My first Sloughi

(deutsche + englische Version)

by Marietta Heil

Azali with her brother "Anschelo" Dau al Gamar, photo: M. Heil

Contrary to the common practice - Senta picked out me to her owner, and not vice versa! Senta roamed about through our village, and so we became acquainted with each other and we made very good friends. Her former owners gave her to me with pleasure as they always had difficulties with her and they noticed fast, that this dog in the first place wanted to be next to me. Senta always run away from home to look for me and finally succeeded. She stayed with me her whole life long and made me the richest human being of this world. Senta was the biggest present and we managed all heights and dephts of life together. I grew up together with dogs, however all the dogs were hounds and colleagues of my father who is professional forrester. So far the enchanting mentality of the Sighthound was hidden to me. You just have to experience it!

After Senta's death (I was allowed to have her for 12 years with me) I didn't want dogs anymore. The loss of her was so big that I couldn't imagine another dog could take over her place. After some time of grief I realized that being without a dog meant being only half a human. However, you can never replace a dog, but I wanted a new start together with a whelp. I'm glad I dared to do that step!

Azali Dau al Gamar with 8 weeks, photo. v. Hübbenet

The new question was: what kind of a whelp should it be? I pored over many books about races of dogs, which dog would be convenient for me. It is not very surprising that I always was stuck on the oriental Sighthounds. However, I always had little doubts when reading the descriptions of oriental races. In most cases I could read when set free them to run they get problematic. Senta was set free to run on principle! She left me behind only if she had to go hunting quickly. Thereby it was pleasant living.

I cannot imagine the thought to walk the dog on the lead. Because of this thought I hesitated with my decision at the beginning. Perhaps I didn't decide to take a Sloughi the same way as most people do, who are just delighted with this hound and its mentality, but more likely for pure practical reasons.

It was the nice short fur of the Sloughi. I think, I first wanted an Afghan for emotional reasons. I must admit this honestly. For I took my first hound always together with my horse, I knew what it meant to clean the hound's pelt after a refreshing ride on horse back. I just wanted to avoid it.

Azali Dau al Gamar with 8 weeks, photo. S. Flatzek

I didn't think of racecourses and even less of exhibitions. My Sloughi should be able to run as he or she pleased, accompany me when riding on horseback, celebrate together with me when there is a festival or fete. The Sloughi should be my life's companion, be happy and feel well in my reliable accomodation.

here you can see all puppies of the "A" litter of "Dau al Gamar" Sloughis, with 9 months.. photo: E. Schwender

I was afraid a Sloughi breeder could think, I didn't choose the right and for me suitable race. Luckily the case was contrary. I found my Sloughi-breeder and she invited me to see the Sloughi-mom with her 11 most beautiful whelps. Together with my parents I drove to a place near Munich to get to know each other and also to see the sweet Sloughi-babies in the end.

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Azali Dau al Gamar, photo: M. Heil

After all, I cannot say why I decided to take just her, it is only certain, it was the right decision. My feeling decided in favour of Azali. Outward appearances didn't count. And I was allowed to keep her! The breeder handed to me little Azali Dau al Gamar trustfully and made myself very happy.

When Azali was ten weeks old I brought her home to my place. My friends who also very much liked my Senta and who were impressed on her character, decided all of a sudden to get also a Sloughi-baby, of course for Anschelo, Azali's brother, who looked like her very much. Besides, both of them, like each other and they should be able to see each other as often as possible.

From the first day Azali decided to sleep in my bed close to me. And she still does it today.

Azali at her best - running and running, photo: M. Heil

The training of my Sloughi was not as easy as I thought. Running in the open was really a problem. There were no problems at all in the first half-year. Azali developed a little, very friendly, self-confident and very open-minded Sloughi-lady. And in addition, she was very obedient. When she was three-quaters of a year old Azali decided to explore the world just by herself - without me! Walking strictly with me, without leaving me, got rare. She had no scruples to let me wait for half an hour or so, until she thought her excursion ended. Deer was not necessary at such excursions. I didn't know this attitude up to now. I always thought sighthounds chase only with their eyes, as I also saw it with my Senta. But sometimes I think, I don't have sighthound but a Spotter. Thank heavens, there are not many animals in our region, so Azali leaves empty-handed.

Azali Dau al Gamar with 9 months, photo. M. Heil

Even if this attitude nerve-racking I am glad I have not decided to go for walking with a lead. I feel happy when I can see how Azali is galloping across the fields, how she moves on free and elegant and how happy she is, when she returns to me.

I am very glad, that there is an Azali and I am sure the decision "Sloughi" was right. Azali is now one year old, she accompanies me nearly everywhere, she is very self-confident and uncomplicated. Our little house is very well watched by her. She is happy if she may accompany me when riding and moreover she is really cheerful. I wish that we get as old as the hills together.