I have a penchant for hounds…

Oliver on the day he came home with me...and before he got his first Martingale collar!

Greyhounds found their way into my heart back in 2007 in Australia when I got involved with an RSPCA raid to save starving, neglected animals on the property of an animal hoarder just outside Sydney. Several Greyhounds were among this group of animals, and some of them were lucky enough to make it out alive. One of them, Oliver, made it into my home. He was possibly the biggest of the Greyhounds in that group, and yet my mean little Mr. Claus picked him. (I’ll write about Mr. Claus and fear aggression in dogs in a later post!)

I will spare you my rants about everything that is wrong with the Greyhound racing industry. Suffice it to say that I strongly believe it should be outlawed altogether. Oliver and I were in the newspaper back in Sydney after a Greyhound died in the back of his negligent owner’s car outside a pub on a hot summer day. Raising awareness is important – especially in a country like Australia where nearly 95% of all Greyhounds are put to sleep (or worse) by age 2 or 3 when they are no longer “racing material.” That’s why I always encourage adopters to consider Greyhounds. Dogs seem to find their way to me, but if I were to handpick a houseful of dogs to adopt, you can bet that there would be several Greyhounds among them.

Greyhounds are perfect couch potatoes. One of the biggest myths about them is that they need a lot of exercise. In fact, they usually prefer to “roach” on your couch most of the day. (If you’ve never seen a Greyhound roaching, do yourself a favor and look up some images on the Internet. It’s hilarious!) One thing to keep in mind when adopting a Greyhound is that they are similar to puppies. Because they have never been treated as pets in anyone’s home, they do not know about hardwood floors or steps, for example. Sometimes they take a while to understand their new home and any other dogs and cats who share it. Keep in mind that the only other animals most Greyhounds have ever met are other Greyhounds. They are not socialized with other animals at all when they are brought up in kennels and on racetracks. I’ve heard it said that if you are having problems with your Greyhound all you need to do is adopt another Greyhound! I’ve also heard it said that Greyhounds are one of the few breeds who remember/recognize their littermates if they are reunited later in life.

I can’t think of a gentler, more sensitive, or more wonderful dog than a Greyhound. They are amazing creatures, and I would encourage you to go and meet some at your local Greyhound rescue. I’m willing to bet you’ll fall in love and want to adopt at least one! Let their last race be into your heart…

Here are four great links for more information about Greyhounds and rescue groups in your area:

The Greyhound Project, Inc.

Greyhound Pets of America

National Greyhound Adoption Program

National Greyhound Foundation, Inc.

Do you already have a Greyhound? Tell us what you love about him or her!