Most of my life there was always a German Shepherd in the house.They were my favorite breed and when I bought my own house I swore I would get one. A few months before my wife and I bought our first house I saw a video about the industry of Greyhound racing. It really disturbed me to find out what horrible things happen to these dogs when they are finished racing. I did some follow up research and knew from that day I would always have a retired greyhound in my house.
At the time we lived in New Jersey and found an adoption group called NJGAP. I filled out all of the proper paperwork and adopted the most beautiful red brindle female greyhound I ever saw about two months after we bought the house. At the track they spend most of their time in a small crate so when you adopt one you must have an appropriate sized crate for your dog to move around in. In general they like to sleep in the crate and will just lay in there because this is their safe house and you really should not bother them while they are in there. You can either close the door to the crate or leave it open which depends on your greyhounds personality, the choice will be yours.
They have somewhat sensitive stomachs so you should only feed them the recommended food and treats because they can become ill. We used Pro Plan because it was recommended and it comes in a few different flavors so you can change it up a little. After they eat it is not a good idea to let them run around for about 1 hour due to a condition called bloat. This can happen because they have a large chest cavity and if the gasses build up, their insides can twist and they can die so special attention should be paid here. They are very fast runners so when they are outside you should always keep them on a leash or a completely fenced in area.They absolutely love to lay with you and are described as 45mph couch potatoes and act like they are lap dogs. You can not treat them the same way as a Shepherd or a Lab because they are a little more delicate but make awesome pets.
Our dog was only 2 years old when we got her and regardless of what happened to her at the track she was just full of love and playfulness. When anyone came into the house she would “smile” by raising her upper lip and dance around until you payed attention to her. They are smart, intelligent animals and will use their wit to play and just have fun with you. They are sight hounds and will zero in on a squirrel up to a half mile away and if not on a leash or in a fenced area they run after it.
In the winter when it is cold outside, you must put a coat on your greyhound because they have less than 15% body fat and can freeze to death if left out for a long time. In the summer they can get heat stroke just like people so do not leave them in the heat very long. After about a year we adopted another greyhound which was the most beautiful somewhat rare male blue brindle. Together they would play and brighten up even the worst day and you will almost forget about it and just enjoy the best companion dog in the world.
Marc Dorin
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-care-and-joy-of-owning-a-retired-racing-greyhound-754399.html
How to convince Dad to let us get a greyhound?
My Dad has had dogs before, when he lived with his parents they had poodles, both miniature and standard. Neither me or my Mum have ever experienced owning a dog, and my Mum has always wanted a greyhound. My Mum and me were talking to my Dad about adopting a greyhound and he kept saying that he didn’t want one, he’d already had dogs before and yeah it was lovely but there was loads of restrictions that get put on your life.
But the thing is, we know people that, if we wanted to go away for a weekend, who would look after the dog willingly, she absolutely dotes on dogs since hers died. We have time for a dog, money for it, I’d be more than happy to take it for a walk no matter what the weather, I don’t care about picking up the poo I’d do it.
My Mum wants a greyhound, she absolutely loves them, and I have a real soft spot for them too but there seems to be no convincing my Dad. I don’t think it’s fair, since we live here too, I’m not old enough to contribute paying the bills I’m still in sixth form but my Mum owns half of the house so it’s her decision too.
It’s not like we’d be getting a greyhound puppy either, we live near a dog racing track and we’d adopt a retired one.
There seems to be no convincing my Dad and I don’t think it’s very fair on either my mum or myself.
What do you think? Do you think there is any way of convincing him?
"mutt for truth" or whatever your name is. Get a job? There’s a recession going on NO ONE can get a job right now, believe me, I’ve tried it. Move out? I’m seventeen, unemployed and in sixth form, get over yourself.
Also – I’ve brought this up with him- he has a giant fishtank in our living room that he wanted, and a cockateil that needs love, affection, is quite expensive and poops everywhere too. Both animals that he wanted. I’m not saying I don’t love the cockateil though. But either way, it’s only fair that if he gets what he wants, we get what we want too? The cockateil is a real tie, you can’t leave her when you go on holiday cause they start plucking their feathers from lonelineness. They also live a long time as well. I’m not saying it’s exactly like having a dog but there’s similarities there.
In this case I really do hope you persuade your dad to get one. I don’t like to see young people tied down with a dog who is going to last years, but where mum wants the dog also then that is a different matter.
Greyhounds are great dogs to have around and are so placid, and so many ex-racers are always looking for homes.
All the best with it.
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Maybe you could talk to the people who adopt them out and see if you all could give it a weekend to take the dog home and see if things are going well. In that time, you could prove to your dad that you are responsible. If things didn’t work out, at least you know you gave it a shot. Just make sure it would be ok with everyone. Talk to your dad first and ask if he would be willing to let you have a dog for the weekend. Make sure you tell him it’s not definite, but it was just a thought. Then call the people and run the idea by them. Good luck! If nothing else, you could help your neighbors with their dog(s) for a week or two.
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And it’s "fair" on your dad to put up with an animal he obvoiusly doesn’t want?
Sorry, but this is a thing that has to be worked out as a family. No one online is going to be able to help you out. Fact is…. EVERYONE should be pleased with the decision to get a dog, PERIOD. If one person is unhappy then there will be problems, both for the dog and the family.
Have mom and dad discuss it. That’s ALL you can do. It’s up to THEM if they want to spend the money of a pet (i’m talking pretty big money – about a grand initially, couple hundred a month after, and possible grand or two for any emergencies.) It’s up to THEM if they want to "risk" you not pulling your weight with the dog and sticking them with the work.
In the mean time, no means no. Deal with it like the rest of us by getting a job and moving out.
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Owned by Mutt
well, i think that if you look up some positive information on greyhounds, and then show it to your dad, that it may have an effect. also you may want to take him to see the dogs from the racing track that you can adopt, then who knows, he may fall in love with one and his mind will change…if he doesnt take a liking to them, then you may want to show him how much getting a dog will mean to you and your mom…..hope i helped!!
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Ive been through this too, and trust me its not easy. What i did was try to persuade him , let him know how much it would really mean to you, and let him know youre responsible enough to take care of it. Also, is there any relative that might get it for you too? E.x your b-day or christmas would b a guud time , i got mine for my bday and my aunt got it for me, in that case my parents had to say yes. I told them i was going to take responsability and clean up after the dog doesnt matter what hpns. If that doesnt work at least try to go to ‘look’ for dogs and once you see one try to say the things ^ all over again and rly plead, from there if he thinks its cute he’ll proobaably like it. Rly hope this helped.
P.S – Try to talk him into it, for ex say even ur mum wants it its just him that doesnt , you could even say it would make a great addition to the fam.
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Hpnd to mee, had to convinve both my prnts , once they saw how cute the dog was, even my aunt talked them into buying it and we got itt .