anyone rehomed a retired greyhound?

Re: anyone rehomed a retired greyhound?

Lisa Brett — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:21:12 GMT

Lots of information on rehoming a greyhound on the Retired Greyhound Trust's website:

http://www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/

Re: anyone rehomed a retired greyhound?

Alison Clare Hickman — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 22:52:38 GMT

And then there is Bruce, my friends handsome brindle greyhound, who took some time to understand that piddling in the kitchen was not the done thing (he got there eventually). Took his time to understand that the sofa was not his, well, okay, they conceded that perhaps it was and bought a new one (after he had bespoke chewed it). Took his time to realise that food would come and he didn't have to nick it - well apart from a whole pound of butter off the kitchen work top (greyhound heads are just at the right height and the snoot is just the right length) and so provide the reward of a 'greasy' bum-spill for her to clean up the following morning. Took his time to understand that night-time howling wasn't really appreciated but settled down when they got him a friend (well, that's what he'd been trying to tell them, wasn't it?!). They love him to bits and back and would do anything for him, he is such a character and my old dog (rest his bones) loved him too. Wooo ooo Bruce!!

Yup. Greyhounds. LOVE 'EM.

Re: anyone rehomed a retired greyhound?

Carolyn Edwards — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 22:28:34 GMT

I help with fundraising for Greyhound Rescue West of England (www.grwe.com - they now cover most of England and also rescue lurchers) and currently have two greyhounds, a dog & a bitch. All of mine have been fabulous with children and fine with all but the smallest, fluffiest dogs. They often have significant dental disease but I brush the teeth of mine and they haven't needed anything after an initial dental. There is a never ending supply, sadly, and some of them have been seriously abused but most appear to put their previous life behind them and take to home life as though they'd been born into it. They don't need a lot of exercise but will happily go for longer walks if you want to.

GRWE usually discuss what you want from a dog, do a home-check and then get you to meet a suitable dog, rather than you touring kennels and choosing from what they've got in at the time. One of the reasons they do this is that they don't have their own kennels (they pay kennels to house their hounds) and try to get the hounds into foster homes whilst waiting to be rehomed. This means that many of the hounds have already discovered that house rules are different to kennel rules and the fosterer will have been able to assess the hound and start any remedial training that is required. As a result they have a very low return rate. They also offer a lot of post homing support if it's required.

I love my hounds and can't imagine not having a pointy nose or two in my life - I'd have more if I could afford to. Have a look at GRWE's facebook page for more 'testimonials' if you or your husband need more convincing.

Re: anyone rehomed a retired greyhound?

Selena Carnell — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 21:46:56 GMT

Not me personally, but a couple of friends have had one and have been great with kids, even her mum and up with one too

Re: anyone rehomed a retired greyhound?

funkyfish — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:12:48 GMT

We have several clients with them, the only problem seems to be they are addictive! They all have 2-4 dogs after getting the first one, they can't wait to get more!

They seems to have major tooth issues, most come neutered and having had a dental, but tend to need regular dentals. Some are very brave, not all are walked muzzled.

The ones who do need muzzling can not be let off the lead due to high pray drive, they can paw paw stab and head butt cats/small dogs etc to death quite easily!

Re: anyone rehomed a retired greyhound?

Louise B — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 19:02:40 GMT

Only real downsides for me of a greyhound would be if I was still locumming:

1. Big dog so more difficult to find a kennel when busy at which ever practice locumming at

BUT

2. They feel the cold so difficult to leave in the car during the colder months.

Re: anyone rehomed a retired greyhound?

bongo — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:48:23 GMT

well yes, this is what i was thinking. i work at a uni so would be a great teaching dog and could be a blood donor too!

Re: anyone rehomed a retired greyhound?

Louise B — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:19:58 GMT

I've only ever experienced positive things with greyhounds. Several of my friends own and / or foster for greyhound charities and their dogs have always been really good with my dogs (ranging from 7kg terrier upwards). Great for teaching VN students anatomical landmarks too.