We've made the right choice, haven't we?

[helpontheheys]

Went to a greyhound rescue centre.

We looked at 2 dogs. Didn't opt to see anymore because it was hard enough choosing from the 2!

Dog 1

1. A girl

1. Incredibly placid. Almost too placid! She didn't bat an eyelid at a single thing on our walk

1. Beautiful to walk on lead. Just amazing. I've never walked a dog so considerate and graceful

1. Much smaller than Dog 2

1. She had been there just 3 days before we came to see her

1. I wanted a girl! I did go with an open mind, but I knew I was looking for a girl

Dog 2

1. Incredibly happy to meet us. Genuinely seemed very intrigued to see us, but nothing crazy! Just a mellow, happy soul

1. Been there months and months :( his sister was rehomed a long while ago but nobody wanted him yet

1. He sought my DC out. If DC stopped walking or get upset at something strange on the walk, he stopped, quizzed the situation and gently put his head under DC's arm. And they both walked on, calmly and beautifully

1. Again, like Dog 1, walked beautifully on lead. His ears pricked up a few times passing by, but he had 0 interest in the yappy dog going by, and just looked a little curious then looked away at a bird

1. I felt he wanted to be with us. I just felt that he was interested in DS and would have a bit more interest in his antics. Dog 1 was faultless but she didn't react to DS at all

1. The greyhound 'lean'. When we took him back, he leaned against me when I sat down. It was like I was his owner for years

Both dogs were the same age.

We've made the right choice, haven't we? I feel guilty as Dog 1 was beautiful and doesn't deserve to be in a kennel. But my gut instinct just told me 'this is your dog' within a minute of meeting Dog 2

Not sure why I'm posting but she wanted to get my thoughts on paper! Dog 2 arrives on Monday with his paperwork

I almost forgot, my DS has severe ASD. That's what I meant about him getting upset at some things on the walk and the Dog 2 seeming to encourage him forward

I have also quickly realised they have been my favourite breed without knowing much about dogs, for a good reason. They are indeed very majestic and it was hard not to say 'We will take 3!'

Yes, sounds right to me. Reminds me of The Dog House tv programme where you can see some dogs just click, but may not be the obvious first choice.

Please can we have a photo?

Ah, I'd have taken both 😂

I promise to upload a photo tomorrow morning when he arrives!

I am NOT a gushing dog person but I got a lump in my throat when he came out. I just knew

I also didn't want a boy because in my opinion there smellier, and they're bigger

I would have chosen dog 2 as well, definitely. She sounds perfect for all of you. You probably feel slightly guilty because you met the other dog first but really you don't need to be. You'd feel exactly the same if you'd chosen dog 1. She sounds lovely and I'm sure will be snapped up by someone soon.

Stop! I was thinking this at first

I was going to say that, they both sound amazing.

Id have been sorely tempted to take both as well but if you can only have one then dog 2 sounds like the one.

She was faultless. Absolutely perfect dog. Impeccably well behaved.

Dog 2 just seemed to have more ( still quiet) zest for life

I also felt sad he'd been there a long time. And was taken in, like most of them, as racing wastage

I didn't know this but I don't think the breed barks very much in general. The owner of the branch was telling me they're not very barky as a whole.
Some we saw going by in the outside friend weren't even that bothered to so much as lift their heads!

Sounds perfect OP.

Our lab has been the making of DS. He’s out walking, running, throwing the ball etc. The love they have for each other is incredible. When DS gets home from school Ddog wags his whole body, not just tail!

He's the one for sure. Everything adds up.
Wonderful for you all.

Xxx

@GoodnightJude1 that's amazing! I just knew DS was a better off boy for this dog

Thank you all again. I am so excited. I can't wait to show him what living in a house is like, surrounded by love and warm, clean stuff

My DC doesn't understand then and now, so doesn't know, as far as I'm aware, that there's a dog coming here. I can't wait to see his face after school on Monday

Is it too late to decide to take 2 ? 🫣

I know it's a lot but I did this when adopting a cat years ago - I went in knowing exactly what I wanted but fell for another while waiting to be processed
Called them 3 days later and she said "we've been hoping you would call "

I'd have chosen doggy 2 also if in your shoes
Hopefully your child and doggy 2 will be best friends for life

@whyamisotiredallthetime ahh you're really tempting me now that's a lovely story

I live in a NB known for being small, so I don't realistically think 2 would be the best thing, space wise. As their relaxing area is quite big I'm told!

If the first dog is as lovely as you said, she'll be snapped up in no time.

So happy for you. You definitely have the right dog for you. He sounds wonderful!

Sounds delightful what a bond your dc will have.

I knew with my dog the minute I laid eyes on him but I got my boy as a puppy but he just came up to me and cuddled me and I just knew! 2 years later he's very much my dog follows me always wants love knows when your having a bad day couldn't be without him now.

Definitely right choice! Looking forward to the photos!

You haven't chosen OP. He's chosen you ❤️

Hounds are just amazing - I type this looking at my lovely old girl. I knew she was mine when I saw her photo online. When we went to see her and she was poking her nose out through the gate ready to greet us.
We've had her 10 years this year. My boys love her and she loves them. It is really is a very special bond.

Congratulations on your new hound!

I picked dog number two as well when I went to meet greyhounds. First dog walked beautifully on lead and was a sweet boy but I just didn't feel it. Dog 2, off like a shot, zigzagging like crazy, sniffing everything, a real zest for life that has barely diminished in 4 years.

Barking- you're right, they're not known for their barks (screaming is another story...). I've been on greyhound walks with 100+ dogs and no barking at all.

Both sound great but dog 2 is definitely your dog. I always favour boy dogs because they have less plumbing to go wrong 😀

Can't wait to see a photo. Does he have a name?

Be prepared for a tricky first few months, rescues do take a while to settle.

Greyhound owner here. Never barks, is so placid in the home and out on walks. She chose me and went in for a lean straight away. Takes time for them to adjust to a home from kennels, never seen furniture, stairs etc. Lots of good advice on the retired greyhound UK site. Patience and time to adjust is the key. Happy Times ahead, enjoy.!

@helpontheheys , yes I'd imagine the dog bed will be decent size let's hope he sits on it unlike the cats who walk past it every day and then lay down on a shoe pile

Look forward to pics and a name for your lovely boy

Great job for rescuing a very deserving animal