WHEN IT comes to choosing a dog, many people think greyhounds are hyperactive and need lots of exercise.
That's why Greyhound Rescue has named April as National Adopt-a-Greyhound month, to let people know what great pets these dogs can make.
And according to the animal charity, the number of greyhounds in need of homes is growing.
"Our books are full. We now have over 50 dogs. There's now an even greater need to place ex-racers in loving homes than before," said Greyhound Rescue co-founder Peter Flann.
He said Adopt-a-Greyhound month was the perfect time to welcome an ex-athlete into your dog-loving family. "Greyhounds don't need huge expanses of living area. A suburban backyard is fine and they can live in units with daily exercise. They are dogs which must sleep inside."
Greyhound Rescue secretary Sue Bradshaw said some hounds are cat and small dog friendly, while all greyhounds are low maintenance and unlike many large breeds, have no hip problems.
"Greyhounds make great pets for all ages. They are gentle 70-km per hour couch potatoes. They need only a 20 minute walk each day, unlike most other dogs, but will enjoy more. They have no doggie smell, shed little hair and seldom bark, being calm in nature," she said.
To find out about adopting a greyhound, go to www.greyhoundrescue.com.au
Racetrack to retirement
The transition of nearly two dozen greyhounds from racetrack to retirement as pets has been documented in Project Hound by Fairfax Media photographer Chris Pearce and artistic director Sarah Vandepeer.
Vandepeer and Pearce came up with Project Hound when former NSW premier Mike Baird imposed a ban on greyhound racing in July 2016 in response to the Special Inquiry into Greyhound Racing in NSW. The inquiry uncovered evidence of widespread live baiting and other illegal activities including the administration of prohibited substances. Baird overturned the ban in October following protests.
Project Hound celebrated ex-racing greyhounds and the diversity of their new owners, who are featured around their homes and in work environments, said Ms Vandepeer.
"Our chief aim is to show what elegant pets greyhounds make," she said.
Since Project Hound was launched on Instagram last year, it has attracted nearly 900 followers and more than 20 case studies.
