Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while will remember the double tragedy we suffered just after Christmas last year when we lost The Princess – and then a few weeks later, The Pirate.
It took us a long time to feel ready to adopt another dog again, and when we did, we’d already made plans to reorganise and renovate the garden, and the landscapers had made a start. By the time we actually met Sid, and fell in love with him, we were already knee deep in mud and gardeners and stacks of turf and he couldn’t come home until it was all done, so it wasn’t until four days ago that we drove to the trainer’s house with his new collar and lead and he officially became our new dog.
Sid has settled in beautifully. I was worried that he might not, since he – in common with most newly adopted ex-racers – has never been an only dog. He was born into a busy racing kennel, and until he broke his leg, he was taken racing with other greyhounds, ran around the track with other greyhounds, and came home again to his kennel mate and the noise and comfortable smells of 80-90 other dogs living in close proximity.  He did find a home once before, but the lady who took him had two border collies of her own and a noisy terrier lived next door. Incidentally, he was returned to his trainer because he barked at that little Jack Russell, about which I shall say no more.
That first night, he wouldn’t get into the proper soft sided dog bed with the sheepskin in it. He wouldn’t get into the beautifully padded Orvis dog sofa. He chose to lie on the padded duvet type mats, or the carpet. But he dutifully went out last thing to pee, and he slept all night and didn’t wake us in the morning.  He ate breakfast the next day, polished the bowl, drank some water, did a lap of the garden at high speed (yes, even with three legs, he’s fast!), came for a walk, and behaved impeccably.
That day, he had a little play with a stuffie or two, and appeared, if anything, even more relaxed. He came for walks, ran around the garden a couple of times, and slept the sleep of the average greyhound – which means he slept a lot.
But when he was awake he watched me. Obsessively. And if he was asleep when I looked at him, he woke up and looked at me right back, with that ‘Am I doing OK?’ expression that new greyhounds always seem to have. And he followed me from room to room. All day.
During the last few days, he’s woken me in the night once, to go out. He’s found his way into the soft, cushy, sheepskin lined bed, and learned to lie hopefully in the dining room when we eat, and played with his toys and chewed his smoked bone, and tucked himself in at my feet while I watch television, and he’ll often stay put if I leave the room for a while.
He’s weathered a thunderstorm with no sign of fearfulness, and allowed himself to be dried after going out in the rain. I’ve brushed his teeth (and turned the electric toothbrush on briefly while doing so), clipped his toenails, brushed him all over, and cleaned out his ears. I’ve even chipped the tartar off two of his teeth with my hand scaler.  He doesn’t care. He doesn’t mind anything so long as you’re touching him somewhere!
Sid loves people. I’ve taken him shopping at Pets At Home, and had young kids hug his neck – which most dogs hate – and he’s very sweet with them. He’ll go to anyone for a fuss, and he’ll stay till they stop petting. He doesn’t jump up at anyone (difficult with a hind limb missing, anyway) but he will wash your face for you, if you let him. And he doesn’t steal food around the house, or chew anything, other than his toys.
In some ways, it’s a little bit like having The Princess in The Pirate’s skin. Once or twice, I’ve looked over at him sleeping in what used to be The Pirate’s favourite bed, and he looks so much like him, it’s uncanny. I could almost believe … but then he’ll look up, and his pretty face is different from The Pirate’s, and his whole character is his own. We’ve both called him ‘Jack’ a few times, though.
It’s early days, and I know that in time Sid may reveal some bad habits, but so far he’s been wonderful. Sweet-natured and well-behaved, even if he doesn’t know much in the way of commands – those he will learn, because he’s a smart dog.
So, say hello to the beautiful Tripod Sid:Â The Amazingly Beautiful and Good Greyhound with No Apparent Flaws (except the Missing Leg).
I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Oh, he is beautiful! I’m so pleased for you, that you finally have him at home
My sister has just lost both of her dogs, within a couple of days of each other! Such a terrible shock.
Babs – Oh no … ! I so feel for her! Please send her my condolences.
I love the eyes. they always tell me on a dog. His are soul searchng and approving, and he’s relaxing in. What wonderful spots to sleep etc. He’s a marvelous friend I just know it. He looks like my former greyhound Finder, who was magnificently smart..Blessing to all of you Sandy
The Pirate and The Princess has sent this boy to you, Jay. Or perhaps sent you to Sid. He is a wondrous boy just waiting for a glorious home such as yours, a ‘meant to be’. My eyes became moist reading your post. Sid is home! Nothing could be more right with the world than having such a lovely guy finally find his true calling in life, loving you. I have had a couple tripods myself and can see no difference, no flaw there. The flaw is with the people who can’t get passed seeing something that is a little different and not being able to accept it. My daughter adopted a tripod kitty a few years back and the sweet little girl is a spitfire. A joy to watch as she works everything and everyone to her advantage. Animals just don’t have the ability to feel sorry for themselves on the level we humans do. They seem to take what they are dealt in stride and make the most of it. Truly a lesson for us all. Sid is all the more loveable for all the things life has dealt him and now he has been dealt the most royal of hands. Jay, please give him some hugs and scritches for me! Hugs to you…you wonderful lady. He is beautiful.
Sid is wonderful, and I know that any dog living with you(and loved by you) will have the happiest life possible. His face is so pretty, and I really like his colouring too. I am so pleased to learn you were able (and emotionally ready) to open your home and your hearts to another worthy addition. Very best of luck with him, and I am looking forward to reading all about him as he settles in.
Oh Jay – he is beautiful! Our amputee sends her love to yours – only a tail I know but still….. I do hope one day that they can meet – it would be lovely to see you again!
He’s as fortunate to have you as you are to have him. Great shot of his eyes.
(PS, Jay, I’m sorry this is off-post, but in reply to your question, I didn’t use a tripod for the fish shot. I’ve never felt the need to use one yet. And the interesting thing about finding the parallel orientation is that Hosier Lane is on a hill and so it climbs markedly!
He’s a very lucky dog. I told you about the fate of my brother’s racing greyhound and he just had a slight injury. Whoever decided to amputate and keep him was kind in deed but he’s found his way now. He’s just gorgeous . .looks very much like Bert, a greyhound belonging to another blogger, English Mum. And it’s nice to see those bowls and beds being used again. . .welcome Sid!Really, h’es just beautiful.
How lovely.. we have often wondered about adopting one but we have too many cats
He looks gorgeous
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog, and for spreading the word about Pilots N Paws!
I absolutely love your Blog. good luck with Sid. He is a handsome fellow. Greyhounds are fantastic dogs, we have many in our K9 Therapy group, and they do fantastic work at the nursing facilities.
I plan on stopping by more often.
Oh Jay, how wonderful! I got teary-eyed just reading this… your heart must be about to explode; I can tell from your post that happiness has returned. How lucky you all are to have found each other.
Welcome, Sid! You are beautiful!
Happy tears for you all,Jay! You know my Rudy is a border collie/jrt mix and we had some tense moments when Ellie came home. They have each learned their place and all is well.
Welcome to your forever home, Sid! Smiles all around!!
I feel so pleased for you and Sid that you have found each other. It sounds as though he is settling in well in his own time. It was lovely to read how you and he are getting to know one another. He is so beautiful and has a lovely smile too! Give him a big hug from me. A x
Sandy – So true – I always look at the eyes to know what a dog’s character is like. Sid’s eyes reminded me of Renie’s, and she was the most gentle and loving of dogs.
Sistertex – “Animals just don’t have the ability to feel sorry for themselves on the level we humans do. They seem to take what they are dealt in stride and make the most of it.”
Never a truer word was spoken! They just get on with it, don’t they? An inspiration! A fellow greyhound owner in the US told me they used to take their tripod to a veteran’s hospital, where he was extremely popular, especially with those who had lost a limb themselves. Maybe Sid could do something similar?
Thanks for the kind words. I do feel that he was meant to be with us.
Aussie – Aw .. thanks!
He is lovely, isn’t he?
And no doubt, you will be seeing more of him. No doubt at all!
Kate – Thanks!
Hippie’s tail counts as an amputation for sure, though it doesn’t have quite the impact on her gait as Sid’s leg does. LOL! I’m planning to try to get over to see you with him some time – it will be good for him and for me! 
I’ll email you.
David McMahon – Ooh, thank you! Praise from the master! I am honoured.
Thanks for the explanation – no help there, then! LOL! I try to line shots up with verticals etc, but often still end up in Photoshop using the ‘correct camera distortion’ feature.
Baino – Yes, you did tell me about your brother’s dog.
And yes, he does look like Bert, doesn’t he? Except he has dark eyebrows and Bert doesn’t. LOL! Same basic colour though, and I think Bert is also a big dog. Sid looks enormous in our house after the dainty dogs we’ve had. I have no idea how much he weighs …
Sid’s owner, who paid all the vet bills without a murmur, is one of the good guys, as is his trainer, Sharon. Sharon runs the local greyhound rescue as well as her busy racing kennel, and always has time for the unwanted, and tears for the lost. The racing industry is not all bad. Incidentally, Sid’s owner is the same guy who owned Renie before we got her. We are now wondering if he has a knack for choosing dogs with this wonderful temperament!
Fi – They are indeed lovely dogs! Some do keep them with cats, too, but like you, I would be wary. You have to have a very mellow, cat-safe grey. And mellow cats too!
T – Hello there! I loved your blog too – thanks for coming over and leaving a comment.
I’m putting a link for Pilots N Paws into your comment, you never know, someone might click and know someone else, who knows someone …
My beautiful Princess (Renie) one of the dogs we lost just after Christmas, was a PAT Therapy dog – she visited deaf-blind people, and elderly people with mental health issues. I’m hoping that Sid will be my next therapy dog!
Maureen – We are all very lucky! He looks so at home here already! He certainly is helping so much with the sadness, bless him. Thanks!
Kat – Aw, thanks, Kat! But your Rudy always looks so mellow! Doesn’t he live upside down? Honorary greyhound, I’d have thought .. or is that what you meant by ‘they’ve all learned their place?’
SJ Anne – Thanks! Yes, he’s settling well! He’s sound asleep right now with his head buried in that green octopus stuffie! LOL!
What an absolutely moving post, Jay! Sid is beautiful! Happiness to you all!
)
Hello Sid! Nice to finally meet you. Hope you are enyoing your wonderful new home – you are one very lucky dog.
That’s great! Sid is lucky (and deserving) to have you as his new family. I hope you will all be very happy together, even when he feels so at home he starts to chew it up!
Aww, welcome home, Sid!!
He is beautiful!!
Oh, he is beautiful. I’m so happy for you . . . and Smokey is waving his tail at Sid.
What a sweet, sweet smile!
Tripod Sid, oh such a beautiful moniker,(smile) he is adorable Jay. Yes, he is his own person, but I am sure he senses how loved his predecessors were and still are. They may be helping him to settle in more than we will ever know.
Congratulations hon.
Petra – Aw, thanks! He is beautiful, isn’t he! Not just me being partial. LOL!
DBM – He sure is enjoying his new home! Thank you for the kind words.
Geri Atric – He growled at a poodle yesterday, and we still love him. LOL! It probably looked at him funny.
Incredible Woody, Ruth and Wendy – Thank you! He is lovely. We thank you for the welcome and the kind words!
Shrinky – Thanks! Yes, dogs have such refined senses, we will never know how much information they pick up that’s unknowable to us. He certainly doesn’t seem stressed here, does he?
Oh, Sid! You are a beautiful boy, and you are so lucky to have found such a special and loving home.
I almost have tears in my eyes reading this: it’s such a beautifully written description of the early days of a new pet. I know Sid is going to be very happy with you and vice versa!
Awwwww!!
I’m so HAPPY for you, that you finally have him at home!!!
Now, Jay – you know that in about two months the honeymoon will be over! And he’ll either continue to be angelic OR he’ll start to test you!!
He’s really gorgeous!! Hope I get to meet him! (But plans may have changed for Oct…)
J
JD – Aw … ! Thank you! He seems happy right now, for sure. He’s still very clingy though, and needs to know where we are at all times. We have a slightly rocky time ahead of us as we teach him to be a little more independent, but in the end he’ll be happier for it.
Meleah – Thanks – we’re happy! He seems happy, too, doesn’t he?
Jeannine – That’s why I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop! LOL! I know all too well how their personalities come out later, when they’ve decided to belong to the pack!
Plans have changed? More info needed!
sid looks to be a wonderful new friend. congrats on POTD!
Greyhounds are the gentlest dogs – absolutely love them. Great shots.
Brian Miller – Thank you! Hmm. POTD .. I’m gonna have to think about that one. LOL!
Wolynski – Thank you – they are indeed! Thanks for popping in and leaving a comment!
Looking forward to it!! Both of us!! Don’t worry we’ll hide Max in my bedroom – he gets used to it!!!
Congratulations on POTD. I really enjoyed reading that post about Sid.
Glad he has settled in so well. You are both lucky to have each other.
I would take him in a heartbeat…how lucky Sid is to have a loving new home and no worries…keep us posted! Oh, and congrats on Post of the Day…you and Sid!!
hugs
Sandi
Such an expressive face. I’m so glad he found a kind and loving home. When I was young we had a three legged dog also. He was as happy as could be, so long as he had a lot of love and he got plenty of that, just like your Sid is going to get.
Came over from David’s. Congratulations for winning POTD.
Your blog is beautiful. And the dog is lucky to have you.
He’s a darling. I’m so pleased that you’ve found him and he you. You know, I do think Renie and Jack winked in his direction and brought you together.
Hello Sid, you are beautiful, just as this story is.:)
What a wonderful critter… those eyes! Congrats for making David’s POTD.
Welcome home Sid
Bum sniffs and scritches from Taffy and William xx
Kate – Ah, yes .. Max! Good thinking!
Maggie May – Thanks! We are indeed both lucky! I’m so glad he took a fancy to me.
Sandi – Thank you!
Sid sells himself very well. I can’t imagine what the lady who first adopted him was thinking! Perhaps she was just more of a border collie person … they are just so easy to train that a hound would have been quite challenging by comparison.
Denise – You can be sure that Sid will get plenty of love! He demands it as his right! LOL!
Dogs do really well on three legs, don’t they? A leading canine cancer specialist says that they’re born with three legs and a spare!
Introspection – Thank you so much! I think owning a dog is so much a partnership that they help to choose themselves, and also, they give as much as you give them.
Jeni – Thanks, Jeni – I think you’re right. He has sooo much Renie in him, you’ll be stunned. And of course, he’s like Jack in other ways, even the way he lies down sometimes. Then again, he has traits of his own, like, I’ll find him sitting bolt upright in his bed! So funny!
Celine – Thanks, Celine! I’ll tell him .. but he’ll be getting a big head, soon!
Hilary – Thank you! Of course, we think he’s wonderful!
Taffy’s Mum – Aw … thank you, Taffy and William! I’ll pass those right along to Sid! LOL!
Aw, bless him! Isn’t he beautiful? And so perfect!
George says woof and asks if Sid has discovered the delights of rubbish bags yet? If not, George would be happy, nay delighted, to come and help him rummage through a few.
He has a kind face! That is what my vet used to say about my collie. I lost my collie and my st. bernard last year within months of each other and I was devastated. It left a huge hole in my life. Didn’t matter that I still had my other two dogs. The personalities of each are so distinctive and I still miss them. So glad that you have found Sid, he looks like he knows he has found his forever home with you!
Thanks for dropping by to read my rants!
Liz – So far, Sid hasn’t touched anything he shouldn’t, but in fact we have a Simple Human bin which would be very difficult for a dog to use. Renie opened it once by treading on the pedal, but the butterfly lid trapped her head when she let go to put her nose inside and she never tried it again!
Kathy – He does have a kind face! Exactly what I was looking for in a dog, that and a willingness to approach people to be petted! I’m hoping he’ll be my new therapy dog!
They do leave a huge hole, don’t they? This time our loss was harder to bear since we had no dogs left at all.
Jay, he’s beautiful. He has such a sweetness about him and the most gentle eyes.
Heather – Thank you! He has, hasn’t he? We did a Meet and Greet on Sunday for a local rescue and he was an absolute star!
Just emerging from the nightmare of moving house and have caught up with news of Sid’s arrival. He looks such a sweetie – and won’t he just have the best home ever?! Brought a lump to my throat, though, as the Rough Diamond’s real name was Sid . . .
60 Going On 16 – Awwww … he was a Sid? That’s an amazing co-incidence, isn’t it? It’s a great name, and the Rough Diamond was a great dog. He had one of the best ever homes too, didn’t he? Hugs to you.
A very late, but very heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS on your new arrival. Since our Biggles today stole half a loaf of bread from the kitchen counter and ate it all…would you consider swapping him for your very well-behaved Sid? I’m reading your blog backwards, catching up, so I know he has chewed one of your (I have to say: quite ugly) shoes. So, he also has good taste. He’s the ideal dog! Swap?