Addison: An Adoption Story
Addison's lineage can trace further back then Tia and Ryan can trace their own. Greyhound racing tracks and breeders keep ridiculously meticulous information of their dogs.
Pictures by Tia Dowding and Ryan Ledvina
Here's Addy's page: http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?d=Oshkosh+Addison&sex=&color=&birthyear=&birthland= Tia wanted a dog for years, ever since moving out of her parent's, where she had grown up with dogs since the time she was born. Not having a dog around is miserable! She had always wanted to rescue, mostly because she is aware of just how rewarding it is to rescue an animal from a potentially terrible past life, but also because her parent's first dog together was a rescue. Her mom was actually the one to turn Tia and her boyfriend Ryan onto the greyhound breed. For months she did her research and made sure the greyhound would be a good fit for their little family. Turns out, the greyhound was the PERFECT dog for them. Snuggly enough to satisfy her need to have a snuggly dog, active enough to satisfy Ryan's desire for a dog who could keep up with him. They found a rescue that operates all over the country, but has individual chapters in each state. Greyhound Pets of America, Wisconsin Chapter, is based in Burlington, WI, and operates out of an old greyhound kennel/racing track. https://www.gpawisconsin.org/ The process was long and arduous, but completely worth it. They first went through a phone interview with the president of the association, who asked them how much they knew about the breed and why they were interested in getting a greyhound. After the phone interview, they had the adoption rep over to their apartment to do a home visit. She brought one of her greyhounds with her, and that was when Tia and Ryan knew then they had made the right choice. He laid down next to Tia and slept on her lap the whole time they were there. Then came the waiting - once they were approved to adopt, they were put on a list to wait their turn to pick out a greyhound. Their number was up at the end of December, but they ended up having to wait until early January to go because of weather. That's when Tia and Ryan first met Addy. People often say that when you adopt a dog, you don't pick them, rather, the dog picks you. Tia says that she can testify how it is 100% true. Addison walked right up to them and put his nose into the crook of Tia’s arm and refused to leave it until she had pet him enough. She told the rep he was meant to be their dog, and they went home excited for the next few weeks to fly by. Adopting an ex racer can be much more difficult than adopting a dog from a shelter because of how they are raised. Greyhounds are hunting dogs by nature, and they are trained to chase small fluffy bunny props for racing. Most of these dogs are retired by the time they hit 2 or 3 years old, and none of them have seen the inside of a home at this point. They have never seen stairs, glass doors, tile, wood floors, or even carpet. Part of the process of adopting an ex racer means you don't get to take your dog home right away after picking them out. They go to a foster home first, where they are acclimated with how to be a pet. Foster families teach dogs how to use stairs, how to not run into glass doors, and generally how to be a pet. Addison was fostered with a family that had a greyhound, and three rescue pugs. He was with them for two weeks before going home to Tia and Ryan. Tia and Ryan have had Addy for about 2 months now, and he has adjusted to their lives wonderfully. Until they had Addy in the house, Tia felt like something was missing. He has filled the gap in their lives. It's true that dogs are a man's (or woman's!) best friend! Tia says that although he has stinky farts and really smelly breath, and follows her and Ryan around and makes them trip over him, Addison is such an amazing addition to their lives. They can't imagine life without him!