Why more GREYHOUNDS
would benefit the health of people in Beaconsfield
Around 8,000 greyhounds are ‘retired’ every year - either because they have reached
the end of their racing career aged 5/6, because they aren’t fast enough or they have
a minor injury. Many are put down, some abandoned and about 3-4,000 find homes.
Could you adopt a greyhound?
What people don’t know is that greyhounds don’t need lots of
exercise. They say 2x20 minutes minimum per day. Mine has over
an hour, but can be shorter when needed. And the house doesn’t
smell of “dog.” I think it’s the lack of undercoat, which also makes
them better for people suffering from allergies.
Greyhounds make great pets for everyone – particularly if they
want a calmer dog. And that includes older people/people living
alone. They often walk well on leads as they were trained to walk
into a stadium. People with depression, SAD and PTSD all said their
greyhounds helped them lose weight, get out and about and they
feel more positive.
Adopting a greyhound can give you companionship, aid weight loss,
help you to feel healthier, provide stress relief and so much more.
One owner comments, “I’m 60. Retired. 2 replacement knees in
10 months. I was getting lonelier and lonelier. Risky has given me
companionship. The exercise helped me go from walking with a stick to managing 1/2 hour walks
without one. People stop and chat when you have a dog, which makes me feel less isolated. He
gives me a reason to get out of bed and is the right height to pat without hurting my back.”
Carly writes, “I was diagnosed with MS in 2013. My nurse suggested googling companion dogs. I
didn’t want a dog that needed lots of exercise and wanted a ‘second hand’ dog so it was a winwin situation. My greyhounds are perfect as they keep me active, but cope with reduced exercise
when I’m poorly and are perfect company. When I’m well we do longer walks and group walks.”
I foster greyhounds and you may see me around Beaconsfield with 2 sometimes. I currently
have a 3 year old foster, Gabriella. She’s sweet, house trained, can be left with her foster sister
for 4 hours and is fine with other dogs.
She’s shy of new people, so just needs
time and support. There are thousands of
greyhounds out there, of different ages and
temperaments.
Please email any questions - or if you have a
greyhound get in touch - as I’d love to know
more owners locally: sophieandspice@
outlook.com
Sophie Hurst
Greyhound fan and fosterer
You can read my full article at
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/sophie-hurst/why-rescuing-a-greyhound-_b_11603878.html
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