We are sharing the story of Jezepel’s recent integration into a new home so it may enlighten the adoption-curious and bring back fond memories of the early days for those with long-settled greyhounds.
Jazz loves her crate!
The recently adopted Jezepel, now nicknamed Jazz, is settling in nicely, report adopters Scott and Maria Macintire. The first week she was really quiet and reserved, then this past weekend her personality started to show.
She’s done very well in the house. “We have a crate the same size as the one at the kennel and we leave the door open all day and only close it when we leave or sleep. She loves her crate and has all her squeaky toys and pillows inside,” Scott and Marie report.
Jazz just learned to climb stairs. By no means is she graceful, but she is learning that taking it slow is the key to not sliding. She still needs to master the trip down. She stands at the top staring, drooling and shaking. The Macintires have to help her down most times. If Jazz is really nervous, then she must be carried.
On the culinary side, she currently is dining on Blue Buffalo chicken and brown rice, which she absolutely loves.
Jazz has developed nervousness about going through the doorway to the backyard. The Macintires believe it’s because it leads to two steps she must go down, but that seems to be passing day by day. When she gets outside she does very well.
She visited the veterinarian because of a limp in her front right leg. The vet suggested glucosamine and thinks it may just be an old racing injury. The Macintires took the wise step of having a microchip placed and registering her on line. (Note: A local adoption group offers low-cost microchipping services, often at Hollywood Feed).
Jazz enjoys her new adventures.
Jazz has visited the dog park at Shelby Farms twice. “The first day she stayed at my side and just seemed to watch everything happen.” Then she caught a glimpse of a small dog chasing a ball. That sight prompted her first attempted run since joining the Macintires. Jazz was on a short leash and did not get very far.
The next day, as a reward for going up the stairs, they went to the park again. Scott reports, “She trotted with me on the trails and then we went to the water’s edge” where Jazz was greeted by several dogs including a few small dogs and a Bull Mastiff. She warmed up to them quickly, watching them play as if she was a child at a new school.
Jazz watched intently, trying to figure out what the other dogs were doing, trying to learn as she watched but still to shy to approach them. A medium-size doberman ran up to her, as if inviting Jazz to join the fun.
It wasn’t too long before Jazz started to wade into the water, human in tow, to join her new pals. It’s official: Jazz likes the water and can swim. “She, well `we,’ played with the other dogs for almost an hour in the water. She was reluctant to leave,” Scott says.
Jazz is ready to race soccer-playing kids.
Jazz has done very well with the whole family and has had no problems with their schedule. “All my son’s friends, being soccer players, want to`race’ her” to see who’s faster. We all know who will win!” Scott says.
“Jazz has been so sweet and we are very happy we adopted her. We have received many `thank yous’ from other dog owners for `rescuing’ her. We make sure we tell them where she came from and where they, too, can adopt a Grey. Thanks again for our new family member.”
— Scott and Maria Macintire