three years with gravy

Three years ago today, we adopted Gravy and were initiated into a special club: we became greyhound people. I can't imagine my life without Gravy, and yet I can't believe he's already been a part of our family for three years.

It's true that all greyhounds are special dogs - if you've never met a retired racer, you're missing out. In spite of their questionable pasts on the racetrack, retired greyhounds are the most gentle, quiet, loyal, and loving dogs you could ask for. They say that greyhounds are like chips - you can't have just one. And while I can't imagine my life without a greyhound in it, I know we hit the jackpot with Gravy on the first try - we already have the best one.

Gravy runs.

October 18, 2008 - Gravy's new home.

Gravy and me, October 19, 2008 - the day after his adoption.

Gravy's second day - "Helllllooooo, ladies!" (Well, make yourself at home, big boy!)

Within a couple weeks, he had the whole retirement thing down pat. "Sunshine on my weiner? Yes, please!"

Gravy's first Christmas. Spoiled rotten. "Who? Me?"

Gravy and Larry running, March 2009. "Try and keep up with me, doughboy!"

Gravy on the beach. Outer Banks, May 2009.

I struggle to put my feelings about Gravy into words. He is a very very special dog. Sweet, calm, smart, observant, and a bit aloof - yet he has a great sense of humor and a silly streak. He loves new experiences, loves seeing the world and meeting people, and is always ready for the next adventure...

"Don't worry, Mama - I'll protect you from this big scary spider!"

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Here's the story of Gravy's adoption, which I wrote on his first Gotcha Day:

On October 18, 2008, we made our way to Greyt Expectations Greyhound Rescue in Lusby, Maryland. I'll admit that as soon as I walked into Greyhound Central and saw all the crated dogs, a certain red fawn (then known as Boc's Baby Blush), who had come down from Seabrook Greyhound Park (a racetrack in New Hampshire) that morning, immediately caught my eye. Not only was he gorgeous - he was HUGE. He was the first dog we test walked and he dragged me all over the place. Larry immediately said, "You cannot have that dog - no way! He's WAY too big for you." We tried all the other dogs and while they were all sweet, none seemed like quite the right fit. I said to Larry, "Let's give the big red one another chance. I think we were the first people to walk him. Maybe it was just sensory overload for him." He was better on the second test walk and I said to Larry, "This is the one."

We met another couple looking to adopt a dog, and the wife said to me about Gravy, "That dog has some fire in his belly!" But he was ours. We loaded him up in the car and on the ride home our big red pup reached his paw between the front seats to ask for more petting. Turns out the dog with the fire in his belly was the sweetest and most loving pup we ever could've asked for.

And now for a confession. I've been a dog person my whole life. Larry had never had a dog, and if he wasn't with me, it probably never would've occurred to him to get a dog. However, he knew that not getting a dog would've been a deal breaker for me! I was dreaming about getting a dog before we had even bought our house. I think Larry thought he would tolerate an animal companion, but he was unprepared for the fact that he would love a dog. Well, it was after only a week of having Gravy in our home that I caught Larry whispering into Gravy's ear "I love you, Gravy." Every morning and every night when Larry comes home from work, he calls Gravy over for a "hug" and Gravy trots over and loops his head through Larry's arm and leans against him for a good rub. When I asked Larry when he had become such a dog person, he replied "But Gravy's special! I don't even think of him as a dog. He has so much personality - I feel like I really understand him. Other dogs just seem like dogs." I laughed and explained that that is what happens when you have your OWN dog - and that everyone feels that way about THEIR dog!

Thank you, Gravy, for showing Larry what it truly means to love (and be loved by) a dog. Thank you for making us a family. We love you more than you'll ever understand.

Me and Gravy . February 2009

"Look, Mom! I made it to the top!"

(My boys at Hawksbill Summit - the highest peak in Shenandoah. September 2009.)