Give a Greyhound a home

The Retired Greyhound Trust is planning to rehome more Greyhounds then ever before with a target of 2,200 during the next 12 months.

This figure is a 10% increase on the 2,000 greyhounds that were found new homes last year.

To help achieve the target, the Trust is asking potential pet owners towiden their horizons and consider a Greyhound.

“Many people do not think about having a Greyhound as a pet – even if they are dog lovers – and some that do mistakenly think that they will take a lot of looking after. The reality is that they make great pets and their needs are the same as the average breed of dog,” says Ivor Stocker, director of the Retired Greyhound Trust.

According to experts, Greyhounds only need two or three 20 minute walks a day – although they do enjoy longer walks. They make extremely loyal pets and are both gentle and adaptable.

However, not all Greyhounds can live in harmony with cats, but the Trust is able to offer some dogs, that are in their own words “cat proof”. These are dogs that have been introduced to cats in the kennels and proved that they can live alongside feline companions.

Racing careers are short, with the majority of Greyhounds retiring around the age of three or four. Once settled in a new home, Greyhounds can live for up to 10 years in retirement.

Ivor Stocker continues: “There is an ongoing need to find homes. A 10% increase is a bold target but, as more people become aware of the nature of greyhounds and the work that we do, we think it is achievable.”

For more information contact the Retired Greyhound Trust (tel: 0870 444 0673) or visit www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk