The hounds - How I came across Greyhounds
I moved to Cornwall in 2005. It had always been my dream since a child to have a dog, so this was one of the first things I did when I had settled in. The hunt was on to find the perfect breed of dog for me and my partner. We thought perhaps a small dog would be a good starting point but everything changed when a google search led us to Debbie Buxley who runs her own re-homing charity for Greyhounds called greyhounds4u.
I submitted all of the required information and waited to be contacted, hoping I'd be accepted to adopt. When Debbie rang very soon after, I was very excited to hear all what she had to say and how a Greyhound would be perfect for us. We passed a home check and made arrangements to meet a Greyhound Debbie thought would be suitable for us after Christmas, as dogs were not homed during the festive season.
Meeting my first Greyhound - Coolcholly Duke
On a cold wintry day in January 2006, we met Debbie at the kennels where Coolcholly Duke was being held. When I saw him for the first time my heart melted and I knew I had to help him. His coat was in a poor condition and he was looking rather sorry for himself. We went on a little walk to see how he'd take to us and he seemed to press himself into my side which Debbie said was a good sign that he felt secure with us. I learnt that Duke had been previously adopted by a family who never gave him the chance or love he deserved and that he'd been waiting to find his forever home for two years. I know many people think I was mad to adopt a dog I didn't know his history, but I trusted Debbie and could tell she was passionate about helping these dogs. She has a wealth of knowledge and knew Duke's background, so we took him home.
When we arrived home it felt very strange having such a big dog in our home, I remember feeling a little overwhelmed by the size of Duke. However, Debbie was always there at the end of the phone to help us and and answer our questions.
Duke settled in well and we gradually built up his trust and confidence. We got his poorly teeth looked at by the vets, which resulted in most of them being removed. Once he recovered it was like the dark black cloud hanging over him was lifted and he came to life. You can read more on Duke's story and find out what else he got up to in the 3 years we had him on a page devoted to him and his memory.
10 facts about Greyhounds and why they are so special
If you are considering adopting a Greyhound, we can highly recommend greyhounds4u. They are an amazing charity where true friendships are formed and the welfare of the dogs is at the forefront. You can follow Greyhounds4u on Facebook.
I submitted all of the required information and waited to be contacted, hoping I'd be accepted to adopt. When Debbie rang very soon after, I was very excited to hear all what she had to say and how a Greyhound would be perfect for us. We passed a home check and made arrangements to meet a Greyhound Debbie thought would be suitable for us after Christmas, as dogs were not homed during the festive season.
Meeting my first Greyhound - Coolcholly Duke
On a cold wintry day in January 2006, we met Debbie at the kennels where Coolcholly Duke was being held. When I saw him for the first time my heart melted and I knew I had to help him. His coat was in a poor condition and he was looking rather sorry for himself. We went on a little walk to see how he'd take to us and he seemed to press himself into my side which Debbie said was a good sign that he felt secure with us. I learnt that Duke had been previously adopted by a family who never gave him the chance or love he deserved and that he'd been waiting to find his forever home for two years. I know many people think I was mad to adopt a dog I didn't know his history, but I trusted Debbie and could tell she was passionate about helping these dogs. She has a wealth of knowledge and knew Duke's background, so we took him home.
When we arrived home it felt very strange having such a big dog in our home, I remember feeling a little overwhelmed by the size of Duke. However, Debbie was always there at the end of the phone to help us and and answer our questions.
Duke settled in well and we gradually built up his trust and confidence. We got his poorly teeth looked at by the vets, which resulted in most of them being removed. Once he recovered it was like the dark black cloud hanging over him was lifted and he came to life. You can read more on Duke's story and find out what else he got up to in the 3 years we had him on a page devoted to him and his memory.
10 facts about Greyhounds and why they are so special
- Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog in existence, they can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour over a short distance.
- In 1014 AD the English Forest Laws stated that only noblemen could own and hunt with greyhounds. To kill a greyhound was punishable by death.
- Racing greyhounds are bred for their speed, they are therefore not susceptible to the congenital defects or temperament problems of many other breeds. Only the fastest, healthiest and best tempered animals are generally used as breeding stock.
- Queen Victoria and King Henry VIII kept greyhounds.
- Generally, greyhounds are unable to sit. Some can manage to sit, but for most, it is physically impossible or at the very least extremely uncomfortable. In most cases the legs are too long and "muscled up" for a sit position to achieved.
- The structure of a greyhound's short and almost odourless coat, which only moults (coats in greyhound language) to a small degree means that greyhounds can be suitable to live successfully with people who are otherwise generally allergic to dogs.
- Greyhounds are commonly known as "45mph couch potatoes". They can sprint very fast, but are equally as happy to snooze the day away, which the Cauldron's happily do!
- A greyhound has stereoscopic vision. This means that it is best suited to seeing moving objects. They often don't see stationary objects.
- The greyhound is the only breed of dog mentioned in The Bible. Proverbs 30, verses 29-31.
- Caution - greyhounds can be highly addictive. Most commonly, once a greyhound owner, always a greyhound owner. Sometimes one greyhound pet expands to several at the same time.
If you are considering adopting a Greyhound, we can highly recommend greyhounds4u. They are an amazing charity where true friendships are formed and the welfare of the dogs is at the forefront. You can follow Greyhounds4u on Facebook.