About Greyhounds, Adoption and On-going Support
About Greyhounds
The Greyhound is a sight hound and one of the oldest known breeds of dog, it is the only one mentioned by name in the bible, and goes back over 5,000 years.
The pedigree of a greyhound with ear marks can be tracked back to 1820. One of English standing has 4 characters in it’s right ear, while one of Irish standing has 2 characters in the right ear and 3 in the left.
Greyhounds can weigh anything between 22 and 46 kg. Generally those under 25 kg. don’t race because they don’t have the stamina to keep up with the others.
Greyhounds have non-allergenic hair, make exceptional blood donors as their blood can be given to any other dog. It has no genetic disorders as do so many other breeds because they are bred not for their colour, shape or looks, but for their speed, good health and their temperament.
The Greyhound is the world's fastest dog and one of the 3 fastest land animals. It's body structure and the way it works being similar to the cheetah allowing it to run over 70 kph of 45 mph and go from 0 to 40 mph in under 2 seconds or about 5 steps. It will complete 100 meters in 5.33 seconds compared to Usain Bolt in 9.58 seconds. In other words, Usain Bolt is just passing the half way mark when the Greyhound is crossing the finishing line.
A greyhound’s foot placement while running is different from any other breed of dog. During each stride he is fully airborne twice. This stride is referred to as a “double suspension gallop” , the same as a race horse. A typical greyhound will go through 3 strides per second, and has a 5 meter stride. When running full out greyhounds spend about 75% of their time in the air. It’s as close to “flight” as a land animal can get.
Ancient Egyptians believed when Greyhounds died they were transported to the "Field of Reeds" where they could live for ever.
In the Middle Ages only the nobility could own a Greyhound in England. The value of a Greyhound exceeded that of a serf, and the punishment for causing the death of a Greyhound was death by execution, the punishment equivalent to that of murder.
Greyhound racing started in 1876, which was some time after coursing began. The mechanical hare was introduced in 1912.
Famous Greyhound owners have included Cleopatra, Henry VIII, Billy the Kid, George Washington, Elizabeth 1, General Custer, Al Capone, Queen Victoria and J.K. Rowling.
Adoption Process
CLOSED TUESDAY
If you want to make sure a Greyhound is what you wish to adopt why not fill in the adoption enquiry form and phone 015395 52394 to make an appointment to visit the dogs and get to know them. Ask questions.
Once you are certain a Greyhound is for you and your family complete the form on the web site, email us photos of your garden/yard showing all the boundaries and phone 015395 52394 to make an appointment to visit the greyhounds here looking for new homes.
THE ADOPTION DONATION
When adopting a greyhound from us we ask for a minimum non-refundable donation of £250.00, but please bear in mind it costs £280.00 + to neuter a dog at our vets and between and £420.00 to spay a bitch. Dentals start at £300.00 for a scale and polish with more when extractions are involved.
Your donation goes towards the veterinary fees for neutering, inoculations and any dental work necessary along with food and other costs while your greyhound was here at the centre.
Including in your donation we also provide you with a martingale collar and show you how to fit it, how tight it should be and how they work. A lead and a plastic box muzzle, which we explain how to fit, and why you should put it on your new Greyhound when you first start taking him out for walks. You also get 5 weeks free cover for up to £1,500 with Agria Pet Insurance.
We recommend Time20 as the main complete dry food with other foods added to give it variety, then warm water from the kettle and served wet, not soaked. Time26 is used for racing greyhounds. Time20 is for resting and non-racing greyhounds because of its lower protein content, and can be purchased here at the centre in 15 kg. bags if you so wish.
PET INSURANCE - YES or NO
We will offer advice on what you should do as soon as you get your new Greyhound home to avoid accidents in the house.
How much to feed, how often and what to mix with the Gain20.
We will explain what foods you must avoid as they are dangerous.
We will explain why it’s important for your Greyhound to be muzzled when taking him for walks and how your leadership skills will play a part in the early days of taking him home.
We will explain how they need your love and guidance.
Support
When you home a Greyhound from us we don’t just take your money, hand-over the dog and wave goodbye, we are here to support you all the way. Jenny and Stuart can be contacted by email, WhatsApp, Messenger or by phoning 015395 52394 for help and assistance as they know the dogs well. This is because they are with them in the house 24/7. They are there to give you support and advice using experience gathered over all the years they have been homing greyhounds and supporting the owners of nearly 700 dogs.
We have a secure enclosed paddock here at RGSL you can use for a small donation of £5 per half hour. A safe and secure place where you can let your greyhound off lead to have a good run, and an area where you can teach recall.
Walks are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month in different locations throughout Cumbria, north Lancashire and into Yorkshire. The walks commence at 11:00 hours and everyone is welcome to come and join in.
On the 3rd Sunday every 3 months we hold a teeth cleaning and nail clipping session at RGSL. Starting at 14:00 hours a professional greyhound trainer offers her time free of charge to come here and treat about 20 greyhounds who have been homed. This event is strictly by appointment only due to its popularity and each greyhound gives a minimum donation of £10 for the service. A stall of goods for sale is also available.
Join our ‘closed’ Facebook group ‘Retired Greyhounds South Lakes’ and add photographs of your greyhound(s), ask advice and share your thoughts. Everyone in the group all love greyhounds as pets and share both happy and sad memories.
Highgate Veterinary Clinic in Kendal, Cumbria have been dealing with all the greyhounds coming here since 2004 when Jenny and Stuart started homing them. In that time they have learnt much about greyhound idiosyncrasies not generally taught in veterinary schools. They are there to provide veterinary care for your greyhound, and if you live a distance away they are there to give a second opinion about anything you are worried about.
YOU CAN SUPPORT US by linking your Pets at Home VIP card to Retired Greyhounds South Lakes. This way every time you purchase anything at Pets at Home we receive points, which at the end of each quarter turns into vouchers we can take into the store and purchase food, beds and all sorts of other things . This is something which helps us give the greyhounds here in our care looking for homes better quality bedding and food than we would otherwise be able to afford .
Using Amazon Smile instead of Amazon and linking your account to us means Amazon donates something to RGSL every time you purchase something.
How you can help
Adopt a greyhound , or become a volunteer to help with those currently at the centre looking for homes, walk and groom the dogs, help around the centre, fundraise and raise awareness of what super pets they make.