Greyhounds V Other Breeds

I'm not sure what to call this post as it's not a fight!  I've just been wondering what draws other people to certain breeds of dog.  There are so many to choose from how did/do you decide what is the right breed for you?  And then there are the muttley (Frankie type) dogs, where I guess it's often a case of falling in love with a particular dog at the SPCA or where ever.  I got Frankie from an auction site.  The time wasn't really right for me to get a dog but the sad expression in his eyes, skinniness and unattractiveness kept drawing me back to his post and photos again and again and finally, a few hours before his post finished I emailed his rescuer to see if he was still available.  Obviously he was but I had to pass a home check before he could come and live with me.  And a week or so later I met him and really fell in love.  The ugly duckling in the photos had turned into a swan after a few weeks in foster care.

Such a sad boy:(

Just a bit happier now?

When my thoughts turned to getting him some company as I'm away from home for around 12 hours a day during my busy time at work (now!) I didn't really have a breed of dog in mind.  I used to breed and show Shelties.  Absolutely wonderful little dogs but I'm past looking after a long coated dog and they do have a tendency to like the sound of their own voice which was OK when I lived in the country but not a good idea now that I'm in town.  And I didn't think their nature would gel all that well with Frankie.  Then there were JRT's.  My ex-husband had custody of our 2 (although little Katie died a year ago today, RIP sweetie, we miss you) and just Josh is left to look after my ex in his old age.  And he is so good.  A really special little dog.  But he and Frankie aren't buddies, which has a lot to do with Josh thinking I am still his Mum (which I am, of course!) and I shouldn't have another dog!!!  And there is the matter of all the white hair which seems to constantly shed!

Katie and Josh as youngsters

By this time we'd met Fatima and Rachel and they had begun serious fostering for GAP (Greyhounds as Pets), and Frankie and their own little girl, Lucy, had fallen in love.  Frankie enjoyed the company of all the foster dogs to a greater or lesser degree and there were none he didn't get on with.  My thoughts started to swing to getting a little female Greyhound, I'd never had a 'big' dog and didn't think a big Greyhound would fit in my house, lol!  Although I've long had a hankering for a black standard Poodle, but then there's the coat thing again.  Well, my first thought when I saw Beryl in the flesh was OMG, she's huge!!!  She's actually an average sized female but next to Lucy she looks big:-)

Lucy and Beryl

Standing next to Louie - not so big:)

And when Beryl curls up she's about the size of a pillow!

Anyway, we're all living happily ever after and I guess I just kind of slid into Greyhounds without realising it to begin with.  But you know what ... I'd never want to be without one now!  So I guess they're my breed.  Beryl is perfect for me/us at this time in my life.  Sometimes I'll meet another Greyhound and I think hmmm, if I didn't have Beryl ... but then I get back with Beryl and I slap myself for having such a terrible thought.  Part of me would really love another Greyhound but the sensible part of me says 2 dogs are enough for 1 person to look after physically and financially.  And I really don't want to share myself with another dog, if that makes sense.

A very good reason for getting a GAP Greyhound again is that I'd be giving a good (hopefully Frankie and Beryl would say GREYT!) home to a Greyhound who needs one.  So many people don't realise what wonderful pets they make.  I didn't until I got Beryl.  She's way better than I thought she'd be.

Another good reason for getting a Greyhound is the Greyhound community!  I've met so many lovely people and hounds since getting Beryl.  

OK, that's more than enough of me waffling on.  I'd love to hear how you came to have your particular breed/s of dog and what you love about them and how they suit you:-)

And it's Saturday Blog Hop time again.

It's co-hosted by Life With Dogs Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume! and if you visit any of their blogs you can find out how to join the fun:)  Thanks for visiting mine.