Chapter I:  Gus & Chester

Almost seven years have passed since I purchased my first Italian Greyhound.  I fell in love with the breed sometime ago, but it took me a long time to commit to a lifetime of being a dog owner. 

Augusta was my first IG.  She came from a mid-west puppy mill. I have been very fortunate that 7 years later she has been healthy and has a wonderful personality.  I'll discuss buying from Puppy Mills and pet shops later on.  Little Gus was just 8 weeks old when I brought her home and I immediately fell in love with her.  I decided to name her in honor of my best friend, mentor, and teacher;  the person who gave more love and understanding than anyone I've ever met.  Her love was unconditional and I knew Little Gussie's would be also.  That person was my Mother and I know she would be very proud to have her grand-pup named after her.

About 6 months later Gussie was growing and just having a great time being a puppy in San Francisco.  She was a real "show stopper" on our daily walks around the city.  Everyone wanted to know "is that a Whippet?" Some kids even ask me  "where I got that long legged Chihuahua."  I felt bad about leaving Gus alone at night while I was at work.  I had gone out shopping with my partner, Marco, and we decided to stop at the store where we got Gus.  Actually it was just to see if her AKC papers had ever arrived.  After all, the purpose of our shopping that day was for a cabinet for the stereo.  That day the pet shop had another IG, a blue and white male.  We named him Chester and he came home with us that afternoon.  No stereo cabinet and Gus has never forgiven us.  After all she was the queen of the house and now there was this other puppy she had to compete with (tolerate) for her expected affection. Life was good.

After we moved to Hayward it was very close to take Gus and Chester to the Foster City Dog Park.  We met other IG owners some, alumni of the Hillsdale Pet Shop.  Those of us who were IG lovers learned of a group of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners who met once a month on Sunday at the park for a playdate with their dogs.  In March of 2003 I organized the first SF Bay Iggy Playgoup.  We started that day with 18 parents and their Italian Greyhounds.  Today there are over 100 people on the mailing list.

With my involvement with the playgroup I became interested in the Northern California Italian Greyhound Club.  After attending a couple of their meetings and shows I was hooked.  It was time to expand the family and get a show dog.

(continued in Chapter II “The Show Girls”)