Let’s set the record straight! I am Not a Whippet (Not that there’s anything wrong with that) Today’s Blog is in the words of Daniel our Italian Greyhound.

My name is Daniel, and I am 11 years and 11 months old. I am an Italian greyhound, also known as an IGGY. I am aware that I am a unique-looking and behaving dog. Here is my Story.

Each spring, my humans take me to the Florida Keys. Although Mom is not a huge fan of Florida, Dad is an avid (feel free to use obsessed) salt-water fisherman. So they schlepp me along with them annually because what else are they going to do with me?

“Bone” Appétit!

Let me paws a moment before you think I am ungrateful; I’m not. But traveling is very Ruff on my IGGY constitution. I lost some weight, which is not ideal since my bones already stick out. I didn’t feel like eating, and I will spare you from the other deTAILS. So my humans brought me to the emergency vet, and the diagnosis was gastric anxiety – so similar to my people. I am now on Pepcid and eating chicken each day. Sometimes, I dine on Mahi Mahi. Not a bad gig.

I Need A Therapy Human

Vickie wrote in a previous blog about the whole service dog, therapy dog thing. I am a therapy dog. The difference is I WANT people to pet me (Therapy Dog) VS. Don’t Touch Me I am Working for my Owner (Service Dog.) But, who knew I needed a Human for my anxiety?

Service, Working, Therapy, and Emotional Support Dogs: What’s the Difference?

The New York Times article talks about the numbers of people claiming they have a right to live with animals for their mental health, “We’ve seen everything from reptiles to insects,” said Amanda Gill, government affairs director for the Florida Apartment Association, which represents landlords.” INSECTS!

But I have not read anything about DOGS needing Humans. When Vickie is not around, I admit I do get anxious. I need to see her face. Vickie is not professionally trained as a Therapy Human for dogs, but she is adequate, and it works for me.

Mitch and Vickie set up a Dan-Cam. It’s a freaking camera that spies on me when I am alone in the Florida Airbnb. I HOWL extra loud so that the app is constantly beeping on her phone. Vickie typically freaks out and decides to bring me the next time. TE HE!

Are You a Whippet?

My biggest PET peeve is the constant question from strangers all day long! Are you a Whippet? Why do they think I am a Whippet? I am a former grand champion Italian Greyhound. Why can’t these humans see that?

I hear Vickie and Mitch gently and repeatedly say, “No, he is an Italian Greyhound.” “blah blah blah yap yap yap.“

Obviously The Italian Greyhound is Quite Regal

The Indognation! A Stroller

But the worst indignation is the stroller. Oh, paw-lease! How did I succumb to this? How did they? I have always been skeptical of Vickie, but Mitch? I never thought he would push me, a dog, in a certifiable stroller! Vickie claims that “it’s too hot for Daniel,” or “People will step on him,” or “We are walking too far, he is older” (another indognation ).

Obviously, Vickie Thinks This a Great PURRchase

I am What I Am

My name is Daniel, and I am an Italian Greyhound. Dog-Gone it! Learn it, Memorize it, Embrace it! Share it!

Love and Wags, Daniel

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For an inspiring stories about Raising a Child with a Rare Chromosome Deletion, check out 3-time award-winning memoir,  Raising Jess: A Story of Hope!