Loved Hound

Your hound can be featured as a Loved Hound, too. Just bid in Greyhound Gang's on-line auction (during the first two weeks of every month) for your chance to be spotlighted. Or bid to feature a friend's hound, as a present. Once you've won, you'll email me pictures and text, and the following month, this is where you and your hound will be. Loved Hound. Our wish - love for them all.

Winslow - written by Glynis Berger. Loved Hound gifted by Diane Jackson.

There’s a lot to be said about dogs taking on their owner’s traits. And vice versa. Let’s take Winslow and his Winslow ‘parents’ - Glynis Berger and Craig DeYong. It all started when Craig wanted a greyhound. He’d never had a dog in his life before. Glynis had had dogs, but she agreed to look into the whole greyhound thing. So they did their research, and Winslow, originally named Wendall, came into their lives from Greyhound Welfare in Maryland.

Looking back it’s clear they were very demanding parents. Their first conversation with Winslow went like this.

“When you come to live here, we promise to give you the best life a dog could ever have. But you have to do your part, too. No chewing furniture, books or anything that you shouldn't. No potty in the house, of any kind, and no biting the grandkids. That's it. You got it?”

And Winslow did get it.

winslow Well loved, as an only dog, he blossomed. Articulate, he carries on complete conversations, as do his human parents. Artistic, he creates art that he donates to raise funds for hounds.

His favorite charities are Greyhound Angel Network (they help pay medical bills for greyhounds in need) and OSU (Dr. Couto's Greyhound Wellness Clinic). Winslow's paintings can be purchased at the GAN Auctions held in spring and fall each year. Earlier in 2008 Winslow opened his own shop. He sells greeting cards, magnets, postcards and t-shirts. ALL proceeds go to GAN and OSU.

Glynis is also an artist. Wonder where he got all his talent?

Winslow

Winslow spends time on the computer, especially watching YouTube videos. As does Craig. His favorite YouTube video is Sleeping with Greyhounds.

As every good ‘son’, he’s hoping his mom and dad strike it rich, so he can swim and go to the beach everyday. Though eating bananas, and Burpdog biscuits (which helped get him through his cancer), playing with squeaky toys, sleeping and being around people make his day, too.

Winslow

In the meantime, he’s keeping a diary, and hoping to strike it rich on his own, so he can conquer canine cancer. His entire diary can be viewed on GreyTalk, where the laughter and tears since his amputation for bone cancer, in January 2007, is documented to help others.

A short synopsis: In Dec. 2006, at seven, Winslow was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. On Jan. 3, 2007 his hind leg was amputated. Through all – the fear, the diagnosis, the acceptance, the surgery, the recovery, the rehabilitation - it's been a learning experience for all. Winslow, taught us the biggest lesson - adaptability. Every day, he adapts to most situations with far more ease and grace than any human. Watching him, Winslow has taught us to think "outside the box" and adapt, too.

winslow

For instance, due to his hind leg amputation and his size, Winslow cannot make it upstairs to the bedroom. We moved to the dining room so that we could all sleep together. We are still there and have no plans of moving, ever. Friends come to visit and often, instead of sitting on the sofa, will lounge on the giant bed with Winslow instead. It's amazing how much more comfortable we have become.

Winslow

Also because of a bone spur in his front foot, Winslow no longer runs. He needs the exercise, so he swims weekly at an animal swim center near our home. He has learned to swim, knows what is expected and looks forward to his "swimming lesson" each week. Every time he does a lap, he wags and smiles. He knows when he's accomplished something and he knows how to try again. We watch him and we learn. He's taught us to appreciate any accomplishment, and we don't fear our failures quite as much.

How do we love Winslow? Let us count the ways. Daily, we try to fulfill the promise we made. Winslow has lived up to his part, impeccably, so it's the least we can do.

winslow Winslow will celebrate his 9th birthday and 2 years cancer free on Feb 7.