Preparing for my first sighthound

[grizabella]

As you know I am preparing for my first sighthound. Mostly I've been looking in to buying a whippet puppy due to their small-ish size and great temperament, but in the past couple of days my mum has been warming to the idea of adopting a greyhound (despite the larger size).
I've contacted some whippet breeders and am on the GAP's waiting list for if a suitable greyhound becomes available. It's all very exciting. ;D Still not sure which breed I will end up with, my preference would be to adopt a grey, but in the end it's up to my mum. Either way, I'm very happy and excited. ;D

[Gazinghound]

Oooh, that is SO thrilling! =D You're really on your way to sighthoundom, lol. Whichever breed works out first for you, I'm sure will be an AMAZING experience.

[grizabella]

Still a bit unsure of what I'm going to do. My mum thinks a grey is a little too big but is now willing to consider a saluki. If I did get a saluki, might wait until next year, as I'd be driving, and have more dog experience. (I've just started volunteering at a Doggy Day Care Centre). We're going to try and go along to a couple of dog shows to have a look at some salukis. Big decisions to make, but there's no hurry really, I'm taking my time and working out what would be the best dog for me, whevever that may be.

[Gazinghound]

That's the thing to do--just take your time, and the right decision should almost work itself out. That all sounds great! Especially the doggie daycare and the fact that your mom's willing to go looking at some 'Lukis. ;D If Greys tend to be just a little too tall/big for her liking, then perhaps a smaller Saluki (like mine) could be more acceptable. ^^ Whichever breed winds up being your introduction to the ranks of sighthound "parenthood"/friendship/partnership will be totally awesome!

[greyhoundaddict]

it's a pitty you're mum thought Gizmo was too big (even though she's small for a grey).
if i ever got a sighthound i'd have to get an italian greyhound soooo cute

[grizabella]

I love iggies, and they certainly couldn't be described as 'too tall!'. I'm generally more of a big dog person though.

[Gazinghound]

So am I, though I love all dogs--and there's definitely something to be said for the maximum ease of portability that comes with toys! Sweet, adorable Iggies are, not surprisingly, my favorite breed in the Toy group (along with Chinese Cresteds.)

[grizabella]

A bit of an update, we are planning on moving house soon, and if the new house is sufficiently fenced and there is a sensible sized backyard (which is the plan) I am allowed to get a saluki. ;D ;D ;D
It has taken a couple of years but I've finally won my mother over! I'm still not quite decided if I want a pet only or if I'm going to go for a show dog. For the meantime I have to save up a lot of money (they are not cheap dogs that's for sure- especially when you have to ship from interstate!) and start driving so I'm more mobile.

Ooooh, it's so exciting! Fingers crossed we can find a suitable house! ;D

[Gazinghound]

The news gets better every day!! *fingers crossed* Your mom is swell (for agreeing to let you have a dog at all, of course, and even more for possibly agreeing to a Saluki!) Best of luck with everything--although, with some of that luck you might end up paying a bit less than anticipated...I know the shipping costs will add onto the breeder's base price, but I did receive my show girl for a much lower price than I expected, so you never know. ^~

[grizabella]

After a lot of discussions regarding when would be the best time to get the puppy, and conversations with a breeder, yesterday I purchased a little Saluki girl who will be joining our family in July. ;D
She is from Baghdad Salukis in NSW, is about five and a half months old and is a little red grizzle girl. Her name is Bella.

I'm too excited for words, but at the same time it doesn't seem real. Lots of preparation to be done now!

[Gazinghound]

Ahhhhhyyyyyyyeeeeee!!! I know exactly how you feel; it was the same way for me in 2006, right before I got Ulla. It's like having a new baby.

And yaaay, another red doggie! >3 (Is she a feathered too?) With a pretty name (who picked it?) I can't wait to see what she looks like...must be so beautiful...I'm very glad that you found her! Just wait and see; there's nothing like life with a 'luki! ;D ;D It's a real adventure...

[grizabella]

I've been doing LOTS of doggy shopping, which has been a lot of fun. It's starting to sink in that it's actually happening a bit more now!
Bella is a feathered girl, he name was given to her by her breeder, but I have decided that it will be short for Grizabella because of her grizzle colouring. I also thought a name from 'Cats' would be quite suitable for a dog from a breed renowned for a cat-like personality!
Yes, it is going to be a big adventure, very exciting.

[Gazinghound]

That name, that NAME! Not only do I LOVE it and "Cats" so much already, but it's perfect in so many ways..!!! xD

[grizabella]

Less than two weeks to go!!!! ;D ;D ;D (unless I die of excitement first)
Bella is a show-quality Saluki, and her breeder has said that I can show her in the future if I wish- I think I will sometime! My aunt used to show her Belgian Shepherds so I will ask her for advice.
I wish time would go quicker... it still seems a long way away!

[Gazinghound]

Unfortunately, dying of excitement is all too possible--be careful! XD I had to really try to avoid it as well. x3
That's AWESOME!! Oh, I hope you have fun when you get around to that. How great that you've got someone experienced in the family to turn to (and in such a cool and unusual breed, also!) That's very helpful. I have one aunt who once showed her Golden Retriever, but the fact that she lives so far away and then actually separated from my uncle meant that she couldn't help me all that much. Last semester I discovered that my Media Journalism professor is actually the daughter of a vet and used to do some junior handling of other people's dogs...boy, was I surprised to learn that.