Written by Jordan Kent-Baas
If you’ve been down in the Byward Market on any given Sunday in the last couple years, you’ve probably seen Bill and Sue Kent, and their pack of skinny mini greyhounds. This Sunday, June 24th will be the first-ever Ottawa Italian Greyhound Social meetup event.
Bill and Sue are the owner of DaisyADay kennels, breeders (and fanatics) of Italian Greyhounds, the miniature version of the larger standard greyhound breed. They also happen to be my parents, so I have had a front row seat for watching their descent into Italian Greyhound madness. While some people have undoubtedly gone into the kennel business in the interest of financial payoff, no one would argue that the Kents simply pursue this business as a means to bring more of these sweet dogs into the world. My family has owned dogs all our lives, but discovering Iggies has been to watch my parents fall in love.
I asked Bill and Sue a few questions about the Iggy breed, and here’s what they shared:
When is your first meetup?
June 24th Sunday at 11:00 a.m. at the dog run at Sylvia Holden Park—right at the back of Landsdowne Park. Bring your Iggies, everyone!
What exactly are Italian. Greyhounds?
They are an old breed from the 14th century, bred down from the original Greyhound to be companions for Royalty in their Castles. They were used to keep the Castle free from vermin.
How did you discover them?
Our son got one and we fell in love. We’ve never seen another breed so loving and so playful.
Why do you think they are so popular?
They are different. People love the traditional Greyhounds as everyone is aware of their plight [in the dog racing culture]. The Italian Greyhounds look like permanent puppies, so because everyone just loves puppies, they find themselves drawn to them!
When you walk your dogs, how do people respond?
They smile, laugh, squeal with glee. They are amazed and appreciate the opportunity to touch them.
Why did you guys set up a meetup group?
To meet other Iggies, of course! We love these little dogs so much that we are always looking to meet others.
Photos by Bill Kent
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Liz Bradley is a dog lover who lives in Ottawa, Ontario with her husband,
3 Users Responded in " They call it puppy love… "
I would have loved to attend this, unfortunately it was at a dog park and I don’t do those with my little guys, just too much that can go wrong. I would love to get in touch with Mr & Mrs Kent (if anyone knows how to reach them) to meet their iggys and perhaps we could find a safer “only iggys allowed” area where they can all play together!
Chantal, Tuesday & Basilio
Hello,
I met your group I believe at Bruce Pit this past weekend. My iggy Bambi was with me and you spoke to me about the IG social Ottawa group. I would love to learn more! Is there an email subscription or something that will keep me up to date and let me contact you?
PS. My friend Luc and his IG Huxley are also interested
Hi there – I really enjoy your blog. I have an Iggy and live in Ottawa. I’d love to hear about upcoming Italian Greyhound meet ups if another one is organization this year. Do your parents have a website for their kennel? I’m unable to find it when I do a Google search. Thanks!
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