As we started our day on Sunday a few things were apparent with our new pup. The first was she was picking up the dreaded stairs very quickly and the second was – she was in heat.  She was still not eating all that much and confused about treats but she was figuring out the house very well and getting along with our kids. I made a quick run to Petco for some cute as a button dog diapers with a little hole cut out for the tail for Hasel and then spent the rest of the day hanging with the pups. 

Our first assignment of the day was to introduce Hasel to our feline family.  Staying muzzled and leashed, she showed some interest in the felines but a hiss and swat from Summer Sausage and Fezzik was all it took to discourage her from anything further. We will continue to keep her muzzled and obviously crated when she can’t be watched but I feel like we are moving in the right direction. 

I am loving my retirement life!

-LRA

On Saturday, April 2^nd  I received a call from Robert around noon that he was making great time and was already just on the other side of Indianapolis.  I would be getting Lucky Florida Dog #4 today!  Robert called me again from Merrillville, Indiana and we decided on our meeting point.  As I waited for Robert to arrive I fondly remembered the last 3 Lucky Florida Dogs.  They each have very special forever homes now and we hear from their families often with updates. The dog that came up last year has been renamed Danilo.  I am fortunate to be able to see this pup quite often as he was adopted by Leaving Tracks volunteers and he frequently shows his charm at our Meet and Greets.  I had called him “Mr. Perfect” because he was such an angel on the ride back to Chicago. However, once he realized he was home and not going anywhere else, he quickly showed his real 2 year old energy and has given his mom and dad a run for their money ….  in a loving way :)

Once Robert arrived we quickly moved Hasel into my car after a quick stretch.  It was a cold day, lightly snowing off and on all day and this little girl was not used to this weather.  Robert had said it was 90 degrees when he had left Florida the day before. We stopped for a bath at a self-wash Petco on the way home which surprisingly did not phase Hasel.  An hour after switching vehicles we were at my house.  I let each of my 6 greys out one at a time to meet our new house guest.   Our little Banana seemed most interested and quickly decided she had a new play buddy.

Hasel at the kennel in Florida prior to her journey to Chicago!

Car ride! 

Oh how tired I am! (Hasel in the car)

Our trip inside took a while as Hasel was not so thrilled with the steps.  Banana and Penelope flew up and down them several times telling her to do what they were doing but she wasn’t having any of it and decided that if she looked the opposite direction then this terrible event would not really be happening. Finally we got inside and my kids showed her where everything was.  She was not bothered by the hard wood floors, the tile floor or the furniture. She was and continues to be quite enamored with herself in any reflection.  She will stand in front of our dishwasher, wine cooler or floor length mirror and just gaze lovingly.  It is quite cute. I was very pleased that Hasel slept through the night without a hitch. More often than not we find that the first night can understandably be a very restless night for the new pup. New place, new sounds, new smells and minus lots of dogs. This was not the case for Miss Hasel. She curled up in the crate and never woke up until we all did the next morning.  As she came bounding out of the crate, I could just hear her say, “Ya!  I am so happy to start a new day in this whole new world!” and I was happy to show her the way!

-LRA

"Finally! I am at my foster family's home!" - Hasel

Lucky Florida Dog #4!

In early January,  Margaret and Dan Rosenfeld contacted me once again to see if I would be willing to drive to Florida for them and of course bring a greyhound back from the track.  For the first time, it was not going to be possible for me this year. I contacted Jeff Coggins with American Greyhound to see if he knew anyone that might be able to help us out.  Jeff suggested one of their volunteers, Robert.  Robert had helped on several of their hauls and drove for a living so this might be a good fit.  Robert very happily agreed to help us.  Margaret and Dan were thrilled to have this taken care of and Jeff agreed to allow the dog to come through American Greyhound. Leaving Tracks would once again handle the details and as long as the pup was cat friendly, would be fostered at the Reynolds Anderson house.  

As I write this, it is March 31st.  Jeff has heard from a woman we deal with in Florida and has been advised we have a dog but it will need to be picked up at the farm – about an hour north of Sarasota.

I have packed the bag that I have come to find helpful when doing this trip and will get it to Robert today as he is leaving tomorrow morning.   We have been advised the dog is a leg break so we are ready for whatever is to come our way.  

Our own house is almost ready for the visitor.  Our oldest pup, Breeze had a stroke 1 ½ weeks ago and we are still coming around from that.  My husband Steve is in China for a week to work with a group to end the dog meat industry.  When he returns we will have our new addition.

-LRA

*** Laura Reynolds Anderson and Steve Anderson has been opening their biggest & kindest hearts and their home for fostering & finding forever homes for many race retired greyhounds, including previous three Lucky Florida Dogs.  You can find previous blogs:

Lucky Florida Dog #1, Allie
Allie has been happily spoiled by her human family & her greyhound sibling. 

Lucky Florida Dog #2, Gable 
The photo of happy Gable & his human family.

Lucky Florida Dog #3, Danilo (on left, enjoying ice cream with his cousin Banana :) ), has found his forever home, and now happily living with his human dad & mom, and two greyhounds in Chicago.