Greyhound rescue

[abstibus]

Has anyone ever adopted a greyhound? Do you have any advice/tips for a prospective owner?
Thanks

[Myriad2112]

Go for it, my mum's been thinking abiout this for some time.
http://www.adopt-a-greyhound.org/

[Whickerman]

Well done you.

Some great links here
http://www.ispca.ie/greyhound.html

that may allow you contact with others doing the same.

[jules77]

Hi Annemollie, I havnt, but I met a couple on holiday last year who have had rescued numerous greyhounds, at last count they had 5. They have their own blog, and I am sure they would give you some advice. They are heavily involved with greyhound rescue, and hold numerous fund raising events.

http://thebeastlybeasts.co.uk/beastblog/index. php

[YvonneM]

My friend has adopted a bitch greyhound lovely girl very affectionate but there are restrictions your garden is inspected to make sure its boundary is secure. You can never let them off the lead as if they see a small animal they will chase it cos that is what they were trained to do. He had to sign an agreement

[garner]

Yes my brother in law adopted one .... Wonderful pet ,so gental and steady in the house and a joy to keep hes loved very much.Just remember he/she must be kept on the lead when out on walks unless of course you are in an area where you are on your own and can see for a long way.They like to chase as you could imagine so its a safety device.They do not need long walks as people think and hes a love in the house, not a bit of trouble,infact he has half of the sofa [so spoilt] .Hes no bother around kiddies but then my brother in law would not kids pull him about ect.He got him from the greyhound rescue centre and they gave him tips about walks ect so thats why I know about the lead, he uses a let out one.Im sure you will have much love from your new pal , its so nice to hear of one going to a "normal" home as they make great companions.Good Luck.g.

[messyjessy12]

hi,we rescued a greyhound 10 years ago,hes passed away now,his name was gunner(cuz he was as fast as gun!) greyhounds are very lazy dogs,you might think they need lots of exercise but no more than an average dog. at first they need to settle in,try and keep a distance with them dont over fuss,they are not used to it,give them time to ajust to change of enviroment. money making machines usually,owners rarely get attatched. they are have very affectinate dogs,not aggresive.they are a pleasure to have,you will never regret it. good luck. HTH

[pompei595]

A friend of mine adopted two (at once) They were both gentle, but temperamental. However, she had a cat, and although the cat avoided them, one day he was not so lucky and was killed by one.

[caveman69]

Hi there annemollie, no experience of this myself but a very close friend is passionate about this subject ,and is extremely involved and knowledgeable. She highly recommends 2 websites, which are;
www.lurcherlink.co.uk
www.greyhoundgap.co.uk

Hope this helps x x x

[Psychick]

I had a rescue greyhound and she was the most affectionate loving pet I have ever had. Although she was very wary of her new surroundings at first, she soon adapted and settled well. She obviously wasnt used to being walked in a built up area so was most nervous then but got better. The only time I could let her off her lead was walking her in fields as her obvious instinct was to run! The only agreement I had to sign was to say I would get her done and never let her have a litter and that if for any reason I could no longer keep her myself, I was to give her back to the adoption centre rather than rehoming her myself.
The things to consider are your home and garden, as Yvonne has said, your garden needs to be secure. Do you already have pets? Obviously you wouldnt be able to have a greyhound with a small pet but it is possible to mix them with other larger dogs, although this wont suit all greyhounds. Do you have children? Greyhounds are not used to small children and not all have the temperment to mix with them. The first one I looked at was far too jumpy and lively for my daughter who was then about 3 years old. She would also pull really hard on her lead so walking her with my daughter would be difficult. The one I actually had though was very loving and adored my daughter providing she was left alone when she just wanted to sleep.
I found it to be very rewarding and wouldnt hesitate to adopt another one if my circumstances were to allow it.

[Cetti]

The links from caveman69 were dead ones, so hope these work:


http://www.greyhoundgap.org.uk/

http://www.lurcher.org/llink.html

[lankeela]

Tip: Don't leave any sort of food out within reach! First one I ever had helped himself to half a pound of butter off the kitchen worktop as he walked by. They are used to eating any food that is put in front of them, so have no qualms about stealing anything that is left within reach.

Get him/her a coat for the cold weather and keep them out of the hot sun as they dehydrate quite easily.

They can live quite happily with other dogs/cats/small animals if introduced carefully, and I have only ever known one from hundreds I have known that I would not trust with a child.
Most are kind and gentle and very loving provided they get first pick of the sofa.

Be careful about letting them run loose, not just for the safety of other dogs/animals, but because they have no road sense, and if they do chase anything such as a deer or rabbit they will keep going until they are exhausted and this can then cause them to stiffen up as the lactic acid builds up in them. Can be very dangerous and you have to give them fluids to help them recover.

The rest is just common sense. Enjoy!

[leelapops]

annemollie, I don't have personal experience, but I can tell you I have heard nothing but good things about greyhounds! Provided you follow the advice given, and the tips here, you will be giving a wonderful dog a happy forever home. On the whole they are so laidback, and so relaxed and gentle. They are pretty lazy! They really don't need much exercise, despite their supermodel skinniness!

As lankeela says, you do have to protect them from extreme weather, because of their thin skin. Also, they can't lie too near a radiator or fire as they are easily burnt, for the same reason.

I wish you lots of luck :) Let us know what happens x

[abstibus]

Myriad2112, Whickerman, jules77, YvonneM, garner, messyjessy12, pompei595, caveman69, Psychick, Cetti lankeela and leelapops,
Thank you all so much for your replies - they're all so positive about these lovely dogs. I was in touch with the Irish dog rescue centre today, and Bernie has promised to get back to me. She suggested two dogs (or bitches), as I am at work during the week, and says they would be good company for each other.
However, I'll have to check this out with my brother, who has been just wonderful, caring for all my dogs over the past eight years. He looks after them when I have to go overseas, often for 3 - 4 weeks at a time. I don't know how he will feel about the responsibility of 2 greyhounds as well as my old Springer (another found dog, known as The Bone Collector) whom he has adopted and his own very exuberant and loving young Dobermann.
I lost my 9 year-old Lab/Collie 10 days ago - it was very unexpected. She had been with me since she was a little stray of about 8 weeks, and could read every nuance of my body language. She was quite content on her own, and with children, adults and other dogs.
I am not trying to replace her (no dog could), but I feel I could give a dog a very happy life.
I'll let you know what happens.
Thanks again, everyone.