Greyhound an ideal fit at nursing home

After waiting a year for a greyhound, Sister Rose Ann Behrens and Sister Stephen Bloesl welcomed retired racer Gladys into their ever-growing menagerie at Villa Loretto Nursing Home at Mount Calvary.

"We've just always wanted one," she explained.

Jay Jessgne who operates Couchbound Greyhounds in New Holstein, said he's been looking for just the right dog to fit in at Villa Loretto .

"They needed a dog that would be good with residents, wouldn't jump up on people, would show emotion and enthusiasm, yet not be hyper," Jessgne said.

The majority of greyhounds rescued come from racing kennels at tracks that close down, Jessgne explained. Last year when the track in Lake Geneva closed, he took in six retired racers.

He called the two dog-loving nuns the minute he laid eyes on Gladys, a 3-year-old brindled female that is on the smaller side. She came into rescue from Lake Geneva.

"It was like love at first sight when they saw her," he said.

"She is independent in some ways. She does not respond to 'come' yet, but she will be allowed to jump up on the couch and put her head on my lap. She's very quiet and doesn't bark," Bloesl said.

Gladys mingles with the residents who adore her gentle demeanor.

Contrary to popular belief the greyhound is a mellow breed that likes to sleep 20 hours a day, Jessgne said.

"We need lots of good homes" he said.

Reference: www.fdlreporter.com

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