AVAILABLE
FOR ADOPTION | RAINBOW
BRIDGE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GREYHOUNDS
Baxter
ADOPTED TO HIS FOREVER HOME!
Baxter, aka Geaux Hot Ember, is a strikingly handsome 3-year-old brindle male, born April 19, 2001. Baxter and Ember are littermates sharing the same sire, CJ Pepto Bahama, and dam, Burning Ember. Baxter's racing career was all here in Texas, starting December 2, 2002 at Valley Race Park in Harlingen and finishing March 25, 2004 in Corpus Christi. Baxter, along with Dagwood, came from the Corsicana Animal Shelter where they were owner surrenders. Baxter's white blaze on his nose makes him quite a good-looking boy! It is not known at this time if Baxter is small animal or cat tolerant.
From
Baxter's foster dad:
Baxter is a real eye-catcher, strikingly handsome, darkly colored brindle boy. Everywhere we go, people comment about how good looking he is. And he likes to stand and admire his own reflection whenever he can too!
But his real beauty comes within. Baxter is an adorable, affectionate, playful boy with a strong curiosity and a loving heart. He follows me from room to room, always preferring to be in my company. While I am standing talking to someone, he frequently will back up so his haunches are touching my legs. He likes physical contact; he likes to know I am there. He loves a good massage of his legs and back, and he loves having his tummy gently rubbed. He loves having his coat brushed and he will stand still and patiently wait for me to examine him or cut his nails or get a close-up look of his teeth and gums. He loves to come up and nuzzle people. He will lie on the floor and sleep while I watch TV or read, finding a spot that is comfy and close to me. This is a dog who will form an extraordinary, intense, lifelong bond of love with whoever adopts him and cares for him as he deserves. He asks for little, but gives so much in return!
Baxter gets along with other dogs well. He plays with my two greyhounds and enjoys being in their company, lounging around with them and playing with them. He is very friendly with small dogs. It is not known at this time whether he is cat tolerant. I think, however, that Baxter would be fine as a single pet without "siblings." He has not been around many children, but he has allowed a few children we have encountered on our walks to pet him and he has been very gentle with them. Baxter loves squeaky toys, and he has been very willing to share toys with my dogs. He has never gotten upset when one of mine has stolen his toy to get him into a game of chase (and my two love this game and play it all the time).
Baxter crates well and never makes a fuss when it is time to go into his crate. I toss a treat into the crate and tell him to "kennel up," and he goes right in. He knows the routine and is very content with it. I make sure his crate is nice and cozy with soft pillows and a squeaky toy or two for him to play with. I crate him while I work, and I work at home, so I know that he does not whine or cry or bark while in his crate. I never leave him in the crate for more than four hours without a break to go outside, walk a bit, stretch and relieve himself. He spends about eight hours a day in the crate without any problems whatsoever. He sleeps and relaxes in the crate. When he first arrived in my home, he would retreat to his crate on his own for some "chill out" time, but once he got settled in, it was clear that he prefers to be in the same room I am in and/or the other dogs are in. The crate is a safe and secure place for Baxter, and I do recommend using one similar to mine to ease his transition into his "forever home." In the mornings, he remains quiet until I get up and then he waits patiently for me to get dressed and take him outside.
Baxter eats well and is very motivated by treats, so I think he will respond quickly and well to obedience training. He loves dog biscuits, cheese cubes, and he especially loves little pieces of rotisserie chicken. (The latter would make a great treat to use specifically when doing training exercises with him.) He enjoys rawhide chews. He has never chewed on anything inappropriate in my house, though he has hidden my shoes from me once or twice. Of course, he is house trained and well behaved in the house.
Sudden loud, unexpected or unfamiliar noises do seem to scare Baxter a little bit, so it is important to realize that he can get stressed out. This is easy to recognize, as he will pace about quickly. At times like these, a little reassurance and petting seem to calm him down quickly, and overall I have to say that Baxter is a typical very calm greyhound, and quite a couch potato. But he can have bursts of energy too. You should see him at the dog park! It is pure joy to see him running at full speed, playing with other dogs, chasing and getting chased. Sometimes at home, he will come to me or one of my dogs and get into the "invitation to play position" with his head down and his butt up in the air, wagging his tail furiously, and he will bark briefly, saying "Come on, let's have some fun! Throw a toy for me to chase! Or, better yet, run and let me chase you!" He is NOT a barker, though. He will bark to invite me to play, or when someone comes to the door, but never incessantly.
Baxter responds beautifully to affection and love. He acts like it is the happiest moment of his life when I come in to greet him after not seeing him for a little while. What a great feeling that is! It is going to be one lucky person or family who adopts Baxter, as he is truly a wonderful and very special dog, and at only three years old, he has a long life of devoted affection and fun to share with his new family in his forever home. It took him no time at all to steal my heart and I have no doubt that Baxter will be a great joy and friend to the person or family who adopts him and cares for him.
See Greyhound-Data.com for Pedigree.
