Why You Should Consider Greyhound Adoption

by Colleen P Moyne (Colmo) (follow)

Dogs (165)      Pet Ownership (77)      Pets (30)      Family Pets (26)     

If you are considering what breed of dog you might like to purchase, let me tell you about Alfie.



Alfie is a three-year-old rehabilitated greyhound – and an absolute charmer. My daughter adopted him from the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP.)

The program aims to find loving homes for ex-racing greyhounds who have either finished their racing career or weren’t quite up to speed for the industry (so to speak.) The dogs are fostered in a home environment where they are familiarised with a variety of situations in readiness to be adopted out.

The guidelines around adoption are very strict and no dog is re-homed until there is absolute certainty that they have acclimatised to a new home environment.


While there is still somewhat of a stigma associated with greyhounds (some perceive them to still be the high-energy chasers we see on the racing track) nothing could be further from the truth. Greyhounds by nature are placid, loving and actually quite lazy. Alfie spends a large part of his day sleeping on the softest surface he can find.

Greyhounds are thought to be the oldest breed of dog in existence – they’ve been around for at least 9,000 years. Originally bred for hunting large game, in more recent times it has become more about appearance, and although they still have what’s known as stereoscopic vision – meaning that they have a keener sense of sight for moving objects more so than stationary ones – greyhounds today are considered a perfect family pet, and Alfie is certainly that.


Before being approved for adoption, Alfie lived with a foster family for about six weeks where he learned all about family life – including house-training and socialising with other dogs and domestic animals. He also underwent a thorough veterinary health check which included sterilisation, vaccination, worming, teeth cleaning and microchipping.

For the first couple of weeks in his new home Alfie was required to wear a muzzle when out in public, but this is just a precautionary measure until he gets used to the security of his new family.

My daughter has two small children and they certainly put Alfie to the test as far as patience goes. He lovingly joins in their games and lets them dress him up or smother him in toys – or whatever strange thing takes their fancy at the time – you know children!


Living in the country next to a field of sheep, my daughter was initially concerned as to how Alfie would react to them but far from being curious he is more intimidated by them and keeps his distance. When left alone he sleeps. He has never caused any damage or destruction – even though the temptations are certainly there.

There are always greyhounds available for adoption, and with the shutting down of the greyhound racing industry across the country, there will be an abundance of dogs waiting for loving homes. So if you are looking for a sweet natured, loyal, loving and tolerant canine companion who will fit easily into your family, then I would urge you to look into adopting a greyhound.

If you would like to know more go to http://www.gapsa.org.au/


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