Racing greyhounds have a short career and, when they retire, many need a loving home to go to. The Retired Greyhound Trust helps place these gentle dogs with caring owners.
Greyhounds spend their working lives racing week in and week out, giving their all to entertain the crowds, but once their short careers are over, these fast and elegant dogs face a long and sometimes lonely retirement.
In the UK, it is estimated that at least 9,000 greyhounds come to the end of their racing careers every year. Many of them, often no more than three or four years old, live out a happy retirement in their owners’ homes. But not all are so lucky. That’s where the Retired Greyhound Trust (RGT) comes into its own. With more than 60 branches nationwide run by an army of volunteers, the charity is dedicated to finding loving owners for greyhounds that have retired from the racetrack. Last year alone, the RGT found homes for nearly 3,500 dogs, and in its 30-year history the charity has helped almost 35,000 greyhounds.
Greyhounds make fantastic pets—they are gentle and affectionate and, despite appearances, they do not need huge amounts of exercise. One person who knows these dogs well is Denise Dubarbier, who runs the kennels for Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare, one of RGT’s local branches. “The majority of the 50 to 60 dogs we care for at any one time are ex-Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium racers,” she explains. “Greyhounds have a lovely temperament—they are kind, easy-going, adaptable—oh, and lazy, happy to do with just a couple of short walks a day! I love seeing people’s reaction when they meet a greyhound for the first time. They are totally surprised by their gentle nature because most people think of them as highly strung.”
This year, the RGT is promoting two campaigns to urge more people to help these dogs. Firstly, it is appealing for individuals and families to contact their local branches and volunteer as dog walkers—a fun and healthy activity that will appeal if you’re unable to have a pet in your home. Secondly, the charity is encouraging the adoption of black greyhounds, which are often overlooked in the adoption stakes in favour of their more brightly coloured fawn, brindle and blue brothers and sisters.
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