HOMING -
FROM A GREYHOUND
POINT OF VIEW ...
CLYDE MOVED TO HIS
NEW HOME ON
SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2019
We followed HIS real-life, real-time story up to Christmas 2019, as he adapted from working life to retirement as a pet.
CLYDE'S NEW FAMILY ARE EXPERIENCED GREYHOUND PEOPLE
- EVEN NEW DEERHOUND SISTER BONNIE HAS ALREADY SHARED HER HOME WITH SEVERAL GREYHOUND COMPANIONS!
EPISODE 1 - BEGINNINGS
You may have seen me before - on the page of Greyhounds Needing Homes.
My name was Declan then, but I didn't really know it. I had retired from my job as an athlete and moved to the new kennels, where I was really well looked after and wanted to make friends with everyone. I didn't know what was waiting for me .....
12TH SEPTEMBER - A BIG DAY!
Something happened today, I think I have a home!
A lady came to see me with her big dog, Bonnie, a deerhound. We had the usual sniffs, a lIttle walk & then we were let off our leads in the run to see how we got on - it was great; me & Bonnie were chasing each other & playing, Bonnie was following me & we had fun. I heard her mum say 'I think Bonnie has chosen'. I've had to go back to my kennel but mum has given me a collar & a thing called an ID tag, she says she will be back for me on Saturday afternoon. I think this could be really good. I'm going to have my own family.
I'M IN MY HOME NOW!
I was really anxious & didn't want to get in the car but I'm in my home now. I have a mum and dad.
All my senses have been working really hard with everything so new & different to the kennels. Me & Bonnie are slowly getting used to each other & she has been introducing me to some of her doggy friends.
And I soon had my first, gentle, official outing with my mum doing a bit of GTWY stuff, collecting a donation to help others like me. Mum was proud of me as I met 2 big horses, some young children & a cat!
Mum said I was so good - but I DID have her to help me!
EPISODE 2 -
MY FIRST WEEK
INTERESTING SO FAR!
NEW EXPERIENCES: I have experienced the vacuum cleaner and the washing machine for the first time - mum said I didn’t need to worry about the noise & Bonnie wasn’t worried so I ignored it.
Me & mum or dad have been sitting on / by a bench by the main road so that I could just listen & see things. So much that's new!
NEW FRIENDS: I’ve met new people & made friends. I've also met some of Bonnie's doggy friends - they were calm, mum was calm, Bonnie was calm - so I stayed calm and we all got on fine.
NEW TOYS: I may be 5, but I am finding toys to play with and loving it! A new aunty brought me my very own squeaky toy- a monkey - broke it in 5 mins but it’s fun.
A MUZZLE TO KEEP ME SAFE WHILE I'M LEARNING
NEW PLACES: Mum took me to a place called a pet shop to meet people & look around- the staff were really impressed with me!
NEW CHALLENGES: We went to visit a friend who has a thing called stairs to get to her flat - that was a big problem, I don’t know how to do stairs so mum had to help me - I got down them much easier. I don't know how to get into the car either ... so have to be lifted in. Such a lot to learn!
I have wondered - why is there a baby gate stopping me getting into the kitchen? There are lots of lovely smells coming from there & I can see lots of food, I‘m just the right height to reach the worktops so I could get all sorts of stuff! Apparently that’s exactly why I can’t get into the kitchen - so I can’t pinch things, I will stay safe & I don’t get in the way when there’s cooking.
Rice! She put rice on my breakfast, what do I do with that? Yuck, don’t like that!
REST: My brain has had a lot to cope with so I have needed lots of sleep! But I wasn't sure about the dog bed things, so mum and dad gave me some lovely vetbed and that helped me to settle.
LEARNING TO RELAX WITH BONNIE
THE END OF THE WEEK .... Mum's left me for a few hours at the end of the week. She’s been building up the time so that I get used to it. It’s worth being on my own sometimes cos she makes my den nice & comfortable with a cover over the top so I feel safe. And she leaves me treats! Some of them I have to work out how to get the treats out so when I’ve finished I’m tired. I’m getting used to mum going out as I know she’s going to come back.
A DELICATE SUBJECT ... but its been part of me settling in this week - house training, wees & poos. Us ex-racing greyhounds are used to a routine with this when we are in the kennels so most of us get used to things quickly. Mum got me home & straight away took me for a walk with Bonnie, then she took me into the garden on a regular basis & especially after my meals. I soon learnt where the door was because mum watched me for my signals. I learnt quickly that I was going out regularly & I haven't had one accident! I've also started weeing & pooing on our walks, I hope mum realises that I'm trying to show her that I feel happy enough to do that now.
We have been watching the world again, this time from outside the pub, so I could see people coming and going, lots of traffic and noise.
And I am so enjoying lying in the garden in the sun!
I have been here for a week now - I wish my friends still at the kennels had their own homes because I can highly recommend it!
EPISODE 3 - 2 WEEKS IN ...
WHAT A WEEK! I HAVE LEARNT SO MUCH.
I have tried different foods but not too many new things as mum doesn't want me having an upset tummy with too much change from when I was at the kennels. I did have my first taste of fish from the fish & chip shop though - that was lovely. I've also tried mackerel in sunflower oil - mum says that will be good for my coat.
I have made new doggy and human friends
Although I am sharing my home with another dog, mum & dad still make sure that we both get some 1-1 time.
I did overstep the mark though & got too confident - I took a toy that Bonnie wanted & she told me off. I will learn
I am also learning that it’s ok to spend time by myself; mum is getting me used to it & building up the time.
I've even started to get my own toys from the toy box.
PET SHOP, VETS AND SCARY THINGS
Mum took me to a large pet shop - people, children, smells, noises, other dogs. I was a little unsure but mum reassured me so I did ok.
Out on a walk & I did get spooked by some large plastic storage containers. When mum saw what had frightened me we just stood looking at them for a minute & I realised that I didn't need to be scared & could continue my walk.
I've also been to the vet - I'm not ill but mum thought it would be a good experience for me to go - she got me registered & we just sat in the waiting room for a bit so that I could take it all in & meet some of the people that work there.
The dark is scary - I'm not sure about walking in the dark as everything looks different & I was never used to doing that when I was in the kennels. I do get a little bit spooked on my night-time walk.
Reflections in windows were a shock! Very confusing.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE WALKING...
Rain - all week! - I've decided I don't like rain but apparently I still need to go out for a walk to have a bit of exercise. We do different routes each time so that I am getting used to everything locally. I'd prefer to stay inside but I've got my coat, so no excuses.
And now I've been to a place called a 'park' for a walk - I was a little apprehensive at first - lots of new sights, sounds, smells, people, dogs, a lake & lots of wildfowl. But people & dogs were very friendly with me & by the end I was happily sniffing around. I think I would like to go there again.
I’ve had a lot of help with getting me used to all kinds of sights & sounds.
I've learned about the firm voice ... a certain voice that mum uses that means that I have to be good!
And now my name - I didn't know it when I came to live here but mum & dad have kept repeating it a lot when they are talking to me & I am beginning to respond to it!
EPISODE 4 - BECOMING SETTLED - AND CHEEKY!
3rd week - & I'm doing really well, I think ... Apparently some greyhounds don't settle quite so quickly.
I’m starting to enjoy the attention I’m getting when we are out and about.
I went to help with some GTWY stuff at a local large pet shop and settled into ‘the job’ quite quickly. A couple of other GTWY greyhounds were there too and they gave me confidence. I had a lovely nap in the car; but best of all - I got a new bed for my efforts, I love it!
I'm learning that getting love & cuddles is really nice.
And I'm beginning to show my cheeky side now that I'm getting more settled - I've discovered the hens in the garden … I have to learn not to upset them!
I've also realised that sometimes my bed isn't quite in the right place so I will pick it up & take it to where I want it, even if its in another room.
More places to walk, with different sounds & smells - I wasn't sure about all the noise that school children were making! Nor a fire engine & breakdown truck, which were really noisy - but mum let me just stand & look at them. And a decorator at home … such chaos to cope with! And I DO need my rest!
Now that I have discovered ‘other foods’ with my biscuits I get very bouncy & excited when mum and dad are eating.
I do like scrambled egg, hard boiled egg, cheese, mince, chicken & anything that is on mum or dads plate - apparently that is not good and I have to learn to be calm and wait!
Should I not be doing this .....?
EPISODE 5
MY FIRST MONTH ...
My one month anniversary - I have learnt so much in that time:
I know my name - nearly
I know I am safe & loved & I am building a trusting relationship with my mum & dad
I know that dog beds are good to sleep on & I don’t need to settle in the corner of the room like I did the first few days - Vetbed was good when I first arrived but I like the comfy stuff now!
I don’t need my den now - I was using it on a night but haven't really needed it for ages & don't need a small area to feel safe any more
I don’t need to worry at night-time, I soon learnt that I would see mum & dad in the morning
I know its ok to be left at home if mum & dad go out - they will be back
I love to greet my dad when he gets home from work
I feel safe going for a walk in the dark
I did have an accident after my tea one evening this week - I peed on the dining room floor. Mum said it wasn't my fault - she wasn't watching me to let me into the garden as she usually does as soon as I've eaten. She wasn't mad because she realised she should have been watching me instead of getting sidetracked with something else!
I am a good friend with Bonnie, we play lots & go for walks together
Food is good - I wasn’t sure about food other than my biscuits when I arrived but now I will try anything,
I don’t wear my muzzle so much now as I trust mum and dad, they know me & how I will respond to situations - so keep me safe
I have experienced so much & been to lots of different places to get me used to normal everyday things and I’ve made lots of new friends- with 2 legs & 4
Mum says that I am showing my personality now & have changed a lot -
I am relaxing & gaining confidence every day
My world has changed so much
Mum and Dad say that I have been really good since I arrived here, that Bonnie chose me well.
I know that some of my greyhound friends find it a little harder to settle & it takes longer but we are all individual & will settle in our own time
EPISODE 6
ANOTHER INTERESTING WEEK - WITH MORE 'FIRSTS' FOR MY EXPERIENCE LIST
GTWY SOCIAL ...
I went with mum & dad to Emley Community Centre for the GTWY social. I was a little unsure at first but got used to it & talked to so many greyhounds & people - some of the people have even been reading my diary!
I talked to some people that were thinking of getting a greyhound - hope I did a good job!
I fell asleep in the car on the way home & still had a good long sleep on my favourite bed when I got there. All these new experiences take a lot out of you
THE PUB ...
After a quiet couple of days there was more excitement. Two of my favourite people, Robert & Rachael, came to see us - Bonnie loves them so I make a big fuss of them as well. We all went out for a walk & ended up at a place called a ‘pub'. Its the first time I have been there and I was a bit uneasy at first - lots of different noises & smells … but a lady brought us some water & lots of people wanted to talk to us - and Bonnie knows the ropes so we settled down together.
TRICKY THINGS ...
But there are still things I find very perplexing …..
Take reversing - I was a racing greyhound, running fast and always going forward. I’m not used to being asked to go backwards and have trouble trying to co-ordinate my legs. Getting stuck in between furniture and having to be helped out is a little bit embarrassing!
And steps - I'm certainly getting better on steps - thats all about coordinating legs as well - but I haven’t tried the staircase yet! Maybe next week …..
EPISODE 7 - REALLY SETTLING IN!
If you are a dog it doesn't matter what the weather is like, you still have to go out ….. And I have needed a coat a lot just lately. I know it’s not my colour but I haven’t got my own fleece yet - this is one that Bonnie’s sister Lucy used to wear. Mum says she’s going to get me some new ones for winter. Once we get home after our wet & chilly walks, Bonnie and me now have a little competition for who gets the best bed!
ANOTHER FIRST
Another first for me. Mum took me to a place called Hound Land which is a safe, enclosed area for dogs to have some freedom & a run. I didn't know what to do at first & spent ages with my nose to the ground sniffing everything, but I had fun when I had inspected everywhere & realised that I wasn't on my lead. Mum reckons it’s the safest way for us sighthounds to have some freedom & a run so we will be going back again soon. Of course, I did need a good rest afterwards .....
PERFECTING THE ART ...
Mum says that I still have some things to learn but look at me now, I think that I am perfecting the art of being a pet. I wish my kennel friends could see me - I hope your turn will come soon for a home - & I highly recommend it.
EPISODE 8
GETTING OUT AND ABOUT
I'M A VOLUNTEER NOW
Last weekend I helped out at a GTWY promotion event at Kirkstall Abbey with some of my GTWY friends. We had lots of people talking to us & making a fuss - lots of treats were involved as well! I really did well with the support of my people and the other greyhounds & took it all in my stride.
Hopefully people saw what great pets we make when we retire from racing.
IS THAT FOOD?
And what a day I had later in the week!
First, I met mums grand-daugther, who is 5yrs old. She was very good with me - knew that she needed to be gentle & quiet when we first met. She gave me treats & stroked me carefully & we even went for a walk. I liked being around her & watching what she was doing - though all the stuff that looked like food, but wasn’t, was very confusing …
A VERY STRANGE PLACE
Later, when it was dark, I had my first ride in the car at night-time - that was strange as everything looked different.
Then a new place. I unceremoniously got down about 8 steps & walked into a room of puppies & owners. My mum has a friend who is a dog trainer & she had said that I could go & sit in a corner to watch what was going on - more socialisation for me & to see how I reacted around the puppies in a controlled environment.
It wasn't my finest moment ….. I was really shaking when I went in & took a while to stop. A large room, lots of puppies & people - I wasn't right sure about it at all - I did relax a bit and everyone was really nice to me; & I got lots of treats - again! Back up the steps, not very elegantly, & back home.
I was shattered!
IT'S NOVEMBER - AND THERE ARE FIREWORKS!
Apparently this is a regular thing - And the noise has started …. mum says that it will be going on for several days.
The noises aren't bothering me too much yet, which mum is pleased about as she knows how frightened some dogs & other animals can get when they hear the noise of fireworks & see the flashes.
But she is still going to make sure that me & Bonnie are ok over the coming days - we won't be having late walks, the TV will be on loud, lights on over all the house, we will have a safe place to go if we do get frightened & we will be playing games to take our minds off any noise - she mentioned something about lots of treats as well, that sounds good!
Here goes …..
AND THAT'S IT FOR NOW .....
This is my last diary entry for now - I have been in my new home for nearly 2 months and I hope I have given you an idea of some of the things we greyhounds have to deal with when we move to being a pet.
I have apparently been a very good lad. I have had lots of help, support and understanding, which has made things easier for me. And I have done a lot of relaxing into my new role.
I have a way to go yet - and I will give an update around Christmas time to let my diary readers know how I am getting on.
But for now - thank you for reading.
And if you ARE thinking of homing a greyhound - from the greyhound point of view, it will be fantastic!
CLYDE'S CHRISTMAS ROUND UP
Homed on September 14th, 2019, Clyde has been with his new family for more than 3 months now.
He promised to give us an update at Christmas, and here it is ....
IT'S NEARLY CHRISTMAS ....
I FEEL LIKE THE QUEEN updating you all at Christmas!
It doesn’t seem like 2 minutes since I lost the title of ‘athlete’, moved into my home & got my title of ‘pet’.
I continue to build my confidence with all the day to day things, although I have to admit that I still can’t get up the stairs very well - or jump in the car - I did once manage to go upstairs but Mum had to stand in front of me to guide me back down; it looked really scary from the top!
Things like house training have gone very well though. I am getting on great with my sister Bonnie and have learned to be polite when I meet people - imagine getting treats for just behaving yourself!
REALLY SETTLING IN .....
MUM CALLS ME HER ‘CUDDLE MONSTER’
I love to settle down with her & just cuddle whenever possible. We go out for lots of walks & she talks to me; its nice to hear her voice as it gives me confidence. I’m probably a bit of a worrier really, so the support makes everything so much easier.
I love food, any food - but no stealing! I have become really good at waiting patiently whilst mum & dad are eating - it helps that I know they will share later! It takes a while to get into all of those new tastes, but, boy, is it worth it!
BEING HELPFUL .....
I NOW REGULARLY HELP AT GTWY EVENTS
I think I’m rather good at it … & its nice meeting so many people that want to fuss us & find out about homing one of the GTWY greyhounds - some of them even tell me that they have read my diary! It’s tiring work getting so much attention & showing people what great pets we become. Here I am with my friend Hetty & the other picture was taken 15 minutes after I got home!
AND GETTING TIRED .....
SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF .....
Well, partly as a result of seeing my diary & meeting me at an event some lovely people decided to adopt a greyhound from GTWY - they had their home visit & chose their dog … great result.
As we say in Yorkshire - 'I'm chuffed to bits’.
GTWY CHRISTMAS TREE
ME AT ST JAMES' CHURCH
I have helped mum with the GTWY Christmas tree at the Christmas Tree Festival at St James’ Church & everyone thought I behaved really well whilst I was in there - they have said that I can go back!
AND SANTA!
AND I ACTUALLY MET SANTA!
The No1 Elf took me to see him - I walked through the grotto & he even had a present for me! And I got sausage in the cafe afterwards - what an afternoon that was! Christmas sounds like it will be great - another first.
ME THEN .....
A RETIRED ATHLETE
There will be more firsts - and more new challenges - in 2020. Mum has been talking about something called ‘holidays’, which is a mystery just yet, but I'm sure I will soon find out.
I might have been here a few months now but I am still learning & looking forward to lots more new experiences.
The first picture here was my kennel picture when I was waiting for my home & the other is how I spend most of my time now!
AND NOW!
TO A MUCH LOVED PET!
To all my greyhound friends still at the kennels - its well worth being patient; your turn will come & I can highly recommend it. It’s strange in the early days but you will get used to it with the help of your family.
Thank you for following my diary.
And Happy Christmas Everyone!
CLYDE'S DIARY UPDATE
14TH SEPTEMBER 2020
GOTCHA DAY!
It's my Gotcha Day!
Wow, I’m home - I mean really home! I thought it was good when I first moved in with Bonnie, mum & dad; but I’ve been here a year now. It's my first anniversary &, boy, am I settled & happy.
I’ve learnt all sorts of things through the year. I will eat anything now - even rice, my confidence has built up, I’ve made lots of friends, I love going out for walks or in the car & if we take a picnic, that's even better. I get on great with Bonnie & if we are both in the mood to play its 'watch-out mum & dad' cos both of us race around the garden & into the house.
At bedtime I get nice & cosy on the sofa & sleep there until the morning.
LOTS OF LEARNING!
The only thing that I haven’t mastered is going up the stairs, but mum says that doesn’t matter - the strange thing is that I can do steps easily when I am outside - never mind, there's no harm in keeping mum & dad guessing.
As for the car - it only took me 6 months & mum changing the car but I do now manage to jump in all by myself!
I highly recommend sharing your humans' food if it’s offered but you have to remember your manners ...
I had been promised holidays; Bonnie recommended them but Mum says that because of that Covid thingy everything had to stop for a long time - I had to stop talking to my human & doggy friends for ages & life went very quiet. This made me lose my confidence over the months, but all that has come back to me now that we are getting out more & seeing things again.
I’ve even been out in the motorhome, including to sleep in it!
BRING ON THE HOLIDAYS!
Wow, I didn't know that you could sleep in motorhomes & stay away from home for the night - I do now! I have been on a mini holiday & I got to sleep in the motorhome for the first time, it was great snuggled up to mum all night. I was really good when we were travelling & then we got to share lots of food & treats & lovely walks with mum & dad. Mum says that next year when we go on holiday it will be for longer so I say 'bring it on'!
I nearly forgot - I went to the seaside for the first time as well! All that fresh air tired me out
WHAT ARE MY FAVOURITE THINGS YOU MAY ASK?
Cuddles - no question
Resting - obvious
My toys - sometimes I even like to get all my toys out of the toy box at once
Cuddles
Walks and picnics
Relaxing
Sunning myself in the garden
Playing with Bonnie
Cuddles
Sharing mum and dad's food
And I think I am going to love holidays!
Its a hard life being a retired racing greyhound but I'm coping
GREAT THINGS STILL TO COME
I still have one or two things that will suddenly spook me but mum says that I have done really well in my first year especially as we had to put up with Covid-19 half way through it.
One of the things I have really missed because of Covid is seeing all my greyhound & human friends from GTWY, I love it when I see a greyhound if we are out on a walk & always want to talk to them & their owners but mum says that we have to stay safe & not rush to meet up with every-one until it is safe enough.
If that was my first year, roll on the next few years cos I reckon it will be even better!
CHECK OUT THE EARLY DAYS
