Bill Cowen.
GRA Canada is committed to finding loving family homes for greyhounds retiring from the racing industry. They service Ontario as well as other areas of Canada and Northeastern United States and could have up to 55 dogs at a time waiting for new homes. Caring for so many dogs takes time and dedication - and volunteers.
"They are always looking for help with letting the dogs out, changing the beds and feeding them," says Alexander. "It makes me happy and gives me pride to help these animals out."
Greyhounds come in every colour, they are very slender, deep-chested, long-in-the-body, long legged and have very narrow heads. Their average life-span is 12 - 14 years. While known for speed, they don't necessarily need to run all the time.
"We take our dogs to a field every Saturday to have a good power-run," says Alexander, noting several Greyhound adopters get together for a group walk in Springbank Park once a month. "However, they don't need to do this as often as people may think. My dogs like to sleep a lot. Even though I take them for walks three times a day, it's actually more my benefit than for theirs."
While Alexander says her dogs - she calls them "my kids" -- are perfect for her lifestyle, they aren't for everyone. While good-natured, they have never been in homes with families and need extra time and understanding adapting to new surroundings.
For information about greyhounds and Greyhound Relocation and Adoption Canada, visit:
www.gracanada.com
