Harry Goes to Theodore Roosevelt Island

Tuday wuz rily fun. We wen to a park fur a lawng waak wid my frens. I rily likd it becuz I dont git to hang out wid uder greyhunds verry much, juz kittys. It wuz so fun becuz dere were soo manny nu smelz and nu playces to marck! Roo, roo! Juz look at al de picsures off me wid ma frens.






Danks, mum an dad fur taykin me to da park. I hadd fun!

Raising Money For A Friend

As many of you know, a good friend of mine - Matthew "Houli" Houlihan - died in October 2000.  This August I will be one of 11 runners running the Falmouth Road Race to raise money for a charity set up in his name and memory (the Matthew W. Houlihan Foundation).

On October 3, 2000 as a sophomore at Hamilton College and just one month shy of his 20th birthday, Matt passed away in his sleep.  In the wake of such a sudden and unexpected tragedy, Matt's family decided to establish a charitable foundation in his honor.  The Matthew W. Houlihan Foundation was chartered as a 501(c)3 in May of 2001.  The Foundation's mission, as stated on its website, "is to preserve Houli's memory through various charitable endeavors that reflect the vivacious and generous spirit of a young man who viewed the world through loving eyes and a kind soul."

On Sunday, August 10th I am running the Falmouth Road Race in Matt's memory.  Any contributions you can make to this fund raising effort will be sincerely appreciated.  My goal is to raise $750 by race day.  Please contact me if you are interested in donating.  Thank you for anything you can do to help.

Tell Us How You Really Feel

"Nala, how do you feel about your new doggy brother?"


Well, then...

Sitting Duck.. er, Dog

Well folks, it's been about two months since we adopted Harry, defying our status as "cat people," and effectively ending our ability to leave the house for more than 5-6 hours at a time. Truthfully, Harry has continued his winning streak as "quite possibly the most cat-like (and therefore most awesome) dog ever." He's quiet (3 barks in 9 weeks), sleeps most of the day, cleans himself, and has the same independent "I'm not going to jump all over you whenever I'm in your presence" quality that we do so value in our companion animals.

One area in which Harry has, thankfully, proven himself to be a model of the canine species is training. After a rocky start, Harry has done really well learning a whole variety of basic commands. Andy and I find one command particularly endearing, however, and that is Harry's newfound ability to "sit" on cue. You see, there is a widely held misconception that greyhounds can't sit because their bodies aren't "designed" for it. In fact, if you watch a greyhound who doesn't like to sit, you'll notice that it really does appear very uncomfortable. So "sit" was never a big goal for Harry's training. Our trainer suggested that we give it a try and boy, did she confirm why we're paying her to guide us through this whole training process. Harry doesn't just sit; Harry LOVES to sit. It has become his default position... if he's learning something new, and he knows that we're asking him for something, but he's not quite sure what it is, he'll give us a "sit" as a sort of "Hmm... I know this has worked quite a few times in the past. Maybe I'll get a treat if I sit." It's pretty cute, though we're no longer allowed to fuss over him when he does it without being asked. Even our trainer, Victoria, finds Harry in a sit to be endearing as she asked to take more pictures to post on her petside.com blog. So, without further ado, I present to you Harry, the Amazing Sitting Greyhound!

The Sitting Greyhound

Free Rice

You may have noticed an addition to our blog in the form of a banner for "Free Rice".  Free Rice is a website that allows you to expand your vocabulary while simultaneously providing rice to those in need.  Simply answer the vocab question correctly and 20 grains of rice will be donated to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).  Just like the new GRE, as you answer questions correctly the words get progressively harder.  So please, take a look, improve your vocabulary and help those less fortunate.

I'd like to thank Nikki for turning us on to this site.

Assorted Pooch Pics

More random Harry photos from the past couple of days...


Harry spots a mallard. Ignore the nasty old Potomac in the background.

Running is easy. Walking is hard work.


With these big brown eyes, I think it's fair to say he's going to get away with a lot in our household...
The "world's fastest couch potato," exhibit Harry.


Harry loves Andy... awww... male bonding.

Farmer's Market, etc.

Being good yuppies, Andy and I are committed to being as "green" as we can in our daily lives. Some changes in lifestyle are easier than others (we tend to get buried under mountains of recyclables before giving in and hauling tail to the recycling center). One lifestyle change we're thrilled to embrace is the farmer's market. We're fortunate to live a short walk away from the longest continually operational open air market in North America. That's right, folks, the very first marketplace in the country occupied this space in the aptly named Market Square in Alexandria long before the city was founded (and also housed the second largest slave auction in the years preceding the Civil War, but for some reason, the City of Alexandria doesn't trumpet that fact at such a loud pitch as the former).


We're not the only good yuppies in town...



This past Memorial Day weekend was gorgeous here in Alexandria. We didn't do much, really... took the pooch for long walks, enjoyed leisurely afternoons/evenings on our back patio with a book and a frosty cold beverage. I can't imagine any better way to enjoy the first weekend of the summer. This picture was taken on our Saturday night walk, only a few blocks from our little crooked house. The way the tree frames the image reminds me of that scene in Gone With the Wind where Gerald (aka "Pa") is explaining to Scarlett that land is a bit important... can't you just hear the theme in the background...

Jack

Yup... that's my nephew.

Quote of the Day

Scene: Harry is sleeping on his dog bed, legs twitching.

Katie: "You can tell he's running in his sleep... I hope he's winning."

..about 5 minutes later

Katie: "Of course he's winning."

Star Quality

Now that Harry has been living with us for a month or so, we figured it was time to get our boy signed up for some good 'ole fashioned obedience training. Truthfully, there's little "old fashioned" about the trainer and the training method we're using. Our trainer's name is Victoria Schade, and she specializes in positive reinforcement training (for non-dog people, that means only good things for good behaviors, no "correction" or pushing the dog to do what you want). She uses the clicker method to enforce the training, and we've been having fun watching Harry bend to our will -- uh, I mean catch on to his training.

Victoria was taken with Harry, but the surprise of our first in-home training session is how much she enjoyed Athena! In typical fashion, Athena took it upon herself to steal the attention from the object of Victoria's visit. Given her outgoing and affectionate nature, Victoria suggested that we give the clicker training a try with Athena.... hmmm... While we're off working on "leave it," and "get off the counter, you crazy feline," feel free to check out Victoria's postings about our kitties (Monday) and our puppy dog (Tuesday) on petside.com.

Silly Kitties

Pupper

The Light and the Way

This past weekend the National Cathedral was turned into a new piece of art.  For three nights the cathedral was lit up for all around to see.  We managed to get some pictures thanks to the gorilla pod.  Enjoy.

Watch Cat

China!

As in dinnerware, not the country (bummer). After months of shopping for, deciding on, waiting for and setting up a new china cabinet, Andy and I finally put it all together this afternoon.


Ta-da!

We used the money given to us as wedding gifts to pay for our nice china. Not sure when we're ever going to need 13 place settings of fine dinnerware, but I guess it pays to be prepared for anything. A great big thanks to those who helped make it possible. We'll enjoy it for years to come!


And a special thanks to my parents; the cabinet is their wedding gift to us. As young adults still transitioning from dorm furniture a la Ikea, this cabinet is far and away the nicest piece of furniture we own. We plan to have it and use it for many years to come.

Gratutious Harry Shot

He's just so handsome, I couldn't resist.

Confessions of an Adopted Greyhound Mom

After a week with our new addition, I’d like to update everyone on our impressions of life (really only a week) with Harry.

1. I’ve been amazed by the wide range and number of people who are drawn to greyhounds. My personal favorite thus far: Walking him a few mornings ago, I heard a little girl (possibly 5 or 6) cry out, “Ohhhh, pretty doggy.”
2. Greyhound people are a tight-knit group. We were stopped on a walk the first day we had him by a woman who has a greyhound named Jack. It seems that Jack was waiting in the car and wanted to meet Harry (greyhounds LOVE other greyhounds). We only spoke for a moment, and though it appeared as though we had little in common (she and her husband were about 40 years our senior), I definitely got the sense that we’d be friends if only for the fact that we’re both loved by a greyhound.
3. I’m a little disturbed by how quickly Harry’s poo became a common topic of discussion between Andy and me.
4. When I think of all the horror stories I’ve heard from dog people about bringing a dog (and a rescue dog, no less!) into a new home, I can’t help but feel lucky. Harry does his business outside, he loves to stay in his crate, he’s not destructive, doesn’t bark (we haven’t heard a peep from him yet), he walks well on a leash (90% of the time), he takes alone time in stride, and, best of all, he shows only passing, casual interest in the smaller furry creatures in the house.
5. Most of all, I’m amazed at this creature who greets us enthusiastically after an absence, who puts his head in my lap for more petting, and who looks for us to help guide him in his new world. He barely knows us, but I already sense the trust and love that dog people go on about. There is something special about occupying that space in a creature (human or animal)’s life.

I realize that we have a long way to go. There will undoubtedly be days when we ask ourselves why we decided to bring another pet into the house. (We ask that question more often than we’d care to admit as far as Athena is concerned. Usually followed shortly after other questions like: “Oh, God, what is she into now?,” “Why won’t she just leave poor Nala alone?,” “Did you know cats could do that?” or, my personal favorite, “What is she eating?! Whatever it is, I hope it’s cat safe.”) But if the experience of loving Harry is anything like that of loving our kitties, I think we have a lot of good times ahead of us.

Confessions of a Retired Racing Greyhound

Day 1

No race today. Months have passed since my regular routine changed drastically. I was used to a predictable schedule, a certain type of food, and lots of other hounds to keep me company. Now I find myself surrounded by people and these strange creatures they often refer to as 'cats.' After I finally began to settle in and get used to one person and her 'cat,' another pair loaded me in their car and drove me away. These new people seem to mean well, but I can tell they've never had anyone like me around. They refer to me as "Harry," which I suppose I can live with... better than "Jay's Tone O" in any case. In the midst of all this upheaval, I find comfort in sleep, food and walks. These people can't be all bad. They give me plenty of each.

Day 2

No race today. I was a little disappointed to discover that these new people also have 'cats.' The longhair is more shy and, for the most part, observes me from a distance. The shorthair, on the other hand, well, that one could be trouble. Fearless, that one is.... she approaches my crate with eyes wide... sometimes it's hard to determine if she's observing or challenging me! The people appear to love them, though, so I suppose I'll learn to accept them as part of the pack. In time.

After a long walk I found myself surrounded by grass, water and so many people and dogs! I think the people called it a 'park.' Boy, was it busy. I've never seen anything like it... it was a little overwhelming for a dog who is used to seeing the same people, things, and dogs everyday for most of his life. While it was pretty stressful, I couldn't help but enjoy all the compliments I got while out on my walk. I personally think my lobster collar looks ridiculous, but the people seem to get a kick out of it. And they don't understand us??

Season Tickets

After going to only a handful of Nationals game last year in the old RFK, Katie and I decided to splurge for a partial season ticket plan with two of our friends.  Last night was the first of our 20 games this season.  The new stadium is pretty impressive, even Katie thinks so.

While we were at the game we had the chance to meet two of the most famous Presidents in history: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

In the interest of staying married, I also have to post this picture of me.

All in all, it was a great time (even though the Nats ended up losing) and we're looking forward to many more good times this summer (maybe even into this October...?).

New Addition

In his book, Marley & Me, John Grogan writes, "Animal lovers are a special breed of human, generous of spirit, full of empathy, prone to sentimentality, and with hearts as big as a cloudless sky." I think that sums me up fairly well. Anyone who knows me is aware of how much I love animals, and how I'm only ever really happy when I'm living with at least one. It should come as no surprise, then, that I've somehow managed to convince Andy that two cats isn't enough. I've wanted a dog for a long time, and now we have the means and the circumstances to give one a good home. Well, let's be honest here, it actually didn't take a whole lot of convincing to get Andy in on the scheme.

Committed as we are to the belief that there are too many good animals in need of a good home, we decided immediately that we were only going to consider adopting from a rescue or a shelter. With those parameters in place, we did a great deal of reading up on different breeds, and soon zeroed in on our chosen type: the retired racing greyhound. Though it may come a surprise to most, greyhounds are sweet, gentle, affectionate, quiet, even-tempered, and often lazy (!) dogs. Most consider their running days over by the time they cross our doorsteps, and are content to doze the day away with a walk or two each day. Of course, we were worried about the cats, but most greyhounds (about 80% estimated) are perfectly fine to live with cats given the proper introductions and adjustment period. We read a great deal on these dogs, visited with many, and arrived at our final choice just this evening.

Our new dog is currently named Harry (We haven't pinned down his permanent name yet. Suggestions are most welcome!). He is being fostered with a cat (very happily, as we were thrilled to observe), he heels like a gentleman on a leash, he's already learned basic commands, and he's as lovable and gentle as can be. We're picking him up from his foster home on Friday, and we'll have more pictures and news after the weekend. For now, we couldn't be more thrilled.

This is the only picture of Harry we have (from the adoption group's website). He is a handsome boy.

Now... someone just has to tell the cats. *gulp*

Girls' Week(end)

Andy has left us for more interesting pursuits in far away lands. In his absence, the kitties and I have taken full advantage. Tonight, a Jane Austen marathon (Sense and Sensibility, and Pride and Prejudice, no doubt two of my favorite movies... EVER.) and tomorrow, Gone with the Wind. Though it is my favorite movie, Andy has yet to see the second half (he knows how much I love it). I haven't seen it since we started living together, and I figure that is too long. I ordered a pizza for dinner topped with fresh tomatoes (oh! the abject horror of fresh tomatoes!).

I've been keeping a list of little things that need to get done around the house (cleaning the bathroom floor, painting a spot we missed in the dining room, etc.) and have managed to get more done in a day alone then I was able to do in a month as a pair. Now, in fairness, Andy is an excellent helper when it comes to cleaning. He's good at taking direction and willing to help out, two characteristics I am positive are lacking in most guys. I am grateful for that. With that said, most tasks I assign him (or he takes on of his own initiative), require a great deal of explanation on my part for him to accomplish. Sometimes it is nice to set out to wash the bathroom floor and to simply do it without having to explain how, why, with what tools, how long, in what direction, at what time of day, under what star sign, etc. The cats, for their part, have continued the diligent search for the most comfortable place in the house to nap in the sunlight.

Also, in the event that Andy might be reading this post from his "business trip," I should confess the following: I threw away a few cardboard boxes; The cats' food is out now and has likely been out all day; My shoes are scattered in the way of the front door; The dishwasher hasn't been emptied and there are dishes in the sink that I will likely load into the dishwasher incorrectly; I've washed several loads of laundry without cleaning out the lint trap. Oh, and the Rock Hollow cab is pretty good.

;o)

Easter Sunday

One of the things I love most about this house is the natural light. As the weeks go by I find myself thinking "wow... that's beautiful," and though it's been nearly 4 months now, I have yet to take it for granted. Maybe it's the old glass, maybe it's the size of the windows, or maybe it's really that we spent the last few years renting a place surrounded by mature trees (dark and cool). Most likely, I'll long for that shaded past once the full force of summer hits. Perhaps I'll even stop feeling blessed when I see the living room or our bedroom flooded with sunlight, but I truly doubt it. It's just too perfect. Particularly on a sunny Easter Sunday.