Snooty Interview with Pepper and Sean!

Hello, everyone! Today’s interview is with the stunningly beautiful Pepper and her wonderful owner, Sean. Read on to find out all about how Pepper captured Sean’s heart and found her forever home!

Name of your greyhound: Pepper

Age of your greyhound: 5

What was it that inspired you to take the plunge and adopt a retired greyhound?
I hit a point in my life when I felt I needed to take responsibility for something more than just myself. I had just passed my probation period for a new role that saw me have more disposable income as well as home working, so it was the perfect time to have a dog in my life – something I had always wanted but previously didn’t think I was in the position to do. During this time as well, the pandemic had just hit and living alone during the first period of it wasn’t at all fun, but it was the push I needed to actively get up and do something about adopting a dog.

My first step was to research into what breeds of dogs would suit apartment living and also my lifestyle. Greyhounds came up as one breed that would match this. I have always considered greyhounds to be stunning looking dogs with a lovely nature. Having a career where I have worked with charities, I fully appreciated the need to give this breed a good home after they reached retirement, as I don’t feel that they have necessarily had the privileged start to life that other breeds have.

What made you choose your particular greyhound?
I kept an eye out on several greyhound rehoming sites and, on one particular day, I came across a dog called Diva (Pepper’s racing name). She had completely different markings from any other dog I had seen on these sites and had these demonic eyes! For some unknown reason, I was immediately attracted to her and made some enquiries about her.

When I met her a couple of days later, she came out of the kennels like a rocket, full of excitement. I fell in love with her almost immediately and I have never regretted choosing her.

What would you say was your biggest misconception that you had about the greyhound breed before you adopted one yourself?
They are not like any other breed of dog due to their upbringing. There are a number of things you have to introduce them to, much like if you had taken on a puppy. The reason being that greyhounds have not experienced a life outside of kennels. Things like living in a home, playing with toys and meeting other animals are all new experiences and can be scary for them at first.

What would you say was your biggest challenge with your greyhound when you first adopted her?
Getting into a routine that suited both Pepper and myself. Having to cope with no more lay-ins (as Pepper tends to like an early start!) and going out in all types of weather conditions so she can do her business.

How do you think you have changed as a person since adopting your greyhound?
I have become very protective of Pepper, putting her needs before mine. As she can sometimes be reactive towards other breeds – an area that we are working on together – I am always conscious of not putting her into situations which may cause her stress. Before I do anything, I put a lot more thought into how/if this would affect Pepper.

I would also say that, as a dog owner, I am more aware of other dogs and their needs now more than ever. I wouldn’t just go up to someone’s dog and stroke it without asking the permission of the owner and making sure the dog is comfortable being close to me.

What is your favourite thing about your greyhound?
This is a hard one as Pepper has so many things about her that I love. I would have to say that she makes me laugh on a daily basis with her stupidity. How can you not laugh when she is roaching away on her back with her tongue hanging out?!

She also looks at me so adoringly that it melts my heart and then, of course, she gets all the treats!

What would you like to say to anyone who might be considering adopting a greyhound?
They are amazing dogs, you will fall head over heels for them and most likely want more. But have a big think about it before you adopt a greyhound – remember they are not like taking on a puppy, as you can’t necessarily bring them home and be all over them. You have to give them time and space so they can get used to living in a home environment and feel safe. This could take months and you have to be patient. But the feeling you get once your hound is completely settled with you and being in a home is priceless!

The greyhound community provides an amazing support network that is always there for you. Plus, we attend monthly greyhound walks locally!