As some of you know, 
we adopted our lurcher, Amelia, from Dog’s Trust three years ago now. For me, a confirmed cat-lover, this was a big step. But there was this gangly, stripy baby with huge brown eyes and floppy little ears and I was smitten. I didn’t stand a chance. (And if I’d argued with the rest of the family, I might have been left behind instead of the dog).
Smitten or not I had also done some research (because I’m a writer and a librarian so it’s all about the research). Sighthounds – and lurchers and greyhounds in particular – do not have a high adoption rate, which is very strange because they are truly a perfect family dog. They are sweet-tempered, gentle creatures, elegant and beautiful, almost deerlike. They need only a little exercise compared to other breeds, as they are sprinters by nature and prefer to sleep on the sofa in the sunshine.
Ours grew up with a fearsome tom-cat to show her the ropes, and when he passed away we got a new kitten. Amelia adopted her as surrogate baby. They sleep together, play together and miss each other when apart. And with the kids, our Diva Doggy is a dream. At school pick up I’ve seen her stand stock still, patient and calm, while the junior infants come over to pet her and fuss over her. She loves the attention.
If anyone is sad or upset, she cuddles up beside them, offering comfort and companionship. She even attempts to help me when I’m writing. They may look big, but they curl up to the size of a cushion. Ours is sometimes known as the donut dog.
I keep wondering if perhaps we got the fluke perfect dog from the litter. But no, every sighthound owner I’ve known says the same thing. By turns, elegant and goofy, affectionate and soulful, they are empathy personified.
Adopt a lurcher, greyhound, or some other gorgeous pointy dog today. They need your help and love and they will return that love a hundredfold. The only danger is that you will lose at least one sofa, probably the one that gets the most sunlight.
I fully support the work of the Greyhound Rescue Association Ireland. Amelia and I hope to meet many pointy dogs and their owners at the 2016 Walk for Greyhounds taking place in Farmleigh, Phoenix Park, Dublin, on Sunday, June 19th.
#Grá4Greyhounds
