Curie

 There has been some excitement at the Keeley house of late. 

We have been talking about getting another Greyhound since Zelda died in 2019. We've looked off and on, but they are much harder to come across then the used to be. The track where Zelda had raced closed, and that was a major source of greyhounds for California. Florida also outlawed dog racing (yay!). Which means, in the US, West Virginia is the only state that allows racing. So there are a lot less retired racers around. Some are imported from Australia. And some are used as blood donor dogs for a time and then retired. Others are rescued from China or Korea. So, I had kind of put the idea of getting another Greyhound away, because it seemed unlikely without having to buy a purebred (which I am against). In fact, the agency we got Zelda from has since shut down, because they had no more dogs to help.

But earlier this year, we started looking again. There are still 2 greyhound adoption agencies in the Bay Area. The first one said our house wouldn't be a good fit for the dogs they get (mostly Australian) because the have a high prey drive, and we have cats. The second agency accepted our application and said they'd contact us when they had a good fit. We waited and followed up after a couple months. They said they had 2 greyhound puppies, would we consider a puppy adoption? We had previously said no, because puppies are a lot of work. But we thought, why no consider it. We decided to go visit the puppies, and see if either were a good fit. 

On Sunday morning, we drove to Santa Rosa (2 hours north) with Nana, Bronwyn and Monty in tow. Bertram refused any part of getting another dog. (He is a staunch cat person). Our main aim was to see if Monty would get along with a new dog. He is not usually very friendly with other dogs. Not aggressive, but likes his space. The ride was uneventful, if not long. When we arrived we met Marni who is fostering several dogs, including the two Greyhound puppies, who was 6 months old. Aaron and I met the dogs first, who were all riled up. Then Bron tried to meet them, but they were too jumpy for her. Then we met the dogs one on one. Lyra had A LOT of energy and really wanted to play. She was not as good on lead as the other puppy. Monty didn't like her, she was too playful. And didn't understand what his low growls meant. So she was put away, and Ursa came out. Ursa was calmer. And when Monty met her, she understood he didn't want to play.

They were happy to exist near each other. So we decided to take the leap. She has had all her puppy shots. She'll need to be spayed in a couple months.

She didn't want to leave or get in the car, so Aaron carries her. Then she didn't want to be in the bed in the back of the van. So she crawled up and sat in my lap.

After a short while, we switched spots. Aaron sat in the third row with her and I drove the two hours back home with Monty on my lap. 

When we got home we introduced her to the family, who were all down the street. Aaron walked her a few times that evening. She ate, but didn't potty until 1230am. But she went outside, so that was fine. She likes the paddle pool.

She is very strong on walks, but doesn't walk very straight yet, so that is a work in progress. And she wants to have everything. Anything she can get she'll pick up and take the her bed. (While I've been typing this, she picked up 2$ and brought it to her bed). She is food motivated, which is good, it makes training easier. But we had to move Monty's food and the cat's food where she can't reach.  None of our other dogs have been interested in toys, so we only had a couple things for her. Yesterday, I went to Ross, Home Goods and PetSmart and bought a plethora of soft toys, chewy things and treats, so we are now well equipped.

After going through a few names, we decided on Curie. Though, today I was thinking Laika would have been a good fit. 

She went to the vet for a check in yesterday. She looks good, except her ear need a little cleaning. She weighs 36 lbs, which will probably be close to  half of her adult weight. She starts puppy class on Saturday.

So far, no accidents 🤞🏽 and she already learned to use the bells to ask to go out. (Something Monty has yet to learn). The cats are getting used to her. Waffles is kind of a badass and just does what she wants, nonplussed about Curie. Oona and Shy Guy are much more circumspect. But everyone is adapting. 

Bron has done amazing with Curie. She knows not to run, or the dog will chase her. She doesn't panic if Curie jumps up on her. She pushes her and tells her down. Bert has had very little interaction with the dog, which is how he prefers it.

She goes in her crate at night and when we leave the house. So far, the longest we've been gone is an hour or so. She's not too fond of the crate over night. Actually, that's not true, she sleeping in it right now. But if I close the gate and go back to bed, she starts whining. So for now, I'm out here with her (and Monty, the Velcro dog). 

All things considered, she has been very easy so far, especially for a puppy.  (I said I would never have a puppy. Never say never, I guess).