Greyhound owners walk to make case for special pet
Last month a group of local greyhounds and their owners gathered at Gilmour Lake for the Great Global Greyhound Walk. This year, 26 countries took part to raise awareness there is life after racing for these hounds, which are available for adoption as pets.
The walk in Waihi attracted 16 people and 14 hounds on a fabulous spring morning.
This is a unique and oldest breed of dog in the world going back thousands of years, and the only one mentioned in the Bible.
They are loyal, affectionate and gentle natured – the attributes of the perfect dog — are words that are often
used to describe the greyhound, and this is the message their enthusiastic supporters want to spread — greyhounds make fantastic family pets.
They are quiet gentle, intelligent, quick to learn and eager to please. They rarely bark, do not have an oily coat so are less likely to trigger dog allergies, but coupled with lack of
body fat they are susceptible to temperature, so it is recommended they be housed inside.
A common misconception is that they are high energy; not so, they only need a 30-minute daily walk and the rest of the time they will sleep, that's why they are known as a “professional couch potato”. They love car rides, walking with their own kind, and zoomies on the beach.
They have been bred to chase small furry animals, so their ability to get on with cats and other smaller animals is not to be taken for granted, although a high percentage easily accept them. They are easy keep, no special food needed and if considering adopting one, you will be guided by the adoption kennels as to what would suit your family.
Remember this will be the fastest friend you will ever make.— Supplied