Gables Dogs and Cats Home has offered sanctuary to 12 unwanted greyhounds after the closure of one of the country’s oldest greyhound stadiums.
Every year in the UK around 8,000 greyhounds retire from racing but the COVID-19 outbreak has caused more tracks to close, meaning that number is likely to increase this year.
One such track, Peterborough Greyhound Stadium, has closed its doors after more than 85 years leaving many trainers with the dilemma of what to do with their redundant, racing greyhounds. The luckier dogs are left desperately searching for their forever homes in rescue centres, leaving the rest facing an uncertain future.
Gables Dogs and Cats Home has stepped in to take a dozen of the greyhounds and they are now ready to find the perfect forever homes they deserve.
Greyhounds often get overlooked in rescue centres, due to their appearance and misconceptions about the breed. As is often the case with cats, black greyhounds tend to be disregarded more than their ‘prettier’ counterparts.
Contrary to popular belief greyhounds don’t need a lot of exercise as they are sprinters, so they are content with short strolls around the block followed by a long nap on a comfy sofa. They are generally extremely gentle, placid and affectionate dogs; all they really want is to be your best friend. Some greyhounds can find the transition from athlete to family pet more challenging than others, but once they find the right home there is no stopping them from becoming the perfect companions.
They have very short coats that don’t require much grooming and they don’t moult as much as some other breeds do. They have excellent manners while on lead, tending not to pull. They are quiet souls who rarely bark, but they will chatter their teeth with excitement. These factors often mean that they can be popular pets with older people but equally they make great family pets too. They only wear muzzles outside due to their high prey drive, having been trained to chase.
Ruth Rickard, deputy manager said:
“Most greyhounds are not lucky enough to be given the chance of a normal life, which is such a shame as they make wonderful pets.
“If you adopt one you will lose your sofa as they are couch potatoes, but this is a small price to pay for a best friend for life. Being a genuine non-euthanasia charity, we will never give up on finding homes for our animals. This means if you adopt an animal from us you will be saving two lives; the one you take home and the one who will take their place in our care.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Gables has had to adapt its adoption process. People who think a greyhound would make the perfect addition to their family, should visit www.gablesfarm.org.uk where they can find information about all the greyhounds currently looking for homes as well as their other residents. There is also more information about the new adoption process and an online application form.
