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In April we had 10 adoptions.
That makes our year-to-date totals 21 adoptions and 29 brought in. |
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Lapiz and Foster Life
This is the final installment in the story of Lapiz, a galgo from Spain, who was hit by a car and had an arduous surgery in Spain before coming to the US through Daphne Legacy Tour and American Greyhound. This month we will hear about his time as a foster.
Lapis was our foster for two months. When he arrived to our house in the American Greyhound hauler, Brad had to bring our 2018 galgo, Trueno/Thunder, to the hauler in order to coax Lapiz out. Initially, Lapiz was very shy and skittish and would only stay in his crate. He would eat and drink, only in his crate, and only when we were not in the same room. Eventually, he shared the communal water bowl and would eat all of his food at meal times, instead of sneak eating at night when he thought he was alone.
Going outside for bathroom breaks was challenging at first, as he had to be on the leash because he would not come inside willingly. Gradually, he learned to enjoy having free run of the fenced yard. We would leave the door open and he would cautiously come inside if we were not close by. Eventually, he would come in and out readily, even if I was standing by the door and we could stop letting heated air pour outside the opened door. He gradually stopped seeking out his crate and would nap on a dog bed and would sleep through the night on a dog bed in our room at night. I was so thrilled the morning that Lapiz came to my side of the bed to greet me.
One of Lapiz's most endearing activities was his habit of gathering toys and other objects. At first, he did this if he thought no one was watching and eventually, it became an everyday activity that he did openly, several times a day. I would watch him going back and forth, putting toys in a pile. If I did not get his food bowl picked up right away, I would find it on his pile of toys. At the end of his stay with us, Brad would find clothes he left on the floor in Lapiz's pile.
Lapiz was afraid of men; therefore, he was afraid of Brad. Lapiz did overcome his fear of Brad, but he was still shy and reserved around Brad, even to the last day he was with us. Lapiz did become attached to me and he was very tolerant of hugs and kisses, and I hugged him a lot! He had the softest ears and the saddest eyes. He had such an old soul in his two year old body. We know he suffered a tremendous injury and spent a year in the shelter before coming to the US. We can only speculate what his life was like before he was hit by a car and was saved by Scooby. Shortly after we got him, I took Lapiz to the vet for an exam and preliminary X-rays of his repaired leg. Generally, Lapiz would use all four of his legs, but his repaired leg was so skinny and he would have times when he would not put any weight in it. The preliminary X-rays were inconclusive and warranted a consult with an orthopedic specialist. The results of the consult are part of his adoption story...Lapiz was always very stoic and I never heard him complain about his leg or his lot in life.
Even though it was not an activity that he liked, we took Lapiz to American Greyhound meet and greets. At first, he was very nervous, with his tail tucked very hard. Gradually, he would relax his guard. He was always by my side, always observing everything, but never approaching anyone for petting or treats. I knew there was a special person out there for this beautiful, sweet, gentle dog, that despite his past, was capable of trusting people, with a young dog spirit, waiting to emerge. Lapiz did meet that special person on December 15, 2019. It was cloudy and spitting snow that day that is always bittersweet for this foster family. Lapiz calmly left our family and began the next chapter of his story.
Cathy and Brad Giffel
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Calling All Greyhound Supporters!
Make the most of your self-isolation time and get hunting for that item or two for American Greyhound's Spring online Facebook auction. Whether it's handmade or something you have lying about that you no longer need, please consider donating them to American Greyhound's Spring 2020 Auction. Sample items can include just about anything; purses, gift cards, craft items, greyhound gear, grouped items like a tea basket, ect. Proceeds from this auction will go towards the vetting costs for the 23 greyhounds that came to American Greyhound at the end of March!
Photos of all items and information (including suggested starting bid, brief description, shipping details [will donor pay shipping for the item or winner pay shipping]) and approximate value should be emailed to
media@americanhreyhound.org by
May 17th. Hold on to the donation and ship the items to the winning bidder. If you have any questions please let us know! The auction will run May 25-31.
Help us help these hounds!
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