Africa: June Dog of the Month

Tag No: 7051
Registered Name: None
Breed: Saluki/Canaan
Date of Birth:  February 4, 2021
Color: Black/Tan
Cat Trainable: No
Dog Friendly: Ok with dogs her size, unknown with others
Kid Friendly: Unknown
Weight:  55 lbs
Location: Woodinville, WA (Kennel)
Comments: This four year old Saluki/Canaan mix is a playful and affectionate girl with plenty of puppy-like energy. Mostly black in color and blessed with that slinky sighthound physique, Africa stands out from the crowd with a delightfully curly tail, notably large ears, and best of all, a pair of beige eyebrows that seem to have been dabbed on sideways with a large brush and give her the cutest quizzical expression.

Africa was surrendered to our friends at Bahrain Animal Rescue Centre (BARC) when she was just a puppy by an owner who was leaving the country and couldn’t take her along. After a stint in the BARC shelter Africa then lived in a foster home, where we are told she was in heaven playing with the other dogs and cuddling with her foster mom on the bed. In February, 2024, Africa finally took her “Freedom Flight” to America and GPI.

When Africa first arrived at GPI she was somewhat unsure about being handled as she was naturally confused, wondering what was happening to her and who all these strange people were. But Africa caught on quick that the kind staff and volunteers at GPI can be relied upon 100% to give gentle caresses and tasty eats. That said, she is not a fan of restrictive affection or having her collar grabbed by strangers-and really, who could blame her?

She is currently more than making up for lost time in her social life and now shows exuberant affection towards her human friends. She is a little shy on first introduction (especially with large men), but give her a few moments and her natural curiosity and intelligence will override any reluctance to approach you. Add an optional treat or two, and presto you will have a wiggling little kiss dispenser who is hoping to be your new bestie. Africa is very eager to please and sometimes values human affection even over treats!

The right home for Africa could include dog-savvy kids and/or a compatible dog, but no cats. She loves to run and play (games of chase are a favorite) and happily shares her toys. Her garden must have a high fence (at least six feet) because this athletic lass can jump! Africa is suited to a life in a quieter suburban or rural area, not in a busy downtown environment.

It might be due to her lack of experience or just her personality, but Africa can be temporarily overwhelmed by stimulating or bustling environments. Her family should definitely introduce her to new places and experiences, but just a bit slowly and selectively while she learns about the world and her real personality emerges.

Africa is seeing the world outside the kennel on group walks with her GPI dog friends at a moderately busy public park. She doesn’t seem to mind other dogs being in close proximity. A few of GPI’s volunteer trainers, under the tutelage of GPI’s professional trainer, Miss Rosyn, have made great progress in teaching Africa basic leash manners and how to control her youthful impulsiveness. With more a bit more maturity and experience she will make a good on-leash walking companion, either one-on-one with her human or in a group dog walk. She loves car rides, though she needs to be restrained or contained as Africa believes you both should be in the driver’s seat!

Since arriving at GPI Africa has made great strides in learning about life as a pet, blossoming from a cautious and inexperienced youngster into a vivacious and loving dog. Now she just needs to take that final step into her forever home.

Sponsored by Sandi Wescott

Would you like to sponsor Africa while she waits for her forever home?  If so, you can find more info here:  https://greyhoundpetsinc.org/support/sponsor-a-dog/

Greyhound Pets, Inc. - www.greyhoundpetsinc.org - 877-468-7681

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO ADOPT A GREYHOUND?

Read Greyhound Pets, Inc. FAQ about our requirements to adopt a greyhound and what to expect:

https://www.greyhoundpetsinc.org/learn/greyhound-faqs/

Once you are ready to adopt, please fill out an Application to Adopt on our website - https://greyhoundpetsinc.org/adopt/adoption-guide/

Photos by Chris, Robin, Suzanne, Monica, Mary & other Brightwater walkers