It’s true we all start out as babies, and this truth applies equally to greyhounds. We didn’t have Bandit as a ‘new baby’, though I admired the tenacity and dedication of the family who volunteered and first fostered this wonderful greyhound.
Greyhound puppies are notoriously smart and active. Racing greyhounds usually stay with their mother (God bless her) and their litter mates for much longer than other breeds and this helps a greyhound learn community rules that help them in training and the track.
But Bandit left his mom and litter mates at eight weeks and I’ve mentioned in previous greyhound posts that it ‘shows’. He’s bigger than our two greys, so when he arrived at our place at about a year old, he thought he was in charge. Brody disagreed. He’s older and a bit grumpier now, and for months he sighed and pouted and pretended to dislike the wily pup.
Boo disagreed with the would-be usurper, and though she can actually walk right under Bandit, as the reigning ‘queen’ she taught him the ropes.
After a few days, everyone settled into the new routine (we thought we were fostering this greyhound). Bandit’s daytime routine was simple. Sleep for 90 minutes, play hard for 10-15 minutes, sleep for 90 more minutes. Fortunately, he slept through the nights just fine.
But he was still a baby in more ways than one. He showed up with that lanky look so many young teenagers get – all knees and elbows and a bit clumsy with the growing. He was smart and curious and still looking to discover most things with his mouth first. He was a chewer but, thankfully, not destructive about it. And while we continued his training and sent him on home visits, no one was ready for the work and time he still needed.
So Bandit became a permanent addition to our family. While Brody still claims to despair, and Boo tries to be aloof, they both love our goofy newest adopted greyhound dearly.
Of course, Bandit’s just over two now, the age when most greyhounds settle down. Play sessions are a bit shorter, naps are longer, his manners are better (though the cats disagree), and whenever he can get away with it, he still tries to sneak up onto our bed at night.
But he’s a ‘toddler’…and you only have to look at the dog beds to know which one is his.
Live the greyhound adventure!
To help greyhounds and greyhound rescue and adoption groups, check out the Adopt A Greyhound Guide today! You might just discover your own fast friend!
