Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Oh boy...

In a previous entry, I told how Iris had actually been on top of our chest-type deep freeze while we were away briefly.  
Well, I was just reading this article about whippets, and found out they counter-surf.  Yes indeed, friends and neighbors:  I may as well have gotten a cat.  
Then there's this little gem: "They are much happier with either canine or human company, and if left completely alone, some may be noisy, destructive and neurotic."  
"Whippets get on the furniture. It is nearly impossible to teach them not to. If you have priceless antiques, don't expect a whippet to respect their value."  
I really, really like Iris.  She's smart and loving and sweet.  But I have already seen evidence of counter-surfing, neurotic-while-alone behavior, and getting on the furniture.  I could probably live with the latter, but those other two items bother me.    
The things I thought were Iris' personal issues turn out to be breed issues instead.  
If we can't leave her to go on a motorcycle ride, this isn't going to work.  I refuse to give up the activities I love for a dog; life is too short.  
If worse comes to worse, we'll take her back and try another dog that's a better fit.  I sure hope it doesn't come to that, because Iris is such a sweetheart.

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:37 AM

    If a dog or any pet does not conform to your lifestyle..not a pet you want to have around...like you say...life is too short..best make a decision quick...cause like you say..."she is a sweetheart"!!! Good luck and God Bless...hugs..Ora

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  2. Oh I hope it all works out for you. My DIL's cousin has a whippet and I know they both work and leave her successfully all day. I know she is a lover and loves to cuddle up with you.

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  3. Here's a stupid suggestion - what about a second dog to keep her company when you're away?

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  4. Ms Martyr, that's not an option; Cliff is being very nice to allow me to have one dog, because he'd rather not have a dog around. Ora, I'm going to give her at least a couple of weeks to see how her issues work out. Wayside Waifs will let me return her and pick another dog if I have to take her back within a month. Yes, Ma, Iris is a cuddly and loving dog. She seems to fancy herself a lap dog.

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  5. I hope things work out for her and for you and Cliff. It doesn't take long to get attached to a dog, hopefully she will do better soon. Helen

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  6. A couple of thoughts on dogs with separation anxiety. Sometimes it is as simple as giving them something to do. Things like a well stuffed Kong or a molecule toy that keeps them occupied (those are both dog toys that get treats put inside and the dog has to 'work' to get the treats out). Often the problem with one of these dogs is that they get bored. This may not be the issue here... but it doesn't hurt to try. If it is fear and not boredom, kennel training may be the solution. Sometimes the dog is just insecure. If they have a place they feel comfortable and secure then they don't freak out! Just a couple of thoughts. Iris seems very sweet, but you are right... you can't change your lifestyle to suit the dog.

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  7. Astaryth, I actually already have "kong" on my to-buy list. I am shutting her in the kennel beside my bed at night, and last night she only dug at the floor of her cage for a few seconds; I said "No" and she stopped, and was quiet all night. If she will just get to the point of not biting the bars and trying to dig out, that's what we'd do with her for our 4- to 6-hour motorcycle rides.

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  8. we leave the radio on when we leave our house.
    Our dog seems much happier that way.
    I don't like the cage things for them to sleep in.
    I just put our dogs bed in the sunroom and when we go to bed she goes to hers.
    Your Iris is a pretty dog, hope you decide to keep her.

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  9. Well, you gave it a try. Fall back and punt. lol. I really don't know what that means. I don't watch football, but for some reason it sounded like it fit here. LOL

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