When a person thinks about bringing a new furry family member into their home, the more common options will usually be researched first. The newspaper ads for expensive puppies will be quickly skimmed and of course, a visit to the local animal shelter is always a good idea. What some may not know is that there is another option available to a person or family with an empty corner in a loving home.

Why Should Greyhound Adoption Be Considered?

There has always been great debate and controversy surrounding the greyhound racing industry in the United States. Some dogs are abused during their short careers and some are well taken care of. Some are given up to adoption agencies, along with a few tears from an attached kennel owner. In some cases, greyhounds are killed or left to die in very inhumane ways when they stop performing well enough. The fact still remains that these racing dogs have rarely had the one-on-one connection to any one person or family that most other dogs with normal lives have the privilege of experiencing. Greyhounds are usually packed into small kennels, or cages, and stacked on top of each other in a holding area. There’s not a whole lot of time between races for human interaction and bonding. That is where you come in!

It's Not For Everyone

But is a greyhound right for you? Greyhounds are gentle and loyal creatures who want nothing more than food, an occasional treat and one caring person, or five caring people, to snuggle up with. If an outdoor dog is what you have in mind, this is not the dog for you. Greyhounds have very thin skin and virtually no body fat to keep them warm. However, contrary to what you might think, greyhounds only need minimal exercise. A few good walks a week should keep your hound happy. And if it’s possible, a good run every now and then. Greyhounds even make great apartment pets if the time is available for several potty breaks during the day. If you need a quiet dog, a greyhound is a close as you can get! They rarely bark. They are also usually great with other pets and with children, but be sure to check with your local greyhound shelter to be sure. Most shelters do fairly extensive child and cat testing on each hound they receive. As with any breed, when considering a retired racer as a family pet, there are some medical predispositions to consider. For instance, greyhounds are known for having bad teeth, they are sometimes intolerant of normal forms of anesthesia, and they are predisposed to a treatable eye disease known as Pannus. Further questions about greyhound health quirks can be answered by your veterinarian.

The Adoption Process

If you decide that a greyhound is right for you, it’s time to contact the rescue shelter and begin the long but well-worth-it adoption process. There will be an adoption fee that usually ranges from $90-$250. This most likely includes shots, spay or neuter, and sometimes a dental cleaning. Then there is a detailed application including information about all family members, other pets, and other personal information. Depending on the shelter’s own policies, there may be an opportunity to specify any special traits or characteristics you may want in your new friend, but usually a dog and adoptee are matched based on the needs of the dog and the family. The next step in the process is a home visit. The purpose of the home visit is the make sure your house and lifestyle are in sync with the special needs of a greyhound. If it is the shelter’s policy is to match a dog to a family, then this will take place after the home visit. Then the shelter will allow the family to visit the prospective new dog with any other pets that live with them. This will ensure that a good match has been made. Then finally the big day will arrive. After a session of exit counseling, your new fast friend is free to live out the rest of his or her life in peace and comfort. Almost.

A New Hound Home

The first few days at home with a greyhound, especially one who has never been in a home before, are crucial. There are many things to be aware of with a retired greyhound. First of all, most greyhounds have never been up or down a staircase. After a few practice runs, you will be trying to get him to slow down on the stairs. Also, there are usually no glass doors on the racetrack. Some new greyhound owners put stickers on their glass doors so the dogs know that it is a surface. This seems to work very well. Most greyhounds have never seen their reflection, but there is great entertainment in watching a greyhound growl at itself in the mirror.

When it comes time to introduce the new hound to any pets already in the home, the best thing to do is to take it slow. Be sure to give all of your critters time to get to know each other well before leaving them alone together.

If possible, taking time off work to help the new pet adjust to its new home is a great idea. If that isn’t possible, a kennel for your greyhound to stay in while no one is at home can be helpful. This will usually make your dog feel more comfortable because that is what they are accustomed to. It is also a great idea to leave the television or radio on for background noise so the house doesn’t seem so empty and lonely.

And finally, the last step. Enjoy all that life has to offer with a wonderful and loyal new friend. A greyhound will bring so much joy and pleasure to your home everyday, you will soon start to think about starting the process all over again!