From: toolan@stsci.edu
Subject: Re: pre-owned greyhounds
Organization: Space Telescope Science Institute
Distribution: na
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1993 16:11:06 GMT

In article <1993Jan27.130809.19984@linus.mitre.org>, jfjr@mbunix.mitre.org 
(Freedman) writes:
> 
>   My wife, 5 year old stepson and I are considering getting a dog. I
> have lots of canine experience (while growing up my family always had at
> least one dog - dalmations, danes, mutts etc). She has had a golden
> retriever - not as much canine experience but she likes dogs - BUT she
> has some allergies,its her call and her idea and she wants to try. She
> loved the dog and having the dog even if it made her sneeze. 
> I am less then enthusiastic about getting a dog because
> for two days a week the dog will have to be cooped up in the house. I
> don't respond well to bladder pressure and I don't expect a dog to
> either but my wife says people have told her its not so bad.  When I
> grew up we had a big family with someone always home so dogs *didn't*
> get left alone. 
> 
>   BTAIM my wife is interested in used greyhounds - dogs retired from
> the track. She has heard that they are easy to carefore, even tempered
> in need of a home, and less likely to provoke her allergies but that
> is a concern.  Any comments
> warnings or advice?
> 
>                                      Jerry Freedman,Jr


	It sounds as though a greyhound would be a good choice in the situation
you describe.  Most are laid back, gentle, intelligent, sensitive, eager to
please, and are excellent with children.  They are very low maintenance dogs;
their hair is extremely short, and they don't get that lovely "wet-dog" smell
even when sopping wet.  I am allergic to some dogs, but I have no problem with
my two greyhounds--I just make sure they get a good brushing once a week to
remove any loose hair.  Greyhounds generally don't shed much (most of the time).
One of my dogs barely sheds at all.  The other sheds out what seems to be her
entire coat (bear in mind, on a Greyhound that's pretty limited!) each spring.
When we see what's happening, we put the upholstery brush on the vacuum 
cleaner and vacuum her.  (And yes, we are VERY CAREFUL not to hurt her!!)  She 
doesn't object, and it greatly minimizes the situation.  My son has asthma and
one of the dogs sleeps in his bedroom.  The presence of the dogs has not 
increased the frequency of his attacks, which he had even before the dogs were
around.
	If I interpret what you've said correctly, you'd only have to leave
the dog for an extended period two days a week?  For how long a period of time?
When a GH is at the track, they're accustomed to "potty breaks" about four
times a day.  When the dog is getting accustomed to your home, it would be
very helpful if someone could stop by your house and let the dog out at 
lunchtime.  We did this for the first few weeks we had either dog.  Now, they
are left 5 days a week while we are at work.  There are no problems with 
accidents.  When I get home, one dog rushes out the door to see if there's 
anything interesting in the yard (no mad rush to potty), and the other acts 
like, "You expect ME to go out?  But that means I'd have to get up! How do you 
know I've got to go?"  Greyhounds are well-known couch potatoes.
	Greyhounds are wonderful pets, and there are thousands looking for
homes.  You could contact the Greyhound Rescue in your area for more 
information.  If you'd like more information, feel free to contact me.  I work
with the Maryland Chapter of Greyhound Pets of America.  I also can provide you
with the phone number of the GPA closest to you.  Please do go through a 
rescue group if you decide to get a retired racer;  they not only screen the
homes the dogs go to, but they screen the dogs to be sure you get one that
fits your situation.  If things do not work out, a rescue group will take the
dog back and find it another home.
	A great source of information is Cynthia Branigan's book, "Adopting
the Racing Greyhound," published last year by Howell Book House.  You might be
able to get this through your local GPA.  The MD GPA offers the book to its new
Greyhound "parents" at a discount.
	I hope this helps.

		*	*	*	*	*
				*
	Sharon Toolan		*	My opinions are my own;
	toolan@stsci.edu	*	No one else would want them.
				*
		*	*	*	*	*

	      Make a fast friend--adopt a Greyhound!

"Mom" to Amber (8.5 yr old retired racing Greyhound) and
         Topaz (3.5 yr old retired racing Greyhound)