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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

I have an appointment to view a greyhound today at the animal sanctuary. Wish me luck.

189 replies

CarnageAhead · 11/01/2023 10:20

Good morning, I’m really excited, so bear with me.
I have been contacted to view a greyhound today at our local animal sanctuary after I sent in an application form.
She is an ex racer and is five years old 🥰🥰
Any advice welcome about food etc (and your greyhound pics obviously) will be most appreciated, and I’ll catch up later. Please wish me luck.
MTIA 💐

OP posts:
Thread gallery
26
CMOTDibbler · 13/01/2023 13:40

Congratulations, what a beautiful girl she is! Welcome to the wonderful world of sighthounds. Make sure you memorise her race name, parents name, and race history as you will be approached by many, many greyhound owners and this is like the standard introduction.
I have lurchers, who have more coats than I do (ddog1 is currently rocking a purple with white spots jumper which has blue dinosaur spikes) and martingale collars for every occasion. Check out Houndtees for the most gorgeous hound pjs as well as Spuds dog coats. Slouching Hound and Kitsch collars are good brands, she'll need a 2" wide collar. If you'd rather use a harness, Perfect Fit is a great choice as you can customise to her exact shape - greys have very deep chests and narrow necks so normal ones don't fit and can rub their sensitive skin.
I'm sure the rescue have told you, but never use an extending lead. When your dog can reach 40mph in 6 strides they are a very bad idea

Reluctantadult · 13/01/2023 13:40

Well done op, wishing you best of luck!

Mine is a greyhound cross so a lurcher. He's 11 now. We've had him since he was picked up off the streets age 3m. Live action shot...

I have an appointment to view a greyhound today at the animal sanctuary. Wish me luck.
Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 13:42

Freysimo · 13/01/2023 13:29

She's gorgeous 😍. Hope you have many happy years together. You've had some great advice, except please don't use an extended lead. They can go from 0-60 very quickly and take you with them!

Thank you 😊 , and for the lead advice.
The lead I have is not extended, but it can cross over the body for hands free if need be.
I will be holding tight on that lead, that’s for sure 😂😂😂.

OP posts:
MrsMitford3 · 13/01/2023 13:42

oh she is so sweet
I have only anecdotal evidence-I walk my dog in a very popular dog area-loads of greyhound rescues and they are so lovely-a friend had one who was one of my absolute fav dog ever.

Good luck!

Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 13:48

Reluctantadult · 13/01/2023 13:40

Well done op, wishing you best of luck!

Mine is a greyhound cross so a lurcher. He's 11 now. We've had him since he was picked up off the streets age 3m. Live action shot...

Thank you 😊
What a lovely photo, it’s amazing how they can lie in and out of their bed and still sleep or not move. I’m sure they could sleep on a washing line.
Amazing that you’ve had him for so long, and how he is a big parts of your life.
Im looking forward to that .

OP posts:
Carlycat · 13/01/2023 13:51

She's so beautiful ❤️
Thank you for rescuing her xx

Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 13:52

MrsMitford3 · 13/01/2023 13:42

oh she is so sweet
I have only anecdotal evidence-I walk my dog in a very popular dog area-loads of greyhound rescues and they are so lovely-a friend had one who was one of my absolute fav dog ever.

Good luck!

Thank you 😊, she is so sweet, those ears when they go back, awww 🥰 ahem sorry.
We also live in a dog walkers paradise and have spotted that many greyhounds, I’ve nearly crashed the car 😮😁.

OP posts:
Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 13:55

Carlycat · 13/01/2023 13:51

She's so beautiful ❤️
Thank you for rescuing her xx

We are so smitten honestly. I hate that there are so many greyhounds or any other breed, that are in shelter.
I wish I could have had one sooner, but I was working until recently.

OP posts:
2000lightyearsaway123 · 13/01/2023 13:57

Oh OP I am so jealous. I have 2 girls. Jasmine (pictured on sofa) who is nearly 4 and we've had nearly 2 years and Mya(pictured on bed) just turned 2 who we have had just over a year.

My top advice would be give her time. It took both of mine a good 6 months to show their true(wonderful) colours. It's a very different life from racing when they come into your home so give them plenty of time to settle. It took one of ours 6 weeks to tackle the stairs and 6 months to learn to get in the car herself.

Both of mine came with funny tummys and where a bit smelly. I think a mix of nerves and atleast one of them wasn't on the right food caused it and it settled down quickly when we gradually introduced new food.

Don't be alarmed if the hair starts flying out of her and she gets a few slightly baldy bits. This is just het losing her kennel coat now she's in your nice warm home. Sardines and oats are great for their skin and hair.

You have so much joy to come and I wish you health and to enjoy her.

I have an appointment to view a greyhound today at the animal sanctuary. Wish me luck.
2000lightyearsaway123 · 13/01/2023 13:57

Forgot to add my other girl!

2bazookas · 13/01/2023 13:58

Just make space on the sofa, because you have to sit somewhere else now.
Enjoy; they are wonderful pets. I still miss ours.

Feed whatever she's been used to, until she feels at home. Put her fleecy warm coat on her at night, greyhounds need pyjamas to stary warm.

Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 14:06

CMOTDibbler · 13/01/2023 13:40

Congratulations, what a beautiful girl she is! Welcome to the wonderful world of sighthounds. Make sure you memorise her race name, parents name, and race history as you will be approached by many, many greyhound owners and this is like the standard introduction.
I have lurchers, who have more coats than I do (ddog1 is currently rocking a purple with white spots jumper which has blue dinosaur spikes) and martingale collars for every occasion. Check out Houndtees for the most gorgeous hound pjs as well as Spuds dog coats. Slouching Hound and Kitsch collars are good brands, she'll need a 2" wide collar. If you'd rather use a harness, Perfect Fit is a great choice as you can customise to her exact shape - greys have very deep chests and narrow necks so normal ones don't fit and can rub their sensitive skin.
I'm sure the rescue have told you, but never use an extending lead. When your dog can reach 40mph in 6 strides they are a very bad idea

We must remember then to ask the rescue centre. Would this info have been passed over to them? I don’t think she has been in for very long.
I know, the coats! There are some fab ones out there aren’t they? Your lurcher’s coat sounds fab 🥰 Dh is rolling his eyes already at the cost 😂😂😂
I’ll make a note of the pjs etc, it’s my next port of call alongside beds and dog bowls and food.

OP posts:
Carlycat · 13/01/2023 14:08

I'm loving all the sight hound photos! They truly are the most wonderful dogs. I spent a lot of time demonstrating outside a greyhound race track so these beautiful creatures are close to my heart ❤️
The race track closed a few years ago
❤️ RESULT ! ❤️

CMOTDibbler · 13/01/2023 14:09

If she was racing, she'll have an ear tattoo that even if they don't know her racing name you'll be able to find everything out. tattoo decoding tells you how they are read

2bazookas · 13/01/2023 14:10

They are little divas - be prepared for the “greyhound scream of death” at the slightest inconvenience

First time we heard the GHSOD I thought he must have fallen off sofa in his sleep and broken a leg.

Great hunk was standing there on sofa paralysed with fear, ears back whining "save me, save me, something ate my leg". His paw had gone down between the seat cushions.

Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 14:13

2bazookas · 13/01/2023 13:58

Just make space on the sofa, because you have to sit somewhere else now.
Enjoy; they are wonderful pets. I still miss ours.

Feed whatever she's been used to, until she feels at home. Put her fleecy warm coat on her at night, greyhounds need pyjamas to stary warm.

It’s a good job we have two armchairs. Oh, and a floor… 😁
I’m sorry you’ve lost your pet, how long ago? You must have many good memories xxx

OP posts:
Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 14:19

CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 14:13

It’s a good job we have two armchairs. Oh, and a floor… 😁
I’m sorry you’ve lost your pet, how long ago? You must have many good memories xxx

Show quote history

Good advice about the food, yes.
I have bought her a teddy which has a removable bag which you put in the microwave, she’ll be extra cosy with her pjs.

OP posts:
Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 14:20

2bazookas · 13/01/2023 14:10

They are little divas - be prepared for the “greyhound scream of death” at the slightest inconvenience

First time we heard the GHSOD I thought he must have fallen off sofa in his sleep and broken a leg.

Great hunk was standing there on sofa paralysed with fear, ears back whining "save me, save me, something ate my leg". His paw had gone down between the seat cushions.

Oh, I can’t wait for that 😂😂

OP posts:
Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 14:22

CMOTDibbler · 13/01/2023 14:09

If she was racing, she'll have an ear tattoo that even if they don't know her racing name you'll be able to find everything out. tattoo decoding tells you how they are read

Thank you, I’ll check her ears and take note.

OP posts:
Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 14:30

2000lightyearsaway123 · 13/01/2023 13:57

Oh OP I am so jealous. I have 2 girls. Jasmine (pictured on sofa) who is nearly 4 and we've had nearly 2 years and Mya(pictured on bed) just turned 2 who we have had just over a year.

My top advice would be give her time. It took both of mine a good 6 months to show their true(wonderful) colours. It's a very different life from racing when they come into your home so give them plenty of time to settle. It took one of ours 6 weeks to tackle the stairs and 6 months to learn to get in the car herself.

Both of mine came with funny tummys and where a bit smelly. I think a mix of nerves and atleast one of them wasn't on the right food caused it and it settled down quickly when we gradually introduced new food.

Don't be alarmed if the hair starts flying out of her and she gets a few slightly baldy bits. This is just het losing her kennel coat now she's in your nice warm home. Sardines and oats are great for their skin and hair.

You have so much joy to come and I wish you health and to enjoy her.

Lovely names ❤️ for lovely dogs, they are absolutely amazing. Thank you for the advice on her fur..
We are going to take things very slowly, and I have found a pet relaxing music skill on Alexa to use, on low volume.

OP posts:
Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 14:32

Carlycat · 13/01/2023 14:08

I'm loving all the sight hound photos! They truly are the most wonderful dogs. I spent a lot of time demonstrating outside a greyhound race track so these beautiful creatures are close to my heart ❤️
The race track closed a few years ago
❤️ RESULT ! ❤️

Result indeed. So glad it closed down and thank you for demonstrating.
it was a cruel sport in the name of entertainment.

OP posts:
Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 14:44

Junebug22 · 12/01/2023 06:37

The greyhound rescues always recommend you use a racing muzzle to start in case they have a high prey drive from racing. We kept ours muzzled on walks for about a month and by that point he’d shown zero interest in small dogs and was 50/50 with cats (either ignored them or was no more excited than your average dog) so we figured it was safe to remove it. If he’d been pulling to chase small things then we would’ve kept it on.

Case and point: was walking him yesterday morning and two small, white, fluffy dogs went off their heads barking and growling at him on their extendable leads… my boy completely blanked them. He actually loves small dogs over bigger ones -his best friends are a Pug and a Westie 😂

Thank you, you’ve just reminded me to order a muzzle.
Thats interesting that they can lose their prey drive, I thought it would be with them for life.

Im visualising a greyhound being friends with a pug and Westie, awww 🥰😁

OP posts:
Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 14:47

Riverlee · 11/01/2023 10:27

Enjoy! (And any photos would be appreciated).

Thank you, and obligatory photos posted. It’s the law 😁

OP posts:
Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 14:50

WhatDoYouWantNow · 11/01/2023 10:29

Lovely! They make great pets and don't need lots of exercise. They often have callouses (hard skin patches) from lying on concrete floors when they've been kept as racing dogs (they have a horrible life)

Thank you.
How can people be so cruel, the poor things.
It’s no wonder they don’t want to leave their beds or the sofa.

OP posts:
Original poster
CarnageAhead · 13/01/2023 14:56

Junebug22 · 11/01/2023 10:29

Mine is 8 and a half and the gentlest boy. He’s been so accepting of and calm with our 6 month old baby, right now baby is bouncing in Jumperoo and dog is sprawled out on the floor snoozing. They’re lovely dogs! Some tips:
Let them come to you. When we brought
our boy home, we had a big crate as a safe space and waited for him to approach us. For many of them it’s the first time they’ve ever been in a house! We never had any toilet accidents but just make sure you take pup out regularly to pee those first few days and reward when they toilet outside.
Greyhounds have notoriously sensitive stomachs so when you find a food that works -stick to it! We use pooch and mutt dry kibble and stick to chews with no rawhide.
Buy some toys they can push around that you can fill with treats. They encourage them to learn how to play and stimulate their brain. A snuffle mat is also great for them.
Put in place boundaries from the start eg. Our boy has never been allowed on the couch or in the bedrooms. Much harder to change once you’ve let them do something (but you might be happy with that! Our boy is just so big he’d take up the whole couch lol).
They can be nervy around other dogs because for many greys, they’ve never seen another breed before! I would advise keeping your distance and letting him look at a dog, reward with treat and praise when he looks away. You’ll be able to gauge how he is with other breeds quickly. Ours was a little reactive but we did distance and praise and now he happily walks along with other dogs and doesn’t respond to any that bark at him.
They are major couch potatoes -so prepare for lots of snoozing. Also can be fussy with rain so make sure you buy them a rain coat and fleece because they have very little body fat so will get cold easily.

Theyre such loving, gentle giants. It’s been amazing to see how much our boy has come on in the past 5 years. Good luck!!

Thank you, some excellent tips there.

OP posts: