Greyhounds are Different from Other Dogs

There are so many physiological differences between Greyhounds and other breeds of dog, they might as well be regarded as a different species.  Their hearts are bigger, their red blood corpuscles more numerous, all commensurate with the highly-tuned sprint athletes they are.

They also have very thin, light fur compared to other dogs, even the short-coated canines.  It seems so wrong to see poor shivering greyhounds being dragged around on the lead by their owners in the depths of winter.  They have virtually no fat to insulate them, no undercoat in their fur, give them a break - buy them a nice fleecy coat this winter!

Mind you, not all greyhound shivering is due to the cold.  There are quite a few "spooks" in the breed, dogs who for one reason or another are very nervous or anxious about different situations, like meeting people, other dogs, traffic noise, or fireworks and thunderstorms.  This doesn't apply to all greyhounds - some are cool as cucumbers, but it is so common it could be called a "type".  Sometimes they seem to be shivering out of excitement as it rarely happens when they are on home, familiar turf.  It's possible the thyroid - which in greyhounds is again, different, might be to blame.

This is Laddie earning his keep by collecting donations for his fellow Greyhounds.

Greyhound Adoption

Greyhound adoption is similar in many respects to the adoption of any other breed of dog.  One thing to consider though is the fact that Greyhounds usually have no experience of home life.  Although they are naturally clean animals, there might be mishaps at the beginning.  They do, however, learn quickly and are eager to please.

What you have is a fully grown puppy!  This means they are inquisitive and find great joy in finding things in the yard and taking them to their bed!  In the early days we often found watering cans and suchlike on the sofa next to a very contented dog.

Greyhound Adoption - Differences

They usually have not been shown the affection we customarily bestow on our pets and can therefore seem aloof.  Rest assured this is a temporary situation and over time you'll find you've got one of the most loving and affectionate dogs on the planet.

A bonus is the fact that it's unusual to encounter a Greyhound that pulls on the lead, so you'll soon be the envy of other dog owners who are pulled all over the place!

We will be writing about our experience of Greyhound adoption as well as that of others so as to promote the adoption and care of these wonderful dogs.

When considering obtaining a dog, do think about the poor Greyhound who gave his/her all for a "sport" and then discarded like a a piece of rubbish.  Think rescue, think Greyhound adoption.

Our greyhound Pingu is only five and a half years old but he is going blind due to PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). His night sight was the first to go, and in low light conditions his eyes are almost totally black, his pupils are so dilated. So most of the time now indoors he is actually near as damn it, blind. In sunny weather outside he can see a bit though, unless he is bluffing. His close sight is gone though, but he can see some distance.

It's sad to watch him deteriorate but there is nothing anyone can do so we have to accept it. Most of the time he is his usual jolly, sweet self, but sometimes one senses he is a little less certain of himself than he used to be, and gets a little more hesitant every day. He has always been a needy dog who whinges and whines for contact and cuddles, who knows how long this condition has been upon him?

On walks I am very careful now to steer him around things, but he is still able to do it for himself, albeit at the last minute sometimes he veers around an obstacle! I have to watch out for him all the time and he is happy by my side with plenty of talking and patting. The good news is that greyhounds are so compliant they are easy to steer and guide on the lead, so I don't anticipate any problems there.

He was wearing a hat sometimes to keep the worst of the sun out of his eyes and prevent (secondary) cataract formation, but now he can see so little it seems pointless anyway. By next summer when the sun blazes all his sight will probably be gone.

This all sounds so sad, and there's no getting away from the fact none of us would wish it thus, but Pingu is still a greyt pet and enjoys meeting people and sticking his nose into everything and everyone to check them out! He enjoys his walks, his meals and treats, and adores cuddles. All in all, still a happy dog.

Slinky Diary 1

After prolonged discussion with the vet following blood tests for hypothyroidism, we decided to try our Greyhound Slinky on Soloxine. Although his readings were not very low, they were lowish. He displayed many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism so we felt it was worth trying.

Apparently it takes up to a month for the Soloxine to really kick in, so at this stage we may be clutching at straws to find positive effects on his demeanour. Still, today did feel like progress. He seemed keener to walk and not so inclined to just stop and stare, and was very sociable with people and other dogs, actually approaching them with open curiosity and without hesitation, which was interesting. Also we took him in the charity shop whilst we chatted to one of our greyhound loving friends, a dog behaviourist, and usually he lies down in the shop, apparently exhausted. Today he didn't do that, so it's maybe a good sign.

One thing that has complicated all of the above is that he has had a little sore on his back leg which he has been threatening to turn into a huge sore with all the licking. He was very upset to have to have a Vetwrap bandage on it these last few days but today we took it off to get some air to his little wound. His new found joie de vivre may have been just the joy of having no bandage on!

Layla is looking for her forever home she loves people and is good with other dogs. She was found abandoned in a out of the way car park near to the motorway this is a video I made when I had her on a overnight stay she really is a sweetheart and is now looking for her forever home. www.royalheartgreyhoundrescue.co.uk

photoslideshow of dogs rescued by lexus greyhound rescue set to hallelujah sung by pat senior

Great news, Ted has found a home!