Welcome Home Sophie!

On October 23, 2008, we welcome our newest whippet to the family. Her registered name is Ch. Andauer Reason to Rejoys. But we just call her Sophie. Sophie is 30 month old and is Reebok's half sister. She is also a fawn brindle.

Sophie's story started about a year ago when we decided we should get another whippet. Reebok is such a great dog and we just adore him. And we thought that getting another dog would help him out with any separation anxiety issues he may have when left alone. When we got Reebok, one of us worked from home while the other was gone for 8 hours a day. It was a great arrangement because Reebok always had someone around to keep him company. But we know that this might change someday, so we made the decision to get another whippet.

I had contacted Reebok's breeder to let her know we were interested in a female. She said that Sophie comes to mind, as soon as she finishes showing. Well we didn't think it would take a year! But little Sophie has a mind of her own and didn't like showing much. Then it happened. Two weeks before my boyfriend had to start a new job outside of the home, we got the call. Sophie just finished her championship and is ready to come home! Woo hoo!

But the story doesn't end there. We decided to put her on a plane and fly her out here but were concerned because the airlines have strict policies on weather conditions to transport pets. If it was more than 85 degrees at the destination, they would not ship. And if it was 45 degrees they would not ship without a letter from the vet giving the okay. Well it's been in the low 90s here in Phoenix and we were worried they wouldn't ship her. But we got lucky and on the day we had planned to fly her out, the weather was cooler and she made it. Ironically, it was too cold on her end, below 45! But we got her home safe and sound.

Reebok wasn't sure of this new arrangement at first. And Sophie was a bit nervous about the whole flying and coming to a new home experience. It took a few hours for her to feel comfortable enough to take over the sofa!

Now that Sophie has settled in a bit, she's showing her personality more. She is a real lover who will give you lots of kisses and demand to sit in your lap. She is also bossy with Reebok and although she's smaller, she had a big personality. Sophie guarded her food book when we first got her, but now she is much better about it. I think she realizes that she has her own dish and that they are exactly the same. Reebok is still unsure with the arrangement. I think he is waiting for her to go home. He's got to wait a long time. LOL As time passes, I am sure they will be best of friends.

Holiday Scarves and Ruffs for Dogs

Are Your Pets Prepared for Disaster?

When we hear the news about Hurricanes such as Katrina and now Gustav, we have time to think about preparing for natural disasters. However, how many people thought about the pets? How many pets were left homeless and abandoned after the Katrina Hurricane 3 years ago? When designing your disaster and evacuation plan, don't forget the pets! But this message is not about hurricanes only. What about earthquakes and tornadoes and other events that we didn't plan for?

Disaster Planning for Your Pets

I created a page you should visit that discusses Disaster Planning for your pets. This page includes a list of items you should have ready and has links to websites such as FEMA and the Humane Society. Read these articles. Also covered in the site, a list of places where you can find pet friendly hotels and lodging if you have to evacuate. Find out in advance where you can stay and how much the pet fee will be, if any. You will also find links to buy First Aid Kits and Pet Survival Kits, books about disaster planning, and stories about the pets that survived the Katrina disaster.

We don't know when disaster will strike, so don't wait until it does. Prepare yourself now. Your pets depend on it.

Please visit:

Pet Disaster Planning

What's new with WhippetTalk?

Well I'm behind as usual! Lots of cool things are happening.

See your Whippet, Greyhound or IG in a Calendar!

I am ready to take submissions for the 2009 WhippetTalk Calendar! That's right, submit your photos of your Whippet, Greyhound or Italian Greyhound to us to be included in the next calendar. Submit as many as you like, however, not all of your submissions may be used. Email your photos as jpg, jpeg, psd or png file with a resolution of 300 dpi. Submit to Advertisements@whippettalk.com. In the subject line, put the month you would like the photo to be added. Proceeds of the calendar sales go to support the board.

Halloween Dogs?

Yes, it's time to think Halloween Costume for your kids and your pets. I have put together a page displaying some of the cutests and unique costumes I found on the web. The earlier you order, the more time you have to make sure it's right for you and your pet, instead of the last minute rush! At a minimum, look at the site to see some really cute costumes on dogs. Sure to make you smile. And while you are there, participate in the poll and the debate! Shhhh, don't tell anyone, but there may be a contest to be announced soon regarding dog costumes. Stay tuned!
Halloween Costumes for Pets and People

HELP! My dog bit a child!

On a more important and serious note, I am noticing a trend with dog owners in general having issues with their dogs with regard to nipping or biting. Often times, dogs are sent to the pound or shelters because the dog nipped a person or child. Of course the safety of the child comes first. But I want to remind dog owners to be aware of the signs and to take certain precautions before something like this happens.

1. First, NEVER leave a child and dog alone without supervision. Not for a moment!
2. Watch for warning signs such as the dogs ears lay flat and the tail tucked between the tail. Head lowering and intense stare.
3. Make sure the dog has a "safe zone" where he/she is not disturbed, such as a crate or bed that is secluded. Never let a child crawl into the safe zone.
4. Nothing in life is free. That means, make the dog work for everything. He must sit before getting fed or getting a treat.
5. Teach your child not to go toward the dog to give affection such as hugging or kissing. Instead call the dog to you and reward that with the affection. If a dog is reluctant to come to the child and the child go to the dog and hugs it, the dog may snap at the child.

These are just a few suggestions. Remember that you must exercise your dog daily and teach both the child and the dog respect for each other. The humans are the pack leaders. For more help with behavioral issues, visit the WhippetTalk Forums - Training and Behavior for free advice for people who have experience with these types of issues.

Greyhound, IG and Whippet Merchandise

I found that I spend a lot of time looking at various on-line shopping sites for sighthound related items. Let's face it. Once you own a sighthound, you become hooked. You want all things sighthound. For me, I drool over items such as whippet key chains, whippet coffee mugs, whippet statues, etc. I'm even looking for a whippet paper towel holder! So anyway, I decided to make a webpage or lens putting together all the places I normally go to looking for whippet items.

I also search under greyhound when I look for Whippet objects since whippet items aren't as common as greyhound. Hey, whippets are the best kept secrets of the dog world.

So if you are interested in Greyhound, Italian Greyhound and Whippet items, have a look. Check the site daily because the items are updated constantly. It's a live feed from eBay and other sites.

Greyhound, Whippet and Italian Greyhound Merchandise

The Squawk is Being Featured!

I got a very surprising note in my email this morning! The WhippetTalk Squawk is being featured at the So You Want To Be A Giant Squid Blog. I am really excited about it!

Well a lot of really exciting things have been happening with me over at Squidoo. First, I am working with Squidoo to get Whippet Rescue and Placement as one of the Charities that Lensmasters (members who make free web pages) can choose to have some or all of the revenue made off their lens donated to in their name. What a great concept! It works like this:

1. Join Squidoo

2. You make a FREE webpage

3. You pick your charity (there's a huge list of charities to choose from and more are being added) See this LIST

4. Let me know the link to your lens so I can help promote it and get it noticed

5. Get a monthly statement of how much money your lens made and that it was sent to your Charity on your behalf!

The charity of your choice isn't listed? Okay, have the lens pay out directly to you then and you can send the donation yourself. It's that easy.

There are many topics you can write about, but I suggest writing one about your dog. See this link! Make a Free Page About Your Dog

WARNING! Joining Squidoo is a lot of fun and becomes addicting.

Another great thing that has happened recently is that Squidoo has made me a Squidoo Activist! That means I get to help spread the word about Charitable giving and help motivate members new and old to create lenses and set them to charity. Right now we are having a Virtual Bake Sale! The winner of the contest gets $100 to give to the charity of their choice.

Here's my submission to the Bake Sale about making your own Dog Cookies! Get a recipe for Pumpkin Pie Dog Biscuits! Homemade Dog Treats!


Update on my Aquarium

Well if you have been following along on my Fish Journal you will see that I got my 30 gallon freshwater fish tank set up and I have 5 zebra danios. Well I have 5 today anyway. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll still have 5 by the end of the week. I am happy to report that they seem to be doing okay though.

Update on Reebok my Whippet

Reebok is getting closer to getting a sister. We are anxiously awaiting Sophie's arrival when she finishes showing. She's almost there and we can't wait. I'm sure Reebok can. He loves being an only child. But I think he'll get over it. So keep your eyes peeled for news! It could be any day now.

My First Aquarium

Well Reebok is going to get some brothers and sisters and soon. But I doubt he will appreciate it much. I have decided to try my hand at keeping a freshwater aquarium. It's been over 20 years since I have enjoyed having one. My mother is a fish lover and has always kept fish. So I grew up peering into the peaceful aquatic world of Glass Catfish, Clown Loaches, Angelfish, Gourmis, Neons, Guppies and more. I have seen fish come and go with the various fish illnesses and helped them along their way into the toilet graveyard. When I left home, I said goodbye to the fish world and never looked back. It never entered my mind that I would ever keep fish of my own one day.

Then one day I came across a site that featured Fancy Tailed Guppies and that led to another site about Neon Tetras, then to freshwater aquariums and then my boss told me to get back to work. But I found myself going back to the those sites and looking at the fish photos and getting this longing for that underwater world again. Maybe I'm just getting old and nostalgic. This could be a huge mistake. A total disaster. But I want to give it a try. I am hoping for the best and doing my homework. Fish keeping and technology has changed a bit since I last peered into a fish tank. Hopefully it's less noisy and cleaner than I remember.

So I started a new page or lens about my new venture. It's called My First Aquarium. This will be a work in progress as I keep a journal from the idea of getting and setting up my aquarium to the finished product. And then an ongoing log on how my fish are doing and what they are doing. Hopefully complete with photos along the way.

So wish me luck. Pray for the fish and watch my underwater world develop and grow. If you have any advice, please feel free to comment. Hopefully, my whippet won't get too jealous of his competition.

Visit My First Aquarium!

Squidoo Charity Challenge!

I have converted one of my Squidoo Lenses called The Secret World of Whippets to pay 100% out to charity for all commissions made. It's part of a Squidoo Challenge to showcase and support different charities every month.

First Coast No More Homeless Pets is an organization whose mission is to eliminate the killing of dogs and cats through their spay and neuter program.

Please visit my Secret World of Whippets lens and have a look at the items for sale and support the cause. Just viewing the lens will help support in a small way. Perhaps whippets aren't your thing? Visit this site about the Charity Challenge on Squidoo and look for lenses that also support the cause and visit them. You might find something very interesting and fun!

Better yet, why not join Squidoo today and make your own lenses to support a charity of your choice? Or keep the cash yourself to spend any way you like. It's totally free, a ton of fun and so easy. I promise you won't regret it!

Click HERE to Join Squidoo!

If you create a lens on sighthounds, don't forget to join my Sighthound Lovers Unite group and apply for my Purple Paw award!