Bunny here at the keyboard, writing about an upcoming event that has my tail wagging with excitement.
Blueberry and I have been asked to return to represent Greyhounds as the Dogs of the Day on April 6. If anybody is in the Saint Louis area and would like to stop and visit us, we would be thrilled and honored to meet you. I have a feeling that Küs and Mo will ride along, too, if the weather is nice, if anybody has their heart set on meeting them.
One reason I’m very excited about going is that April is Adopt A Greyhound month. I hope that we can represent very nicely so that other people will want Greyhounds of their own. I am always surprised by the crazy ideas that people have about us. We aren’t hyper and we don’t eat a lot. We don’t bark much, especially compared to, oh, say, German Shepherds.
There are a lot of cool things that I want people to know, though. There aren’t many breeds who can claim thousands of years worth of history like we Greyhounds. We have been the companions of kings and nobility. We’re the only dog mentioned specifically in the Bible and the first dogs mentioned in English literature. We were one of the first breeds, along with Mastiffs, who ventured to the New World with Christopher Columbus. There’s enough history about us that it’s filled up an entire book.
I’m curious to hear from our friends and readers about what you think of Greyhounds, and what you would want to know before adopting one. That way I can plan how to reel them in when people come to visit us so they want a Greyhound of their own. I would love to hear that a Greyhound or two found a home after meeting us. It would make me really happy to see a lot of humans and canines show up for our big day. We want to make the very best impression that we can, because that helps the other Greyhounds waiting for homes. So, let me know what you think and what you would ask!
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Proverbs 30:31. I have no doubt that you will represent very well!
Blessings,
Goose
Oh I wish we lived near there so we could meet. Especially if Kus was there too.
What an honor for the both of you! We are so proud of you two.
Here’s a question: Can Greyhounds be socialized around cats, at all?
You will represent our noble breed well, Miss Bunny!
Freedom, Casper & Nikki
the most common question we get is the exercise one, followed by the cats one, and the ‘why do they have to wear a muzzle’ question. Some people ask about health problems and lifespans. Others have asked if you can train them to actually do anything (which I respond by getting Barbie to give them a wave)
Those are really interesting facts. You look lovely in your outfit btw!
Smooches,
BabyRD & HOotie
Loving the photos.
Before I had a Greyhound I didn’t know they don’t smell of wet dog because they don’t have the usual oils in their coats that other breeds have. They don’t shed much hair. They can curlo up to the size of a pillow, or can stretch out to full length. they often sleep with their eyes open. A lot of Greys can live happily with cats and other little critters.
Perhaps most importantly, once you have one you want another:) I am still working on that one.
I came quite close to adopting a greyhound, but had to give up on the idea when it became clear that my Airedale, who peed on every greyhound he met at the adoption center, was not suited to that breed.
Even to a dog lover like me, greyhounds appear strange and somewhat foreign. Despite everything I have seen on the Internet, I would want to know about general stuff. Do they cuddle? Do they get along with other dogs? What are their health issues? I think what would be really helpful is a 30/60/90 brochure about what you will need to teach your greyhound in the first few months of ownership. Of course the problem with that would be people who take it too literally and get all miffed if their dog isn’t on plan.
I almost never see greyhounds at dog school. Why do you suppose that is? Unfortunately, the few that I have encountered have had severe issues.
If anybody can be a strong advocate for greyhounds, it’s you. Best of luck.
Mango Momma
It’s only a 12 hr drive. People sometimes seem concerned about being hyper, shedding, and barking. Once they meet them, they know the truth.
I love that last colorful photo of you! Mom thought about adopting a greyhound years ago but she thought you were high energy dogs which you really aren’t and then when she found out that you have to wear coats in the winter to stay warm so decided to get furry high energy dogs. Luckily, before just grabbing a dog she tries to find out a bit about them and if they fit our home or not. She still loves your breed, though because you are so elegant! Have fun at your event!
That does sound very fun and exciting!! By the way, my assistant met many lovely greyhounds at the pet show yesterday. I think there were three different rescue groups there and lots of cool stuff for sale.
Your pal, Pip
Oh Bunny, what an honor. You are the perfect representative for Greyhounds. We love Greyhounds and there are many rescues for them down here in Florida (because some people still race them here – yuck!). What we always here, that you may want to “jump on” if someone asks, is that Greyhounds are not good with small dogs. People have said that you would think I was prey and chase me. What hooey! I know you would never do that.
*Cairn cuddles*
Oz
Bunny,
My Mom said she thought Greyhounds were too exotic for her to adopt. She thought she wouldn’t be able to take care of one. Then she found that Greyhound for Dummies book and read that we’re really easy. We don’t have to have special facilities to run around in. We don’t have to eat raw meat. (We would like that, of course!) We don’t require special training. (We don’t like special training, anyway.) We don’t have to live in a crate, etc., etc., etc.,
My Mom found out we’re just like any other pets – just better!
Congratulations on getting picked to represent. You’ll do a greyt job!
Love,
Truly, Maggie and Walker
you are “Queen of the Greyhounds” EVERY DAY in our book! How cool! They sure picked the right ambassadors that is for sure! Wish I could be there!
I don’t think I’ve seen any greyhounds over here at all! Hope to see them if there are some in town.
You’ll be a pawfect ambassador, Miss Bunny! I know everyone who meets you will want a greyhound of their own!
I was planning to adopt a greyhound when Silas came along. In fact, that’s what I told the landlord when we moved into our townhouse. So, greyhound bonus–landlord approved. I think he was going to give me a size limit, until I specifically named the greyhound. He said, “Oh, that’s fine. They aren’t big drooling beasts.” Of course, then we adopted Silas, who barks a lot. I feel a little guilty.
How exciting that the girls have been asked back to represent the greyhounds!
I first read about greyhounds as a preteen. I wanted to adopt one then and there but back then they said that greyhounds and cats could not live together and my family had cats and I knew I would always have cats. Then fast forward about 30 or so years. I saw a program about greyhounds as pets and started reading more about them and found that many can actaully live quite happily with cats. That’s all I needed. I now have 3 greyhounds (2 other dogs, a cat and a parrot). My sister has 6 greyhounds and 4 cats–all living quite peacefully.
Hi Bunny!
The biggest question that crosses a lot of people out in Kansas (especially after our greyhound betting place shut down and many greyhounds went to rescue): Do ex-racers still feel the need to run around like crazy?
I know many greyhounds that were adopted but not racers…but what about the ex-racers?
Much Love,
Mama Mindy
I’ve learned so much about Greyhounds since meeting you, Bunny. I know you’ll WOW them.
Look, I know you trying to appear humble. I think that’s a mistake. You should wear your crown!
I think that’s awesome, you guys will do great in educating people about greyhounds. You’re so beautiful too.
Collies have our hearts, but I have met some very sweet greyhounds. When I managed a boarding kennel, two greyhounds would stay with us. They would come in every few weeks, and even though it’s been twenty years, I still remember their names – Lucy and Lorna. I think most people who adopt one, end up with a second, because they make such wonderful companions!
The momma has always loved greyhounds! I think something people would question is exercise. People thing Greyhounds/racing/high exercise. I just know you’ll do a fantastic job showing everyone how lovely greyhounds are!
-Corbin
Everyone I know who has a greyhound says they are simply the sweetest dogs ever.
I heard that all retired greyhounds hav eto be “trained” to walk on common flooring – like carpet, vinyl, wood- since they never encountered that before. Is that true?
Bunny that is super pawesome you have been invited back. The bassets hounds invaded them this past Saturday for Breakfast with the Bassets. Our post will be going up tomorrow for that big adventure with Rosie. Sniffs, The HoundDogs
Bunny you are awesome!! Anyone that meets you will want to adopt a hound!
Karen & the Hounds
Congratulations! You are beautiful reps
Benny & Lily
Have fun Bunny! Wish we were in town to see you again.
Our neighbor down the street just told me a few days ago that his daughter is involved with greyhound rescues in Maryland, has adopted two and currently fostering another, all from a track in Jacksonville, Fl. Interesting because he said the dogs had very different personalities (in a good way) and I would have thought the racing was kind of an abusive situation that might be scarring. Maybe some other people would assume that too?
Congratulations, your dogs will be excellent ambassadors for the breed.
Lets see… people want to know if we shed (duh), are friendly, drool, bark, bite, need lots of exercise, live in the house, pull on the leash, jump on people, scratch the floor, eat stuff, are distructive, dig, like/hate dogs or cats, need a lot of grooming, chase cats or squirrels or… Whew. Etc.
Well, I’m sure you already know the most common questions: do they need much exercise, can they live with cats/small dogs, are they neurotic/highly strung, etc. I’m trying to think of unusual things we’ve been asked, and I can’t.
But I can think of things people should ask, but often don’t! Like, ‘should I provide a nice soft bed for them – big enough that they can plant their backsides in the middle and let their head lie on the floor?’ And ‘what sort of toothbrush should I buy?’, and ‘tell me about martingale collars and the best sort of winter coat’ and best of all ‘tell me about their lives as racers so I can better understand their responses and needs’. But maybe you can do a poster with all those on!
I think they make wonderful dogs for someone who wants a nice walking companion. So many people seem to think they need tons of exercise, and really, that’s not true. They are also great for someone who doesn’t like to groom their dogs a lot.
But you already know all this.
My friend does Rally and Agility with her greyhounds….maybe that’s something to point out…that they can do MORE stuff than most people might expect….?
Be assured that many such battles occur in our house each and every day. Since our varmints outnumber us 8-3, puppies and kitties rule the day more often than not. Sigh.