Greyhounds make great pets and with more dogs than ever needing homes, Adopt-a-Greyhound Month is the perfect time to consider adopting your next best friend.
With hot debate last year about the industry and ongoing abuse revelations [1], the number of Greyhounds in need of homes is growing by the thousands, making this April’s Adopt-a-Greyhound Month more important than ever, says Greyhound Rescue (GR).
With hot debate last year about the industry and ongoing abuse revelations [1], the number of Greyhounds in need of homes is growing by the thousands, making this April’s Adopt-a-Greyhound Month more important than ever, says Greyhound Rescue (GR).
“Our books are full. We now have over 50 dogs. There’s now an even greater need to place ex-racers in loving homes than before,” said Peter Flann, GR co-founder.
“Adopt-a-Greyhound Month is the perfect time to welcome an ex-athlete into your dog-loving family. Greyhounds don’t need huge expanses of living area. A suburban backyard is fine and they can live in units with daily exercise. They are dogs which must sleep inside.”
“These wonderful dogs are being cared for in our kennels. They need permanent homes or fostering in temporary homes. We’re spreading the message of Greyhound adoption awareness to ensure that 100 percent of these Greyhounds find their new family.”
Sue Bradshaw, GR Secretary, said some hounds are cat and small dog friendly, while all Greyhounds are low maintenance and unlike many large breeds, have no hip problems.
“Greyhounds make great pets for all ages. They are gentle 70-km per hour couch potatoes. They need only a 20-minute walk each day, unlike most other dogs, but will enjoy more. They have no doggie smell, shed little hair and seldom bark, being calm in nature,” she said.
Greyhound Rescue, a registered charity, relies solely on donations, which are tax deductible. “We have a no kill policy. Volunteers and donations are gladly welcomed. If you can’t adopt, volunteer or foster, you can buy a virtual dog food, sponsor a hound, or buy GR merchandise,” said Sue.
To get involved, please visit www.greyhoundrescue.com.au
‘Adopt-a-Greyhound Month’ was started by the US-based Greyhound Project Inc. In Australia, there is also a national body .
TEN GREYHOUND MYTHS BUSTED - courtesy of www.adoptagreyhound.com.au
There’s a reason why they’re known as ‘70km couch potatoes’: greyhounds love sleeping. On the rare occasions they are caught upright, these guys would rather be eating or playing than joining you on a strenuous hike or 10km run. Greys are built for speed, not endurance, so a short daily walk and some play time is fine.
MYTH #2: Greyhounds are hyperactive
Greyhounds are affectionately considered to be the laziest breed — however just like any dog, they love to play! A grey will bow and vocalise to let their human or animal friends know when they’re ready to have some fun. This usually ends with what are known as ‘zoomies’ – running around in circles and bowing — a hilarious and short display of joy.
MYTH #3: Greyhounds are dangerous around cats and small animals
Greyhounds are naturally gentle dogs, but as 'sight hounds' they can easily be incited to chase moving objects. Cut-throat trainers can take advantage of this by taunting dogs with tethered live animals, and tying animals to fast-moving lures. This cruel and illegal practice, called blooding is not the choice of the dogs.
Many Greyhounds are discarded by the industry because they simply refuse to chase at all. It’s important to remember that, just like all dogs, each greyhound is an individual – so while some of them may not like cats and other small animals, others see them as best friends. Speak to your local greyhound rescue group for advice about the perfect grey for you and your other furry friends!
MYTH #4: Greyhounds are not like other dogs
Greyhounds are unique in that they are one of the most exploited canine breeds. To many, their only value lies in their ability to run fast and win money. But to those who love them, these incredible dogs are so much more. They are loyal, devoted, affectionate, playful, sensitive, and loving. In fact, greyhounds are just like any other dog.
MYTH #5: Greyhounds must be vicious as they wear muzzles
NSW state laws require greyhounds to wear muzzles when in a public area. This is based on the assumption that the dogs have been trained to chase (and possibly harm) small animals. If you see a Greyhound with a muzzle on – try not to judge! Greyhounds can become Greenhounds, to avoid muzzling requirements.
MYTH #6: Greyhounds aren't cuddly
One of the best things about big dogs is that there’s more of them to love. And after a life confined in a small kennel, many rescued greys will relish the opportunity to be at your side (or on your lap ... or couch ... or bed).
They do but a zoomie round the back garden is sufficient, no need for a race on dangerous tracks. Greys may be the fastest dog, but this doesn’t mean they’re happy in the racing industry. In fact, many dogs live a life of deprivation in kennels – kept in pens or crates for up to 23 hours a day. Not to mention those who are injured and/or killed on the racetrack.
MYTH #8: Greyhounds are suited to an outdoor environment
With hardly any body fat and a very fine coat, Greyhounds are particularly susceptible to the excesses of cold and heat. Access to a warm, dry and safe area is vital at all times.
MYTH #9: Greyhounds need lots of space to live in
Greyhounds are very space-efficient. Not only can they compact themselves into an impossibly small ball for optimum cat-cuddling, they’ve even been voted as one of the best breeds for apartment living.
MYTH #10: Adopting a Greyhound will turn you into a crazy Greyhound person
Actually this is true. Once you have opened your heart to a rescued greyhound, there’s no going back — these sensitive dogs have a way of leaving their mark on all those who love them and many people come back for another one, or two!!