Nike is a rescue too, and he comes from Maine. He was with an elder couple who couldn't keep him. He loves catching and retrieving a ball. That's unusual for a whippet. Usually sight hounds will chase and catch it, but then just leave it there. Look how focused his eyes are on that ball -- if I don't throw it again in a few seconds he'll bark "Let's play!"

He's equally adept at catching small game. Our fenced yard is a kill zone for rabbits and squirrels, and no-fly zone for low-flying birds. I've seen him chase and catch one in mid-flight after it took off horizontally from a berry bush. The critters just aren't "geared" for a predator who can move that fast. This image was taken last year in a park at water's edge in Port Jefferson (NY) harbor while we were returning from a vacation cruise.