Greyhound Gal's Greys: Buffett

Getting to raise a puppy Greyhound is quite a rare thing for someone outside of racing. Buffett came into my life July of 2003 when he was just 7 weeks old from Greyhound Friends West. Although he was born at the "Plainfield (CT) Greyhound Park" dog racing track he was part of an unplanned litter. Since the track's owners didn't know his lineage, he could not be raised to race -or show. The track's breeder calls them "oops litters" -to me, though, Buffett is my little prize!

Buffett was named after Jimmy Buffett, our favorite music artist. When I first saw him, I was worried that I would never love another Grey as much as Shiraz - a retired racer who I had already owned for two and a half years. But when they put all 7 pounds of him in my arms the first time, it was love. Buffett made it obvious that my heart can expand to twice its size with no effort: he regularly makes me laugh, which is all you can ask from a friend. Buffett is white, with fawn markings and an adorable little patch around his left eye, which makes him look like "Petey" from the Little Rascals. Surprisingly, he also bears quite a resemblance to Shiraz. Since we're not exactly sure who both of Buffett's parents are, and the two dogs come from the same track, they could be related…

Buffett is a little angel 90% of the time. However, every evening at 8:00 PM, the puppy-devil comes out like clockwork. He makes weird noises and shoots up and down our hallway. He doesn't have much ground to cover -we live in a Manhattan studio apartment- but these dogs can reach 40+ mph, and Buffett is discovering what his legs can do. Luckily, Shiraz lets Buffett know when she's had enough: she puts her whole mouth over his head or neck. When she stops, he chases her again 'til she pushes him down and puts the stranglehold on again. These Greys have their own unique way of teaching manners!

Buffett's still unaware that not everyone enjoys his devilish antics -which is probably what's so endearing about him. He loves jumping on people and giving them hugs and kisses. I find it cute, but those that don't love dogs don't find this so charming. Next stop, obedience school!

As wild as Buffett can be, he's gentle at heart -and can pick up on human emotions. Once, Buffett was staying with my friends, Cathy and Bill. A frail, elderly woman friend came to visit and everyone feared that he'd nip and claw her. Instead, Buffett gently licked her face and lay at her feet!

Buffett's favorite pastime is running on the beach with Shiraz where they get to stretch their legs every week. Buffett tries to keep up with her, but he probably has no idea she's taking a relaxed pace. Besides biting Shiraz once -we know he didn't mean to- and costing $100 at the Vet and Shiraz a small chunk from her thigh and 10 days on antibiotics, all have recovered. Other than that, he's Mensa Club material all the way: Buffet's mastered stairs in no time, learned to sit for treats and usually "goes" outdoors! He's bright -not perfect.

Buffett and Shiraz are being featured in the Dogumentary Is Life Greyt and in Greyhound Gals Dog TV show pilots.

Buffett can be reached for Paw Signings and bite-size nips at 917-771-5586.