Better Than Potato Chips?
What could possibly be better than potato chips, so good that you really can’t have just one? I’ve found something, and it’s not food. All my life, I’ve been an animal lover. I’ve been the proud owner of dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, and rats. But not until recently have I experienced the pure love and joy that comes with adopting a greyhound.
Yes, I am talking about the skinny dog that races. We adopted our first greyhound, Snappy (CTW Snap Happy for you racing fans), after meeting her at a Meet and Greet in a local pet store. My then 3yr old son was scared of big dogs, meaning anything bigger than our 23lb sheltie, but he walked right up to Snappy and gave her a big hug the minute we walked in the store. We sat on the floor with her for the next 45 minutes and just loved on her. My husband took some convincing, but Snappy finally joined our family about a month later. She’s scared of my daughter’s rats, she gets along fine with the cat and our sheltie, and she adores my children. The way she does zoomies in the backyard as if she’s still racing around the track and then collapses on my husband’s lap for attention even convinced him of her charm. The whole family was sold.
Not only are we all sold, we’ve become downright obsessed. We have since become a three greyhound family, and we have found a mission. Along with some wonderful people in our adoption group, we are making a special effort to find loving homes for senior greyhounds.
Senior greyhounds, at least 8 yrs old, are the treasures of the greyhound world. In addition to the demeanor that comes to them naturally from being a greyhound, they have learned an infinite calm from life experience. Like most dogs, they do enjoy a nice walk and will have the occasional spurt of energy for zoomies and play with toys. But most of the time, senior greys are genteel and peaceful, preferring a comfy sofa or pillow to rambunctious behavior. They make wonderful companions for senior citizens, with whom they are happy to share retirement. But they also are terrific additions to many homes with children, who they tolerate well, appreciate their attention, and enjoy sharing playtime. These truly special creatures exhibit a noble dignity and sincere appreciation for the opportunity to live a life of leisure, cuddling on the couch or sleeping at their owner’s feet.
So next time you open a bag of potato chips and can’t stop at just one, consider how that same desire can transform not only your life but the life of a senior greyhound who has been waiting a long time for that forever home. It’s National Greyhound Adoption Month, so it’s a great time to go ahead and try it. Adopt one.