Vet Chat

FEATURE

GREYHOUND Rescue - It's Summer year round with the Shaws

Sydney parents Lara and Nick Shaw wanted a rescue, but didn’t know if a dog would fit into their busy household. Lara said as soon as daughter, Jess (now 10 years old) could talk, she asked for a dog of her own. However the couple decided to wait until her younger sister Allie (8 years) was older, and then did a lot of research.

“We spoke to many pet greyhound owners and learned greyhounds are calm and don’t jump up or bark much,” said Mum Lara. The Shaw family then adopted Summer from charity Greyhound Rescue (GR) on a two week trial (GR) - greyhoundrescue.com.au/ category/dogs-available “It was good to have that additional level of security from Greyhound Rescue, in case we had any really serious issues. We knew as soon as we met Summer she’d be fine. She’s so chilled,” said Lara.

Basic training is often needed for rescue greyhounds, many of whom had never been a pet before. Daughter Jess explained it took a little time and patience for Summer to feel at home, but it had been completely worthwhile. “Summer was already toilet trained but had to learn how to use stairs. I put a tiny piece of cheese on each step and she got the hang of walking up pretty quickly. Mum had to help her down the first few times,” said Jess.

Summer gradually made herself at home, relaxed and became more playful. Mum Lara said their much-loved Summer had brought some lovely changes to the family over time. “We’ve met so many great dog owners at the park and during greyhound events. Also, walking the dogs connects you with the community,” said Lara. “It’s wonderful to see Allie, who’s still wary of many dogs, approach other greyhounds to give them a pat.” Lara said adopting Summer taught the girls the importance of being a responsible pet owner. It’s lovely to see them confidently speak to people about adoption, how much exercise Summer needs and how fast she runs,” she said. Lara said during the settling in phase, the family received great support from Greyhound Rescue.

“We got such wonderful encouragement and advice from them and they were so patient with us,” she said.”We’re so happy with the result! For families who’d like to adopt a greyhound but aren’t sure, there’s the option of fostering, so they can ‘try before they buy’. Fostering gets a greyhound out of kennels and introduces it to life as a pet. It also means another ex-racer can enter the kennels and escape an uncertain future. Nat Panzarino, GR chair, said the charity will pay for necessary vet bills while a dog is in foster. “Carers cover food, shelter, as well as flea and worm treatments. We’ll also supply a muzzle, coat, collar and lead,” said Nat. “While it’s not required by law, Greyhound Rescue recommends that pet greyhounds wear a muzzle for at least eight weeks while adjusting to pet life.” Since July 1 2019, pet greyhounds in NSW no longer have to wear muzzles unless they’re in an off-leash park. Greenhounds[1] are exempt from this rule.

“How long a hound stays depends on how many adoption applications we get, but carers should be prepared to keep a dog for at least six months.” She said people don’t need to worry about what dog they’ll get: “We match each household with a greyhound that will thrive there.”

Nat said foster carers must meet and greet potential adopters when the time comes. “They can always adopt, but carers tell us it’s great to see their foster dog go to its forever home. If they decide to adopt, our greyhounds are de-sexed, micro-chipped and vaccinated.” People who want to adopt, foster or volunteer at GR’s kennels near Camden should complete a form:www.greyhoundrescue.com.au More information here - www.facebook.com/GreyhoundRescueNSW www.instagram.com/greyhoundrescue/?hl=en