Hello and my first greyhound

[justin73]

Hello everyone

I'm Justin, An Ipswich resident and new to the forum as I'll b e getting a greyhound soon, hopefully ;D

I live with my parents. After having owned two cats many year ago, We've owned a Labrador Lurcher Cross; from a puppy to old age. Jasper was put down last year do to failing heart in lungs. We've missed having a dog about the place. One of my dad's friends has a retired racing greyhound and dad talked with him about greyhounds. Dad liked the idea of having one. Mum and dad want to avoid the puppy stage and although I'd do the whole thing again I'm perfectly happy to go along with my parents wishes. A dog is a dog afterall, whenever one adopted and whatever age.

We went to a greyhound re-homing centre. I think it was near copdock. Anyway we payed a visit yesterday and met a lovely 4 year old greyhound called Alfie-Sam. Dad walk him round, the rest of us made a bit if fuss of him and just got to know the fella. We've decided we'd like Alfie-Sam.

WE've just got to complete teh home check first. That's why I'm here. If all goes well and we have our dog, it'll be a great place to come to for any concerns, tips and share funny stories even.

I'm looking forward to a life with a greyhound

[prince]

welcome to the forum justin, and welcome to the greyhound club. everyone on here will give the most warmest of welcome and advise you with any concerns you may have on how your greyhound can look after you lol.
I am owned by prince who i have had for 2 yrs. and since last september i am now a foster mum to the girlies that are kenneled at Dunton. We have had 4 girls so far and have all been rehomed and are awaiting are next in about a weeks time.
Fingers crossed for you on the home check, its so wonderful to hear of another greyt going to there forever home. so looking forward to hearing all about Alfie-sam.
Diane

[sueb]

Welcome to the forum, Justin.

As Diane says, there are a lot of people on the forum who can give advice about these special hounds. Most of us needed advice when we first took on a hound. But as they are gentle, lazy creatures they fit in easily when at home.
Good luck and let us know how you're getting on.

[Deleted]

Welcome Justin!! You couldn't find a more friendly and helpful group of people than everyone on this forum. I'm so glad you are getting a greyhound and you will have years of pleasure as your dog becomes part of the family. They are such wonderful dogs and will always give you something to laugh about!!

Ted is my second greyhound and he has given me so much pleasure that I can't imagine not having him - even though he steals my food, gets the best spot on the bed and demands cuddles!!!!

[justin73]

Hello and thanks again guys. I just can't wait for tomorrow to come so we can have our home check and... fingers crossed we pass. Dad's a bit worried about the garden not being big enough for a greyhound. It's a fairly big garden, part of it fenced off because of the last dog we had.
We live in a semi-detached house. Mum seems to think the garden shouldn't be a problem.

I'm a little concerned about the name though. They, at the kennels called him Alfie-Sam, Sam for short. Mum and dad decided they're gonna call him Alfie. I'm concerned the poor fella's gonna be confused lol.
I did mention this to mum n dad and they said something like "well, he's not grown up with his name. He's been in kennels and raced all his life".
Maybe so but, I'm sure Alfie-Sam hasn't been referred to as AS48966227! lol.

Maybe I'll try and sneak in my concern during the home check lol. I just want everything to be right, that is, not for the family create silly obstacles like, calling the dog Alfie and wondering why he doesn't respond. Just a bit of worrier I am. I'm sure things will workout Roll on tomorrow

[prince]

Justin i wouldn`t worry about the size of garden. some of us greyhound owners don`t have one including me but i have some lovely walks not far away. As for the name greyhounds are given racing names but don`t actually know them so you can call him what you like, one of the things you need to teach him is recall in your garden so he gets to know his name. Then you will be able to let him off lead in a safe area later on when he has settled in and you all have got to know him better, knowing he will come back to you when you call him.

[justin73]

Thanks for the advice Prince. I'll keep that in mind and yes, recall exercise in the garden will be a good idea.

I've just noticed some of you have your dogs as avatars (if they're still called that now a days lol). The forum will be seeing Alfie soon