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From commentor Bystander:
Actually, any number of consistent readers of Balloon Juice have already met Tinker, given that I’ve previously linked these photos…
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Tinker is a sighthound — a Borzoi — adopted through the National Borzoi Rescue Foundation. She is approximately 3 years old. Reportedly, she’d had three different homes — not counting her bred-by home — prior to coming to live with me, my spouse, 5 rescued Border Collies and 2 Australian Shepherds.
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She appeared on Craig’s List in Nebraska — free to a “good home” — when a Borzoi breeder spotted her and swung into action. She came to us through a network of breeders who work with the national rescue foundation. Spouse had a number of reservations about integrating a critter this “exotic” into the household. Although, historically, spouse and I have done all the training for our cattle dogs, a Russian Wolfhound “cattle dog” is a bit non-standard, so as a concession I enlisted the support of a professional trainer. Tinker’s obedience class was comprised, principally, of other rescued dogs. When the trainer — who knows I’ve always worked with Borders and Aussies in the past — was confronted with Tinker, she laughed out loud and said, “This is going to be different for you.” It has been. And, it’s all been good.
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Not to belabor the point, but … Yes, she learns obedience commands more slowly, but she is just as eager to please. Yes, we needed to convince her that the Aussies were not “Tinker Toys,” but she learned they could hunt mice better than she could. Yes, she runs very, very fast but she knows exactly where the front door of the house is. She is quite different than we’re all used to, but she is also quite wonderful. Whoever said these dogs were aloof and stand-offish either has not had much experience with Borzoi, or Tinker isn’t a Borzoi. She’s incredibly affectionate and quite willing to pack-up with dogs very much different than herself. Once the herders figured out she presented no more threat than a 1,200 lb. cow, they decided they could play with her, and she is quite playful. Curiously, she seems willing to go belly to the floor for these play sessions which equalizes size and leverage. Go figure.
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We’ve submitted an application for the AKC’s Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege which will allow Tinker and I to compete in AKC sponsored events other than purebred conformation shows such as, agility, lure coursing, obedience, and rally.
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As a long time believer in the value of adopting dogs, I cannot say enough good things about adoption. During the course of my life, I’ve raised 7 dogs from puppy hood. They were all amazing critters. As we lost/lose each to old age, it shatters my heart anew. But, my days of raising puppies are over. As gratifying as it is to have a dog that you’ve trained yourself from infancy, I’ve found nothing is more prepared to meet you half-way than an adopted dog. It’s as if they know… They never fill the shoes of any dog you’ve lost, because each one comes with his or her own shoes. Still, it’s as if they know… We all are enjoying the heck out of Tinker. And Tinker seems to be enjoying the heck out of us as well. As with each of our other adoption experiences, this one seems just chock full of “win.”