Level, having recently retired from life as a racing greyhound, will be four years old in July. Level is in foster care while he waits for his forever home. Could it be with your family?
Currently, Level lives with a young boy (8 years of age), another foster (female) greyhound and an 11 year old miniature poodle. He gets along well with all the family members and is happy to meet and greet other children and animals alike. He walks well on leash and eliminates regularly during his leash walks. Level is crate trained (as are all retired racers) and continues to love his crate. It is his safe place to go for quiet time and meals. He is happy to spend time in his crate with or without his foster family nearby. In his foster home, Level is learning the basics and routines of living with a family. He is being house trained and learning new things like how to go up and down stairs and how to behave while walking on a leash.
Prior to adoption, Level will be neutered; microchipped and undergo fecal examinations, flea examinations and extensive blood tests, including tests for tick borne disease and heartworms. He will have his teeth cleaned, if required, and receive routine inoculations. In addition, Level will receive a special safety (martingale) collar and matching leash and muzzle. As with all retired racers, special care will need to be taken with Level. Greyhounds are sighthounds and can see movement a half mile away. No matter how strong their attachment to their new life and family, the movement of something as simple as a leaf blowing in the wind may signal their centuries old instinct to chase. He must never be off leash in an uncontained area. Greyhounds can reach their top speed of 45 mph in three strides! They can not be tethered outside nor can flexi-leads be used. Greyhounds are housedogs and should not be left outside for too long in any weather. For walks on especially cold days, it is recommended that dog coat or sweater be provided.
During their racing days, greyhounds are in constant contact with other dogs and trainers, making them friendly, social and non-aggressive. Greyhounds are quiet, calm and affectionate and love human companionship. Greyhounds require no more exercise than most other breeds of dogs and are often referred to as the “45 mph couch potato”. In fact, they are known to sleep 18 hours a day—longer if you let them!
If you think Level would be a good companion for your family, or if you simply want to get more information about adopting a retired racer, please contact GiNA through the website: www.meetgina.ca or email: greybiz@sympatico.ca or call 416 491 2505. All potential adopters will be asked to submit an application and participate in a home visit.
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Greyhounds in Need of Adoption (GiNA) was founded in June 2001 as a registered non-profit organization. Their mission is to promote awareness of the retired racer and the joys of adopting and living with a retired racer. Since inception GiNA has placed more than 200 greyhounds in their forever homes. GiNA continues to operate as a volunteer run organization. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization. Volunteers sit on the Board of Directors, coordinate and participate in dog runs to the United States to pick up dogs, organize events, participate in home visits and foster greyhounds.
If you are interested in learning more about life with a retired racing greyhound, please visit their website at www.meetgina.ca and take the interview with Duke. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact GiNA directly via email greybiz@sympatico.ca and by telephone 416 491 2505. GiNA welcome your inquiries.
