adopting greyhounds

dj360 · 07-09-2007, 01:43 PM

I don't know about you, but I think that dog racing is sad. and once the dogs reach the age of 4 or 5, they "retire", and go up for adoption. although their lifespan may vary, and they're use to spending their life in a cage... I'm considering adopting one soon...because my one dog died, and I couldn't afford to keep the other...but I'm back on my feet now, yet I don't have energy for a pup. SUGESTIONS?

lovemygreys · 07-09-2007, 03:16 PM

From my perspective and what I've witnessed with my own two eyes - dogs in racing kennels are very happy hounds. They LOVE what they do. To say they spend their lives in a cage is complete misunderstanding of racing greyhounds and their life....and the breed. And please don't quote from some tired ol' anti-racing site with stats that are just bunk from people who've never stepped foot inside a racing kennel or greyhound farm. I'm not sure I have the energy to go through all that...again.

I'll say this: greyhound adoption is growing, breeding of racers are declining, there are more regulations on racing greyhounds than there are for pets and while there are some buttheads that own racers, there are many more who own them that take good care of the dogs and always place them with adoption groups. Just like there are good pet owners and bad pet owners.

If you choose to adopt a greyhound...or any other breed...please keep in mind that it is a lifetime commitment. Greyhounds can live to be 10-12+ years so you should plan on providing food, attention, shelter, vet care for many, many years. While greyhounds are known as "40 mile per hour couch potatos", they do need exercise in the form of daily walks and occasional chances to run in a safely fenced area.

Also...the book Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies is a must read, IMHO, for anyone thinking about adopting a greyhound.

Dogmom07 · 07-09-2007, 04:25 PM

I have always loved those beautiful animals. They tend to be very sweet and easy to train. I hope you do adopt a Greyhound and send photos!

jatt559 · 07-09-2007, 10:06 PM

Sounds good! here is a banner and a website for you.

http://greyhounds.org/gpl/contents/entry.html

lovemygreys · 07-09-2007, 10:08 PM

Acutally...here's a better site. These people actually help greyhounds: http://www.greyhoundpets.org/

And an article by Cynthia Brannigan...one of the earliest adoption advocates (back in the days when life after racing really was pretty grim) and well-known author of several greyhound books: http://www.geocities.com/bo_freddy/case.htm

lurcherloopy · 07-10-2007, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovemygreys

And please don't quote from some tired ol' anti-racing site with stats that are just bunk from people who've never stepped foot inside a racing kennel or greyhound farm. I'm not sure I have the energy to go through all that...again.

there are many more who own them that take good care of the dogs and always place them with adoption groups. Just like there are good pet owners and bad pet owners.

.

I would ask if this site does not allow anti racing opinions only ones supporting racing should it not be put in the terms of use - it would save a lot of your energy that way.

As you have also pointed out that we are not allowed to discuss the racing industry in the UK (where as many as 10,000 dogs were shot by one man!) perhaps that should also be put in the terms of use.

Part of your response does however confuse me - you say that a greyhound is a life long commitment if you adopt one. Why are they not a life long commitment if you own one for racing?

RonE · 07-10-2007, 04:59 AM

Anybody who wants to discuss greyhound racing is certainly free to do that - on another thread.

This one was started by someone who might like to adopt one. I hope we can all agree that this is a positive thing.

borzoimom · 07-10-2007, 06:33 AM

Retired racers are wonderful pets! The fosters do a fantastic job teaching the dog things needed to know to live in a home. Things like steps and window glass are foreign to the dogs- and they do an excellent job!
Of course, I am bias on sighthounds- they make the most wonderful pets! Calmer and quieter in nature, easy living companions- just wonderful.
Remember- DO NOT let this dog off a lead in a unfenced area. And although they " cat test" the dogs- remember this is still a sighthound, and if you leave, seperate the dog and cat..
Other than that- they are lovely. They do a total vet check etc. All they need- is love!