Jenny and her family share their heartwarming experience with their beloved greyhounds, Simon and Fred.
Discovering Greyhounds
After losing their lab, Shiloh, Jenny's family decided to adopt a new dog. Inspired by a friend's encounter with Greyt Angels at a parade, they explored the idea of adopting a greyhound. Their journey began with a visit to Greyt Angels events, where they fell in love with the gentle giants.
Four years ago, we lost our 13 year old lab Shiloh. It was sudden and very devastating. We decided that after school was out, we would go to the shelter and find another dog. A friend mentioned that she had gone to the Wakarusa Maple Festival Parade and saw the greyhounds. They were walking along dressed in their tu-tus, let people pet them along the way and just seemed like they were very calm dogs. Gentle giants she called them. She thought the dogs were a part of the Greyt Angels group. After some discussion, we thought it would be cool to have a greyhound. Our daughter was attending the University of Indianapolis at the time and their mascot was Ace the greyhound.I found the Greyt Angels website and sent an inquiry. Almost immediately I was contacted by Lynn. She explained how the process worked and suggested that we come to some events, the first being the Riders for Racers motorcycle ride. I anxiously awaited the day of the event so I could meet actual hounds. It was awesome! There were hounds in coats, because it was a chilly day, hounds visiting with each other and humans. The next event was a Meet and Greet and the whole family went. Immediately, we fell in love with the houndies and completed the application. We didn’t care about gender or color, it just had to be cat tolerant.
Meeting Simon
Simon Bar Sinister, a retired racer from Birmingham, captured their hearts with his soulful eyes. Despite not being the prettiest hound, Simon quickly became the perfect addition to their family. Calm and gentle, he adapted well to their home, winning over both the family and their cat, Kiara.
A few weeks later, a group of hounds ready to retire came up from the track in Birmingham, Alabama. There were three and only one was cat safe, Simon Bar Sinister. Simon wasn’t the prettiest hound. He didn’t have a lot of fur on his back end and was kind of skinny but there was something about his soulful eyes. I knew he needed us and we needed him. Simon was the perfect first greyhound. He was calm, gentle, didn’t mind his crate or his “house” as we call it. He played in the yard, liked walks and got along with the cats. Kiara the cat, the 16 year old matriarch swatted him on the nose and that was the end of that. He wasn’t fond of wearing his coat in the cold Indiana winters and still gives the greyhound “stink eye” when he has to wear one. Rather than chasing the rabbit, he spends his days lounging on the couch, bed or any soft surface.
Welcoming Fred
Three years later, Fred joined the family. Jenny bonded with him immediately, and his sweet, calm nature fit perfectly. Fred's quirky habit of collecting items like slippers and pot holders adds to his charm. He loves playing fetch and being a helpful companion around the house.
Saber Fred came into our lives three years later. Fred and I bonded on the trip back to Goshen from the hauler I was petting him and if I stopped, I would get a not so subtle nudge to keep going. After he was cleaned up and ready to go to his foster home, I said goodbye and wished him a nice retirement. I couldn’t stop thinking about the handsome brindle hound. He was sweet, calm and good with cats. I had a hunch that he would be a good fit for our family. So he came to our house. Fred is a sweetheart, but a sneaky one! The first thing he did was take a pair of slippers to his bed. He didn’t do anything with them, he just wanted them close. The kleptomaniac takes everything; pot holders, stuffed animals, clothes, if it fits in his mouth, he takes it. Fred loves to play outside, and sometimes inside, with his tennis ball and football. He plays fetch, but on his terms. He is my helper in the kitchen, the garden or wherever I’m doing work. We have our daily ritual of hugging. Fred puts his snout under my arm and I give him a hug. His very favorite thing to do is sort the dirty laundry to his liking and sleep there.
A Family Transformed
Simon and Fred have brought immense joy and companionship to Jenny's family. The greyhounds' gentle presence and unique personalities have enriched their lives. Jenny praises Greyt Angels for their dedication and support, grateful for the community they've become a part of.
Simon, Fred and all the greyhounds we have been able to meet have made a huge difference in our lives. They are such sweet , sensitive creatures. There can be 15 or 20 of them in a group and they won’t make a sound. I can’t say enough about Greyt Angels. They are such a wonderful group of people who care about the hounds and their people. Thank you for introducing us to the greyhound cult!
Thank you, Jenny and family, for sharing your wonderful journey with Simon and Fred.
