News, good and bad

Yes, people, I’m still alive.

Although there have been times the past few days when that felt a bit dubious. The bad news is that I’m currently entertaining a host of bugs in my lungs, and my old friend legionella pneumophila is back. Yup, that old ‘walking pneumonia’ again. The cough is evil, I’m as tired as if I’ve run a marathon, and my lungs are, according to my doctor, making some pretty dire crackling noises. Antibiotics, rest, plenty of fluids. Yes, I know the drill.

The good news is much better. On Thursday afternoon the Husband and I are driving up to Townsville for a Very Important Appointment. At 9.30 on Friday morning, we’re being introduced to our new fur baby, to see if he likes us. He’s a retired racing greyhound, 3 years old, glossy and black and a little shy. We have passed our initial phone interview with the Greyhound Adoption Program of Queensland, and now we just have to be thoroughly sniffed and hound-assessed; for our potential generosity with treats, likelihood to let him sleep on the bed, ability to provide him with all the luxuries and comforts an extremely beautiful and graceful retired athlete could want, and willingness to provide endless strokies and pats. I’d say we were ready… We are disregarding his kennel and racing names, both of which don’t suit him at all, and His Magnificence will henceforth be known as Mouse (sleek, long pointy nose, beady eyes, etc). More photos will be available as of Friday.I’ve already made two dog beds, and a third will be needed (although possibly little used) for the bedroom. We have the bowls, lead and car clip, toys, treats, dental chews, kibble, wet food, and engraved name tag. We’ll need to get him fitted for a harness for walkies and for greater security in the car, he comes with his own ‘official’ Greenhound* registration collar, and I will of course be making him a variety of elegant coats for cooler weather, as his body fat is so low, and his skin and fur are very thin. That bit’s going to be fun – I feel something quilty coming on!

*Greenhounds are greyhounds which have passed a stringent assessment for socialisation, good behaviour around small animals and children, low prey drive (ie, they don’t chase small fluffy things), low aggression and territoriality, etc. They are awarded a numbered and registered green collar which they must wear at all times. Greyhounds must always be walked on the lead, since they can reach speeds of 65kph/40mph within three paces. Non-assessed greyhounds must wear a muzzle in public because they are trained to chase.

He’s going to be one spoiled puppy. I hope we can live up to his expectations!