Greyhound

[leelapops]

Looking at the possibility of a Greyhound sister for our Border Collie boy.
Any personal anecdotes/tips/interesting nuggets of info you could share about Greyhound ownership?
Mushy-peaciated,
Lisa.

[lankeela]

Easiest dogs in the world to take on - house trained, lead trained, innoculated and wormed regularly, quiet, like to sleep all day till its walk time, short coat, long legs so no problems with mud or wet hair. Biggest downside is their height which means they can reach any food left out and they will help themselves, as they are only used to having food put in front of them. Good with other dogs and kids, curl up in a small space, just need a coat in the cold weather and they will repay you with loads of love. No separation anxiety problems, no chewing, no barking/biting, ok might take an unhealthy interest in the pet rabbit but they can live with small animals if introduced properly, even cats. Tend to want to run if you let them off, but not run away, only run for the sake of it and will come back when they have had a quick sprint. You will never regret taking one on.

[Mr Veritas]

Hello there,
I can't say much about greyhounds(we are really cat people) BUT if you are considering a greyhound,have a look here, at the greyhound rescue UK site:~
http://www.greyhoundrescue.co.uk/

This where the actress Annette Crosbie got her 3 greyhounds from.

[carmalee]

totally agree with Lankeelas description of Greyhounds, they are an absolute delight - so gentle and loving. My only slight reservation is the difference in exercise requirements for the two breeds. Collies need huge amounts of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy - g/hounds need a quick burst on their banjos two/three times a day and are then happy to chill then out on the couch. Having said that I know many who go for longish walks with their owners but the the exercise requirements are quite different. I'm sure you've thought of this so wasn't trying to be know -all-ish! Also G/hounds are quite prone to knocking up a toe and damaging the last tail digit when they furiously wag their tails.

[bizzylizzy]

We have several friends with greyhounds and they're all besotted. They really are such lovely gentle dogs. As far as I can see they prefer sleeping to almost any other occupation. They're not the frenetic animals you think they might be. I'd say, go ahead, you won't regret it. Speaking as someone who lost her beautiful dog last year, I can't get used to a house without one. We may well adopt a greyhound sometime in the future too. Good luck.

[Dee Sa]

there are so many greyhounds waiting to be rescued or put down, pls consider one.

[leelapops]

Hi everyone, and thanks for the time and effort you've put into answering my question.
Lankeela: all my suspicions are true then! The one we have been told about is quite the thief, but to top off her breed and circumstances, she was also a stray, so it's very understandable! With an inquisitive Collie, who is particularly fond of the food we put in the bin, we are already careful to keep yummy stuff out of the way!
We have no small furries/small non-furries so should be a harmonious household.
Mr Veritas, thank you for the link; I look forward to browsing the GR UK site this evening!
carmalee: thanks for your consideration. Jack does take plenty of stimulation-he and a greyhound are almost polar opposites! But I have heard through friends that their greyhounds have been happy either with the 2 short walks recommended, or with longer waks with their doggy friends. They do sound a little less robust than Collies; I will have to watch where she wags!
bizzy lizzy, I am sorry to hear of your loss, and hope one day you willbe able to give another dog such a loving home. They really do leave pawprints on your hearts don't they?
Dee: thank you-I will certainly keep you posted!
I can't tell you how excited/nervous I am for Sunday. Still got to convince Mr Pops that it's the best idea he's ever had (!)-his fatal mistake was not saying no straight away!! We will listen to what the Rescue fella says and make an informed choice-will let you all know x

[sunflower71]

I grow up with a pet greyhound, bless her.
My dad thought it was a good idea to buy a racing greyhound! she was slow so they retired her early.
Her name was Mai (Desert Mai as she had an offical two barreled name)
They make excellent home pets, she was adorable, very loving and loyal. Not once did we have any problems.
Loves cuddles and playing is very clever, will be a great friend for your collie.
I would love to have another greyhound, maybe one day when my lifestyle means I am not at work all the time!
Please keep us posted.

[lankeela]

Can't wait to see how you got on. However, if you have decided against a greyhound, I have just been notified of a two and a half year old Border Collie *** needing rehoming due to her owner going into sheltered accommodation. No hang ups, quiet and calm, breeder will have her back if necessary, but owner moving in January, so ok till after Christmas. I can supply a contact if you are interested.

[bizzylizzy]

Thank you for getting back to us all Lisa. This is such a nice thread to be part of. No insults no unpleasant and unhelpful remarks. Caring dog owners are lovely people. I think you must understand my sorrow at having lost my lovely retriever. We lost her just over a year ago. Last Christmas was a miserable time for us both, and I can honestly say that nothing in my life has ever upset and hurt me so much. I hope we'll feel able to get another dog some day. We both keep thinking that no other dog would ever be able to replace her and in some respects, that's what stopping us. I wish all of you and your best friends a very Merry Christmas. I hope that you find a lovely pal for your Collie Lisa.

[leelapops]

Oh you are such a lovely bunch! I mean, really, animal lovers have such big hearts! It always amazes me that so many "strangers" bond over animals-the strength of their affection is so apparent.
lankeela: thank you very much for the information-she sounds a honey, and I may be tempted...Don't think Mr Pops would be so thrilled!
However, after passing our homecheck this morning...Mr Pops AGREED that a second dog would be a lovely addition to the family, and we go to visit a 4 year old girl, Mysti, currently infoster care with the wonderful Dumfriesshire and Cumbria Greyhound Rescue. I am so very excited and wish we had her at home already with the 3 of us!
Thanks so much to all of you for your kind and generous words.
lankeela, you are, as ever, a mine of ueful information and dog-loving being! sunflower, your Mai sounds as if she was lovely, and bless her, really landed on her paws with your family! Dogs are a joy to have and we are very fortunate that we can work round one (or two!) to provide a home.
bizzylizzy, it sounds to me like your Retriever was adored as much as any dog could ever wish to be! I hope that one day you can open your hearts and home to another, as I think the right dog is just waiting for you. May this Christmas be a happier one.
I once read (and thnk I posted it on here once I had finished sobbing) about a child who, when his dog died, explained that dogs don't need to live as long as humans because unlike us, they are already perfectly loving and kind. Isn't that the truth?
xx