Wendy, the muscled whippet dog

Sunday, June 07, 2009


Wendy, pictured at left, is a dog from the whippet breed, normally known for its slender appearance and lean muscles. Obviously, Wendy is not a normal whippet. Due to a genetic condition, Wendy’s body has become extremely muscled instead of the expected sleek design. There’s no dog clothes for this amazing girl, though I’d bet she’d love a good massage.

This genetic anomaly has gained her fame, though. She recently appeared on The Today Show in Manhattan. She was cheered on by her fans and received petting by Al Roker and company. Her owner, Ingrid Hansen, thinks she liked the free steak the best, though. They were doing a bit about how to cook steak, so Wendy lucked out for her show date.

If you have a dog that is naturally broad chested, like a bulldog or pit bull, it can be difficult to get clothing that fits. Dog shirts and sweaters can work in larger sizes because the material often stretches. The problem is that larger sizes can be too long. If this is the case, buy a larger size and then hem the bottom, just as you would a pair of pants that’s too long.

Of course, one piece of dog apparel that will always work no matter what the size of your canine baby are dog boots. They become an essential item during winter months. They can also be useful if your dog has an allergy attack on the skin of their paws. Sometimes grass is treated with pesticides and chemicals that can irritate dogs’ feet, and booties help prevent that.

Wendy certainly got her share of walking around New York City, and plenty of people recognized her just from this picture posted all over the internet and stopped for a picture of their own. Hansen is a proud pet parent that says she thinks Wendy has truly enjoyed all the extra attention. Then again, what pampered pooch doesn’t love getting extra attention, especially on national television.