On the Fifth Day of Christmas... Paladin and Freya

Greyhounds are a very special breed of dog that can be the right fit for many different circumstances. I’ve seen Greyhounds that are the perfect addition for families having special needs, for elderly adopters and for families with children. Because Greyhounds are gentle, low key and affectionate, they are known to be one of the best breeds in terms of being able to live with children. Paladin and Freya are two lucky Greyhounds whose loving adopters include three young children.

These adopters have a special connection to REGAPCT because the wife was raised with REGAPCT Greyhounds in the household. She counts herself lucky to have grown up with Greyhounds in her life, and, when her children were old enough to handle a dog, she told her husband he had two choices: a greyhound, or a greyhound.

Her husband was skeptical at first. He wondered if they'd be "social" enough, worried that they wouldn't be affectionate, and thought a Greyhound would need to be exercised regularly and rigorously. She told him to throw out all his preconceived notions, but he was still concerned that Greyhounds could not be trained to play catch, could not be taken for a walk without a leash, and could not go swimming with him in the lake.

As she told her husband, Greyhounds are known as 45 mile per hour couch potatoes for a reason. Though they like to run in short spurts, they require no more exercise than any other breed and they spend most of their days sleeping. And, while they can never be off leash unless they are in a fenced area, they most certainly play fetch and do love water.

When they contacted me, I had a Greyhound in mind that I thought would be a perfect fit for a family with children. They came to meet the sweet girl and she did not disappoint them. But for a family that had reservations, they quickly fell in love with the other Greys. In particular was Paladin, a black male who had attached himself to the husband and followed him everywhere he went. As they prepared to take their girl home, they could not ignore Paladin who seemed to know that they were the ticket to a wonderful “forever home”. The adopters came for their first Greyhound tha day, but left REGAPCT with TWO first Greyhounds.

Amongst owners, getting a second Greyhound is known as "chipping" because, like potato chips, you can't have just one. It is common to see many owners with two or more Greyhounds, but it usually takes them a year or so to get used to their first Grey before getting a second. But this family was special; they chipped on their first day!

It didn't take more than five minutes for the dogs to realize they were home. They absolutely adore their new owners and have been wonderful with the kids. They retrieve most anything thrown for them and turn themselves inside out for the chance to go for walks. They are constantly snuggling, they regularly seek affection, and feel they belong everywhere the husband goes (much to his delight).

The dogs have quickly integrated themselves into retirement and their owners describe them as absolute goofballs. They prefer to spend their afternoons in front of the fire or on the couch with the kids. Significantly, they both have been very gentle with the children (as can be seen from the photos above). The adopters feel that the Paladin and Freya are a part of our family.

In their own word: “I know that they say that adoption is something you do for the dogs that need homes. In our family, I think none of us would dispute that we've been the ones who have blessed by these adoptions. We are grateful every day that our greys have decided to adopt US. And our boy still remains glued to my husband!”