Greyhound Gal's Greys: Shiraz

Sleep - Eat - Greet. How about that lifestyle! That's the life for my white -with fawn markings and speckling on her belly- Greyhound, Shiraz. Formerly a "Plainfield (CT) Greyhound Park" race track dog, Shiraz now runs strictly for fun.

Shiraz came to me inthe Spring of 2001 from the rescue group Greyhound Friends West. Born Oct 10, '98 as "Valley Aspen" she came from a litter of five females. Her racing career was quite impressive as she won 1st Place three times and placed 33% of the time. However, in the competitive world of dog racing, she burned out quickly and ended up at the rescue group. We renamed her Shiraz, after our favorite spicy, peppery red wine. Like her namesake, Shiraz has zest!

Shiraz has been seen by hundreds of thousands on TV. I was acting in a P.C. Richards Holiday Sales commercial, and the Huskies that were hired for the commercial couldn't perform on mark. Shiraz filled in, trotted out on cue and hit her mark every time: what a star! I take her everywhere, so there's something to be said for "right time, right place." Not one to rest on her laurels, Shiraz has branched out as a cover girl! She made the cover of a Gannett Newspaper, "Beachcomber" Oct. 11th, 2002 featuring the Greyhound National event, "Reach the Beach" in Dewey, Delaware.

Shiraz has a real "sixth sense" regarding people. One day at the dog run on 25th Street, she was laying down (as usual, while I was the one socializing!) But within a minute, she bounded up, went to the fence and jumped on it, snorted, came to me and repeated until noticed. I couldn't see what the fuss was over since bushes blocked my view through the fence. Eventually, I followed her over -and right there lying on a bench a man was having a seizure. We called 911 on my cell and an ambulance arrived within minutes -Shiraz just may have saved a life! Shiraz also had the same reaction when I stepped into the pool and swam towards the deep end. Greyhounds aren't known for swimming and she doesn't swim in the water: but she jumped in after me and I believe this was her way of coming to my rescue.

Shiraz is sociable, and her favorite past-times are running, sleeping, and eating treats. She enjoys a good stretch on the beach with her new pal, Buffett (recently adopted from the Plainfield, CT track, as well - see Buffett). Shiraz thinks she has personal instructions from NYC's Mayor to clean the city: she makes sure that no chicken bone or pizza crust remains left untouched. Her favorite foods are peanut butter, sushi, greenies - ok - all dog treats, pizza, poultry, yogurt, etc. About the only thing she isn't fond of is saltines or Triscuits. Somehow, she keeps her weight at a svelte 56 pounds -how does she do it?

Since the Spring of 2001, Shiraz ruled the roost and wasn't sure what to think when we first brought home Buffett: some little tike was annoying her in her own home. She growled at him whenever he came near and didn't eat for two days. But he kept trying to be friends, and within a week, she allowed him to come closer and closer. And not more than a month later, one day I walked into the living room and there they were - asleep together in one bed with their tails touching. Since then, she's been quite protective of Buffett around other dogs: if she feels they're getting too rough with him - she jumps in. All in all, Shiraz is happy to have a younger running mate.

Shiraz also loves meeting other breeds and her current best friend is a yellow Lab, Daisy.
Shiraz is a high maintenance bitch with comfy beds upstairs, downstairs, on the porch and in the car. She has a closet full of clothes -from rain gear, fancy floral hat and beaded necklace to her winter-wear, complete with several stylish coats and collars.

Shiraz is a perfect lady and never misbehaves. She doesn't jump up on people, rarely barks, and loves to meet just about everyone: she's as sweet and loving as they come.

Shiraz is available for paw signings at 917-771-5586