Snooty Interview with Mikey, Cookie and Holli!

I love hearing about other people’s experiences with greyhounds and what better way to share these perspectives than by carrying out some fun interviews with other “greyhound people”? Much love and thanks to the beautiful Mikey and Cookie, as well as their owner, Holli, for today’s interview!

Name of your greyhounds: Cookie and Mikey

Age of your greyhounds: Cookie is 6 and a half years old and Mikey is 3 years old

What was it that inspired you to take the plunge and adopt a retired greyhound?
I’ve always been a little bit curious about greyhounds. Years ago, I met one and she was so calm and gentle! My best friend’s boyfriend races greyhounds and I said to her one day, “Oh I will have one when they retire”. I was thinking it would be a couple of years before I got one, but she called me the next day and said Cookie was looking for her forever home and the rest is history! Cue my complete obsession with everything greyhound! They really are the most wonderful dogs!

What made you choose your particular greyhounds?
I didn’t get a choice with either of my greyhounds – I feel like they chose me! I already had a chihuahua called Cupcake and 2 cats called Fudge and Muffin, so Cookie with her name was clearly supposed to be! When she turned up at my door, I hadn’t met her before. She was fresh off the flight from Ireland. 

However, with Mikey, I saw a special appeal for him. He has seizures and he needs extra care, medication and regular visits to the vets for blood tests. His previous owner had tried to have him put to sleep because of the seizures, but he was only 2 years old! The Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust took him back and wanted a foster home for him, where they would kindly fund his on-going treatment, so that’s where I came in. He just fitted in so well that we said he would stay forever! 

What would you say was your biggest misconception that you had about the greyhound breed before you adopted one yourself?
The biggest misconception I had about greyhounds was that they need a lot of walks! My chihuahua wants to walk more than the greyhounds do! Two 20 minutes walks a day and they are happy! They sleep for at least 18 hours a day! 

What would you say was your biggest challenge with your greyhounds when you first adopted them?
The biggest challenge that I had with Cookie when I first adopted her was toilet training her in a home setting. Greyhounds love routine, just like kids, so if they know what is happening they do well. The biggest challenge with Mikey was his seizures. I took him in knowing he would be a challenge, so I just take every day as it comes and try to do the best by him.

How do you think you have changed as a person since adopting your greyhounds?
I have changed so much as a person since adopting my greyhounds! I’m completely obsessed with them and everything to do with them!  I have met loads of new friends with greyhounds and we regularly go walking which is great for the hounds and us. Cookie came into my life at a very low point for me and we have helped each other grow. They are the most beautiful souls – quirky, weird and wonderful!

What is your favourite thing about your greyhound?
My favourite thing about my greyhounds are their SNOOTS! (Their massive noses!) 

What would you like to say to anyone who might be considering adopting a greyhound?
To anyone who is thinking about adopting a greyhound, I would say don’t give up on them if at first they aren’t perfect! They have lived a life before they came to you that you can’t possibly understand and they need time to adjust. They say it takes at least 3 months for a dog to settle into a new home. They might have accidents and they might do things that you didn’t expect, but I promise you will be rewarded with the most amazing companion if you give them a chance! I couldn’t be without one now! 

Thanks again to the fabulous Mikey, Cookie and Holli!

Until next time…

Love and snoot kisses,

Berry x