Jervis Bay residents Warren Wilson and Yolande Cozijn say adding ‘hound love’ to your life by adopting or fostering a rescue greyhound, especially a boy, is an opportunity not to be missed.
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Male greyhounds can be overlooked because they are bigger, but make wonderful pets.
Warren and Yolande have first-hand experience, having now adopted two male greyhounds.
Warren said the couple had always planned for a dog, but they had busy professional careers living and working in Sydney.
“When we eventually retired to Jervis Bay, we had no hesitation in adopting a greyhound from Greyhound Rescue NSW,” Warren said.
“Cruiser, a six-year-old year greyhound, entered our lives in September 2011.”
Sadly, Cruiser passed away in 2017, but about two weeks later the couple adopted Ricky, a five-year-old boy, after being initially reluctant to replace Cruiser after such a short time.
“We felt we may somewhat diminish his memory, but we decided Cruiser would have wished to share his own good fortune at finding a forever home,” said Warren.
Yolande said Ricky’s developed from a somewhat boisterous former racing dog to a gentle companion animal. “We’re certain we made the right decision,” she said.
Basic training is often needed for rescue greyhounds, many of whom had never been a pet before.
Yolande said it took a little while for both Cruiser and Ricky to feel at home.
“At first, Cruiser was reluctant to walk on polished timber floors,” she said.
“He soon mastered it and then, he quickly developed a liking for the comforts of domestic life.
“In stark contrast, Ricky explored every nook and cranny of his new home and gave his nod of approval within minutes.
“Cruiser was a gracious gentleman, whereas Ricky is a confident, enthusiastic youngster.
“We had to place ‘sticky notes’ on our glass doors to prevent collisions as he'd never experienced glass before.”
Greyhound Rescue co-founder Peter Flann, said the charity now has over 50 dogs needing adoption or foster care.
“Greyhounds make great pets for all ages,” Peter said.
“They are gentle 70-km per hour couch potatoes.
“We have many wonderful greyhounds being cared for in our kennels and they need permanent homes or fostering in temporary homes.
“Greyhounds shed very little hair, have no ‘doggie smell’ and need just a 20-minute walk each day, but like most dogs are happy to do more."
Adoption costs $350.
This goes toward the cost of de-sexing, vaccination and a full health check.
People interested in adopting should complete an application form on GR's website at www.greyhoundrescue.com.au/adopt/adoption-process
Greyhound Rescue, a registered charity, relies solely on donations which are tax-deductible, as well as fundraising.
