Saluki Stud Dog

Matt's title gave quite a large hint, but I didn't get this immediately. I iniitally tried the five senses (ear band, bird's eye, etc.) or maybe the pentathalon events (point for fencing, bird for discus?) but when they didn't work, I noticed the title. Point, bird, and band can go with many words, but as Joon noted, hitch was the giveaway. I was sure Matt was going to metaphorically give us the finger, but he was elegant as ever and built his hand in order. I agree it was just right for mid-month.