These Boots Are Made For Greyhounds...

It has been bitterly and dangerously cold here this week, and I got out some of the things that we have for the girls that we only crack out when it's extremely cold.  As I was going through the drawer, I came across some pink boots made for dogs.  It reminded me of when we first got them several years ago.

Blueberry was a very young greyhound when she came here to live with us.  She'd just turned two, to be exact.  She was born on a farm in Oklahoma and schooled in Florida, so I don't think she was much accustomed to the cold.  That first winter she was here with us, it was very cold!  It was so cold that our hounds who were used to the Midwestern winters were shivering and refusing to go out.  Blueberry couldn't concentrate on "taking care of business" when she was outside because she was constantly holding one foot up off the cold snow.

I'd posted about it on a small greyhound message board that we visit a lot and a very kind person took pity on her and mailed her these boots that she saw at Petsmart.  I'm not sure whose face had a greater look of horror -- Mr. Taleteller's or Blueberry's.  I thought they were rather cute, but I had no idea that what would follow would be one of the funniest things I've ever witnessed as a greyhound owner.  I regret greatly that we did not own a video camera at that time.  My husband and I had a discussion as the boots were taken out and admired.

Mr. Taleteller:  It's hard enough to get them all bundled up in coats and now you want me to put boots on her?!

Me:  Well, it is really cold out!  She can't keep all four feet on the ground long enough to pee.

Mr. Taleteller:  There is no way I am putting boots on a dog everytime we go out!

Me:  Well, what about just when it's really cold?

(There was a scathing look directed my way after this comment.)

Me:  It was a gift!  We at least have to put them on her and take a picture so she knows we liked them.

Mr. Taleteller:  Oh, all right, but this is the ONLY time I am putting boots on a dog!

Me:  Of course it is, dear!

I honestly thought that we'd just put the four boots on her, take some pictures, and that would be the end of it.  Blueberry, however, was not down with the plan.  I have never seen anything like my husband trying to put boots on his dog.

Blueberry: What do you think you're doing?

Mr. Taleteller:  Just hold still!

Blueberry:  Oh, I don't think so!

Mr. Taleteller:  Don't be a drama queen!  Just humor your mother!  It's her idea!

Blueberry:  I don't believe you!  She loves me and thinks I'm adorable!  She wouldn't do this to me!

Mr. Taleteller:  Trust me, I've known her longer than you have!

Blueberry:  Don't make me use these teeth!

Mr. Taleteller:  Don't push your luck!  Now let me put on this boot!

They battled for over half an hour.  He'd get the boots on her front feet and move to the back ones.  By the time he got one of those on her, she'd bitten one of the front ones and pulled it off.  She'd roll over away from him and he'd move to the other side, determined to get the boots on her by then, despite his feelings about boots on dogs.  In the end, we settled for taking a picture of her with just the front ones on, cutting off the back half of her body.  I thought they might end up alligator wrestling by the time it was over.

Since then, we've become wiser greyhound owners, learning that some things really are not worth the fight.  Ironically, the boots have come in handy now that Lilac's feet are so sensitive.  Blueberry has even mellowed enough to allow us to put them on her for a quick trip outside.  We recently learned of some boots that are a better fit and are better made, which we will use when the weather is bitter cold like it is now.  Trust me, it will have to be a really cold day before we'll fight to get boots on them, though!