I've been thinking about getting another dog for a while now. We currently have a very laid back ragdoll cat (Lolli) and a hyperactive, noisy, escape artist of a miniature schnauzer (Milly). Dearly as I love Milly this house isn't big enough for two drama queens so I've been looking for a quieter dog and a friend suggested I get a greyhound from Greyhounds as Pets.
Greyhounds as Pets is a charitable foundation set up by Greyhound Racing New Zealand to provide loving homes for suitable ex-racing greyhounds. Each greyhound goes through a programme to transition it from racing life to family life. Their temperament is assessed and an analysis is made of what sort of home would suit that particular greyhound the best.
Contrary to popular opinion, greyhounds are very lazy dogs who love nothing better than sleeping the day away on a comfortable bed and although they have been trained to chase, their desire to please means they can often be retrained to live with other small animals, including (in some cases) cats.
Adopting a greyhound from Greyhounds as Pets is a little like going to a dating agency. The first step is to fill in an application form which includes information about your home and lifestyle and what you are looking for in your new dog. Next a volunteer will come to your house to make sure that the dog will go to a loving, secure home. Then Greyhounds as Pets will try and match you with your ideal dog. This may take some time, particularly if you require a greyhound that is good with cats. Finally, once your new greyhound as been selected, a fee of $380 is payable. This only partially covers the cost involved in rehousing greyhounds especially considering your greyhound will be fully vaccinated, de-sexed and microchipped.
Greyhounds are intelligent, willing, trainable, quiet, loving and placid. However they are also fast and although they only need a short walk everyday they do need to stretch their legs once or twice a week and as they are sight hounds cannot be trusted off the lead unless in a fully fenced enclosure. It is recommended that they wear a muzzle when off the lead - as much to protect them as any small furry creature that they see in the distance. They are also big dogs and so easily able to reach the kitchen bench with the tasty fresh baking on it! But reading some of the
feedback from people who've already taken the plunge and are quite besotted with their hounds it sounds like they make pretty ideal pets - full of character and affection.
Cilla is 2 years old and currently awaiting adoption. She loves children and other dogs but needs either no cat or a bossy cat.
So if you are thinking of adopting a dog and you think a greyhound sounds like you have a look at
Greyhounds as Pets to find out more.
As for me? I think they are gorgeous. I've met some Greyhounds as Pets alumni and their new families couldn't speak highly enough of them. They were calm and smoochie, just what I like. I also like the idea of getting an older, rescue dog. But I need to be practical - I live in the city and there is nowhere nearby suitable for a good, safe off the leash run - so I need to think about this some more before I commit myself.
Pink Stuff
