Comments on: Hi, my name is mx5, and I’m not a dog person

By: Jay

Jay — Tue, 28 Dec 2004 00:12:40 +0000

Justin is correct: Whippets.

http://timbreblue.com/about_whippets.html

By: jessica

jessica — Mon, 27 Dec 2004 02:10:19 +0000

Russian wolfhounds? Known to be sort of dumb. Try 2 pit females hand raised from one week old for double trouble. My hubby vowes to get rid of them at least once a week. They turned 1 in November. 2 Handfuls of trouble to spite this we do love them. some chewed items encounterd: shoes, walls, glass, metal, rubber, lots of clothing and our porch is getting smaller : )

By: Wince and Nod

Wince and Nod — Fri, 24 Dec 2004 00:54:34 +0000

mx5,

The first Devo song I thought of was “We Are Devo”. Hmmm. Wearedevo. Almost. Weredevo would be a good name for a band which could change from humans into devos.

I’m glad to know the breed to skip.

Yours,
Wince

By: James R. Rummel

James R. Rummel — Fri, 24 Dec 2004 00:51:34 +0000

‘And I understand what people see in pets, I like pets, it�s just I don�t understand the �familial� attachment.”

Sorry, I misunderstood. I’m with you on the whole family thing myself. I’m attached to my dogs, but I certainly don’t say that I’m their daddy or anything.

That would be just plain weird..

James

By: Justin

Justin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 18:46:23 +0000

Whippets!

By: mx5

mx5 — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 17:07:32 +0000

Nope, not greyhounds. Close, very close. Often mistaken for greyhounds. They’re not Italian either, somewhere in the middle! As I said earlier, think of a Devo song.

They came from a breeder, and as it turns out, not the most reputable. The rescue noticed immediately their sporting heritage (by their family tree, which I wasn’t aware of) and just knew some lure coursing enthusiasts would want them. Lure coursing is a hobby, unlike greyhound racing, that the dogs love.

By: Justin

Justin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 16:32:43 +0000

I agree with David, my greyhound (I assume thats what you have/had) lays on the couch…all day. The only time she runs figure 8′s is after she takes a big shit out in the yard. I have more trouble with my two other Jack Russells than the grey. Oh well, at least you gave them back to an adoption group instead of the animal shelter. Did you get your greyhounds from a track/rescue group or from a breeder? That may explain the difference. The track dogs tend to be a little more laid back and healthier.

By: mx5

mx5 — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 13:44:04 +0000

James R., yes it was our own fault. As I said, we picked the wrong breed. I was too focused on “dog that doesn’t bark,” and missed some important personality clues. And I understand what people see in pets, I like pets, it’s just I don’t understand the “familial” attachment. And fortunately, the biggest threats I encountered while with those dogs were bunnies, squirrels, and lady bugs.

By: Fox

Fox — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 05:40:48 +0000

So, exactly what is ‘Breed X’, so I can remember to stay away from them when I get a dog?

By: James R. Rummel

James R. Rummel — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 02:26:00 +0000

“But the problem is that we did everything right except we just picked the wrong breed.”

It was your own fault. You were the one who went looking for a “cat like dog”. Might as well try to buy a “motorcycle-like car”.

So far as not understanding what people see in pets, I rescue stray dogs from off the street. 2 of the dogs I’ve rescued have protected me from violent attack at different times, even though they both were injured when they got between me and the threat.

Let me know when you come across a housecat that will do that.

James

By: David

David — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:34:04 +0000

Now I dunno about ********, but my greyhound (9 1/2 now, got him at 4 1/2) is the most laid back dog I have ever seen. He whines a bit, never barks, and sleeps all day. Now when he does go out, he runs like a fool for 5 minutes, then is done.

They are “leaners” though – always like to touch you!

By: Mrs. Bubba

Mrs. Bubba — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 23:52:58 +0000

Egad. That’s great.

I love my Schnauzer but Schnauzer’s are not for everyone as is the case with every furry animal. They each have their own idiosyncrasies.

She cannot be outside without a leash or a fence
She got lost once for 6 hours through the swamp, we were frantic
She hates water except to drink, rain, lakes, rivers, pools, baby pools, bath tubs. That makes it pretty hard in Tennessee, in Florida not so bad.
She needs a $20 – $30 grooming every 6 weeks
No people food (or replace the carpet)
She barks frantically at all visitors (but just wants love or treats)
Must now always find hotels, etc. that allow pets (or very good kennel)

She has never chewed on anything other than her own toys or treats
She never pinkles or poops in the house, never has
She is a great stress reliever
She loves walks, thus great for your health
She gives lots of love

I love my Schnauzer and do not know what I would do with out her. However, as I said previously, Schnauzer’s are definitely not for everyone. As my older brother says, “just another yappy dog”. But then he voted for Bush.

By: ben

ben — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 22:19:47 +0000

cats = good

dogs = arrgh

By: skb

skb — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 21:24:55 +0000

Mx5, you did the right thing for your situation. Good for you. As you said, they will probably be happier in the long run and so will you and the Mrs.

By: mx5

mx5 — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 21:05:27 +0000

SU, I don’t want a cat or any animal at this point. But at least with a cat, you don’t have to watch your step in the yard. And if you keep the box cleaned out, there won’t be any odor at all.

I didn’t mention the breed’s name because I don’t want to end up in any discussions among the tight-knit folks who enjoy that particular breed. But just think of the first Devo song that comes to your mind, spell that out as a single word instead of two, and you’ll be on the right track.

By: Jay G

Jay G — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 20:29:32 +0000

Chalk up one advantage for being highly allergic…

By: Les Jones

Les Jones — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 20:26:35 +0000

Stormy, if you’re taking bets put me down for dalmation.

By: Stormy Dragon

Stormy Dragon — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 20:22:50 +0000

So, don’t keep us in the dark. Exactly what breed were the little helions?

By: cube

cube — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 19:37:56 +0000

you should have fed them more, a little heart disease and an early death would sooth you soul.

also have you ever know a fat dog that ran around a lot.

I do like dogs, but only the lazy ones

By: SayUncle

SayUncle — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 19:28:39 +0000

Oh and i hate cats. If you think a dog person’s home has an odor, go to a home that keeps a box of turds. Egad.

By: SayUncle

SayUncle — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 19:28:00 +0000

I know a lot of folks who have those problems, particularly with high strung dogs (like most small dogs and greyhounds). Most people need dogs that can occasionally chill out. Larger dogs tend to be calmer and come out of that puppy stage sooner. Our two large dogs have:

Nearly destroyed our yard
Get into occasional fights
Scratched up a door
One cries constantly
Ate christmas ornaments (the glass kind, i don’t know how)
Broke an antique vase

Despite all this, I can’t imagine life without them.