Sometimes its contagious so watch out for that.....
Anyway, back to the serious stuff. Normally greyhounds train and race until they are anywhere from 2-4 years old. If they are good at racing, the kennel owners keep them longer, if they are really good, they are bred (Roby's dad had over 9,000 offspring!). If they aren't interested in racing when they are puppies, sometimes they get put up for adoption before or shortly after they turn 1. So, we got Roby right before his third birthday, and we got Kura the day after her second birthday. But there are some that get done early, and some that race for a while (Seniors).
So, how do you adopt one? There is a national organization called Greyhound Pets of America, and they have local chapters. Ours is Greyhound Pets of America Louisiana and Mississippi. You fill out an application, and they send the local "agent" out to your house to do a home interview. They want to make sure that you are aware and prepared for getting a greyhound. Once you pass that, you get to pick out your hound and start the new adventure.......but, really, there is more.
Things you should know about greyhounds......
- They don't understand doors, mirrors, windows, stairs.....really anything that isn't a wire crate, a fenced in yard, or a race track. Roby still barks at himself in the mirror, can't figure out how to make the door move, or figure out why he can't just walk right through the sliding glass door.
- They need love. That's not a hard one. You have it, they want it.....all of it. They are very emotional dogs and you should never use spanking as punishment. They definitely understand the tone in your voice. I only use a butt pinch to scare them when they are doing something bad and think I'm not watching, or when it just warrants a squeeze (they are quite squeezable).
- Not all are good with kids, small animals, or cats. Your local chapter agents should know what dogs are safe with kids, and they will fit the dog to your personality. For example when we were looking to adopt the first time, we lived in a house with a white fluffy cat. Our agent knew we were laid back people who didn't want a super active dog, so she matched us with Roby. He couldn't care less about the white fluffys, he loves to lay around, and is very mellow.
- Most don't know fetch, so if you are used to a lab or golden retriever that will fetch till the cows come home, don't hold your breath for a greyhound like that. However, I know one who does, and Kura shows the signs of developing into a fetcher.
- They don't sit....for the most part. Roby is a side sitter, he will sit on one of his haunches when he is going to lay down. Kura, however, has learned how to, its not very lady-like but she spreads her legs out on either side and hovers over the ground. So, don't expect them to sit.
- RESEARCH! Look into the ins and outs of having a greyhound. In no way should this be the only thing you read about them. Google it, ask people you know, call the local chapter, buy Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies, just research. They aren't the right choice for everyone.
- Adoption fees can differ. For example, mine was $200, and with that includes the dog (duh), a martingale collar (a special collar designed for dogs like greyhounds who have a thick neck but a small head, it is kind of like a very gentle choke collar, it just gets tighter when they pull on the leash, so they can't slip out of it), a leash, a muzzle (good for when lots of hounds get together because they can be nippy and do have thin skin), and they are up to date on shots and are fixed. So all in all it initially sounds like a lot, but you don't have to pay for getting them spayed or neutered (which alone can run up to $200).
- Contrary to popular belief, they are NOT high energy and tireless. They WERE sprinters not marathon runners. I bold and underline that because they are now retired, and they know it.
- They are cute.....be prepared to get suckered into letting them on the couch (their pitiful stares are my kryptonite).
There are many other agencies out there that adopt racing greyhounds as well, so research those too. I can honestly say I researched them for about 2 months (plus 3 months of pre-research looking at all breeds to narrow it down).
Once you bring your new dog home, you aren't left alone. I feel like I have a whole greyhound family. The people that own greyhounds all know each other. You can always call or email or text or facebook another greyhound owner and say..."Hey my hound is doing this...my hound is doing that...WHY?!" And they will give you advice or offer suggestions. And in the off chance that things don't work out with that hound, most agencies will let you return the dog and try again. You are never just given a dog and left in the dust.
Having a greyhound is honestly one of the best choices that I have ever made. They are the loves of my life and are very laid back, sleepy, snuggly, love machines. Greyhounds don't know what its like to be loved the first year or more of their lives, so when they get it, they want it all.
One more picture.....
Please, if you have any questions about greyhounds ask me, or contact your local adoption agency.
