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April Adopt-a-Greyhound Month Campaign


Sydney charity Greyhound Rescue is again declaring April to be 'Adopt-a-Greyhound Month' and is launching a YouTube campaign to find homes for these ex-racers.

Greyhound Max, voiced by well-known stage performer Todd McKenney, tells YouTube viewers 'he's an ex-racer looking for commitment' and a new career as a pet.


Max represents thousands [1] of Greyhounds looking for a home and now in rescue kennels, pounds and foster care around Australia. These dogs are regarded as 'excess' by the racing industry, either because they're too slow, not interested in chasing the lure or have racing injuries.

Todd with Greyhounds Joey (11 yrs)
and Nancye (6 yrs)
Todd volunteered to do Max's voice because he has two rescue Greyhounds of his own. "They make wonderful pets which are gentle, loving and laid-back companions, with no doggie smell! Please consider welcoming one into your household" he said.

"I got my first Greyhound by accident really. I lost my little Schnauzer Barbara and my French Bulldog Winona in close succession. A friend of mine said why don't you try this? I've heard they're really great dogs and it just changed my life. 

I'd have 20 of them if I could. I've had four now over a nine-year period and I just love them because they're chilled out, they're relaxed, they're loving and they're sensitive."


Adopt-a-Greyhound Month is the perfect time to welcome an ex-athlete into your dog-loving family. Greyhounds don’t need huge expanses of living area. A suburban backyard is fine and they can live in units with daily exercise. They are dogs which must sleep inside.” said Peter Flann, Greyhound Rescue co-founder.

Greyhound Rescue is offering a discount for April - $250 instead of $350 per dog - which helps pay for these ex-racers to be de-sexed, vaccinated, heartworm tested and have a full health check.

Peter Flann said the charity needs more foster carers and people who can sponsor a dog. Those interested in adopting should be aware that muzzling your Greyhound is not needed if you obtain a Greenhound [2] collar," he said.

About fostering Greyhounds

Because racing Greyhounds have generally lived in kennels, it's important they spend some time in a home with a foster family to learn to adjust to everyday sight and sounds, e.g. steps, TVs, vacuums, washing machines, small dogs, children etc.

Greyhound Rescue pays the full cost of necessary vet bills whilst dogs are in foster care. They will also supply a muzzle, dog coat, collar and lead. The only thing you'll need to pay for is food and flea/worm treatment for your furry friend.

How long the dog stays with you as a foster will depend on how many adoption applications are received by Greyhound Rescue. Foster carers should be prepared to accommodate a dog for at least 6 months.

About sponsoring Greyhounds

Sponsoring is a great option for people who want to help but can't adopt or foster a Greyhound. People can choose a weekly amount they'd like to contribute to the many expenses that go into rescuing a Greyhound, e.g. all medical care, toys, bowls, treats, collars and leashes.

People who are interested in adopting or fostering should complete an application form

About Greyhound Rescue


Greyhound Rescue was set up in 2008 to find homes for the many Greyhound surplus to requirements of the racing industry. Since then, they have found homes for about 1,000 Greyhounds.


They rent kennels to house Greyhounds waiting for a foster or permanent home. They also have foster carers who take Greyhounds into their own homes.
GR, a registered charity, relies solely on donations, which are tax deductible as well as fundraising.

To get involved, please visit www.greyhoundrescue.com.au

[1] The special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry found 50-70 per cent of the 97,783 dogs bred in the last 12 years were killed after being deemed uncompetitive as racing dogs. www.rspca.org.au/greyhound-industry
[2] www.greenhounds.com.au/faqs


TEN GREYHOUND MYTHS BUSTED 

Dash, 4-year old Greyhound is
available for adoption
Myth #1: Greyhounds need a lot of exercise

There’s a reason why they’re known as ‘70km couch potatoes’: Greyhounds love sleeping. On the rare occasions they are caught upright, these guys would rather be eating or playing than joining you on a strenuous hike or 10km run. 


Greys are built for speed, not endurance, so a short daily walk and some play time is fine.

Myth #2: Greyhounds are hyperactive

Greyhounds are affectionately considered to be the laziest breed — however just like any dog, they love to play! A grey will bow and vocalise to let their human or animal friends know when they’re ready to have some fun. This usually ends with what are known as ‘zoomies’ – running around in circles and bowing — a hilarious and short display of joy.

Myth #3: Greyhounds are dangerous around cats and small animals

Greyhounds are naturally gentle dogs, but as 'sight hounds' they can easily be incited to chase moving objects. Cut-throat trainers can take advantage of this by taunting dogs with tethered live animals, and tying animals to fast-moving lures. This cruel and illegal practice, called blooding is not the choice of the dogs.

Many Greyhounds are discarded by the industry because they simply refuse to chase at all. It’s important to remember that, just like all dogs, each greyhound is an individual – so while some of them may not like cats and other small animals, others see them as best friends. Speak to your local greyhound rescue group for advice about the perfect grey for you and your other furry friends!

Myth #4: Greyhounds are not like other dogs


Greyhounds are unique in that they are one of the most exploited canine breeds. To many, their only value lies in their ability to run fast and win money. But to those who love them, these incredible dogs are so much more. They are loyal, devoted, affectionate, playful, sensitive, and loving. In fact, greyhounds are just like any other dog.

Myth #5: Greyhounds must be vicious as they wear muzzles

NSW state laws require greyhounds to wear muzzles when in a public area. This is based on the assumption that the dogs have been trained to chase (and possibly harm) small animals. If you see a Greyhound with a muzzle on – try not to judge! Greyhounds can become Greenhounds, to avoid muzzling requirements. 

Myth #6: Greyhounds aren't cuddly


One of the best things about big dogs is that there’s more of them to love. And after a life confined in a small kennel, many rescued greys will relish the opportunity to be at your side (or on your lap ... or couch ... or bed).

Myth #7: Greyhounds love to race

They do but a zoomie round the back garden is sufficient, no need for a race on dangerous tracks. Greys may be the fastest dog, but this doesn’t mean they’re happy in the racing industry. In fact, many dogs live a life of deprivation in kennels – kept in pens or crates for up to 23 hours a day. Not to mention those who are injured and/or killed on the racetrack.

Myth #8: Greyhounds are suited to an outdoor environment

With hardly any body fat and a very fine coat, Greyhounds are particularly susceptible to the excesses of heat and cold. Access to a warm, dry and safe area is vital at all times.

Myth#9: Greyhounds need lots of space to live in


Greyhounds are very space-efficient. Not only can they compact themselves into an impossibly small ball for optimum cat-cuddling, they’ve even been voted as one of the best breeds for apartment living.

Myth #10: Adopting a Greyhound will turn you into a crazy Greyhound person

Actually this is true. Once you have opened your heart to a rescued Greyhound, there’s no going back — these sensitive dogs have a way of leaving their mark on all those who love them and many people come back for another one, or two!!

(Courtesy of www.adoptagreyhound.com.au )

If you’re thinking of adopting a Greyhound, have adopted or are thinking of adopting any new dog, you may benefit from reading Sue Tofful's experience with her own family.

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1 comment

  1. Adopt a greyhound, lose a couch and get houndie lover forever!

    ReplyDelete