Newsflash......

welcome to a brand new page for Greyhound Crossroads!

Coming soon to this page will be an area dedicated specifically to those greyhounds we consider to be 'special needs'.  These are dogs who are looking for that one special owner who can see the precious gift in their eyes...past the years or special challenges faced in order to be ready for adoption.

These greyhounds are special.  We're very proud to help them along the road to their own family to love them.

Please check back soon for pictures, stories, and other good information about opening your home to these special babies!  Allyson is designing the page now so check back daily...

you may find it touches your heart.  :-)

Senior greyhounds offer your family a very special kind of love. Unlike some of the younger dogs, seniors are more settled. They easily fit into your family and your family routine. Most seniors are as energetic as the younger greys, anxious to run and play and jump but equally content to lay at your feet. Senior greys are calm and relaxed and easily adapt to home life. Most are warm and friendly to family members as well as guests. Their maturity and love for humans make them excellent pets for any family. As they are more relaxed than some of the younger dogs, most are suitable for homes with young children, offering children a relaxed and gentle companion.

Greyhounds have an average lifespan of 10-14 years and many live to be 17 years of age so even our senior greys will give you and your family years of heartwarming love and affection. Though we cannot guarantee a long lifespan (any more than we can with our younger dogs), most of our seniors give their new owners years of companionship. If you are looking for a gentle, relaxed companion for yourself and your family, please consider our senior greys. We guarantee that our seniors will offer you tremendous satisfaction. Just listen to what some of our senior owners have to say about their special pet.

The Best Dog I Will Ever Have...

is now a memory.

Shannon died today. Six weeks short of her 16th birthday.

But instead of telling you how she died, I'm going to tell you how she lived and affected me.

I adopted Shannon on April 1, 1995 (http://www.abap.org/junkie.htm). She was 11 years old. She changed my life. I've said it before, but when I adopted Shannon, I thought I was getting a pet ... but I really was making a lifestyle choice.

Shortly after adopting her, I found Greyhound-L. My original Welcome message is dated July 15, 1995. I signed on to learn about greyhounds, but found a niche. Four years ago, Shannon began her career as a Senior Ambassadog. She was joined in November of that year by an 11yo fawn greyhound named Mamie.

Shannon & Mamie were dogs that GH-L members learned to love. The antics of these seniors slowly taught list members that older and geriatric dogs aren't "over the hill". That they are vibrant individuals, full of mischief and glee (http://www.k8nkc.com).

I remember when I was practically the lone voice preaching about adopting older hounds - now there are dozens out there who have learned it for themselves and preach in their own ways.

One comment that I hear repeatedly when I talk to people about adopting an older dog is "Oh, I couldn't. I get too attached and I wouldn't have an old dog long enough."

Maybe those people are right. I had KittyDog barely a year ... and it wasn't enough. I had Mamie just over two years ... and it still wasn't enough. I had Shannon almost five years ... and it definitely wasn't enough. Then I think, I had my K.C. (KittyCat) for 17 years ... and even that wasn't enough.

But I know for sure that I am a better person for knowing all those creatures. Shannon and Mamie taught me to measure time in a different way. A way that fills itself more completely with ordinary things. KittyDog taught me to lighten up! and K.C. taught me patience.

Shannon had her picture published in the very first issue of Celebrating Greyhounds. That picture is still my favorite, I have it on my desk at work. When I look at it I think, “That's my Girl!” She was also pictured with a story called “The Glass is Half Full” in the Winter, 98 issue.

She was crowned Ms. Greyhound at the 1999 Abilene Greyhound.

Shannon was always very athletic, she dearly loved the tunnels in the agility course that was set up during the very first Abilene Gathering. Up until just a few weeks ago, she was still running around her makeshift track.

I remember so many things ... Shannon chasing and catching a rabbit in the backyard (http://www.k8nkc.com/Shannon). Shannon trying to get the last word in any telephone conversation I held. Shannon sitting and catching little treats I would toss at her. Playing the "Hunt it Up" game - where I'd hide treats and she would sniff them out. The way she would patrol any new yard we visited. The way she slept under the desk when I was on the computer ... and her barking when she thought I had been on it long enough - more than almost anything else I will miss the sound of her voice.

There are dozens (hundreds/thousands?) more things about her I’ll miss.

So, now I start a new stage of life ... post Shannon. She was my heartdog, my touchstone, she kept me grounded. I don't know what I'll do without her ... I can't even believe she's gone.

Hug those Hounds,  Kate

Angus - 12y,7m old Happiest Dog on the Planet!  and, of course, Shannon & Mamie, KittyDog and K.C. - Playing at Rainbow Bridge .... forever missed

Please visit Mame's World ... http://www.k8nkc.com/mamie

February 12, 2000,  Kate Bressler,  kate@k8nkc.com

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