GREYHOUND rescue groups could be pushed to capacity over the next 12 months as trainers exit the industry in response to Premier Mike Baird’s decision to ban greyhound racing from July 2017.
But local greyhound rescue worker, Verity Shiner from Freemans Reach, said there are numerous ways the public can help find loving homes for unwanted hounds, beyond simply adoption.
“You can adopt, foster, sponsor, become a volunteer, or provide a donation,” said Ms Shiner, who volunteers for a Rouse Hill shelter run by Sydney-based charity, Greyhound Rescue.
The group accepts donations (which are tax deductible over $2), which go towards kennel costs, desexing and emergency vet treatments for animals in the shelter’s care.
They are also looking for more volunteers to work at the shelter, as well as from their homes as foster carers which is an important step in helping a newly-rescued greyhound acclimatise to home life before being placed with their new family.
Greyhound Rescue also runs a sponsorship program for people who aren’t in the position to adopt a hound or work at a shelter, but would still like to help.
“It’s like sponsoring a child. They can keep up-to-date on their progress and we send them pictures. It’s a really rewarding thing,” said Ms Shiner.
Finding forever homes
Ms Shiner has volunteered at the Rouse Hill shelter for five years, and during this time the vast majority of greyhounds in her care have come to her after being rejected by the racing industry.
“They’re no good for racing - they’re not fast enough - so the owners and trainers don’t need them anymore, and they end up with us,” she said.
Ms Shiner has three greyhounds of her own. Mac (8), Thunder Lee (5) and Crouton (5) are all ex-racing dogs, which she adopted through Greyhound Rescue and the now-defunct charity Greyhounds4U.
“There’s always a steady stream of greyhounds needing homes. It’s a bit like a revolving door,” she said.
“You re-home one or two and the next time you turn up at the kennel they’re full again.”
Ms Shiner and the team at Greyhound Rescue have up to 70 hounds in their care at any one time. They have a ‘no kill policy’, which means they euthanise greyhounds only if they are terminally ill or in great pain.
The group’s work consists of taking in greyhounds, rehabilitating and rehoming them, as well as educating the public about the breed.
When greyhounds first arrive at the shelter the volunteers assess their health and, if required, have them vaccinated and desexed, and have their teeth cleaned.
“We also like to get a feel of what they’re like, as their personalities are all different. We take them home and test to see how they react with other dogs and smaller animals, including cats. One of our full-time volunteers has cats and chickens and all the hounds spend time at her place socialising with the other animals - we call it ‘the ark’,” said Ms Shiner.
“We give our hounds the best possible chance of finding a forever home. And if some require special attention, we’ll make sure we find a special owner who can give them that extra love and TLC.”
Hounds from Greyhound Rescue are rehomed with a muzzle, a leash and a jacket. They also come clean (they don’t shed much hair anyway) and toilet trained.
“According to NSW laws they have to be muzzled when they’re outside of the house. It can give off an impression that they are vicious, and that could be why the public has been quite wary of them in the past,” said Ms Shiner.
Many greyhounds, including the three who live with Ms Shiner, have completed an approved greyhound re-training program and are therefore eligible for a muzzling exemption.
“They’re not vicious - there’s just not enough awareness about the beautiful animals they are,” she said.
Greyhounds don’t have a lot of body fat, and owners are advised to put jackets on them during the winter.
Greyhound Rescue also stipulates that hounds should be considered part of the family, and should live and sleep indoors.
What to expect
Ms Shiner rides horses and teaches dressage, and has rehomed many of the Greyhound Rescue dogs with Hawkesbury locals.
“A lot of my horse-riding friends have adopted greyhounds. The hounds don’t chase the horses, they’re really self sufficient,” she said.
Greyhounds reportedly make excellent family pets, rarely bark, and don’t have that ‘doggy’ smell.
“They are the most gentle, kind, loving dogs that I’ve ever come across. They suit a wide variety of people - elderly, young families, big and small yards,” she said.
“If you don’t have a lot of room, that’s OK - just take them out for a walk once a day so they can stretch their legs. They’re not boisterous dogs. You’ll likely find them in a sunny place or on the lounge!
“They love water, and we take ours swimming in the dam.
“They’re definitely ‘people dogs’. They like to be with you - not on top of you - but they do get attached to their humans.”
Visit the Greyhound Rescue site for more information at www.greyhoundrescue.com.au, or email info@greyhoundrescue.com.au.
Other greyhound rescues in NSW include Friends of the Hound (www.friendsofthehound.org.au), Greyhounds As Pets (www.gapnsw.com.au), and Greyhound Adoption Program (www.gapnsw.org.au).
