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Thread: greyhound

  1. #1
    gmc's Avatar
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    Default greyhound

    We are thinking of getting a retired greyhound. We've been without a dog now for 6 or so years. We swore we would never have another after the pain of losing our last dog, but feel ready now. We have had rescued dogs over the years, but never a greyhound before, although our daughter did have a lovely lurcher for many years. We have been researching for ages on the web - finding out about the pitfalls and plusses of having one of these lovely dogs, but would love to hear any stories members here can offer us.

    Huge vets bills are another consideration for us, it's not the day to day expense of food and inoculations etc, or even the occasional moderate cost of an illness or injury, but the high charges vets seem to charge these days...................we couldn't afford thousands of pounds, but we could give a dog a loving comfortable home. Fostering is out of the question, I would get too attached very quickly.

    Has anybody on the forum had a rescue greyhound before?

    Anybody here work for a greyhound sanctuary?

  2. #2
    Bad Buddhist Clueless Git's Avatar
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    Default Re: greyhound

    No experience of this at all, I'm afraid, GMC.

    From what I have heard you should tread carefully here though. I understand that a lot of racing dogs are not kept as pets (I think they just kennel them) and have a hard time adjusting to living as pets as a result.

    I guess the trick there would be to test how socialised (towards humans) any dog you are considering is before going too far down the adoption line.

    It is very sad, but entirely possible, that some animals, as result of 'abuses', can become damaged beyond reasonable repair.

    Probably the most important thing is to make sure that adoption of any animal will bring the animal happiness and not just further confusion and distress.

    Noble and worthy idea, IMHO, though. I hope it works out well and I wish you all the best
    All done in the best possible taste ...

  3. #3

    Default Re: greyhound

    I have not had a greyhound before, but I can relate to the concern about expenses. We have had our dog (rescued from the dog pound) for eight years now. This last year has been tough as I have college expenses and my husband became sick (recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis on top of having an immune compromised disorder). Then our dog Sable tore a ligament in her back leg which will not heal on it's own. We are looking at a very very expensive surgery to repair it and neither of us has the money so we are scrambling to find a way to pay for it. I am at a point now where I do not think I should take on any more animals when Sable passes away until I am in a much more stable place. I would feel the same about having a child.

    I really think that a person needs to make sure they are in a good position financially and have a backup plan in case they run into financial trouble. Not only am I thinking in terms of money but if something were to happen to you or your family, is there someone willing to take your dog in? There is so much to consider with a dog, as I am sure you are well aware, but with a greyhound (especially one who raced for years) the chances of it having a chronic injury are going to be greater so there is that to consider as well. Hopefully wherever you would get it from, the people there would be honest about the dog's medical history and needs so you have an idea up front. I am sure most people would be honest but you never know.

    I hope it all works out for you and your future dog! It sounds like you are capable of providing a very loving home and that's great to hear!

  4. #4
    baffled harpy's Avatar
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    Default Re: greyhound

    I don't have any personal experience but when I used to walk a dog for the neighbours we sometimes used to meet a rescue greyhound and as I recall the people said it hadn't had any behavioural problems, in contrast with some of the other rescue dogs which had needed quite a lot of work from the adopters. Of course that's just one example but in general good rescue places check an animal is suitable for a given home as otherwise they risk the animal coming back, which nobody wants.

    Re vet bills that is something you could discuss with the rescue as well as I believe some of them will help with emergencies - don't know if any of the greyhound ones do this - and they should also be able to tell you about suitable pet insurance (which I believe is especially worth considering for dogs - as opposed to cats - because of 3rd party liability issues if your dog causes an accident etc). (Also in the UK if someone is on benefits they can get free veterinary treatment from the RSPCA or PDSA clinics - or rather their animals can )

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    Default Re: greyhound

    Hi gmc, I've had a lurcher but never a greyhound. I was considering a rescue greyhound but my circumstances at the moment aren't ideal for a dog. So I adopted two cats. A greyhound would be my ideal dog, they don't need much exercise and are very undemanding. They are very sensitive dogs and I think they are more like cats in some ways. Some can't live with small animals but at the shelter they vet them and many can live with cats. Also some of them have never raced so wouldn't be any health problems except ones associated with the breed.

    I have a friend who used to work as a campaigner for greyhounds and now works at a greyhound shelter. She has two greyhounds herself. She lives in East London if you would like any help or advice I could give you her details.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: greyhound

    I was considering a rescue greyhound. Greyhound gap seem to pretty good and they appear to mostly re-home ex-racers.

    I think the ex-racers not being good pets is just a myth to be honest, as with everything there will be some dogs who will adapt and some who won't! Why not try looking for a local greyhound rescue and seeing if you can help out walking one day? Sure they will be more than happy to accommodate!!
    If you go to a good rescue they wouldn't rehome a dog unless they were ready!

    I have insurance with Pet Plan, it's not the cheapest - think I pay just under £30 a month, but most vets accept it as up-front payment - rather than shelling out and claiming back.

    Maybe check with local vets if they have a similar thing with a similar company - all the vets I have been to have always gone for Pet Plan - not sure if they are more reliable or bribed all the vets!

  7. #7

    Default Re: greyhound

    Quote Niccie View Post
    If you go to a good rescue they wouldn't rehome a dog unless they were ready!

    Yes..I have recently been researching the possibility of adopting a rescue dog and trawling the sites it seems that most groups will offer complete honesty as to the 'readiness' of a particular animal. Some heart breaking sites out there btw. One group has dogs for adoption that have been snatched from beaches or tourist areas such as Cyprus and have substaintal problems both physical and emotional.

    The 'blurb' that goes along with the photo gives a detailed account of 'damage' and efforts that have been made to re-socialise the animal, with clear indications as to ongoing problems and future requirements for continuing the healing process. There is a clear message that these dogs will not be easy pets and may not be suitable around children as their behaviour is unpredictable.

    A friend of mine used to work with such a group and had a variety of 'odd ball' victims in her house most of whom seemed in a permanent state of bliss and gratitude at being safe at last but two I remember were edgy or snarling around men , and one poor female hid behind a settee shaking and urinating with fear whenever strangers entered the house.

    To rehome and offer safety to such a dog is twice the pleasure of pet ownership but also twice the commitment .

  8. #8
    gmc's Avatar
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    Default Re: greyhound

    Thanks to everyone who replied. We took the plunge three weeks ago and adopted Sacha from our local re-homing centre. She is a wonderful ex racing greyhound. She is very shy and nervous, but she is really starting to bond with us. She loves her walks around the village, and gets on well with people, but is nervous of other dogs unless they are other greyhounds. Hopefully this will change over time. When I fathom out how to post pics I will upload one or two so you can see her.

  9. #9
    baffled harpy's Avatar
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    Default Re: greyhound

    That's brilliant, gmc - looking forward to seeing the pics of Sacha.

    Interesting that she is nervous of non-greyhounds, perhaps she just hasn't seen many before?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Just realised I have probably already seen a pic in your avatar. She looks very fine. That's quite a nose isn't it?

  10. #10
    gmc's Avatar
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    Default Re: greyhound

    Thanks Harpy, I can't post pictures, for some reason I am set not to send attachments So i can only set the avatar pic.

    The nose doesn't look quite so big in real life! It's just the way the camera has caught her.

  11. #11
    Draíochta Blueberries's Avatar
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    Quote gmc View Post
    Thanks Harpy, I can't post pictures, for some reason I am set not to send attachments So i can only set the avatar pic.:
    Heya gmc, to post pictures on the forum you have to upload them to a photo hosting website like flcker or photo bucket and then post the image code in the little 'add image' box.

    Also Sacha looks adorable . I'm glad that she's starting to settle.
    Houmous atá ann!

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    Default Re: greyhound

    Old thread I know, but for anyone considering adopting a greyhound this is my experience.

    I have found greyhounds to be the most gentle natured, laid back dogs ever. They have impeccable manners, don't smell, rarely bark, shed very little and will look into your eyes with such love that your heart will melt. However, don't expect them to do anything they don't feel like doing. You threw the stick? You go and get it. You come home? Don't expect them to get off their comfy beds to come and greet you, although you'll probably get a lovely smile when you rush over to greet them.

    A quote I once read sums them up completely. 'greyhounds see commands more as suggestions to ponder'. However this is what makes me love them so much.

  13. #13
    gmc's Avatar
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    Default Re: greyhound

    It was nice to see this thread brought back to life. I agree with everything you said Night Swimming. We have had Sacha for about 18 months now. She is so well settled its as if she has been here forever. We adore her. She is much more socialised than she was, we take her to dog training sessions to help her socialise with other dogs, so she is nowhere as shy as she once was. Most of the nervousness has gone, but there are still times when she is alarmed by certain noises etc.

    She is lazy, sleeps a lot and very much a 'Lady' with a very gentle nature. We have never heard her bark. All in all she is wonderful to be with.

  14. #14
    baffled harpy's Avatar
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    Default Re: greyhound

    Hi gmc - thanks for the update, glad it has worked out so well for the lovely Sacha and you!

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