3 Months and 3 Greyhounds - My Adoption Story

I know I adore reading successful adoption stories. This was especially true of greyhounds when I was deciding when to adopt and what kind of greyhound was right for me. In hopes there are others out there looking for such stories I would love to share mine.

I will never forget the first time I fell in love with greyhounds. I was shopping for my current pets and stumbled upon a meet and greet. It was an incredibly hot summer day. This gorgeous brindle greyhound nudged my bare calf with her wet, cold nose and scared me half to death. I'd never met a greyhound before and was amazed at how beautiful they are. Pictures do not do these dogs justice. At this point in my life I knew I could not adopt. My fiance and I were in college, working and had 3 dogs already between the 2 of us. We did not have the times (or funds) to care for another pet, but I knew then that my next pet would have to be a greyhound.

Three years later I was training our jack russell terror (yes, I mean terror!), and I realized he was listening to every cue I gave. He had been a handful, but with lots of training and exercise he was a happy, balanced pet. Knowing my current pets were all in good shape I decided it was time.

I began searching high and low for the "perfect" greyhound, but there were so many bumps along the way for me. Several groups denied me because I did not have a fenced in yard. Another local group never returned my e-mails or phone calls. At this point many people would have given up, but I was determined. I knew this breed was for me. During all of this I read every greyhound book I could find. Then I read them again. Yes. They were for me.

I finally found a group in Michigan that was quick to check my references, answer my questions and help me find my newest family member. This is where I met Bentley. His race name was Yo My Ironside. He had looked almost fierce on his picture online and honestly I didn't look twice at him. When they brought him in I just fell in love. I wanted to leave with 2 dogs that day, but after much debate I had to adopt Bentley.

I couldn't have found a more perfect companion. I was told greyhounds were not "trainable", but as a dog trainer I was not swayed by this. Bentley was different to train than other dogs, but with patience and a little creativity he learned quickly. I had him home less than a month before he became my favorite "demo" dog at work. He would help me socialize puppies, demonstrate behaviors we were working on and best of all to me he was a daily ambassador for the breed.

One day Bentley saw another greyhound at work and was more excited than I'd ever seen him. I'd read many times that greyhounds often prefer other greyhounds. It was true. I knew that I had to adopt another. Although Bentley's training was going well I know how important it is to have great traning before brining in a new companion. This is how I found my prison greyhound.

Bravo (known as Desi then with the race name of Ima Best Design) was home with us roughly 6 weeks after we adopted Bentley. He came with basic training which was so helpful to us. He whined a bit his first night home, but by the next day he was happy at home. Bentley was so happy to have another greyhound at home, and I was thrilled to invite this new boy into our lives. He did go to work with me quite a few times, but it soon became apparent to me he didn't enjoy it much. Of course I no longer asked him to endure time at work, but I continue to take him many places. He is such a social dog!

It would make sense for my adoption story to be finished now, but I am in love with this breed. Ok, crazy in love. Around the time we adopted Bravo I discovered how to track down their "family" I found Bentley was from a litter of 11 dogs and Bravo had 4 siblings. I soon discovered 2 of Bentley's siblings were still racing and doing quite well. I decided to e-mail the track just incase they would consider allowing me to adopt eventually. A week went by and I heard nothing. I thought for sure the answer must be no. Then after 2 weeks I received an e-mail saying his sister had been adopted but was I interested in his brother. This was not quite 2 months after adopting Bentley and 1 month after Bravo. In my mind this was Bentley's brother and I would do whatever it took to bring him home. I sent my fiance an incredibly long e-mail ending it with "if you say no I understand." That night he said yes! (I have a total keeper!)

Within 2 weeks we had Bentley's brother (Yo My Matlock) home and named him Benson. They say when you add greyhounds you "chip" (couch potatos, potato chip...). My chipping rate must be one of the fastest. We adopted 3 greyhounds in 3 months which gave us a total of 6 amazing dogs. I would not change a thing. Each greyhound has a distinct and wonderful personality.
It has now been 1 year since we adopted Bentley. They have all brought so much joy to my life, and they make me so proud every day. Bentley still helps me train other dogs, has earned has canine good citizen, and he is doing very well in agility (don't let anyone tell you these dogs can't do it). Bentley's next "goal" is a becoming a certified therapy dog. Bravo is now training for his canine good citizen and will also test for therapy dog in the future. Benson has recentley tried agility and did very well. He would not enjoy therapy work, but I take the fact that he prefers "his people" over others as a compliment. He is a true snuggler with his family. While these dogs are overall very lazy they have been happy to indulge me. In good weather they are thrilled to join me for 1-3 hour hikes 1-2 days a week. Without a fenced in yard we do walk almsot every day, but on the days we don't take long hikes they are happy with a 30-45 minute walk. Oh, and all 3 of them love to wade in water.

That is my greyhound adoption story. I hope you've enjoyed, and if you are considering adopting I hope this gives you some idea of what can be possible. Whether you want a dog to go places or just stay at home on the couch the right greyhound for you is out there. When given proper care they make the most amazing pets. You'll never regret opening your heart and home to these wonderful creatures.