Gregarious Greyhounds

The Greyhound is a graceful, elegant and ancient breed of dog.  It is the only dog mentioned in the Bible (Proverbs 30: 29-31).  It is depicted on murals of long ago civilizations.

When I opened the door to take one of these majestic creatures on its first walk…it greeted me by taking a majestic chunk out of my leg!  Ok, not literally.  It was just curious to know what my jeans tasted like.

The client had been struggling to keep a pet sitter that wouldn’t leave after getting bit.  The poor fella was a racing rescue and was still dealing with some issues.  I knew this during the initial interview and that’s why I didn’t bail after what I call the, “I’m-getting-to-know-you” bite.

I also didn’t bail after the, “my-mom’s-home-sick-and-I’m-confused-as-to-why-you’re-here-so-I’m-gonna-bite-you-just-in-case” bite.   One day when I bent down to show him where his treat was that he dropped, I still stayed after the “I-think-you’re-trying-to-take-my-treat-away-so-I’m-gonna-bite-you” bite.

Needless to say, I managed to receive a tetanus shot in the middle of all of that.  And the beautiful and graceful Greyhound and I are best buds now and I have been bite free for almost a year  now.  However, I’m not ruling out the “Happy-Thanksgiving-do-you-taste-like-turkey-today” bite.

Vicious Little Rabbits

As a pet sitter, never did I think my first experience pet sitting a cute cuddly little fuzz ball would turn into a heart-pounding adventure.

I’ll call the little fella “George.”  The first time I met George was with his owner.  He was bouncing around joyfully enjoying the good ‘bunny life.’  Perhaps not unlike those who reside at a well-known mansion.  That, however, was his demeanor in the presence of his owner.

Upon my first visit with George sans client, I reached down to pat him on the head.  It all happened like a bad 70’s horror flick.  He made a strange grunting noise, mounted himself on his hind legs, and lunged at me with his teeth bared!  I recoiled in terror. 

Composing myself, I retraced my steps and tried to figure out how I could have caused a totally unprovoked attack.  I surveyed the animal’s enclosure and his surroundings.  I assessed George himself, who to the naked eye appeared a gentle doe-eyed creature.  Clever, very clever.

I recounted something the client said that now echoed in my head like sage wisdom from Obi Wan Kenobi.  “Remember the towel.  He likes to play with the towel.”  Grabbing the towel I flicked it in George’s direction.  He was skeptical at first.  As well he should have been.  I could have been out for revenge afterall.  He had to be careful. 

Realizing I meant no immediate harm, he proceeded to play with the towel.  It was then I discovered I had been holding my breath the entire time.  I could now breathe.  And George could now bare his teeth for eating carrots…instead of fingers.