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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 18, 2000)
february 18. 2000 • Jm t • * * ] 3 7 GROUPS Top dogs Rescued greyhounds make affectionate pets— and really big lap dogs by L es Lewis had his heart set on adopting a greyhound, hut he needed the right living arrangements. So when he pulled up in front of his just-purchased home, he whipped out his cell phone and called Grey hound Pets of America from his driveway. “1 wanted a big lap dog,” Lewis says with a smile as he strokes his beautiful, fawn-colored Casey. And Casey does manage to assemble all 75 pounds of his long-legged self into Lewis’ not- so-ample lap, the adoptive dad adds. The good news is greyhounds are very easy to train. “They want so much to please,” Lewis says, explaining that he and his partner “had to establish dog-free zones for our 14-year-old cat, and Casey has never crossed the threshold.” Former racing greyhounds do need plenty of exercise. Some still enjoy running— but a fenced area is essential, since a greyhound can reach top speed of 45 mph in three strides. Others have no more interest in running and simply enjoy long walks. “Casey knows every squirrel in Mount Tabor Park,” Lewis claims. “1 would not have any other breed ever again,” says Lewis, who quickly became an advocate for the dogs. Kevin Friends and his partner also adopted a greyhound and are equally wild about their tall, dark and handsome boy, Tex. “As a pet they’re very loyal and shadow you everywhere— the original Velcro dogs,” Friends explains, adding that because they have a short coat they also need to be kept warm and dry in the Northwest’s moist climate. “You don’t put them out in a back yard and leave them," he says emphatically. Because there is greyhound racing in the Portland metro area, there is a never-ending stream of retiring dogs looking for their first real homes. They are generally from 3 to 5 years old at retirement, but dogs that didn’t adapt well to the racing life may be put up for adoption at a younger age. Their life expectan cy is 12 to 15 years, so this is a great way to give sanctuary to a fine breed of dog and enjoy many good years with a new pal. According to Jean Landers, chairwoman of tbe foster program with the rescue organization Greyhound Pets of America, these are easygo ing, sociable dogs who are incredibly loyal. She says the first challenge is to help them adjust to living in a home environment, "teaching them to be a real dog.” Landers goes on to explain that “grey hounds are not like other dogs— what they’ve been through isn’t like what any other dog has experienced— they’re special dogs." The GPA places over 200 dogs a year, and the organization currently has about 50 dogs O r ia n a G Palm Springs' Newest Luxury Resort Discover what's behind our walls ... Walk to Shops & Entertainment Clothing Optional reen available for adoption. Some still live in the kennel out at the dog track, and the rest are in temporary foster care while they wait for per manent homes. “I’m a failed foster parent, 1 kept five!” Lan ders explains, adding that they do well with other dogs and especially well with other grey hounds, since that’s what they’re used to. They can cohabit with certain cats, too: “I have five greyhounds and a cat, and the cat has an attitude,” Landers says with a hearty laugh. In addition to providing a home for his own dog, Tex, Friends also fosters greyhounds and is currently caring for Okie (see photo), who is eagerly searching for a new home. Because he’s an alpha male, Okie needs to be an only dog, and he would do best with a man who has a lot of room for running, since that’s what he’s accustomed to. Okie has been living on a ranch in central Oregon, but his previous owner died recently, so Okie’s hoping to live out his years with another bighearted fella. There is much to recommend about these sleek living sculptures— they aren’t known as chewers or diggers, they’re very playful and affectionate. And since they’re carefully bred to be good racing dogs, they avoid a lot of the NEW 2000 REGULAR CAB S10 PICKUP #00284 $9995 M SRP $12,434 After $1250 Factory Rebate or Special Financing Starting at 0.0% APR in lieu of rebates on approved credit Vortec Engine, 5 Speed Transmission. Current GM owners take advantage of S500 GM Loyalty Rebate * NEW 2000 VENTURE EXT World Class Amenities For the Discerning Traveler Pool •Jacuzzi 1491 Misting System Robes'HairDryers So led ad Down Comforters Mil In-room S a fe \ « s k #00084 $ 21,899 M SRP $26,055 Alter $2000 Factory Rebate or Special Financing Starting at 0 0% APR on approved credit LS Trim, A/C, Child Seat, Alloy Wheels. 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A good way to get to know the breed is to visit the kennel at Multnomah Greyhound Park, 944 N.E. 223rd Ave. in Wood Village. Every Saturday, volunteers bathe and walk the dogs from 9 to 10 a.m. Another option is to watch the informal gathering and dog-run every Sunday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. in the soccer field at 617 N.E. Marine Drive. Twenty or more dogs and their owners show up to exer cise and socialize, and it’s a fine opportunity to ask questions and watch these elegant animals at their fleet-footed best. “ M EET AND G R E E T ” Saturday, Feb. 26th - 7:00 pm at HOBO’S (120 NW THIRD AVE.) * 18,299 #00629 MSRP •20.566 Remote keyless entry. 4 speed auto w/ overdrive, 3.4L V-6 engine, AM/FM stereo w/cassetle and CD. 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