Greyhound Gang: Ferrari's Story

Ferrari
"She Had a Hard Life"

In late 1998, we were reviewing the web site of Greyhounds Unlimited to see what greyhounds were up for adoption. We noted one dog, Forayer, who was listed with the notation that "she had had a hard life." We planned a trip to view the senior dogs available in Ft. Worth. We arrived at Mary McAnally's house where the seniors were housed. There were so many happy dogs greeting us that we were overwhelmed. Eventually we settled on Forayer. She was a beautiful tiger striped red brindle. She had raced for 5 years and had been used for breeding for 5 years and truly had had a hard life. She was missing a toe on one of her hind feet and had numerous scars. Her teeth were mostly non-existent, having been worn down to the gum line. Racing had taken its toll on her body but not on her spirit. Her elegance and desire for companionship were evident from our first meeting.

After a 4-hour ride to our house (Ft. Worth to Lubbock), Forayer settled into the most comfortable life that she had ever known. She was renamed Ferrari which represents beauty, elegance, and speed in the automotive world. She accepted this name easily and always responded to it. Ferrari soon found the soft places to sleep and always took delight (or confusion) in seeing her reflection in the long mirror in our bathroom. She adopted any and every small stuffed toy but her favorite was the blue monkey with the "dangly" arms and legs. She had to pick up the monkey anytime she went outside.

Ferrari had the most magnificent and expressive eyes. She would lie down on her dog pillow, put her head down, and her eyes would follow you as you moved around the house. She was very intelligent and was housebroken after 2 mistakes. She enjoyed a walk or jog around the neighborhood every evening. She was very calm and friendly with every dog or child that she met on her walk. Some neighbors even allowed her to get nose to nose with their smallest child. She was a great ambassador for the breed.

Even though she was a few months shy of 11 when we adopted her, her health and spirit seemed strong. Unfortunately, about 14 months later she began having severe digestive problems, losing weight, and getting weaker. After numerous visits to the vet, intestinal cancer was the diagnosis. We tried everything possible to make her well again but had no success. Almost 16 months after adopting this wonderful senior, we had to make that most difficult of decisions. On a Saturday morning with Carol holding her head and talking to her, and me hugging her chest, the vet brought her suffering to a close. She now plays and runs like a young healthy dog again on the other side of the rainbow bridge. Our day will come when we'll be reunited with Ferrari and what a joyous reunion it will be.

For those considering another adopted greyhound, please don't overlook the "seniors." They are so calm and loving, and really appreciate a good home. Carol and I have adopted another senior (Annie, 9 years old), and are planning to get another 8-10 year old in the next 6 weeks. Even though their time with you is shorter, they seem to bond quicker and your time together becomes very precious. After the wonderful experience with our first greyhound, Ferrari, we will only adopt seniors in the future.

Steve McPike