To the extent you are not aware I would like to educate you about a great organization and great breed of dog.  The dog, as you can tell is the Greyhound and one of the many groups that assist this breed is the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas, Inc. or GALT.  GALT is a non-profit corporation located close by in the Addison/Carrollton area operating in the DFW metroplex and throughout Texas.  GALT assists greyhounds, whether they are strays or retired from the racing industry, by trying to place them in permanent homes.  They have a rescue kennel and adoption center in Carrollton.

Because most greyhounds live much of their lives in a kennel at a racetrack, you may not see many of them when you are taking your dog out for its walk; however, if people knew more about them, I believe they would be clamoring to adopt them.  Greyhounds are very friendly and gentle, as well as elegant, graceful and intelligent.  They make great house pets since they come from the tracks virtually “house trained” and, believe it or not, are “couch potatoes” when they are not racing.  Since they are very sedentary, they do not put much wear and tear on your home, especially for a large dog.   You do not need to take them to a dog park to run.  All they need is a walk three of four times per week.

Greyhounds are very social animals.  They generally tolerate children well and, when they have had enough of the child, usually walk away.  Because they have lived around dogs constantly, they get along well with other dogs.  If you have a cat, you should discuss this fact with the GALT representatives, since, being sight hounds, it may take some time for the greyhound to adjust to the movements of the cat.

Because greyhounds are very, very trim (We should all be so lucky!), they cannot live outside.  However, they shed very little and do no have a “doggie odor.”  They also are not barkers, so if you were looking for a ferocious guard dog, they would not be a good choice.  Conversely, they are low maintenance, due to their short, sleek coat.  Oftentimes, people with pet allergies find they do not have an allergic reaction to greyhounds.

I cannot say enough positive things about greyhounds.  They are super dogs.  If you would like to learn more about their veterinary needs, feel free to contact me.  Better yet, if you would consider adopting or fostering one, call GALT.

Their contact information is:
Greyhound Adoption League of Texas, Inc.
P.O. Box 680, Addison, TX 75001-0680
972-503-GALT
info@greyhoundadoptiontx.org.

You can also go to their website and view all of the adoptable former racers, learn more about the breed, adoption possibilities or becoming a foster caregiver.