Joe

Dash | Basil | Jack & Elsa | Nitro | Sam & Bella | Smokey | Toss The Teddy | Winnie | Kara | Stella | Georgie | Fred | Suzi | Joe | Racer | Snowy | Racer-Snowy Update | Fred & Barney | June | Ivy | Sammy | Snowy & Angela | Toby | Dizzy | Dizzy (6 months on) | Jojo | Baccus

JOE
	This is the story of how a very special greyhound, Joe (Duckmaloi) came into our lives. Danny and I decided that we wanted a dog. We did a lot of research into different breeds, and what would best suit our lifestyle and level of exercise. Somewhere along the line, I suggested to Danny the possibility of a Greyhound. I knew a little about them as both my grandparents had them (long before I was born) and both my parents told me often about the lovely temperament of Greyhounds. Our further investigation of the breed showed that they make great pets. Soon after this, Danny was talking to Melinda at work who owns a Greyhound, and she was full of praise for the breed. She invited us to her house one Sunday morning to meet her dog Winnie, we were very impressed with Winnie. Danny and I were pretty well convinced after this meeting, but thought we'd contact GAP just to get a little more information. Sheree and Fran were both very helpful, and obviously full of love for their dogs. When we advised that we would like to adopt, they did everything possible to ensure we got a dog who would fit in well (eg one who wouldn't fret when alone as we both work all day, and one who would be OK with kids, in case we have any later!)
The result was Joe, a beautiful blue boy, who arrived on 1/3/03. Right from the start he has been wonderful. When he arrived, he wandered about and investigated us, the house, the yard, found his favourite spot (in front of the TV!) and lay down! He ate all his dinner on the first night, and didn't whimper at all during the night - what a champion! Since that first day it's just got better and better. Joe has become a fully fledged member of the family. He comes in to greet us every morning, when I was sick recently he lay by my bed all day with me, and goes absolutely nuts when we get home from work! We take Joe for a 30 minute walk every day, and try to take him on a car trip with us every weekend. It's a shame, but it can be quite difficult to find places that are dog-friendly. So far he's met both of our families, been on several picnics, the Ipswich Million Paws Walk and heaps of trips to the Fernvale Markets - where Joe is a huge hit. He is showered with affection, and the stall owners give him treats (spoiled rotten!) When it's summer, we will take him to a beach or river, and see if he enjoys a swim. We're in the process of teaching Joe some basic obedience, which is going well. He has mastered "sit" and "come", but "stay" and "drop" need a little more work! Danny & his Dad built Joe a MASSIVE kennel, and we painted it in the same colours as our house, so Joe's house is just like our house, only smaller (but not much!) The insanity has gone even further, to the point where I am going to paint Joe a picture for inside his house, so he has something to look at while he's in there! Not that Joe is in his kennel much - he spends most of his time inside with us, and sleeps inside at night, so his kennel is just a nice warm spot to go during wintry days while Danny & I are at work. When I am socialising, I go on a bit about Joe, to the point where people remind me gently that "Maree, he's a dog" (how rude!) but I don't mind. Danny and I couldn't imagine life without Joe now, he brightens every day, and he's just such a sweet soul. We plan to make the rest of his life as pleasurable as possible, because he's brought a lot of happiness to us both. Maree Hull. PS - found out later on researching Joe's family tree that his grandpa is Toss the Teddy - and Joe chatters his teeth just like Teddy did! It's so cute! Thankyou Maree, for another great story. Seems all these greyhounds have something in common - they are just wonderful to have around.