GREYHOUNDS can make wonderful pets and many Goulburn greyhound owners and trainers have kept their dogs as pets at the end of their racing life.
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With the industry set to be shut down next year by the NSW Government, there is a great need to rehome these lovable hounds so they can live out their natural lives, loved and cared for by individuals or families.
Stephanie and Marc Watson have recently done just that.
They have adopted a young greyhound whose life was almost certain to have been cut short had it not been for the Greyhounds As Pets program (GAP).
Suzie, 3, had seven race starts, but was a follower, not a leader, and consequently did not earn her keep.
She underwent training and assessment through the GAP organisation to help her adjust to a non-racing life.
Her new owners decided they would like a new dog to keep their other two company (Cookie, 8, a beagle and Patches, 13, and a Shih Tzu/Jack Russell cross).
The Watsons, of Goulburn, preferred rescued dogs and saw Suzie on the GAP site.
“Her eyes and facial expression in the photo instantly attracted us to her, so we got in touch and arranged a meeting with GAP,” Marc said.
“The attraction was instantaneous, so we arranged to adopt her.
“Dogs from GAP come desexed, fully vaccinated, microchipped with adoption papers, and you can select dogs that are suited to your own circumstances.
“Suzie did not have her ‘Green Dog’ accreditation, which means we still have to walk her in public with a muzzle.
“But once she is settled, we will take this next step in her training.
“We have had her at home now for about four weeks and she is really starting to come out of her former shy self.
“She is such a goofy dog when she runs around and really loves affection.”
Stephanie said it was a family decision to adopt Suzie and one they were really happy with.
“She was really shy at first and would not come out of the laundry where the dogs sleep unless invited,” she said.
“She now spends much more time outside with Patches and Cookie.
“She loves to play and be with us and is quite inquisitive, but she knows her place in the pecking order.
“She is a real pleasure to own and we would urge anyone looking to get a dog to consider adopting a greyhound.
“We feel sure, given Suzie was not a winner, she would have had her life cut short had she not been put up for adoption.”
The Watsons purchased Suzie from GAP in Wyee.
For more information on becoming a greyhound pet owner, email gap@grnsw.com.au or telephone them on 1800 696 377.
There are a number of greyhounds available to be re-homed via different avenues and agencies.
Those dogs from Greyhounds As Pets are:
- Professionally temperament assessed to ensure their suitability as a household and family pet.
- Undergo a minimum of six weeks of fostering where they make the transition from life as a racer to life in the slower lane of pet life.
- Are desexed, have their teeth cleaned, are vaccinated, microchipped and lifetime registered with the companion animals register (NSW) (which is the council registration that is completed prior to going to their new home).
- Go to their new home with up to date flea, heartworm and intestinal worm treatments, as well as a month’s additional supply of these products.
- Go to their new homes with a lead, martingale-style collar and muzzle. If the greyhound has already passed their assessment to become a Greenhound, the new owner will also receive their Greenhound collar and ID tag.