A
female
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:Hi there, This is SORT of a relationship question..We have just built a new home and we'd like to buy/rescue a dog.I have never owned a dog before so I don't know what to expect. Throughout my life I've adopted sick goldfish and restored them to health. Anyone with goldfish will know how difficult and time consuming they are as a pet, then again I'm sure I can't compare that to dog ownership! I am one of those loyal forever owners, so whatever dog I choose, that will be his home for life, which is why I want to be as sure as possible I'm making the best decision for us.I've researched for a week straight. My worst fear is bringing a dog home, making that forever commitment, and not keeping him stimulated enough or meeting all of his needs. I'm talking beyond the warm home, clean bed and great food needs .. but mental stimulation, exercise requirements, appropriate level of training etc.There are SO many risks. I've watched terrifying documentaries that warn against buying purebreeds as these can develop many serious health problems. I love border collies but I've read they require 8 hours or so a day of exercise. We're active but an hour's bikeride or hour's walk type of people so that would be too much for us and not fair to a collie.I do love labradors but after much research I realise they can develop a lot of health problems. I know every dog gets old and sick but I would just like to avoid the heartbreak of seeing a young dog in extreme pain with adolescent hip dysplasia if I can help it. If you buy a puppy, you can't be sure of the personality that will develop. I've had two cats in my life, the one we raised from a baby was an aarogant type.. the stray we adopted was absolutely beautiful and grateful for everything.I'm leaning toward adopting a retired greyhound. I really like the fact you are matched with the dog that's right for you, plus I would love to give a dog - that may of otherwise had it's life ended - a second chance.Does anyone own greyhounds? Any dog wisdom would be much appreciated.Thank you very much. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (21 July 2014): Wow!!! Thanks everyone for all the great advice!Such thoughtful and intelligent people wrote me :)Taking your advice into consideration I'm now even more keen to further look into adopting a racing greyhound. They're different and interesting and of all the large breeds and purebreeds, they have the least health issues. They also deserve the chance to be a loved pet. What I like about the idea is that they put so much work into making sure they find the right greyhound for YOU so you're BOTH suited to each other. My friends chose purebreed pocket dogs based on the fact they thought they were CUTE and THAT'S IT! I can't believe that now, especially not after I've done so much research on the different breeds and their needs. I feel angry at them now that they further lined breeder's pockets to produce these dogs which inevitably develop crippling health problems because we've bred them to look "oh so cute".
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (21 July 2014): From my experience of having had 3 rescue dogs, I would strongly recommend taking time off work for around 2 weeks to get him/her settled into your home and being able to start working out all the kinks. Also, make sure you get hold of a good dog trainer beforehand, who will help you (though luckily nowadays the internet has many forums dedicated to dog training which are massively helpful). There will be kinks, there always is, after all would you not be a bit freaked out if some random person took you to their home to live for the rest of your life? But as long as you work through it giving it TIME then they can generally be worked out. For example, I adopted 2 large dogs that were sisters, they were in fact rather old but good as gold, however I did NOT anticipate the howling all through the night when they first came home! It all stemmed from separation anxiety, but was gradually rectified. My other dog could not be left alone in the house for any period of time when she first came to us, and when she was she would go crazy destroying pretty much everything in the house. Sounds like a nightmare but again was quickly rectified with the help of an experienced dog trainer. I strongly recommend getting a rescue dog as they're GREAT and it's so rewarding, but please be aware that while the staff of the rescue centre are great, they don't tell you about the smaller kinks. This is down to them not wanting to scare you off, but more so that they just don't know these things, as a rescue centre is completely different to a home. Have patience and it will all be just fine I think, especially since you're obviously very conscientious! Good luck
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reader, Staceily +, writes (21 July 2014):
 I think a good idea is to visit an animal shelter or pound and find a dog who you really click with. They also have short bios of what the dog is like, how much exercise he would need, if he's good with children etc. I used to work for an animal shelter and you can really see how different each dog is just by walking them around and sitting with them. Some are very active and want to run, some are fine to just sit with you in your lap.
When I visited another shelter, the SPCA, they had rooms you could spend time with the dogs in and watch them interact with toys. You can speak with the volunteers and they know the dogs very well. You can tell them the type of dog you are looking for, which seems to be semi active, and they can give you some good options. These people work with the dogs many days of the week and know their tempraments.
I have never had a grey hound so I'm sorry I can't help you there. I wouldn't advise getting a pure bred. My parents used to breed dogs so I have a pure bred Yorkie. She has a lot of health issues common to the breed. Besides the health issues with a pure bred, there are so many wonderful dogs who need to find homes that buying a dog is silly. My other dog is a rescue, a year old dachshund/jack Russell terrier mix. He has turned out to be far more energetic than I had planned (I got him when he was only a couple months old). But I love him so I do all I can.
So I think your best bet will be to go to an adoption agency of your choice and speak with the volunteers. Good luck and congratulations :) I know you'll find a good companion.
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reader, C. Grant  +, writes (21 July 2014):
 Good for you for thinking about it carefully before you commit. Whatever dog you end up with will be very fortunate indeed.
Our family adopted a dog that was around 8 months old, who the breeder had never managed to sell. The issue with him was that he never socialized to people (except the breeder), so he wasn't especially warm. Since he only seemed to respond to other dogs, the breeder gave us a puppy for him (yes, we got a dog for our dog). They were Bischon / Shi Tzu crosses, so smaller dogs that didn't need a great deal of exercise or stimulation.
Late last year we got a rescue dog that is around 4 years old. We don't know the breed, but she's larger. Could be some lab in there, could be some Akbash. But she needs a ton of exercise -- four good walks per day. It's the only thing she's really happy doing.
So you're quite right to research what the dog needs in terms of exercise and attention and tailor your choice to your lifestyle. Be aware that with a rescue dog you likely won't have a clue about its past -- whether it's been mistreated and whether some stimuli will make it lash out. It's not often a big problem, but sometimes it is. I would image that a Greyhound that's been raced may not have had lot's of attention -- I stayed at a B&B once where they bred Greyhounds for racing, and the dogs were very much working animals and not pets. Not every dog is socialized to people, and the older it is when you get it, the more difficult it is for it to change.
Good luck.
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reader, anonymous, writes (20 July 2014): http://www.pedigree.com/all-things-dog/select-a-dog/BreedMatch.aspx - that is to find out what dog breed would most likely suit you and your lifestyle.
Do *months* of research and speak to your vet about health care costs because ALL dogs are susceptible to this or that and it can get VERY expensive. Also, YouTube Victoria Stilwell and Zak George. Please do NOT listen to Cesar Millan.
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