Retired Racing Greyhound – Finding Your Favourite Breed in a Shelter

It is a common assumption that the shelters are for mutts only, and if you want to get a specific retired racing greyhound, you will need to look elsewhere. However, nothing can be further from the truth. If you have set your heart on a specific breed, with some patience, you shall find it in a shelter. Did you know? 25% of the shelter dogs are so-called pure breeds, and tons of breed-specific rescues will get you the dogs you are looking for and the advice and expertise on taking care of that specific breed. 

According to Amy Nichols, the Vice President of Companion Animals for the Humane Society of the United States, “there is such a wide variety of animals in shelters, and they are all worth checking out while you begin your search.” Suppose you are looking for a specific breed. In that case, the local shelters and rescues can almost always make it happen by connecting you with the available animals through their network. 

“Millions of pets enter animal shelters each year, and most of these animals are happy, healthy, and behaviourally sound—and, not to mention, there are tons of purebred shelter pets, which is a common misconception.” — Rebecca Smith, adoptions manager for the San Diego Humane Society.

 

It is undeniable that it is incredibly rewarding to adopt a retired racing greyhound and be a part of the bigger picture because you helped save a life. All that said, you should also look beyond the idea of a specific breed. There are some of the best and most beautiful dogs that you shall see walking down the city streets. 

 

Not all of them are of the specific greyhound breeds. When you bring a retired racing greyhound to your home, don’t forget to dog-proof your digs. If you are an experienced dog owner, you shall know the drill; if not, you should look for anything inside your home or garden that is harmful to the dog if it has access to it. These include the electrical wires, chemicals and cleaners not locked away, the children’s toys that could be swallowed and plants that can be nibbled.