By JOLENE OGLE
MORE than 45 greyhounds are killed every day as a result of the Australian racing industry, according to Animal Liberation Queensland.
Friends of the Hound (FotH) vice-president Katrina Koutsellis said she was “horrified” when she learned of the statistics and has made it her mission to help re-home as many ex-racing greyhounds as possible.
“I discovered Friends of the Hound, a not-for-profit and volunteer greyhound rescue group, and jumped straight onto the bandwagon,” she said.
Katrina has helped to re-home “hundreds” of greyhounds since joining the group, dogs that would have otherwise been euthanised, and is urging anyone looking to adopt, to consider a greyhound as their next family pet.
“Greyhounds are gentle, affectionate dogs that thrive on human companionship and their friendly, loyal nature and wonderful temperament make them an ideal pet,” she said.
“They are a patient and tolerant dog and usually very good with children. Due to their calm, sensitive and friendly nature, greyhounds are suitable pets for people of all ages.”
Despite the fact greyhounds are often bred to race, Katrina said it’s a myth the dog needs lots of space to run as most greyhounds prefer to sleep on the couch for most of the day.
“Greyhounds are very lazy, low-energy dogs and they sleep approximately 20 hours a day,” she said.
Generally, a greyhound will need only a 20-minute walk per day, rarely bark, don’t have a “doggy” smell and don’t shed much hair, making them an ideal apartment dog.
“I truly think it’s in their genes to find the softest and comfiest bed in the house,” Katrina said.
Greyhounds that enter the FotH adoption program have often spent most of their short life living in a concrete cage for up to 23 hours per day, but the transition from kennel to couch is made easy with the help of Friends of the Hound.
Noosa Today’s sales agent Shaz Latham recently adopted a greyhound from FotH after she and her partner, Craig, decided to rescue a dog.
“My partner Craig and I were tossing around ideas about what sort of dogs we preferred and Craig said ex-racing dogs got put down so the decision was made,” she said.
Shaz and Craig are now the proud owners of Dante, a two-year-old ex-racing greyhound, who Shaz said is the most beautiful, loving boy.
Katrina said while it can take some time to welcome a new dog into your home, especially when your new furry friend has come from what can often be an abusive or neglectful life, FotH offer continued support throughout the transition.
“Once someone has applied, one of our volunteers will then be in touch with the family to arrange to come out and conduct a home visit, where we will check the fencing, have a good chat about adopting a greyhound and help match the right dog to the right family,” she said.
“Rescuing these amazing dogs is an honour, seeing them blossom into happy, grateful and adored pets is the most rewarding and humbling experience.”
Dante is settling in slowly to his new home, but Shaz reports he is getting used to the sights and sounds of his new life.
“He is getting used to the simple things, like the wind blowing through the trees or our blow-up thong that floats in the pool. It’s all new to him,” she said.
“The biggest challenge in adopting an animal was not knowing whether Dante would like his new home.
“It definitely has to be a two-way street when adopting an animal. But I think we are all going to be fine. I can’t imagine not having him around now.”
If you would like to learn more about welcoming a greyhound into your home, visit www.friendsofthehound.org.au. You can find all the information you need on adopting one of these lovable companions.
