or signup to continue reading My love affair with greyhounds began in 2018 when I gazed into the eyes of a handsome, brown-eyed boy named Albert, our first adopted greyhound. We didn't know much about greyhounds, but we were eager to give one a home after a flurry of shocking headlines, including the greyhound racing ban in NSW and its subsequent reversal. But Albert was a troubled dog, damaged by experiences unknown, and the adoption set in motion a series of events that plunged us deeper into the world from which he'd arrived.
Our experience with his great escape and eventual return inspired Within weeks, we had fostered and then adopted our second greyhound, Teddy, from a rescue group. Fostering is an important step in greyhound adoption. It teaches dogs who have been raised in racing kennels to live in a family home.
For many, the first time out of a kennel is stressful and overwhelming. Even simple skills like navigating stairs and slippery floors, or walking on a lead, are new. It's rewarding for carers too, with many people choosing to foster when they can't commit to adoption.
Others, like us, foster and then adopt. My second greyhound picture book, , was inspired by our gentle giant, an emotional dog who wears his heart on his sleeve. As with every breed, each greyhound is different, but most are gentle, quiet, affectionate dogs who need little exercise and want nothing more than security, comfort, and love.
Teddy, of course, is the most beautiful of them all. As we .