Posts Tagged ‘Greyhounds as Pets’

The Social Aspect of Greyhound Ownership

An improved social life may seem a selfish reason to adopt a pet greyhound, but let's not get into an argument about utilitarianism. Anyway, nobody would have a pet greyhound if they hated dogs, ultimately adoption is about getting yourself a beautiful and lovely pet whom you are proud to have as a family member.  Fortunately greyhounds almost always fit the bill there, and most of us who take on greyhounds would never again have another breed of dog.  We never look back!  Although it is altruistic in some ways to rescue a dog who needs a home, that is not the primary reason why so many of us enjoy sharing our daily lives with retired greyhounds.

It is a good and fulfilling thing to raise funds for greyhound charities like Kerry Greyhound Connection in Norfolk, England.  We enjoy the face that our fundraising efforts will enable more greyhounds to be rescued and rehomed with loving humans in their forever homes.  We look at our own dogs with love and affection and realise how much their lives were saved and improved by our care, and we want it for others.  So that creates a warm glow.  Also, getting involved in various fundraising events like collections, special events, carnivals, sponsored walks and the like, enables us to make human and doggy friends, and often have great fun along with the serious business of raising money and awareness.  Thus adopting or fostering an ex-racer is a win-win situation which enhances life in so many ways.

Our local Greyhound rescue group had a fund raising coffee morning and Christmas fair on Saturday.

We helped out by dressing our dogs up in their Christmas greyhound coats, parading them around Cromer in the freezing cold and passing out leaflets to passers by.  In the photo, Pingu has that far away look we've got used to since the onset of his blindness.  Slinky - on the right of picture - is dreaming of a warm home and a sofa!

Greyhounds dressed up for fund raiser

Considering the weather and the fact that a lot of people were pre-occupied with thoughts of Christmas shopping and getting home before the inevitable rain started.  Many greeted the idea of getting out of the cold for a cup of coffee and helping to raise funds with enthusiasm, whilst others were far to busy.  Some however, when told it was to raise funds to help rescue Greyhounds just grunted and looked at us as though we'd suggest they participate in some un-natural act!

Anyway, the event was a success and I believe enough money was raised to rescue nine dogs.  These are ex-racers from Ireland who would otherwise face an uncertain future.  If only we could rescue all of these poor animals.  It's interesting that our walks around town take us so long.  The reason being that we are stopped so often (even when the dogs aren't dressed up as Santa's little helpers) by people who are totally captivated by these gentle creatures and want to know more about them.  Needless to say, we're only to happy to oblige!  The surprising thing is that so many people are amazed that they make such wonderful pets.. We just keep on spreading the word and hoping it spreads.

It seems our Pingu is coping quite well with his failing eyesight, but there are signs that he is still getting used to his situation.  Sometimes, when out in town, he seems to be a bit freaked out when he sees other dogs. If the other dog is a bit "lively" it seems to confuse him and so he barks at it, albeit in a half hearted way.  There's no malice, it's more like "What the hell's going on?"  It hasn't been too much of a problem though.

He falters when he enters the house when the light is bright outside and takes a few moments to adjust to the change in light level, again, he copes in his own way.

The most heartening, and in some ways the most frightening, thing is his running about in the garden.  He's always been keen on running like a maniac and that desire hasn't diminished as his eyesight worsens. To see him in failing light, or hear him in pitch darkness is astonishing.  He travels around the back garden, along the side of the house and does a lap of the front garden before repeating the circuit several times.  It's an amazing testimony to a dogs sensing abilities other than eyesight.  He's either relying on scent, or memory.  As we've only been in the house since August, it seems it's the good old "dogs nose" that gets him around.

So far, our other Greyhound, Slinky, doesn't seem to be taking advantage of his superior eyesight and they remain very close friends.

I created this slide show to promote greyhound rescue for Linda Anne's Greyhound Rescue in Whitehall, PA. the show contains information about the history of greyhounds and greyhounds' lives today. These loving dogs need homes, and they make wonderful pets. Comment for more info! My name is Katie. ... greyhound rescue "greyhound adooption" "dog track" "racing dog" "retired racers" "history of greyhounds" "adopt a greyhound" "rescue a greyhound" "greyhounds as pets" ...

Greyhounds make great pets, no question about it.  There's a  certain pride in walking down the road with a sleek Greyhound resplendant in one of the lovely smart collars that seem to attract so much attention from strangers.  One thing that many owners forget is that your dog is an ambassador for the breed.

A lot of the racing fraternity give the impression that they don't make good pets.  This is particularly prevalent in Ireland.  In view of this, it's really important to ensure your Grey is on its best behaviour at all times.  Many newly acquired Greyhounds seem to be at a loss when it comes to dealing with other dogs.  They are frankly baffled by them as, in many cases, they've never seen one before.  Kept in cages with only their own breed for company, the outside world is a strange place indeed!

It just takes a bit of time to get used to what is known in prison parlance as "The out".  The prison analogy is appropriate.  Imagine being in prison for the first qurter, or more, of your life and then finding yourself in the hustle and bustle of the modern world.  It would take a lot of getting used to.

Most of them are particularly fond of children and just love to greet them and nuzzle them.  You must appreciate that not all children, or parents, appreciate this.  Explain politely there is no danger and, if you can, let them become aquainted in a controlled way.  Never let any dog bound up to a strange child, adult or other dog, it can seem like an attack to those of a nervous disposition.

Generally speaking, a Greyhound is unlikely to start any trouble.  I've owned Great Danes that have tried to attack every dog they've seen with unbridled ferocity in spite of the Dane's reputation as the "Gentle giant".  Conversely the Greyhound is thought of by many to be a hunting dog and therefore a bit wild.  It's one of your duties as a Greyhound owner to ensure that the public at large see the Grey as a gentle ideal pet, for that is indeed what they are.

Owning a Greyhound is very different from owning other dogs. Their personality and behaviour patterns are quite unlike any dog I've ever encountered.

To start with, don't expect a hyperactive racing dog, they're, for the most part, couch potatoes. The joke in the UK is they're the most dangerous dog for burglars to encounter as they fall over them in the dark! Now and then you will find one that has that "I could have been a contender" attitude and will demonstrate his speed at every opportunity. These are the exception.

If you're rescuing an ex-racer, you are in for a surprise during the first six months.. So many are traumatised when they find their "forever home" they just can't believe their luck! Typically, the new dog is nervous, frightened by your desire to give him a cuddle as it seems like an assault to him, and looking for an escape route.

Very quickly, he learns that you are in it for the long haul and wish him no harm. Food and treats reinforce the notion that you're on his side and gradually the confidence will grow. After a few stroking sessions he will learn that a cuddle is not an attempt to restrain him, and get to like it. As time progresses you'll find him coming to you for an affectionate squeeze, you'll will feel honoured that you've gained his trust and might even shed a tear.

The reason so many Greyhound owners get so emotional about their dogs is the sad state that so many of them arrive in. The heart rending pity you feel when encountering the worst cases seems to form a bond and sense of responsibility for their welfare that is more powerful than that felt for other dogs. It's hard to explain, but it seems to be the case with most Greyhound owners. Owners, in this context, refers to those of us who've taken the plunge, and adopted an ex-racer. Those who breed or buy them, race them and dump them are not worthy of the term owner. Having said that, there are those who are keen to race their dog/s but keep them as a pet when they retire or ensure they find a good home. They are a different matter altogether.

Don't be deterred by the poor looking specimen before you when you meet the candidates for adoption. With good food and grooming the changes that take place are are nothing short of incredible and incredibly rewarding.

What is a Greyhound?

One of the oldest types of dog, the Greyhound is not the first breed that springs to mind when seeking a new pet.

Greyhounds were depicted on the walls of tombs in Egypt and even on the walls of a 6,000 year old temple in Turkey.

Blessed with the most amazing eyesight, they are part of the family of dogs known as sighthounds. This group of dogs, which includes the Afghan Hound, The Borzoi, Saluki and Whippet, hunt by sight rather than by scent. In some ways it could be said that they're cursed by their wonderful sight and amazing turn of speed.

They're used for hunting, particularly Hare coursing and of course, racing. This is where the problems lie. The sheer mindless cruelty of some members of the racing and hunting fraternity beggars belief.

Although it must be said a lot of owners of working Greyhounds are scrupulously caring and kind, there are far too many others who treat their dogs like inanimate objects and literally throw their dogs away in the manner of an old bicycle. Some ex-racers end their lives in the most hideous manner, often at the hands of the hunting fraternity. Others, considered by many to be the lucky ones, are put to sleep by a vet.

The problem is that a dog that can live until it's 12 to 14, only races for a few years, possibly two to three, and is then unwanted. Some small racing kennels keep the dogs as pets but these are the minority.

It's fortunate that Greyhound rescue centres have been set up all over the world and large numbers of these lovely dogs have been saved.

I sometimes look at my two gorgeous "Greys" and think that ones just like them are being beaten and tortured to death in countries such as Spain and elsewhere.

So, what is it like to rescue a Greyhound?

Sometimes when your Greyhound arrives, a certain amount of rehabilitation is required. You may be one of the fortunate majority, and take in a happy healthy hound. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Our two were totally different in nature and condition. One was lively and quite unruly, whilst the other was a sorry sight, painfully thin and terrified of his own shadow. When we took him for his first outing something of his past was revealed: he was terrified of sticks. We live near the coast and during the summer, children are everywhere with crab nets. The poor animal was cringing behind our legs whenever he saw a crab net or fishing rod

It seems that when his racing career came to an end he "fell off the radar" for around 18 months. During this time he became emaciated and acquired a number of scars, some of which are without doubt due to entanglement in barbed wire. He'd obviously been used for coursing.

Eighteen months on, you would not believe he's the same dog. He's put on around 10 kg in weight and is a pleasure to own. We were told that after six months we would have a very different dog. This was true, and ownership of our Greyhounds has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives.