Today, Blog the Change for Animals is joining Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue and asking us all to use our blogs "to promote the life and death difference that consumers can make by adopting a dog instead of purchasing through a pet store or breeder. Millions of dogs are euthanased each year while waiting for their forever home"
Now I'm not looking to get into an argument with folks about buying dogs from reputable breeders. Mums accept some people do and they have reasons for it. Mums like to adopt, that's their personal choice. However, if you are looking to get a dog and you feel able to consider adoption, please please do.
Some of you will have read my post last week about my life as a racing greyhound. Unfortunately I didn't know about this campaign then, as much of what I said is pertinent to it.
Last year The Retired Greyhound Trust rehomed 4120 greyhounds, (I was one of them!) but given that over 10,000 retire each year and many aren't good enough to become racers in the first place, there are a lot of dogs that aren't so lucky.
Now, being a retired racer myself, I may be a tiny little bit biased about the fact that adopting one of my many friends is the best idea you'll ever have! But if you don't believe me talk to my Mums. Mum adopted her first hound Flynn, and I think it's fair to say from day one she was a greyhound addict! She says crack cocaine has nothing on us (allegedly......ahem...) Whilst Mum adores all dogs and would happily own other types/breeds she says she can't imagine life without a greyhound at her side (or on her lap.....)
I think a lot of myths about greyhounds have been exploded over recent years but for the uninitiated, here are a few facts:
- They need very little exercise. Most are happy on 2 x 30 mins a day, though they'll go much further if you want them to.
- They can curl up to the size of a ball
- They can stretch to the size of double bed
- They bark much less than many dogs - some hardly ever
- They have a gentle and kind nature
- Many live happily with cats and other small furries. (Yeah I know, I know... but Flynn lived with 4 different cats and 2 rats in his time and was friends with them all!)
- You've never been truly loved until you've been loved by a greyhound
- They are bigger couch potatoes than you could ever dream of being
- They look you in the eyes and smile at you
- The first time you see your hound in full flight, you'll cry at the sheer beauty of it.
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| See, I'm smiling at you! |
All dogs deserve a kind loving home, pedigree, mutt or retired working dog, but non more so than the greyhound. Being a racer can be a very hard life and sadly many dogs have been subjected to appalling cruelty. Mum says she can't really remember why she decided on a rescue hound when she got Flynn; she only knows it was the best thing she ever did.
Please adopt your next dog if you can. Or you can help in other ways:
- Donate to a local dog rescue organisation
- Foster a dog
- Volunteer at a local shelter or rescue organisation
- Spread the word by sharing this post across all forms of social media.
Thank you. Deccy
