By: Pam Keller

Rooster came to our home in April of 2004, he was 5 years old. His racing name was “Eltex Rooster.”  He had run 130 races, in Florida, Iowa and then Wisconsin.  He was now more than ready for Retirement.  When we first met Rooster, we knew he would be a perfect fit into our family.  We were already owners of a sweet 4 yr. old Dalmatian “Lizzi” when we adopted him.  The 2 became fast friends.  The first time he walked into our house, Rooster was like a King in his own Palace.  He immediately found his throne (a fleece over-stuffed bed) and held a royal pose as if he knew we were all his servants.  I always thought all he needed was a hammock and an umbrella drink and he’d be set.

We weren’t sure about his name “Rooster” – we thought to change it, what dog wants to be called a “Male Chicken”?  We quickly realized it was very fitting, as he would “crow” when he wanted something, and he also got up before the crack of dawn every morning.  .  I never thought I would miss the way he used to wake me up.  It’s not a good way to be awakened.  Every morning for 2 ½ years, he would come to my side of the bed and stick his cold nose into my armpit.  I was then awake for the day.  But before this awakening, he and Lizzi had their own early ritual.  Both dogs slept in our daughter’s room.  At 5:30 every morning the door would be just slightly open, Lizzi was afraid to open it fully, she would bark, this would signal Rooster who would then get up and stick his nose in the crack of space by the wall and open the door for the 2 of them to escape and come running into our room.  They both were very tricky and good at this game.  They became a team, or a dynamic duo…as they worked out this system.
Although our Dalmatian “Lizzi” and Rooster never really played together, they had a mutual respect for each other’s things and always found secret ways to get a comfortable spot away from each other to snatch it for themselves. 
Rooster would never climb or lay on furniture.  If any of us would be lying on the floor to watch TV or read, he would come running to our side, drop to the floor, as close to us as he could be, sometimes right on top of us.  We soon realized that this was his way of cuddling and getting human body heat, since he had never experienced sleeping on a couch or “people bed”.

He was an excellent walker who loved his walks.  Although soon after getting Rooster we found out that around the block was enough.  Unlike our Dalmatian, a mile on the Prairie Path for Rooster was way too far.  He would stop in his tracks and be as stubborn as a mule.  If he didn’t want to walk any further or wanted to go a different way, he would NOT budge. 

Rooster was a very good traveler and loved the car.  The many times we took him to Wisconsin, he adjusted to vacation life quite well.  He would try getting me up as early as 4am when we were there, just because he loved the quiet walks near the woods.  This is when I put my foot down and sent him back to bed as many as 3 or 4 times before I would let him get me up for a walk by 6 am.  Yep - just like a “Rooster.”

I never thought I would miss taking him outside every day in every kind of Chicago weather imaginable, many mornings in my pj’s at the crack of dawn.  I do miss those things; there is a huge void. 

Unfortunately, Rooster left us quickly.  He showed signs of a progressing illness in late August.  He was a seemingly healthy Greyhound until Monday October 16th when he had a horrible day and suffered greatly.  Before we could make any decisions, he left us on his own.  We were grateful that he only had one bad day.  Even though his life with us was short, he touched our lives and others in many ways.  To know Rooster was to love Rooster.  Our happy memories are many and we can reflect that we helped show this wonderful Greyhound a warm and loving comfortable family life.   Every Greyhound should have this life. 

We all miss him...Bruce, Pam, Danielle and Hanna Keller

Eltex Rooster

“ROOSTER”

May 14, 1999 – October 16, 2006