We certainly weren’t looking for a second greyhound. Our beautiful Genie was 17 years old. We believed that she did not need to share attention with another, while enjoying her last days, Weeks, Amazingly YEARS!!! All good things happen for a reason… we have good reason to have Eddie!
I was asked to coordinate guest speakers for the 2005 GPA National Convention in Tampa. We booked authors, veterinarians, behaviorists, acupuncturists….experts of all sorts. I wanted to bring something a little more fun and light to the schedule, so booked a Pet Psychic! Did I believe in her powers at the time? Not really. Barbara Goodfriend was well known in the area, and referred by a close friend. How perfect! In advance, I invited her to our home to speak to my good friends and neighbors; pet owners who had questions about the quirks of their dogs. It was just plain FUN!
A week before the convention, I received a phone call from GPA Tampa Bay President, Maryann Tolliver. She explained that a greyhound got loose from his owner. It had been days that he was out on his own. It was August, Florida’s hurricane season. Temperatures are well above 90, and thunder and lightning storms occur daily. To add more to this boy’s burden, he was wearing a muzzle. Maryann asked me to contact our Pet Psychic for help. I was doubtful, but we decided that contacting Barbara was certainly worth the try.
To our amazement, Barbara offered definite thoughts about the big brindle boy named Viper. Volunteers were searching a golf course community… Barbara said that he moved to a residential area. She said that she felt his right rear foot was injured. She said the number 12 would have something to do with his safe return. She told Viper to go to the bells to be saved.
Days and nights passed. Viper was spotted on several occasions. Once, he was seen in the middle of the street, and appeared to be struck by lightning. I followed his story closely. I prayed and shed tears for the boy I never met, the one who was in such grave danger. Volunteers searched day and night. Then, after 11 days, I learned that Viper was found and brought to safety!
Our Pet Psychic was right on the mark. Viper was found in a residential neighborhood. His right rear pad was torn off of his foot. A 12 year old boy found him… Across the street from a church, thus the bells! What a miracle! Everyone celebrated!! What a survivor! What a miracle!!!!
We all worked the convention, and I asked Maryann if she planned to bring Viper. No, he still was too traumatized for such a large event. We thought little more, except happy that he was safe.
It might have been a week after the excitement of the convention when I received an email from Maryann. Viper’s picture! Cockroach spread eagle on her kitchen floor! Tears streamed down my face. I called Tim to see. I said “I WANT HIM”! Tim didn’t hesitate, told me to call Maryann. He had to be ours!
After hearing the rest of Viper’s story, it was so much more important that we give this boy a good home. Maryann told us that Viper was born the son of a true greyhound racing star named TalentedMrRipley. Ripley won every accolade during his career, and the pups born to him were expected to be champions. Forbes Viper was born in August of 2003. While on the breeding farm, he was bitten by poisonous snakes. The owner refused treatment, as he knew that Viper would never be a champion, like his Dad. Fortunately, a caring farm worker took Viper into her care. She was able to obtain the medications necessary to save Viper’s life.
In advance of Viper’s delivery to our home, we decided he needed a new name, to go with his new wonderful life. We chose Eddie because that was Tim’s Dad’s name. He too was born in August. He too was quite the survivor and the most stubborn…loving…kind man we could imagine. EDDIE DERF…welcome to our home!
We honestly had a difficult start with our new baby boy! Because of the trauma he experienced, Eddie decided to never to go outside to poop or pee ever again! Holy COW! Although we understood his past trauma, it was more than difficult to deal with the “Sam’s Club” size clean ups! It’s funny now….but then!!!! So, once again, we called GPA Tampa Bay President Maryann to the rescue. I don’t know exactly what she said to the boy, but he certainly listened! He’s had his moments of being stubborn…but never made a mistake in our home since! Thank GOD & Maryann!
He & Genie got along wonderfully! She loved him. He truly loved her! Eddie rarely acted like a pup around Genie; he seemed to understand that she was more fragile. Except on occasion, when he thought his name to be “DAMMIT EDDIE” as I would worry he was playing a little too hard….and begged him to leave Genie alone!!! Genie helped to give Eddie confidence. They were quite the pair! Eddie turned 5 this past August. He’s a Derf Dog! We love him so very much! He found his way into our family…he chose us! We are thankful for that!!! Now he has 5 year old Anna Banana to enjoy & play. Rules are much more relaxed. This girl can hold her own! AMEN!
