Well, well, here we are at ABC Wednesday‘s letter ‘G‘, and here I am, doing greyhounds as my theme! Seems all I have to do is post lots of pictures for you! But if you’ve been here before, you’ll know I never take the easy route, so this post will be greyhounds, alright, but also something else to do with the letter ‘G‘ for each picture.
For instance, did you know that I had decided that when I was ready to adopt another greyhound after losing the Princess and the Pirate so tragically, I wanted a small one? A dainty girl, perhaps? And what did I get? A great gallumphing giant of a dog – the biggest we’d ever owned!
Here he is in the garden with Son No. 1′s girlfriend. the lovely T.
Sid, as you know, is a gentle giant, but even with a leg missing he weighs in at just over seventy pounds. A hefty 32kg, or to put it another way, 32,000 grams. Not exactly a featherweight!
The picture at the top was taken at 2008′s Great Greyhound Gathering, held at Nottingham’s racecourse. As you see, there were greyhounds everywhere, along with their guys and gals, and it was just the same in 2009. Same groups of perfect strangers standing around talking about their gorgeous dogs.
Happy dogs, just hanging out. Maybe going to buy gourmet treats or other goodies.
Or just gregariously reclining in the shade of all the green canvas. Greyhounds can be terribly fashion conscious, but green goes with everything, don’t you find?
Talking of happy (which I’m sure we were) my Princess Renie was a happy girl. And to prove it, she was a champion grinner. At her happiest reclining gracefully on the sofa, she would often roll over, stretch her neck out comfortably and … grin!
And grin.
And you couldn’t help but grin back and give her a scritch. She was a very well-bred girl. Her grandsire was a dog called Greenpark Fox.
Sid has given me a very tentative grin once or twice, but he’s not the smiler that the Princess was, bless him. Still he is a good dog, and he does do extremely well at Meet & Greets. Here he is promoting the Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust at a recent event. You can see a few of the goods we have on sale on the top of that table!
And here he is at another Meet & Greet at a garden centre.
My golden boy is very good at eliciting sympathy and helping to garner the donations!
I could go on, but I’m sure you will all be grateful if I stop here. After all, there are a great number of contributions to ABC Wednesday every week, with so many wonderful posts from our gifted participants that I’m sure you’re eager to go and check them all out!
Don’t let me stop you – I’m going to be doing the same myself, very soon!
They are so beautiful! Wow. I just saw a lovely Greyhound picture at Pioneer Woman’s blog today. They are amazing creatures! : )
Life with Kaishon´s last blog ..The very best- Or the very worst; Depending on how you look at it!
What a gorgeous dog Sid is, and what a looker the Princess was. I know you miss her very much.
Mr. Nighttime´s last blog ..Middle School Idol
Love all those hounds! Princess Renie had a marvelous grin. Our boy Shasta had a wonderful grin as well. I worked on him until he would actually do it for a treat….so cute! None of our other hounds ever grined as big as Mr. Shasta.
Greyt post, Jay. Hope you are feeling a bit better and are making some progress. Lots of hugs
What gorgeous dogs!
Mama Zen´s last blog ..Smooches
Love the doggies! A former neighbor of ours had a lovely greyhound that he had rescued and he was such a great dog. Miss him and our neighbor when they moved back to the East Coast! Wonderful pictures and perfect for the day!
Sylvia
Sylvia Kirkwood´s last blog ..MicroFiction Monday
Great greyhounds – the gathering looked like a great deal of fun!
A subject for G quite dear to your heart, – I can tell. And with good reason. Beautiful, graceful dogs and loving companions I’m sure.
What a surprise; never would have guessed that you’d feature greyhounds. Can’t think of better subjects!! Love the grins.
kate´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at
Awwww, you made me smile today!!!
Elisa´s last blog ..Happy To Be Living In Croatia
Greetings!
I thought my favorite part of this post would be “great gallumphing giant.” until I got to the “grin!” Priceless! We had a dog that grinned, too, and it was truly amazing…even thinking of him now makes me smile!
ethelmaepotter´s last blog ..The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks…and Other Stories
These are great dogs, and you seem to have so much fun with them.
Anthony North´s last blog ..GRADUATES
Must be so much fun in this gathering, for people and the dogs.
Grace and Bradley´s last blog ..ABC Wednesday: G is for a very Good Lantern Festival
Life with Kaishon – Thank you! I had to go look and yes, it is a gorgeous shot, isn’t it?
Mr N – I do miss Renie, Mr N, so much. I took Sid to the vet the other day for a booster shot, and therapy dog assessment and telling them about her (since she was also a therapy dog) made me cry, and it’s over a year ago now that we lost her. Time heals… but it’s taking its time, if you’ll excuse the pun!
Sistertex – I would have liked to meet your Shasta! I haven’t tried teaching a dog to grin on cue – that must be fun to see!
I’m feeling not too bad right now, thanks!
Mama Zen – Thanks!
Sylvia Kirkwood – Thank you – yes, they are great dogs, aren’t they? That’s why we do meet and greets, too, so others can see them close up, instead of racing around a track. Lovely to hear that your neighbour had one.
Tumblewords – Thank you – it was!
Hildred – Very dear indeed! And yes, excellent companions.
Kate – I know! How would you guess? LOL!
Elisa – I’m happy to hear it!
Ethel Mae Potter – Aren’t the grinners wonderful? That photo of Renie was a very lucky shot, I think. She looks almost like a cartoon dog, doesn’t she?
Anthony North – They are indeed – and yes we do! They are true companions.
Grace & Bradley – Oh it is fun! And they’re fitting in an extra one this year, too! I’m looking forward to it!
I GUESS the GRIN was the most unexpected shot.
On behalf of the ABC Wednesday team, thank you! – Ramblin’ with Roger
Roger Green´s last blog ..The Pretentious Blogging Meme
That grin is so infectious! I am sitting here now grinning like a mad woman!
Mara´s last blog ..G is for…
Sid is a brute…albeit a *g*orgeous one. I’m fairly certain he needs a big hug and some serious snuggling from Auntie Mel.
And The Princess? Well…she is still touching hearts. I SO needed the smiles she gave me today!
Mel´s last blog ..Mel Results
I just love Renie’s grin. Feel like giving her a scratch on her neck. Thanks for making me laugh and commenting on my blog.
serline´s last blog ..The Gossip Girls
I bet you were anxiously waiting for “G Week”! As always, love the shots of you babies. Sid’s grin made me laugh. Maybe you’ll get an Italian Greyhound some day. They are so small and dainty.
LisaF´s last blog ..G Force
Oops. I meant Renee’s grin. Guess it was a senior, blond moment on my part.
LisaF´s last blog ..G Force
So adorable giant dog. Happy Wednesday!
G is for Gold
manang kim´s last blog ..G is for GOLD
Many beautiful dogs in these pictures but that twisted pose with Princess on the couch made my day. And the grin, of course.
Great! I gather greyhounds are genial and gallant guides.
Sheila @ A Postcard a Day´s last blog ..A cut-out letter box
They are fabulous.
Rajesh´s last blog ..Gujari Mahal, Gwalior
Roger Green – Thanks! I thought I was going to miss out on the ABC comment this week, since I falls in my own batch of numbers! LOL!
Mara – I know what you mean! I can never help grinning back at my dogs!
Mel – Come on over! Sid welcomes all scritches and hugs! And thank you for the comment about Renie. I hadn’t thought of it that way, but it is comforting to know that she is still providing therapy, even though she’s gone.
Serline – And she would have loved that scritch on the neck. She lived for being petted, bless her!
Lisa F – Thanks! Well, it makes it easier when you’re doing greyhounds as a theme anyway, doesn’t it? LOL!
Manang Kim – Thank you! You too!
Maia – She used to make us laugh too – I’m glad she’s still lifting the spirits of people who see her. She was a therapy dog, after all!
Sheila – Indeed they are, Sheila!
Rajesh – Thank you!
ooh – what gorgeous greyhounds – they are such elegant, restful dogs, and you’re obviously passionate about them. ((hugs)) for your loss – Renie is such a beautiful smiler – I’ve never seen a dog grin like that.
Ellsea´s last blog ..Goosey Goosey
Jay, Surprise, surprise – you featuring greyhounds. I think I’ve fallen in love again, specifically with Princess Renie. I found myself laughing almost hysterically – she is so cute grinning like that! Thanks for the day brightener!!!
Amy´s last blog ..ABC Wednesday – G is for Geography
Aw! These are such Great Greyhounds! And such fabulous photos!
meleah rebeccah´s last blog ..My Favorite Blog Post(s) And My Favorite Photo(s)
Great greyhound pictures – love the grins. A x
Love that grin!! How well behaved they all are – enjoying the day and each other’s company.
kml´s last blog ..ABC Wednesday – G is for Green Pepper
I knew it that you will feature your greyhound in this week’s ABC challenge!
Jama´s last blog ..Thursday Challenge: High or Low
Great, gorgeous greyhound photos.
The photo of Princess on the sofa with that big grin is priceless.
SquirrelQueen´s last blog ..The Letter "G" – Alphabe-Thursday
I would have such fun at such a gathering but we don’t have them here darn All day in heaven
sandy´s last blog ..I am thankful for opportunity
NO WAY! Greyhounds smile? I thought only dalmatians smile! We have had dals forever, and I have always loved that they smile. Those are beautiful dogs and beautiful pix.
If you ever EVER want to do a blog post on greyhounds, greyhound rescue awareness… anything like that, I would love to post it on strongpets.com, links included!
You did a great job on this post – made me smile first thing in the morning.
Katherine´s last blog ..Mom Distributes Drugs While Delivering Girl Scout Cookies
I can see how passionate you are about your greyhounds. That grin slays me!
dutchbaby´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Fraiche Yogurt in Palo Alto
My Mom & Dad had a dog that used to smile like that too. It’s the sweetest thing. Love your greyhounds Jay. they always bring a smile to me as well.
Lily´s last blog ..Vintage Automobile
I personally love seeing pictures of your dog, and it is only right on G day that you share greyhounds! My favorite shot is the one on the couch…the grin. The second grin shot really gives you an good idea of how big she is by taking up the entire couch. It is amazing how a dog can contort themselves and be in a comfortable position!
LeAnn @ See Great Things´s last blog ..Apples of Gold
Sorry to say everything happened on the list and my cat is now in emergency surgery.. no interview
sandy´s last blog ..I am thankful for opportunity
There was never any question what you’d feature for “G”!
secret agent woman´s last blog ..The sort of thing that flits through my head.
I understand why you love your dogs!! They are so lovely and peaceful! Thanks for your visit!
Reader Wil´s last blog ..Bench of the Week, Sky Watch, Guernsey,
Gorgeous greyhounds. Interesting to learn that they grin. Many Dalmatians do and our latest Labrador does – it would be rude not to grin back!
jabblog uk´s last blog ..Friday Flash 55
A Green Greyhound would have been Great!
RuneE´s last blog ..A moveable "bench" …
Ellsea – Thank you so much. It’s still hard to accept she’s gone… such a happy, relaxing presence in our home, and so loving. But, as Mel said, she’s still brightening days, even though she is now gone.
And I have to say, I’ve seen many grinners, and many greyhound grinners, but Renie was in a class of her own!
Amy – I’m pleased to hear I brightened your day! The Princess Renie was very good at that, bless her heart. She was the BEST Therapy Dog!
Meleah,, KML, Jama, Squirrel Queen, Sandy and Dutch Baby – Thank you all for your kind comments! 
Lily – I’m glad they make you smile! They make me smile, too. Isn’t the grin great?
LeAnn – She was very good at taking up the whole couch! If she stretched out her front and her back legs, they’d both be over the arms. But, bless her, she was always very happy to share. Nothing she liked better, in fact!
Sandy – Oh, sweetie, I am sorry! I hope the little cat is OK!
Secret Agent Woman and Reader Wil – Thank you!
Jabblog UK – Of course it would be rude not to grin back! And it’s irresistible anyway, isn’t it?
I’ve seen Dalmations grin! They look almost as funny as greyhounds! I haven’t seen many Labs do it though. I bet they look very sweet.
RuneE – Haha! Well, the Princess’ colour was green! I could have shown her in one of her green collars. I didn’t think of that!
I love Sid! I have never known a greyhound but have been told by some foster parents that they are the quintessential couch potatoes. And that grin on your late Princess is so adorable! Our household is a mixed lot of dogs that just happened to come our way in need of a meal and some shelter, so they stayed. And I’m grateful for that. Wonderful photos!
oh man, photos 6 and 7 put a huge smile on my face!!
Jill´s last blog ..Updated Website
Sid is a big boy!
And what a grin from the princess!
liz´s last blog ..Lenten thanks 17
The ‘G’reyhound pictures are lovely Jay (!)
Please excuse a rather ignorant question, but why are these dogs called Greyhounds? I have only ever seen beige ones.
P.S.
And black and sort of piebald!!!
Geri Atric´s last blog ..NIGHTMARE BEASTIES!
Lovely, Jay!
)
petra michelle´s last blog ..What do you think of The Hunchback of Hollywood?
Diane – I think that can be a very good way of acquiring pets! Most of our cats arrived that way, back in the days when I was able to keep them!
Yes, they are very lazy dogs indeed. Perfect for a couch potato like me!
Jill – I’m glad you liked them!
Liz – He is, isn’t he? And yes, she grinned large, didn’t she?
Geri – Thank you! The origins of the word ‘grey’ in ‘greyhounds’ is a bit of a mystery. Most etymologists think it comes from an old word, ‘grig’, meaning ‘bitch’ and that hounds used for hunting were called ‘bitch dogs’. Why, I haven’t a clue! What I can tell you is that blue (which is what the grey colouring is called in greyhounds) is the rarest colour of all! I believe black is the commonest, followed closely by brindle, and then you have the parti-coloured dogs (black and white, fawn and white, red and white, blue and white and brindle and white), fawns, red-fawns, and whites in no particular order. Some of the red-fawns are almost chocolate brown, and some of the brindles are almost black. We won’t go into ticking! LOL!
Petra – Thanks!
Wow! A true rainbow of hounds! Thanks for the info’.
Geri Atric´s last blog ..NIGHTMARE BEASTIES!
Great post for G! Wish you a nice day:-)
Spiderdama´s last blog ..Krativ markedsføring
Oh that grin!!! I remember that grin!!! Hippie grins like that – particularly when lying upside down which she does an awful lot!!!!
Kate´s last blog ..Update!