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Health & Fitness

On the Sixth Day of Christmas... Darby

For the Fifth Day of Christmas I shared the story of two dogs that were getting along quite well in a home with children. But as I noted, Greyhounds are a very special breed of dog that can be the right fit for many different circumstances. Because they are so gentle, low key and affectionate, they are also known to be one of the best breeds for older adopters that may find it difficult to care for a higher energy animal. Greyhound ownership knows no age limits.  

For a couple of longtime Greyhound owners, the questions of adopting another dog were more difficult to answer than they had been in the past. They contacted me soon after losing their fourth Greyhound, Daisy, but were hesitant to adopt because of the changes they were experiencing in their lives. In addition to moving to a smaller home, the fresh heartbreak of losing their Greyhound family member made it hard to think of adopting a new dog. “Maybe we’re too old for another dog”, they thought.

When they were ready, the adopters took a look at the available Greyhounds waiting for their “forever homes”. One photo of a beautiful Blue Brindle named Darby caught their eye. Darby had been in two other homes but was unable to settle in with other dogs or with other small animals (like cats). Her ideal “forever home” was one where there were no other dogs or small animals. In the photo, Darby was looking through a curtained window waiting for someone to come home. It was as if she was looking through that window and specifically waiting for them to come and take her home.

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The adopters weighed their options and considered getting a smaller dog. But like so many others who have discovered the joys of Greyhound ownership, these adopters knew that they would never own another breed of dog. So on New Year’s Day 2013, they adopted Darby and took her home. On the first night she went straight to her bed; it was as if this was destined to be her home all along. She loves the attention she gets from all the adopter’s friends and she is always the first to the door when the doorbell rings. And when the adopter’s sons visit during the holidays, she is so happy to be with them as well.

The adopter’s next door neighbors own a Shih Tzu named Tuxedo. With the difficulties Darby had in the past with other dogs and other small animals, there was some concern. But after a few controlled meetings, the two dogs amazingly became friends. Darby still needs to be the "queen bee" around other dogs, but with little Tuxedo, she has a special bond.

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As for the adopters, they tell me that Darby has established that they were not too old for Greyhound ownership. The husband says he is not one for walking unless it is absolutely necessary, but that Darby makes him happy to be out walking. For them, Greyhound ownership has also been a very healthy thing.

Did they imagine that Darby would be the best Greyhound they would ever have? No, but she has been. And she's still watching through the curtains at the window to know when her loving owners have arrived home.

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