Slow Dog - Fast Friend

Victoria Park Examiner (WA)
By Eoghan Barry

The majority of racing greyhounds in Australia are put to sleep when they can no longer race, according to veterinarian Dave Mundy,

The Kensington resident believed the Greyhounds as Pets adoption program was a great idea. “At uni, the dogs we cut up in anatomy classes were always retired greyhounds,” he said.“By far the majority of greyhounds are kept for racing, and while some get kept as pets after they’re finished racing, many get put down.”

“The adoption program is a good idea and well worth investigating.” Mr Mundy adopted a three year old greyhound named Cisco. “Cisco won one race when he was in competition,” he said. “But all the other dogs in the race apparently stopped or got distracted.”

Mr Mundy said he had wanted a replacement for a dog that died, but didn’t want to go through the hassle of puppy training. “I was a bit nervous about how he would be with our cats and chicken, though,” he said, "But from the first day, he didn’t seem particularly interested in them.  Just the other day, Winnie, one of our cats went and curled up between his legs as he slept.”

Mr Mundy said greyhounds in general were relaxed, calm dogs.
“They have very predictable behaviour and psychology," he said. “Not like our other dog, Scrumpy, destroying things all the time. ”Mr Mundy said they did need to be kept muzzled when walking and couldn’t be let off leash in regular parks. “That’s the only slight downside,” he said. “And I do get some strange looks walking down the street with the muzzle on Cisco.”

“Some people are trying to have that muzzle regulation overturned in WA.”
Mr Mundy said greyhounds didn’t need a lot of exercise and got tired if walked for too long.”“We exercise Cisco for about 20 minutes twice a day when we’re able,” he said. “As athletes they’re designed for sharp bursts of activity, but after half and hour he starts puffing and panting.”

Greyhounds were generally healthy dogs with few health issues, according to the veterinarian. “They’re well suited to smaller homes,” he said.
“They suit being an inside or an outside dog.” Mr Mundy said greyhounds could be trained like any other dog, with one exception. “Like most dogs, they respond well to food rewards,” he said. “But they’re much harder to train to come back to you, as they love running so much.”

How to adopt
Contact
http://www.greyhoundangels.com
http://www.greyhoundsaspets.com.au
http://www.friendsofthehound.org.au

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