Azawakh

I raised and raced thoroughbreds for a number of years and the first time I saw Edgar run he reminded me so much of my horses. You might think that the Greyhound, with their racing history, would remind me more of the horse. But the elegance and grace with which Edgar ran that really caught my eye. His elastic-like muscles and leaping gallop were something I had never seen in a dog before, absolutely spectacular to watch.

I found out later that his way of movement is an essential point of this breed. But Edgar reflects such serene seriousness when he runs that it makes him a unique individual. He reminds me of how Secretariat ran: effortlessly. While his speed is good, it's his style that will mesmerize you. I knew when I acquired him that he would need plenty of room to run. I have him to thank for my renewed interests in doing the same, and to this day we still are jogging and running mates.

Edgar has such a mysterious look, kind of wild and intense. It can put some people off because they find he's difficult read. But he's a true and loyal companion. And his memory astounds me. After nearly 10 years, he still recognized his original owner, and he even remembered where she kept the treats! I'm not sure I have ever known of an animal with such a memory, despite what they say about elephants!

As big as Edgar is, he likes to climb up into my lap and lay his head on the sofa arm to go to sleep. It's endearing traits like that which make him such a great companion.