Snooty Interview with Tammy and Dee!

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! To start 2021 off nicely, I thought about how much I love hearing other people’s experiences with greyhounds. So, what better way to share these perspectives than by carrying out some fun interviews with other “greyhound people”? Much love and thanks to the darling Tammy and her owner, Dee, for today’s interview!

Name of your greyhound: Tammy

Age of your greyhound: 7 years old

What was it that inspired you to take the plunge and adopt a retired greyhound?
I was volunteering at the local greyhound kennels in Brentwood, because I was working 4 days full time. Once volunteering there, I met Tammy and she quickly became my favourite! One day, she was reserved and I spoke to my husband, saying that I was upset she had been reserved, but if I couldn’t take her I was pleased she was going to a home… However, for some reason, it fell through and I immediately told my husband. He told me to bring her home to see how she gets on and that we could organise a dog walker to come and take her out in the day so she wouldn’t be on her own. We brought her home for a trial and she slotted in straight away! We were reassured that she was the perfect (pawfect!) fit for us.

What made you choose your particular greyhound?
Tammy is such a gentle, kind soul and, when I used to walk her as a volunteer, she used to stop and look up at me for cuddles. She would wag her tail especially for me on a Friday and used to lean against me. She definitely chose me!

What would you say was your biggest misconception that you had about the greyhound breed before you adopted one yourself?
I always knew that greyhounds didn’t need lots of exercise but  I really underestimated their capacity for sleep! Tammy sleeps a good 16-18 hours of the day, if not more! Sometimes, I have to get her out of bed for a walk and it’s gone 10.30am!

What would you say was your biggest challenge with your greyhound when you first adopted her?
I think we were very lucky with Tammy in that she settled in well – no accidents, no crying or separation anxiety. The main “challenge” we had with Tammy was her shyness, fear and prone to crying. She used to cry when her harness was clipped, she was wary of men and jumpy around buses/bikes/children. We worked on her confidence – letting strangers give her treats and reassure her and we walked her in lots of new places to get her confidence up. She used to run upstairs when we had friends over, but now she is the first one at the door with her tail wagging!

How do you think you have changed as a person since adopting your greyhound?
Tammy has helped me a lot with my anxiety and has meant that, even on days I feel like staying in and doing nothing, I take her for a walk and I automatically feel better. Greyhounds are wonderfully calming dogs, which can also make them great therapy dogs.

What is your favourite thing about your greyhound?
Her completely sweet, angelic nature!

What would you like to say to anyone who might be considering adopting a greyhound?
Please understand that they have spent their whole lives in kennels. They have never seen stairs, mirrors or anything you take for granted. Patience is key and understand that it will take time for your greyhound to settle – and some will settle quicker than others. But they will give you so much joy, love and fun… and are so addictive you’ll probably not stop at one! 😉

Thanks again to the marvellous Tammy and Dee!

Happy New Year to you all!

Love and snoot kisses,

Berry x