What's In A Name?

A while back, our friend Frankie Furter challenged everyone to share the story of how they got their name on July 4 as a fun way to enjoy a laid back holiday.  So, in the spirit of Frankie's idea, we're sharing the history of our names.  At least, as much of it as we can.

Greyhounds are a little different than a lot of dogs, because most of them come to their homes as retired racers who already have names.  Some of the names are rather funny and clever.  Many times they have kennel names that have something to do with their racing names, and other times, they have kennel names that have nothing to do with their racing names.  CKB Tom Koon, you know who you are! 

Some racing owners always give their dogs some initials before their names that stand for something personal to them.  For example Treat's owners always named the dogs Adios and then something, so her name was Adios Treat.  Hawk's owner always names the dogs Stat US and then a name.  His litter all had team mascot names.  It also happens that sometimes they don't give a prefix of any kind to the names, too.  Anyhow, now that there's a little background behind us, I'll explain how our current girls got their names. 

Lilac's official name is WW Line.  It appears that her owners really liked trains, because there are a lot of train references in their dogs' names.  She was known as Line when we got her as a foster.  During the time when we had her as a foster, a very good friend of ours had a greyhound who was a lot like her in temperment and she went through a prolonged illness and eventually passed away just before we made Lilac officially ours.  Her signature color was purple.  When we first got her, she was into everything, in the sneakiest of ways.  We had to say her name A LOT!  We decided to alter her original name slightly and make it something easier to say so that we could try to train her.  So, in a nod to our friend's dog, we changed it to Lilac, which still had a bit of the sound of the name she'd had but was easier to say in a training sort of way.  Seven years later, we still say her name a lot and she still ignores us just as much.  Interestingly, in both of the litters of puppies she had there is also a dog named Line.  We think Lilac just suits her, though.  I often think of the poem "When I Am An Old Lady, I Shall Wear Purple" when I think of Lilac, too, so it just sort of seems to fit her.  Lilac's name is the only one that we have changed after she came to live with us.

Blueberry's racing name was Reward Terry.  Before she lived with us, she spent a few months as the companion to a crazy cat lady.  She'd been called Terry at the track, but they had someone in their family named Terry and they didn't want to have confusion.  Greyhounds who are grey are actually rather rare, and the color is known as blue within the breed.  They thought it would be fun to combine a reference to her color and make a rhyme with her name, so they changed her name to Blueberry.  The first four months that Blue lived with us, we were supposed to be petsitting her, with the plan that she was returning to the woman who'd first had her.  So, of course we were calling her Blueberry.  By the time she was officially ours, we were very used to calling her Blueberry and honestly, I couldn't pick a better name for her.  It just really sums up her personality.  She's funny, sweet and often a surprise. 

Bunny's racing name was Bank On Benefit.  She was called Bunny at the farm long before she had an official name.  At first, I thought that it might have been a play on Benefit, but I learned that she was called Bunny from the time she was little.  Interestingly, there was a mix up when her litter left the farm and went to schooling, and the names that they were supposed to have got somewhat mixed up.  So, it's possible she was meant to be Bank On Bling.  Since greyhounds are usually trained to chase mechanical rabbits on the track (who have their own names, but that's a post for another day) I really loved the irony of her being named Bunny.  She's also very petite for a greyhound.  Often people ask if she's a whippet, but she's a bit too big for that.  Still, because of her size and her nature, Bunny really is a perfect name for her. 

I know that a lot of greyhound adopters change their dogs' names when they first adopt them, but I've always been partial to keeping part of them.  I feel like it's a part of their history, I suppose.  If I had one who came with a really embarrassing name, that would be a different story, though!  However, now you know a little bit about our girls' history.
We'd like to wish all our friends in the United States a Happy Independence Day, as well!  Here's our own version of red, white and Blueberry!

Now it appears that I need to add an extra name explanation.  Morgan's official name is Morgan Annalise von Owen.  Her mother's name was Annalise, so that was given to her as a middle name, and I understand that her family just chose Morgan as her first name because they liked it.  While Morgan would not be my first pick for a dog's name, she knows it and is comfortable with it.  After all the changes that have happened in her life, we didn't want to put her through learning a new name on top of it.  Finding out about Bunny's name is what lead her to our lives, so we are glad to have participated in this fun exercise on many levels!

German Shepards And Greyhounds Are Different

Bunny here, writing about a few discoveries I've made about life with my new sister.

I was pretty excited to bring Morgan home with us.  I figured she was really just like me underneath with just bigger ears and a longer coat.  It turns out that I may have been mistaken about that.

We went shopping Sunday night at Petsmart.  Blueberry and I went with Mom while Morgan went with Dad.  It turns out that German Shepards don't shop like Greyhounds.  Blueberry and I like to drift down the aisles, inspecting the goods.  Some of it smells good, so we spend some extra time checking that out.  Morgan kept herding us all back together.  I told her that I'm just fine.  We went into the next aisle with Mom and then saw Dad being pulled down the aisle when Morgan almost lost sight of us.  She seems to have a compulsion about knowing where we all are all the time.

Then, we went down to Grandma and Grandpa's house.  They heard about Morgan and really wanted to meet her.  So, we went down after our shopping to say hello.  I had to introduce Morgan to everybody because it turns out that she doesn't trust just anybody.  I'll have to explain what being famous means to her later.  I'm sure she'll love it once she figures out what it all means.  Of course, she may be hired on as my bodyguard by then.

While we were down there, we decided to to out in the back yard and stretch our legs.  I had a lesson for Morgan out there.  I'll let the video explain it for me.

I think I'm going to like having her for a sister.  One thing I do need to find out is where German Shepards do their shopping.  Morgan won't wear the same collars and frippery as we Greyhounds, but she wants to look good, too.  Do any of you have any favorite places to shop?

A Most Unusual Road Trip

Bunny here, with an exciting tale to tell about our road trip this weekend. 

It's been really hot here, so we haven't been able to get out and about as much as we'd like to.  Well, as much as Blueberry and I would like to.  Lilac prefers to stay home.  Still, she was so busy barking all night, I figured she must be pretty excited to go, too.  Mom and Dad weren't so excited about the barking.  I heard a few words that would normally land you in the doghouse.  Still, morning finally came, and we all got into the van to ride off to Dubuque, Iowa.

On the way there, we saw a lot of this.

We also went through Galena, Illinois.  It's a pretty neat place, with all kinds of shops and restaurants.  It's very picturesque, but it's not particularly dog friendly, so we mostly admired it from in the van.  It was nice to be in the air conditioned van on a hot summer day and see the sights. 

I had to wonder a lot about this, too.  We did not eat there, but I was curious about what might be on the menu.  Mom said she might go back some time and find out for me.

I suppose by now you're all wondering what was so exciting about our trip.  We got to see a lot of sights, but we didn't get to do any shopping.  However, we did come home with something.

Please meet Morgan, our new German Shepard sister.  She is eighteen months old.  She is from a German line and she lived with her first family since she was twelve weeks old.  However, because of some disagreements in her family about her, they decided that it would be better for Morgan to go to a home where they felt she would be happier.  Dad loves us Greyhounds, and Mom says she will always have at least one Greyhound in the house, but Dad has always dreamed of having a German Shepard.  When we were offered the chance to bring her here, we were very excited.  We'd like to thank Frankie Furter for starting the stories about how everyone got their names, because that's what lead us to Morgan.  Her family bred me and my litter and took care of me when I was a tiny puppy.  When Mom started talking to her about how I got my name, they were talking about Morgan, and Mom told her how it was Dad's dream to have a Shepard in the family one day.  After some soul-searching, and because they know how happy and loved I am here, they decided to let Morgan come and be with us.  So, we went up to meet her to see if we'd get along, and we hit if off famously.  Morgan greeted Blueberry and me with kisses.  It was also nice to show them what a great pet I've become, even if I didn't get to race.

We are all getting to like her a lot!  Lilac didn't pose in a lot of the pictures because she broke another toenail in the van after we got there and so she was staying quiet in the van.  Morgan was very careful with her in the van and we all had a great time.  Maybe she'll share some floof with me! 

On The Road Again...

Bunny here, with a short post on Saturday morning.

There have been a lot of mysterious goings on here at the house this week.  I'm not sure what it all means.  What I do know is that Mom and Dad seem very excited about whatever it is, and maybe a little nervous, too.  We hounds all know that something's going on, and we are pretty excited, too.  Well, Blueberry and I are, anyway.  Lilac doesn't get excited about a whole lot besides proper fan placement and keeping the people dancing to her roos.  

We have seen that they were busy getting the van ready this week.  The air conditioning wasn't working right and Mom insisted that Dad take it in and get it fixed.  Blueberry and I deduced that this must involve a road trip.  It looks like it's going to be a lovely day for one, so I will be doing lots of observing and snoopervising from the window.  Blueberry and I thought about sleeping in the van to make sure that we didn't miss anything.

Hopefully, I will be able to give you all a full report next week.  Mom says that we'll be a little busy today and tomorrow.  She also said that she thinks I will like the whole experience.  Dad says it all depends on what Blueberry says.  I don't know what that's all about.  Hopefully soon, though, we'll see!

We're also participating in the blog hop today.  It's too much fun for us to miss it!  Feel free to join in if you'd like.

A Break From The Monotany

Bunny here, with my tail wagging after a most exciting walk.

It's been really hot here.  They've been saying on the news that it's too hot for anybody to go outside.  Even at night it's been hot enough to put blisters on your pads.  On top of that, it's been rainy and we've had some terrible thunderstorms.  This makes for great snuggling with Mom time, but it's not so good for a girl to stretch her legs.

Finally yesterday, it was a nice, decent summer day.  Mom called Dad and told him it would be a good night to go for a hike and he agreed.  So, we got our stuff all packed up and headed to Farmdale Park.

You'll notice that I'm sporting my new backpack.  Mom and Dad both had backpacks, too.  Dad said that everybody had to carry their share.  Mom carried bug spray, a towel, my long line, my harness (just in case), and her flip flops.  Dad carried the cameras, a first aid kit, a flashlight, a long line for Blueberry, and some water for him and Mom.  I wagged my tail and asked him why Blueberry didn't  have a backpack and what I was supposed to carry. 

Dad:  It's about time you started carrying your own poop!

Me:  What?!  I carry it, inside my tummy, until it's time for YOU to carry it!

Dad:  Not anymore, Puppy Girl!

Me:  MOM!  Did you hear that?  There's no way I am pooping on the trail!  I refuse to carry that stuff!  It's disgusting!  No way am I carrying Blueberry's, either!

Mom:  He's just kidding!  You're carrying a water bowl and two small bottles of water for you and Blue.  We'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from pooping on the trail, though.  Nobody wants to carry your poop!

Me: Whew!  I'll think about it, Mom, but I can't promise anything!  Actually, I'm so relieved, I feel like I could make a run to the powder room right now.

Well, after that little bit of joviality on Dad's part, we got our gear and got into the van.  Before we knew it, we were at the park.  I hopped out and headed out on the trail.  As we were walking along, it occurred to me that everbody expects us dogs to pick up our poop, but horses can just leave big piles of it all over the trails.  I think that's a bit unfair, although horse poop is fun to roll in, according to Blueberry.  Alas, I digress. 

We walked out on the trail until we got to the creek.  Because of all the rains recently, the creek was up pretty high.  Mom and Dad said we weren't going to go across it tonight.  It was really muddy on the main trail, too, and so Mom took a side trail.  Soon, we were at a spot where we could get down to the water. 

Mom and I carefully made our way down the hill.  Then it was time for Dad and Blueberry to come.  Blue found a dead duck in the grass and she had to go and have a snifftigation.  She should be on the CSI team, I tell you.  Well, Dad pulled her along and told her to leave it.  The next thing we knew, Dad slid in the mud, fell down and got all muddy.  Blueberry was quite surprised by the whole turn of events.  Mom asked if he was okay, and he was.  She picked up Blueberry's leash and waited for him to be able to get up.  I think if he'd just let her sniff that duck, and perhaps have a good roll in it, then karma wouldn't have given him that little push down the hill, but that is simply speculation on my part.

Anyroo, I had a nice dip in the cool creek water.  Mom put my long line on me and I went as far as I wanted to go.  Blueberry even joined me.  It was tons of fun and a nice way to spend the evening.  After that, we walked back to the van and headed home.  I think I'm going to sleep better tonight than I have all week!

The Fame Monster

Bunny here, ready to tell you about how famous I've now become.  It's finally happened.  Someone wants to interview me!

Bunny's mom interjecting here.  We volunteered to do an interview together over on Scout's Dog Blog.  They do a series there called Dogs Without Blogs and they interview dogs and their owners.  Usually these interviews are accompanied by some really beautiful photos.  I have laughed out loud on several occasions as I read the answers to their questions.  Recently, they asked for volunteers for the interview and Bunny and I leaped at the chance.  Now, since I'm getting the stink eye, I'll give the computer back to Bunny to finish her post.

Well, thanks for really taking the wind out of my sails, Mom!  As I was saying, we did an interview, and this time it was all about me.  I didn't have to share time with Lilac and Blueberry.  Not that I don't love them, but sometimes a puppy likes to have her own spotlight.

It started making me think about what my life would be like if I were famous.  Would I be hounded by the pupperazzi?  Would my meals be served on bone china?  People would probably be wanting to pet me all the time!  I wonder if I'd get designer dog collars and coats from all over the world.  It's nice to think about, but I decided after all that thinking that I'd really rather just have my walks with Mom and enjoy being able to just be me.  I wouldn't want to have to give up my regularly scheduled naps!

I wanted to mention two things today.  First, there's the Great Dane named Bess over on Life With Big Dogs and she's had a run of bad luck.  She had pneumonia a few weeks ago and then over the weekend she had a really bad accident when she tried to chase a deer and split open her chest.  I will warn you, some of the pictures will curl your tails, and you should hide young puppies' eyes from the carnage, but Miss Bess could sure use a few good wishes and some sympathy. 

Second, I'd like to remind everybody about Frankie Furter's name story idea.  While researching a little about my name, we came to something very unexpected.  I can't tell you all what it is yet, but I can tell you that we'll be letting you know about it on Monday's blog.  I don't want to be a tease or anything, but I just can't reveal what it is yet in case things don't work out on Saturday.  I would like to say "thanks" to Frankie, though, for this exciting turn of events for us.  We will all be taking a road trip on Saturday, even Lilac, and it's all because of Frankie's request for the stories about our names.

Wordless Wednesday 6/23 -- Keeping Cool

The Unbreakable Bond

We were asked yesterday if Lilac and Blueberry seem to know each other, or recognize that they are related.  For those who are reading and don't know, Lilac is Blueberry's mother.  We adopted Lilac first, and then Blueberry came here to us because her mother was already here.

I've heard a lot of varying stories from people with greyhounds about whether littermates recognized each other when they were reunited later.  Some seem to recognize each other right away, and others seem to have no reaction at all.  I think there are a lot of factors that play into it.  How long they've been apart is one part of the equation and how attached they were to each other also is a factor.  Most of the time, when greyhound puppies are weaned from their mother, they are kept together as they go away to schooling.  They use their natural sibling rivalry to help train them to chase the lure.  So, they're together with their siblings for quite a while, much longer than they're with their mother.

Blueberry and Lilac were retired at the same time, and they traveled here from Kansas on the same dog hauler.  Blueberry had not been away from Lilac for a terribly long time is my guess.  Lilac had just weaned her second litter of puppies before she left the farm.  Blueberry had travelled to Florida, tried to be a racer, and failed making it out of her maiden race, so she'd been sent back to the farm.  The night they arrived, I didn't see much indication that they knew each other, but it's very hectic during unloading time. 

Months later, they were reunited here when Blueberry came to stay at our house.  I am fairly certain that they recognized each other then.  Lilac was fine with Treat and Hawk, and completely tolerated their play.  However, Blueberry was a different story altogether!  When Blueberry started to get too rowdy, Lilac would get up, give two loud barks, and Blue would drop her toys and go straight into the crate and lay down. 

Lilac seems to have a strong maternal instinct and pull for younger dogs.  Bunny has wanted to lay down beside her from the beginning.  Lilac has corrected younger dogs who got out of line on several occasions.  I don't know if dogs who have had puppies give off a certain smell or aura, but it would not surprise me in the least to learn that they do.  She's incredibly sweet, but definitely very firm in her boundaries.

The way Lilac and Blueberry interact, I feel reasonably certain that they did recognize each other in some way.  Now that Blueberry is the alpha dog here, Lilac doesn't bark at her, but Blueberry is careful and respectful of her.  Bunny and Blueberry both used to try stealing Hawk's bed on occasion, and Bunny will steal Blue's once in a while, but they don't steal from Lilac.  They easily could, but they don't. 

Not only do the two of them seem to know each other, but they act alike.  It's almost uncanny at times how much alike they can be.  They are both masters at stealing things, although Lilac prefers to steal from the trash while Blue prefers to steal right off your plate.  Both of them seem to be mostly reformed of the habit, though.  They have quirky little mannerisms that they share as well. 

It's been a lot of fun having them both here together.  I keep hoping that we'll run into some of Bunny's littermates at our greyhound reunion so that we can compare notes on how they are and see how they act together.  I do know that all of them are extremely sweet, just like she is.  I just think it would be fun to see them together.  You never know what the reaction could be!