Meet OSCA/ACOSO’s Board of Directors and Contract Workers: Ms. Julie Fantinato, OSCA/ACOSO Co-Vice-President - Communications, Teacher-Counsellor

Rushing River

Must Love Dogs

Seven years ago, my husband and I were looking to expand our furry family and get a dog. We both are busy teachers, so we wanted a low maintenance pup. I headed straight to Google and quickly searched "lazy dogs”. To my surprise the fastest dog on the planet – the greyhound – is quite the lounge hound...more sprinter than marathoner. We also learned that the only way to adopt a Greyhound was to acquire a dog that has just retired from its racing career. Greyhounds are primarily bred for racing, similar to horse racing. 

We found an organization in Toronto that would help facilitate our adoption of these gentle speedsters. Upon approval of our application, we were on the way to grow our family. A little side story: we helped the organization bring dogs from the US to Canada, a very surreal experience as we huddled in a Buffalo garage to await the transfer of dogs from Ohio. We were handed two dogs who eagerly jumped into our car and without a sound made the trip to Toronto. Lo and behold on the journey was our new pooch, Gary Gold, and just last year we added another hound, Twinkle Toes (she is a champion).

Having a dog or dogs means there are no days off for walks, in rain, sleet, snow, the hounds must we walked at least twice a day. During the lockdown, Gary and Twinkie walks bumped up to 3 times a day. Just getting outside, getting fresh air and going for a walk really helped our bodies, minds and souls.