My husband and I decided we wanted to get a greyhound when we finally found a rental that allowed dogs. I wanted a big dog, but we both wanted one that would be happy in a smaller home, as we were living in a townhouse at the time. He had a good friend who had a pet greyhound and she was delightful, gentle, quit, calm and happily living in a Melbourne inner-city apartment! I took a bit of convincing as my only exposure to greyhounds had been on TV seeing them running, muzzled in races. But he assured me they were quite gentle, placid dogs. How right he was!
After doing some reading, and contacting Greyhound Adoptions WA I was told there was an adoption day coming up where I could meet some greyhounds and see what I thought. I met a lot of lovely dogs that day, but one in particular stood out. Archie. He was a very sweet brindle boy who was needing a foster home urgently. I inquired about him and GAWA had some sensible reservations – he is very energetic, he could be a handful they told me. Perfect I said, my husband and I love to hike and run, we’ll take an energetic grey any day! What sealed the deal for me on that day was how he came over and rested his head on my shoulder, like he was trying to give me a hug. I knew he had to be ours.
We fostered him for a month, and despite some adjustments to pet life (especially around separation anxiety), we quickly established a routine that really worked for us all, and we adopted him soon after. We have had Archie for 4.5years now and he’s been the best dog we could have ever asked for. He is hilarious, very sweet and has been a perfect companion both in our little Perth townhouse, during our camping holiday across Australia, and now living in regional NSW. He has accompanied us on countless hikes and bushwalks, and has given us millions of snuggles on the couch. He has taken a cross-country relocation, and the introduction of a human sibling in his stride, and remains an adventurous, fun loving, happy soul. We could not be more thankful to have met him.
A huge thank you to Hannah for sharing your “Success Story” with Greyhound Adoptions WA.