While on my vacation in Florida, I met the woman who is assisting my mother each day. We found that we have something in common...Greyhounds! Vikki doesn't own one, but she and her husband were instrumental in capturing a hound, named Rita, who had been on the loose for 2 years. Many attempts had been made to capture this skittish girl, and it took a high speed, remote controlled net to finally do the trick. The capture occurred while I was in Florida. Vikki sent me some photos and a few letters which I will share with you here.
By the way, Rita's racing name is Craigie I Amrita. She is a black brindle hound, who escaped on her adoption day in the spring of 2013. She has been on the run ever since. But, now she is safe although she has been diagnosed with the dreaded heartworms. We hope that she will survive. It is critical to keep a dog quiet, during the months after treatment as the worms die, because they can cause blockages in the vessels from the heart to the lungs. (Click on the photos for larger views.)
By the way, Rita's racing name is Craigie I Amrita. She is a black brindle hound, who escaped on her adoption day in the spring of 2013. She has been on the run ever since. But, now she is safe although she has been diagnosed with the dreaded heartworms. We hope that she will survive. It is critical to keep a dog quiet, during the months after treatment as the worms die, because they can cause blockages in the vessels from the heart to the lungs. (Click on the photos for larger views.)
May 23, 2015
Hi Laurie,
Just had to tell you the good news!
We caught Rita this morning at 8:00.
Other than a little cut on her tongue from the net, she is doing fine.
She fought the net less than a minute. When my husband got to her, she
started calming down; she was shaking like a leaf, but was calm.
She is at the vet to have her tongue looked at, and blood washed out of her mouth.
She is such a sweetheart! It was so nice to finally get to hug the dog I helped take care of for 22 months.
Vikki
May 24, 2015
Hi Laurie,
Rita is a gentle, sweet dog. Being on the run for two years, and scared every minute, did not change her sweet personality.
After
she was caught and two leashes put on her, she did not try to get away; she knew she was safe now. She went right into the crate in the van,
and laid down on a soft bed for the first time in over 2 years.
She
was taken to the house of the woman who has been feeding her all along,
and given a bath which she actually enjoyed. Rita met a couple of the
woman's pets.
The man that has adopted Rita
lives out of state, so he and Rita stayed in a hotel last night. He let
her pick where she wanted to sleep and she chose the spot next to his
bed. So he put her blanket there and she got a good night's sleep.
I am so glad she is off the streets and is safe now. I'll keep you updated on Rita's progress.
Take care!
Vikki
May 24, 2015
Hi. I was so excited for pictures of Rita on a leash, I didn't
think about the net. The size of the net is 25' x 25' x 7' tall. It costs $4,000. In this picture, Rita is eating breakfast just outside the net.
And here, she is
eating in the center.
Got an update on Rita: she leans on the man who adopted her, looking for attention. She is adjusting so quickly.
Thank you,
Vikki
May 25, 2015
Hi Laurie,
Hope you had a good
flight. I wanted to let you know Rita arrived home earlier this evening.
She is loving life in Boston. She met her 4 Greyhound siblings, and
they get along greyt! (Hope it is ok if I use that word, I don't have a
greyhound.)
Her new owner
took her leash off so she could walk around and get to know the other
dogs and her new yard. When she was ready, she walked right back to him
and laid down beside his chair. She knows she is safe, there is no where
else she wants to be.
Vikki
May 27, 2015
Hi Laurie,
This
picture was taken today, after she ate. He says she stays in the crate,
door open, but doesn't want to come out until he shows her the leash.
Then she is ready to go for a walk. She likes that soft bed.
When you get to 'Rita overload' just let me know 
Take care!
Vikki
May 29, 2015
Hi Laurie,
I
was hoping to get a better picture to send to you of Rita and her new
pack, her eyes are glowing gold. The white and grey one is the one that
immediately took to her as soon as she arrived at the house, he wanted
to play. After being on her own, running loose for two years, Rita is still house trained. She never ceases to amaze me.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Vikki
