We have a new family member too! PICS added

[ribbons021185]

Ok, we have had her a couple of months admittedly, but I thought it was time to join the rush of posting about our pets

Her name is Katie. She is a 3 year old retired greyhound, who was born in Ireland and after her racing career there, came to England for a few races before being put up for re-homing.

I must dash off to lessons at uni now but I will post pics when I am back!

[leannwithconnie]

Well done you for giving her the chance of a nice retirement.
Look forward to seeing some pictures of her.

[The Moo]

Would love to see pics, i have considered my next dog (though I am not sure if there should be yet another ) would be one of these.

Let us know how she settled in etc

[harveydales]

Oh do post some pics! How wonderful of you to give one of these dogs a retirement home. I've also considered giving a retired greyhound a home. Maybe next time...........

[nars]

Looking forward to seeing the pictures. I love greyhounds.

[ribbons021185]

Back!

Katie is an absolute star, I really can't sing her praises enough.

We were looking for our first (family) dog, although my mum has had a few dogs when she was younger and we decided to go and have a chat to John, the owner of one of the retired greyhound shelters near Newark, Notts, the closest to ours. My mum had to have a sudden heart bypass early this year which was completely out of the blue and turned out to be a genetic disorder rather than age, weight ect as she is only 51 and very slim! Anyway, we had been thinking about a dog for a long time, and this finally seemed the right time, to get her walking regularly etc.

We walked a few dogs, but Katie stood out because she is such a clown, she bounces on the spot when she gets really excited
After a home check we decided to go for it and took her home!
Most greyhounds who come out of racing have lived in kennels their entire lives, and so Katie was no exception, and was not house broken, but very clean in her kennel. We have never had a single accident from her though, she has waited to go outside from day one!
She was so worried at the beginning, all typical house things are new and a bit scary, the iron, the hoover, slamming doors, kitchen noises etc, but she slept quietly on her bed in the kitchen from day one with no crying! The only really sad thing about her is at first, my dad couldnt make any sudden movements near her, she would cower and be terrified. We are sure she has been beaten in the past because of this, and she is still very scared of sticks/folded umbrellas/walking sticks etc I dread to think why.

She had to be taught to play which she now loves, my brother has taught her to fetch her toys. Because she was a racing dog and they are walked round the collecting ring, she has perfect manners on the lead and she never pulls or jumps up at people.
She knows basic commands now and she has just been a total angel from day one. She is so gentle and cuddly, but never fusses for attention and she has two favourite speeds which are 45 mph or sleeping which she does for 95% of the day!.

I really, really recommend a retired greyhound to anyone who has thought about it. They don't need much exercise, are so quiet and non assuming but jolly and happy dogs.
The retired greyhound trust organises meets and walks, we have met so many other retired greyhound owners and their dogs who all have similar experiences with their dogs.
Such a large number of dogs go into racing each year, and so many are put to sleep, such a tiny tiny proportion are sent to be re-homed, it really is a tragedy.
Everyone should have one!

p.s sorry this is such a huge post, I just feel so strongly about it!

[ribbons021185]

This final pic made me laugh, Greyhounds and Cheetahs are the only animals in the world to have a 'double suspension gallop' apparently, and I thought this was a good pic of Katie's favourite type of galloping

[greydales]

Aw she's gorgeous! We also looked at greyhounds before we got Bryn. Maybe we should look at another - although I'd hope it wouldn't mistake Sweep for a rabbit!!

What a lot of people getting new pets just recently - although not so long ago there were a lot of people losing them

[The Moo]

She looks a real poppet.

Does she have the desire to chase things, cats, rabbits etc, if you took her for a country sort of walk would she be over the horizon before you know it, how does she get on with the ponies?

I know all dogs are different but as a breed do ex-racers still have the 'hunt' instinct or are they too lazy.

[ribbons021185]

Some ex racers are too lazy and are absolutely hunt instinct free and are suitable for homing with cats and small pets etc, but some do have a strong hunt instinct, i suppose it depends on the individual dog.
Katie has a high prey drive unfortunately - it has decreased since we have had her and she no longer is interested in tiny dogs (the only other dogs most racers see are other greyhounds, so they have to learn about other breeds!). Squirrels and rabbits are very interesting, although she has not interest in birds at all. If it doesnt have fur, it isnt worth the effort! ;D
The retired greyhound trust do say that some dogs will never be able to be let off the lead. I did think it unfair, but after knowing Katie, she really does not seem bothered, she is so lazy.
In the morning she has a mad dash around the garden for a couple of minutes before going back to bed, and that is her spent for the day! (as sprinters, not distance runners, that is all they really want), she is happy to plod along at your side on a walk and has no intention of going anywhere fast.

She will probably never be 100% safe off the lead in open spaces because she is absolutely obedient until something small and furry catches her eye and then she can only think about it until it is out of sight! I think it is possible that she has done hare coursing in ireland, quite often racers are registered with the coursing club as well as the racing board in ireland, which also makes for a higher prey drive!
She is not fussed about horses in the slightest, she just ignores them, or moves out of their way.
We really haven't found her prey drive an issue. I walk her with a lunge line on country walks so she can potter about without having to be glued to our sides. I'd love to let her off in open spaces but for her safety it just is not practical and she really does not seem to mind, its the price she has to pay for being surplus to the racing industry and her genetics, poor dog!

[leannwithconnie]

Oh she's lovely

[valerie n scout]

ooo rather lovely sexy legs, good for you and good for her too looks like a lovely home all the best xx

[nic]

awwwwww she is gorgeous! Dont you just love greyhounds, they are so laid back, and gentle and so many people thin kthey are really hyper etc but they justy love to sleep! I think they are beutiful and yours is a very fine example love the collar!

[Debbie]

Good on you!!!

I adore the greyhounds, I'm so happy when one can get rehomed. They really are such charming dogs And Katie is beautiful!!! I can see she's easily fit into your family. I bet half the time you don't even know she's there, they are so quiet and well behaved.

I will say, anyone considering a greyhound, do not be misled about obedience levels off lead. I know of one poor chap who'd had his pair for three years. He thought they were so bonded to him, they wouldn't run off. He let them off lead many times in the park and had behaved. Unfortunately, they were tempted by a squirrel, and both took off in a mad dash. No they didn't hear the owner. Both dogs were killed outright. So please, never let them off lead unless its in a fenced area.

Also, you'll find these delightful dogs are some of the most sensitive known to man. Corrections are actually made with a look of irritation, or at the absolute worst of sins, a slightly raised voice. These babies are that sensitive.

You'll also find your greyhound shrinking away from people in a temper, or moving in an aggressive way. While I wouldn't doubt men could have beaten her, she may have picked up that reaction from even a fast moving teenage boy in a foul mood needing to clean the pens one day. They simply do not forget, and it takes some time (if ever) to regain their trust.

I have to say, the rehomed greyhounds are certainly a project dear to my heart as well! Thanks for posting pics of your lovely girl

[harleydales]

She's lovley!! I've alwaysquite fancied a greyhound...