I want to adopt a greyhound but we've never had a dog. What do I need to think about? Start from the beginning and speak slowly!

[IHeartKingThistle]

I fell in love with a greyhound I met a few months ago and when I read up about them they sound amazing. We've got an appointment on Friday at our local greyhound rescue but DH has yet to be fully convinced. I won't be a child about it - if he really doesn't want one, that has to be fine. But I really want one!

We have a large ish house and an OK garden. One side is hedge which needs securing - I've had a quote for this.

2 well behaved DC 12 and 10.

DH works full time but often from home. I teach 2 days a week. Would need to look into cast iron options for those 2 days but not sure what. Both sets of parents like dogs and would look after for holidays etc.

OK, hit me. I need absolute basics! How often do they need a wee? Can they ever go off lead? What do I need? Will they steal food? I want to be a bit better informed by Friday!

Thanks!

Well that's encouraging!

On my 2nd greyhound - they are just the best. Our current girl was already house-trained but I think I would only ever let her off-lead somewhere where there were guaranteed no rabbits, no cats. She has an incredibly high prey drive.

Yes they steal food. They steal your sofa. Given half a chance they will steal your bed. She has a full wardrobe of rain coat, thick waterproof winter coat, fleece and woollen roll-neck jumper.

We've been lucky with this one that her stomach isn't THAT sensitive and I've found a dry food that she likes and keeps her poos firm. However every now and then she gets explosive diaorrhea from something she's scavenged.

They are very gentle, very loving and relatively easy dogs who require minimum exercise. I will always have another greyhound!

Aw lovely.

Just found out that the one I was hoping to meet on Friday was reserved today. I am quite ridiculously upset.

Also, DH still doesn't think this is a good time to get a dog, so maybe all the signs are there to wait a while. I've had a horrible year and was so looking forward to something positive, but I don't think it's something we should do without the whole family on board. I'm being terribly stoic about it but I'm gutted really.

Maybe down the line it'll happen. I hope so. Thank you so much for all your stories. DH is definitely open to the breed now, it's just the timing (in his opinion). Argh.