Greyhounds finish their racing careers at an early age and love to go to good homes where they can live out th rest of their lives with a loving family. The Retired Greyhound Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to finding homes for ex-racing greyhounds.
Founded over 30 years ago, the charitys 70 branches cover the length and breadth of the country. Volunteers work all year round to find the perfect home for retired greyhounds in their local area – they are so committed to finding the perfect match for the owner and greyhound, they even ‘cat test’ dogs to make sure they fit it in with current pet arrangements.
Almost 40,000 greyhounds have been adopted successfully through the charity by all sorts of people, including families and senior citizens. The RGT is committed to promoting greyhounds as pets. The breed is often overlooked because of common misconceptions. People often see greyhounds as racing machines and sometimes consider them to be aggressive.
Ivor Stocker, director of the RGT says: ‘Greyhounds are a gentle, affectionate and fun-loving breed that adapt easily to family life. While they certainly enjoy exercise, greyhounds require less than many people would expect, staying happy and healthy with just two short walks each day. Greyhounds are low-maintenance companions who rarely bark and require little grooming.
‘We provide a collar, lead and muzzle and our greyhounds are vaccinated, wormed and usually neutered before heading to their new home. We also conduct home-checks and keep in touch with people who have adopted a greyhound to make sure things are working out for both the new owner and greyhound.’
With 9,000 greyhounds retiring each year from racing, there are many looking for a home retreat. We will feature three of the RGTs greyhounds each month to help find homes for these gorgeous canines. So lend a hand and help us seek out new owners willing to give these beloved retired greyhounds a home.
In the mean time, to find out more about adopting a retired greyhound or becoming volunteer at your local RGT branch visit www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk or call the charity’s headquarters on 0844 826 8424.
This month’s greyhounds for adoption:
Bobby and Barbera
When Bobby and Barbra first met at the RGT kennels it was love at first sight for these four-legged friends. After only a few months together the handsome couple have become inseparable and are now in need of a new home together. Both blue and white greyhounds, Bobby and Barbra make a striking pair. While four year old Bobby could be described as a gentle giant, his best friend, five year old Barbra, is rather more petite and delicate. They would both make excellent pets.
