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Alera was found as a stray to our the local vets office. They got her up to date on shots and spayed and gave her to us to find a forever home!

Foster update 9/1: Alera appears to be a relatively young but mature dog. She was given to the vet after she was found roaming. She looks a little like an Italian Greyhound (from the pictures and description we have found). She was very frightened when I first met her but with a little patience and care she soon became relaxed and more interactive. She slowly introduced herself to the other dogs, 2 Rottweilers, a Labrador, two Terriers, and six puppies. After some sniffing and licking, she became part of the pack and seems to enjoy running around the yard. She seems to be house broken and interacts well with humans. Alera is definitely a lap dog. She is even tempered and minds well. She has a cute white cape on the back of her neck that gives her an elegant look.

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Italian Greyhound is a very old Greyhound. Interestingly, a dog similar to the Italian Greyhound of today was found in a 6000 year old Egyptian tomb. Like the Greyhound, this breed was brought to Europe by the Phoenicians. The breed was later developed by the Romans. As evidence, a small Greyhound was found in an ancient lava flow in Pompeii. During the sixteenth century, this delicate dog became popular with European nobility, and is portrayed in many paintings of that time. The breed was favored by Catherine the Great of Russia, James I of England, Anne of Denmark and Queen Victoria, among others. Frederick the Great of Prussia liked his little Italian Greyhound so much, he even took one to war with him. When his Italian Greyhound died, he buried him with his own hands on the grounds of his Sands Souci Palace. In 1991, Frederick's family granted his dying wishes and transferred his remains to Sans Souci, and placed them beside his little Italian Greyhound. A nineteenth century African chieftain was so taken with these graceful dogs that he offered 200 cattle in exchange for a single specimen. The Italian Greyhound is an excellent companion dog. The Italian Greyhound is a gentle, submissive and affectionate dog. They become very attached to their masters and can be reserved with strangers. Playful and intelligent, generally these dogs are not difficult to train provided their handler is consistent with them. They are often naughty and are aware of it. It is important that you can see the funny side when things go wrong but this does not mean allowing them to take advantage of you. This dog can be high strung and timid and must be handled very gently. This is a pet for a quiet household where there are no lively children, although they do get along well with behaved children and other dogs and cats. In a stressful situation it needs constant reassurance by stroking. They are very dependent and peaceful. It can be snappish if it is frightened. This breed can be difficult to housebreak. They are generally easy to get along with and take care of. This dog is extremely fast! Young Italian Greyhounds are very active. They can climb wire fencing and are very inquisitive - jumping from chair to table tops to nearby furniture. They are not good companions for large dogs. They do get along well with other Italian Greyhounds and some recommend that you have more than one of this fine breed.