The meet and greet experience – or whatever your retired greyhound adoption group calls these events are wonderful for the general public to meet greyhounds available for adoption.
Spending a couple hours at a pet store, community event, or convention is a greyt way for people to discover how wonderfully unique these dogs are.
Usually these events bust a lot of myths about greyhounds:
Aren’t they hyper? Unequivocally no. I tell people greyhounds are the cats of the dog world – napping as much as 16 hours a day.
Don’t they need a lot of space? Again, not usually. Greyhounds seem quite content to give up the busy track life for a comfy couch or cushy dog bed. If you’ve got room for a crate, you’ve got room for the dog.
A big yard isn’t even a requirement. Greys are usually good walking companions and don’t need an excess of activity in retirement.
Do they bark a lot? Not typically. Greyhounds are less vocal than most breeds, a trait that makes them ideal dogs for those living in condos or close neighborhoods.
Of course we have the exception to the rule in Brody, but even he doesn’t bark incessantly and only sings happy birthday on request.
Additionally, new retirees can mingle with happily retired greyhounds at the meet and greet. This teaches them how to socialize with people and dogs of all ages.
This is a valuable way to learn good manners in the retired life. It’s also a good way for the group to learn more about the dogs fresh from the track.
There’s no pressure at a meet and greet to be anything but adorable and somehow most newly retired hounds know it. (the dogs leave the chatting to the people as long as there’s a hand dishing out lovies)
How can a person not be charmed by the big eyes and frequent smiles of these lean, lovely dogs?
Live the adventure!
p.s. Brody would remind you that the best part – if you happen to be the top dog in a house fostering a greyhound puppy – you get a couple hours of rest while he’s out of the house…and peace when he comes home exhausted!
