Some Things Simply Get Better With Age.
Wine becomes more delicious and valuable. Trees provide more shade and beauty the older they get. Antiques and collectibles are more precious and sought after as time goes by and tomatoes need time to ripen on the vine.
Why is it, then, that people don't apply the same reasoning to greyhounds? Older greyhounds make wonderful pets and should be considered by anyone interested in adopting a greyhound. They generally possess characteristics that make them very desirable!
One of the joys of adopting a greyhound from Kansas City REGAP (Retired Greyhounds as Pets) is that, generally, the dogs are past the puppy stage. They tend to adapt more quickly to home life, and the adjustment to being a beloved pet is often remarkably easy.
That tends to be even more true for the older greyhounds that REGAP places. And the need for homes for these older dogs is increasing - the not-for-profit adoption agency is finding that it has more older greyhounds in need of homes. Many times, the public's perception is that the older dogs are not worthy of serious consideration as adoptables.
But that simply couldn't be farther from the truth.
These dogs deserve loving homes, and can provide just as much joy and companionship as younger dogs. REGAP's older greyhounds have either lived their entire lives in a kennel or have for some reason been abandoned by those who had been entrusted to care for them. Greyhounds boast an average life span of 12 to 14 years, so a dog that is 8 or 9 still has plenty of good living yet to do! After their less-than-loving lives, they deserve to go to a home where people will care about them, where they can sleep on a soft bed, eat healthy meals and simply be a dog.
Older greyhounds tend to be obviously appreciative of the chance to have a loving home. They don't require as much animated time as younger animals (remember that even younger greyhounds are called 40 mile-per-hour couch potatoes!), are very easy to bring into a home and will, in most cases, give far more than they demand.
Remember the older greyhound. Just as valuable, just as lovable, just as precious. Just as in need of a loving home.