Greyhounds are excellent animal athletes. As they race and perform through their racing careers, they normally race until they are between 1.5 and 4 years old. Throughout this time, they become adjusted to being walked and lead on a leash, so upon retirement from their racing careers, they make wonderful pets!
As a retired athlete, they are intelligent, quiet, calm, clean, gentle, and all around good-natured and ready to adapt to a new home environment. They respond well to positive attention and reinforcement and thus they are a pleasure to train and work with for the new families they become a part of.
Greyhounds love attention and while they do want exercise, they do not need as much room to run as people might think. Inside the house, they like to curl up in a corner on a gentle rug. They are quiet creatures and perfectly well behaved inside a house and around people.
Greyhounds spend most of their lives with other dogs, trainers, and handlers, thus they are very sociable animals and get along well with others. Their temperament makes them an excellent breed to be around children. Their intelligence and dedication make them an excellent companion. And because they are well mannered, they are well behaved around company and in public.
There is certainly a local Greyhound Pets of America association near you. So consider adopting a former Greyhound athlete. For more information, check out the Tucson greyhound park (Tucson). Different clubs have different expectations and fees, but each will encourage you to come visit and find out more about whether a Greyhound might be right for you!
You can also help by volunteering your time. Most local chapters need volunteers to help with care, vet appointments, and even just shopping for doggie supplies. Of course, monetary donations are also valuable, but your time and love is needed most!