An Oxymoron

Why, hello. And yes, I understand your desire to kiss my forehead.

I have a hard time explaining Coltrane to other people because he's a bit of an oxymoron. He seems to be working on a slight delay. Things that most fosters do, Coltrane does four days later. For example, most fosters howl and whine in their crates on the very first night. Instead, Coltrane gave a miniature rendition of this several days later. The first Dremel session is usually brief with frequent interruptions by the foster desperately trying to pull his/her paw away. Coltrane was a dream the first time I used the Dremel. Of course, it occurs to me that he was simply scared stiff! Now he will struggle a little, but remains very manageable. Coltrane is like one of those stoic children who like to pick up things at their own pace and express mild indications of the various stages of their maturation.

This is quite a contrast to our last foster, who apparently read "Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies" before leaving the racing kennel. She taught herself everything - leaving her foster parents nothing to do - and practically adopted herself out. With Coltrane, we are glad to be of use and perplexed by his extreme mellow behavior. He is not shy or sulky, by any means. Rather, Coltrane is quite gregarious and quick to learn certain things, like his name and how to eat biscuits. I guess he is simply taking the philosophy of retirement to heart.

Before I forget to mention this again - Coltrane has no dew claws! They were probably removed when he was a puppy or following a racing accident. He certainly doesn't miss them, and I find it convenient when Dremeling his nails.

We will be at the following open house this Sunday. We will probably leave Burnie at home this time since this store is small and Burnie is huge. Iris, our spook staghound, will be dragged along as always.
Date: February 24, 2008
Time: 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Location: a.k.a. Spot 2509 Franklin Road Arlington VA 22201