Ancient Egyptian Greyhounds!

On Thursday, April 26, 2007, Commontales joined partners Greyhound Friends Inc.  and the
American-European Greyhound Alliance to celebrate the launch of http://greyhounds.commontales.com
with an Ancient Egyptian-themed fashion show in Central Park.

 

The greyhounds subdomain on Commontales features stories and portraits about this friendly and dignified animal, which has been bred for strength, health and speed for more than 4,000 years.

 

Racing greyhounds face disposal when they reach retirement unless they are placed in loving homes. This is where Louise Coleman, Greyhound Friends president and American-European Greyhound Alliance co-founder, comes in. Saving these wonderful dogs is her life's work and Commontales is proud to help her to raise awareness about retired greyhounds and their racing and hunting cousins, the Spanish galgo and the Irish lurcher.

 

Among the special guests for the event was Anna Clements, president of S.O.S. Galgos , another vital and valuable rescue organization based in Barcelona, Spain.

 

Special thanks are also due to Charlotte Sims, who designed the costumes; John Mottern, who took excellent pictures of the event for the press; Barbara Wicklund, who brought her dogs from New Jersey; and all the dogs, models, owners and spectators who took part.

It rained the day before.

 

It rained the day after.

 

But on Thursday, the sun glinted off the jeweled necklaces and golden raiment of five Egyptian-costumed greyhounds as they strutted around the 3,500-year-old Cleopatra's Needle in Central Park.

 

I located a 10-day weather forecast on Weather.com and had been watching it religiously as the day approached. That was the science angle.

 

On the faith front, I asked my mother to pray for sun.

 

Weather.com's forecast switched nearly every time I saw it. First it was 60% chance of showers (booo!), then it switched to 10% (yess!), then it shot back up to 50% (damn). I had daily palpitations.

 

My mom, on the other hand, gave one forecast, and that's the one that came true.

 

Now I'm not sure prayer is the answer, but I can say with authority that weather forecasters have got themselves quite a racket. Anyone who predicts the future for a living without an accuracy requirement has found themselves some serious job security.

 

Meteorology aside, the greyhounds and galgos wowed everyone previously unfamiliar with the breed, including me. They're the most agreeable animals I've ever seen.

 

Several people — both participants and guests — told me they were seriously considering adopting a greyhound because of the ones they met that day.

 

GETTING DRESSED

 

The dogs were friendly and patient despite the gaggle of costumers and owners fussing over their ribbons, headdresses, armbands and necklaces.

 

Here, rescued galgo Carlos gets his mantle. I'll admit that this is a second take with Carlos. He got a little antsy when I was the one holding him (they say horses can sense inexperience too). He easily powered his huge body forward and mine backward up the steps to find his mom.

 

 

A little backstage cuddling made everything all better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Champ easily made the royal transformation with sure-handed Barbara by his side.

 

Look at the coiled snake on top!

 

 

Handsome Greyt lived up to his name. . .

 

 

. . . while Emma and Carlos got acquainted after their fittings.

 

 

Finally, the Pharaoh himself: Louise's newest adoptee, Dos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a good boy.

 

And Cindy, Sienna, Phoebe and Elisita made the day complete with their Egyptian costumes.

 

 

  

TAKE ME TO THE GREYHOUND FASHION SHOW >>

You can download full-size versions of the above photos at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/commontales/AncientEgyptianGreyhounds