Pet Talk
October is the Month to
Consider a Greyhound
By Frances Goodman
For those who have been thinking of adopting a retired greyhound, this may be the time.
October is “Adopt a Greyhound Month” at the local chapter of Greyhound Pets of America — meaning adoption fees will be waived for qualified applicants who want to make a retired racer a permanent part of their family.
According to Barbara Masi of GPA, screening will be thorough, as it should be, to make sure the former racers will be going to caring adopters who can provide for them properly.
Basically, they need the same loving care as most any dog.
To help you decide if a greyhound is right for you, visit the chapter’s website (listed below) to learn about greyhounds and check out a list of frequently asked questions.
Meantime, here are excerpts from a few of their FAQs:
Q: Are greyhounds good watchdogs?
A: No. Greyhounds in a home typically are very quiet. They may let you know you have “company” by standing in front of the area closest to the “guest” and wagging their tail and, on occasion, let out a single “woof.” But they would not be considered watchdogs.
Q. Would I have to take my greyhound to a groomer?
A: Not unless you want to. A weekly rubdown with a rubber grooming mitt works very well. You can trim their nails yourself or use a (pet grooming device) to file or grind the nails. Greyhounds are basically clean dogs and the less often you bathe them the more oils will stay in their coat and keep them silky and shiny. An annual or semi-annual bath is sufficient unless the dog gets into mud or dirt.
Q: Does a greyhound have to run daily to stay fit?
A: No. Retired racing greyhounds do not need any more exercise than any other large dog. That means a good walk every day. Greyhounds are sprinters and are not geared toward walking or running long distances. They will need to work up to any distance over time, just as a person would do.
Greyhounds are not off-leash dogs. When outside, they always need to be on leash or in a safe, completely fenced area. If you can find a safe place for a greyhound to run (when it is not too hot and humid) you will both enjoy the activity. It is a sight to see.
Q: Are greyhounds hyper?
A: Mostly the opposite. When you come home, you will get a big greeting but shortly thereafter the greyhound will want to “rest.” They really are couch potatoes. Greyhounds love to play with their stuffed toys, and are wonderful companions. But compared to, for example, a Jack Russell terrier, they are not hyper dogs once they have adjusted to their home life.
Q: What kinds of activities can I do with my greyhound?
Greyhounds are wonderful walking partners, after they build some endurance. We recommend to all adopters that they participate in an obedience class with their greyhound. Some also excel at agility. Many greyhounds excel in their “jobs” as therapy dogs. A visiting greyhound is a common sight in nursing homes, children’s organizations and other therapeutic situations. This is a win-win activity for all involved.
To learn more, visit greyhoundpetsfl.org or call 561-478-3006.
Of course, what the website can’t provide is the personal experience of meeting one of these dignified but friendly retired racers, who are so deserving of happy homes now that their racing careers are ended.
Frances Goodman is a professional dog trainer and pet care writer who lives in Royal Palm Beach. Got a question? Email her at fhpettalk@hotmail.com. See her ad this page.