We have a match!

[GreenieGables]

Or possibly two!

I posted 3/4 weeks ago about finding a breeder for a puppy, but then some very lovely ladies guided me in the direction of greyhounds and I fell in love.

But we have a cat, I think I have spoken to every place within a decent radius, some have been more helpful than others.

Yesterday I spoke to a lovely lady and we're going to view two on Friday. Chances are we will take one and I'm so excited I'm giving myself a headache .

So, what do I need? They're both female so neither will be massive. We're going to get a crate, do you think an XL will be the right size? She will come with muzzle, collar and lead so no need to buy them.

What about food bowls? Which are best? Beds? Which are the comfiest? Do I need a kong type toy? I'm not sure on her diet yet, but if it's kibble which is the best to go for? I'd prefer raw but I'll carry on with whatever she's on now and suits her.

Eek, one very excited household here

[Costacoffeeplease]

She's gorgeous, hope you'll all be very happy

If you think she has fleas that could also account for a poor coat or old scabs, if she's been licking/scratching/nibbling a lot. And if she has fleas she probably has worms, so get them both sorted asap, you really don't want the fleas to get a hold on your furniture

[Candybeek]

She's gorgeous greenie, so happy for you! When we bought home our rescue I was besotted from the first day!
My lab had fleas too Even tho they said they'd flead her. I got her some frontline and sprayed the house with frontline spray. Flea combed her everyday until there was nothing, it only took a few days.
Her coat wasn't very good either, very dry flakey skin so i read about changing food which I have done, also I give her fish oil capsules everyday which she takes without fuss! First day I pricked the end and squeezed it so she could taste it, now I just give it her whole and she takes it like it's treat. It's clearing up her coat nicely :)

[GreenieGables]

Thanks everyone, I was greeted this morning with a hungry cat . So pleased he's back, I've been more worried about him than anything else.

I introduced them with the dog in the crate and brought the cat in... I read not to hold the cat... now I know why! My hand is ripped to shreds. But they're sat in the same room, dog not fussed by cat at all and still crated, cat on the back of the sofa lying down trying not to be bothered.

Will take advice re fleas, thank you. I'm pretty sure that could be part of her the problem with her fur.

Baby steps, we'll get there. I feel a bit on edge though, I think it's the new routine or lack or it.

[Costacoffeeplease]

at the lack of routine. My husband brought home a street pup on Wednesday, covered in ticks, fleas, worms, fur matted with grass and seeds - to go with our two other rescue dogs (one highly nervous and reactive) and our 15 rescued cats. I put a thread on here about her yesterday

I'd happily swop for one greyhound and one cat

[luckylambchop]

Awww she is beautiful, Greenie! And I'm delighted that your cat is back too. You probably already know this but Indorex is a fantastic flea treatment if you end up with them in the house, and it lasts a year. Think I'll give our house a blast of it before doggie arrival.

X

[GreenieGables]

I didn't know about Indorex, DH is doing a shop today so I'll add it to the list, thank you.

Thanks Costa, but I'll keep my lot What a wonderful thing you're doing though.

I'm a very routine driven person and can get quite stressed and anxious myself, but I'm hoping the dog will help me relax more!

She's still panting a fair bit but I'm guessing that's normal for the first few days?

Cat is still routed in position, I can see the colour of his eyes now though

[Costacoffeeplease]

Yes indorex is very good

When we're introducing new animals to each other, if one of them (usually dog) is particularly food driven, we give lots of treats every time they even look at the other in a calm non-reactive way, and give ott praise, may help

We're hoping to find a home for the pup

[GreenieGables]

Good luck, hope you find the right home for him/her.

I've put the muzzle on her, she's not bothered by the cat in the slightest. But hates her muzzle, she's rolling around trying to get it off and banging into everything with it whilst pacing around. Is that normal?! Have I don't it too tight maybe? I can't take her out for a walk until after lunch as DD has a club I need to take her too shortly.

[Costacoffeeplease]

I assume she was used to a muzzle? Did they show you how to put it on? I've never used one so can't help on that, sorry

[GreenieGables]

Yes, they said she as is standard with greyhounds she used to wear one a lot. They showed us how to put it on, I checked it wasn't pinching her anywhere.

We actually have a greyhound specialist shop about half an hour away from us. I might take her there if it doesn't improve and see if they can fit one properly for her. She does have a little graze on her nose that she had from the kennals, so maybe it's rubbing on that. Who knows!

We did just take her out for a 20 minute walk, we found the time. She was perfect, 100%. She's now fast asleep on the rug. Whilst DS is rolling around in the crate

[GreenieGables]

Can I have some more advice please?

My DC don't like the dog They're scared of her and haven't been in the living room all day, they've stayed upstairs out of her way. They keep panicking when they are near and 3yo DS has screeched a few times (dog hasn't flinched) and run away.

They're generally ok with dogs, cautious but not scared. But now one is in our home they don't like it. They keep asking me to take her back . I don't know what to do. It's only the younger two, eldest one (12) is fine.

Is this something they will get used to in time? I don't want my DC to be scared in their own home. She's been a bit unsettled this afternoon and has been restlessly pacing around. But I'm putting that down to her own new home nerves.

But the kids, what the hell do I do about them?

[Costacoffeeplease]

Did they meet her before you brought her home? How have you prepared them for her arrival?

[GreenieGables]

Yes, they came with us. We had already been to another retired greyhound place and they met some there.

We watched videos on YouTube, looked at photos, read some facts about them online. We had to do a lot of prep as one of my DC has ASD and it's standard for us to prepare her for everything.

I hope it's just first day nerves all round.

I took my DD horse riding earlier and there's massive German Shepherds running around, they didn't even flinch. I think it's the dog being in their home that's the problem.

[Costacoffeeplease]

Hopefully

I'm a bit surprised a rescue matched you with a dog if you have a 3 year old, they usually say 8+ IME

They're going to have to learn to be calm and not scream and run around, watch you giving her treats and stroking her gently, and build up to them doing the same. Have the dog quietly on her bed while they're in the same room, engrossed in a board game or watching a film, all nice calm things just to get them used to her presence

You're lucky the dog is nice and calm, a puppy would be a nightmare in this scenario

[Costacoffeeplease]

I'd stop the children going in her pen too - that's her space, and they need to respect that

[GreenieGables]

I realised after that DS was in the crate to get away from the dog! He closed himself off so she couldn't get to him. I told him to get out and he ran upstairs.

He screamed out of fear, not just usual child screeching.

The dog isn't really resting, she's following us around. When she settles down, if I get up to go into the kitchen she follows me.

Yes that's why we got an older dog, because the kids are so young. The rescue had no problem with their age, I obviously told them beforehand.

The cat is still hiding behind he sofa, won't come out!

[Costacoffeeplease]

You've had her what 24 hours? Of course she'll be following you around, she's just been moved into a completely different environment and is bound to be unsettled. You'll just have to give it time, lead by example, be firm with the children and how they react to her and hope it gets better quickly

A pup would be a million times worse

[beebeautiful]

It's normal greenie. Our rescue was a bit clingy for a groupie if days but skip one month on and she's so at home it's like she's been here years.

It's probably just so new & different for your youngest. They will probably feel more settled & happier once your dog does. Give it time.

[GreenieGables]

Oh yes, I know that's completely normal for the dog to be clingy and follow us around and will take her a while to settle.

We've been firm with DS, I think I just feel a bit guilty that I've bought this dog into their house and it's made them uncomfortable.

I wasn't expecting miracles. I just didn't expect the DC to react like this.

I'm sure with time things will settle down, I think this just threw me a bit.

[beebeautiful]

They might feel a bit left out as you are paying attention to the dog, I'll keep my fingers crossed it all works out!!

[pugsake]

She's lovely. Just to warn you. My mam has two rescues.

Below is her collar collection. Not including the special haloween, Christmas and caravan collars.

Just forewarning you

[NoBetterName]

Did the rescue not insist that the dog meet the children before rehoming? We have a rescue whippet and a rescue lurcher, which we got when ds2 was 2 years old and 3 years old, respectively. The rescues (a different one for each dog) wanted all family members to meet the dogs including when we got ddog2, ddog 1 had to meet her first. We've just been approved for fostering whippets (still waiting for when we might be needed), but the home-checker very definitely wanted to meet all members of the family too, including the children and the dogs. I thought this was quite normal for rescues.

Would the rescue be able to help give advice on socialising your dc with the dog (and vice versa)? Any decent rescue should be falling over backwards to help your dog settle in and ensure no issues with dc. It's not good for them in the event something would go wrong.

[GreenieGables]

Love the collar collection! I'm already on the hunt for some pretty ones.

She's been for two 20 minute walks today, she was utterly shattered so I think I need to work on building her up. She was ace though, no pulling and listened to 'wait' every single time.

The DC were with us at the rescue, they helped us walk all 4 dogs and were there for hours choosing, walking and getting to know her. They honestly were absolutely fine with her. It's just been at home.

DS is ok with her coming up to him now, he doesnt flinch anymore. So I think we will get there. I just had that moment of 'wtf have I done' this afternoon. Which I think is completely normal. I got a bit teary about it, but I've pulled myself together a bit now. I feel much more confident when DH is around.

Thank you all for your help and support

[CMOTDibbler]

Nice collar collection Pugsake! I'm not sure I dare gather all ours up tbh. Though we just have seasonal bandanas rather than collars

[luckylambchop]

I am sure that is all totally normal! It's a massive change for everyone. Glad things have improved. 😊