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Saturday 27 April 2013

Keeping it in the family

It's the Lady Of The House here, making a brief return to blogging because Bill - who I think has been doing a fabulous job of getting to grips with it all - says I can share some exciting news with you.

First of all, Monkey's doing well and gaining confidence every day. He's also happily heading to his bed at night time thanks to the chicken treat bribery many of you suggested.

Yesterday his paperwork came to us from the Retired Greyhound Trust where we learned that his racing name was Autumn Fusion. John and Judith at Crossing Cottage had already told us he had run 129 races in his career, but now we were able to look him up on greyhound-data where we found out a bit more about his races and his family tree.

Given the way he chose us SO clearly on that visit to Crossing Cottage at the start of this month, perhaps we shouldn't have been surprised to see that he was related to our Winnie on both his mum's side AND his dad's side. Yes, we have another Honcho Hound in the house. See this Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/110335212384824 - for owners of dogs descended from Head Honcho.

What was a surprise was to find that he was ALSO the grandson of the superstar Australian greyhound Brett Lee - who I wrote about on our Lost and Fond website.

Here's Monkey's potted family tree

Of course, we realise that greyhounds at stud have LOTS of puppies so lots and lots of dogs share common ancestry with Brett Lee and Head Honcho - but maybe now that we know there is DOUBLE greyhound Royality in his family tree it explains why he still likes to have his dinner brought to him in the living room.

Perhaps that confused look in his eyes in recent weeks was actually him saying: "Don't you know who I am?"

Today we took Monkey out in the car for the first time since we brought him home. We didn't want to give him too many new experiences all at once. We just took a short drive to a local park that's near a busy road (another test for Monkey). It was also his first time without his muzzle and he had a WONDERFUL time.

The sights and smells made him skip with joy and he didn't seem to mind the traffic noise at all. We also ventured on to the canal towpath to test his reaction to ducks. Not bothered at all. So more car journeys and muzzle-free walks loom large in Monkey's future.








Now on to the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop!

Seems a long time (because it is) since I did one of these so bear with me if I get anything wrong. If you just want to use the links below to find new blogs to read and follow - that's fine.

If you want to join in and add YOUR pet-related blog, you should use the Linky tool provided to sign up. 

Please also follow your three host of this blog hop - Life With Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume. who are in positions number 3. 4. and 5. on the listings below.

18 comments:

Sue said...

Brett Lee was Polly's dad, so her and Monkey are related:)

Loving hearing about how Monkey is settling into his forever home.

rottrover said...

We're certain Monkey knows that he's royalty!!

Bart, Rub and Otto

BZ Dogs said...

What a fun family tree! He probably thinks he should be in the bedroom and you in the kitchen :)

Anonymous said...

He looks great without that muzzle on! Glad he did well around the ducks.

So cool to find out he's related to Winnie! Looks like you do have more royalty on your hands!

Elyse and Riley

GOOSE said...

Love that he got to go out without the muzzle and did just fine. Well he is royalty after all.
Blessings,
Goose

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

And we always thought Brett Lee was just a cricketer!!!

SHE won't let us see our papers because SHE says we're better bred than SHE is.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

jet said...

There is so much of Brett Lee in greyhounds today I am surprised when he isn't in the lineage!

What Remains Now said...

I'm so glad that Monkey continues to make such wonderful progress. I'm anticipating that he will have you all completely wrapped around his paw in short order.

Eileen H said...

Wonderful news that Monkey is settling so well, and muzzle -free.
Delighted he is related to Winnie!
Now servants, have you polished the silver bowl for Monkey's next feast :-)

Unknown said...

Great news that Monkey can walk without a muzzle. Wow what an illustrious family tree! He is indeed royalty. Have a serene Sunday.
Best wishes Molly

The Black and Tans. said...

Monkey is doing so well and obviously enjoying life to the full.

Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie

Matilda the Boxer said...

Oh boy, I'm so glad Monkey did well and gets to go on walks without that muzzle now. I bet everyone will be happier now!

Greyhounds CAN Sit said...

Yes, Brett Lee is my Beryl's sire too:) He was a prolific chap. How awesome for you to find out that Monkey is related to Winnie on both sides. He is coming along so well, pats on the back for all of you I think.

Mary Lou said...


I'm back!! At last, I am finished working on Little Miss Secretive Writing Project!! It feels so very good to be back soaring through Blogville again!! ;)
Monkey? Who is Monkey?! Wait. You adopted another canine?! Well, congrats!! {"Better late than never" as that phrase goes!!} Welcome to Blogville, Monkey!! ;op
Love, Raelyn.... Plus Rose, my BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE "Mystery Dog"!!

Phyllis said...

Hi,

I just adopted my first retired greyhound and am searching for nice blogs related to them...that's how I found you. I will be visiting again to pick up on tips from other grey owners. :)


Phyllis said...

Hi - me again.

I just read through all your posts to where you first met Monkey.

You are so right when you say there is no accounting for 'love at first sight'. That is what I felt when I first saw my beloved whippet mix, Princess, who crossed rainbow bridge 4 weeks ago yesterday.

When I first adopted her she was 5 1/2 months old and terrified of the world and everything in it. With lots of love, socializing and a couple of formal classes, Princess became the model dog. Any time I took her out in public, people would want to pet her and then they would remark on what a well behaved dog she was. My response was always - 'this is what a lot of love and good training will do'.

Monkey will grow into a wonderful companion. He might keep a few of his quirks, but don't we all have them?

He is beautiful, as was Winnie. Good for you for offering Monkey a good home.

Two Greyhound Town said...

Congratulations! He is making such great progress and is such a handsome guy.

Sue aka Greyhound Lover said...

How did I miss this Elaine, I'm so sorry but have totally fallen in love albeit rather late with Monkey what a handsome fella he is. Have just sat down to read all about him.

Hope you're feeling a bit better and thank you so much for your kinds words about Orin. xx