tahliamcfarlanerspca

[tahliamcfarlanerspca]

How to care for chickens

Does the thought of having fresh home grown eggs ready and available appeal to you? But is the thought of having your own chickens daunting to you, fear no more, I’m here to help ease you into the process.  

Just remember your chickens will have all the basic needs that any other pet will have; food, water, shelter, love and attention. Having chickens is an easy task as long as you have everything required to keep them happy and healthy.

Chickens will not only supply you with fresh eggs daily without even having to leave the house but they also help compost your scraps into nutritious soil for other fresh fruit or vegetables to grow. You’ll be one step closer to sustainable living!

Do remember that chickens will take up a lot of your time! Daily feeding, water checks, clean coop, collecting eggs and most importantly keeping them safe from predictors!

Shelter

It is important to make sure you have enough outdoor space before you get started.

Each chicken needs roughly 10 spare feet of outdoor space, enough room to move around and exercise, the more room to play the happier they’ll be. You can let them roam free during the day outside of their coop, once the sun starts to set they’ll naturally head back into their coop. But make sure you keep an eye on them, to ensure their safety.

Just like dogs and cats, chickens must have shelter to protect them from temperature extremes; wind, rain, heat and cold. To feel comfortable and confident to lay eggs, they need a safe, quiet, dark place that is lined with straw. The shelter should have access to a grassy patch, be weatherproof and can be locked at night. Keeping your chickens away from predators is best done by having a strong frame with galvanised wire mesh. To further protect them you can go as far as predator sensor lights, wire mesh flooring and an auto door.

Don’t worry if you feel as though your handy man skills are not up to scratch, there are plenty of ready-to-go chicken coops available for purchase.

Food

Chickens will almost eat anything you give them, they should be fed good quality poultry pellet and burrowing worms or insects. In addition, they’ll also eat your kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable cut-offs and cooked oats, rice and pasta. Do you like eating the same food every day? No? Chickens are just like us, they like a variety of food, so try not to feed them the same thing every day.

It is recommended to avoid; rhubarb, avocado, chocolate, onion, garlic, citrus fruits, lawn mower clippings, raw green potato peels, and dried or undercooked beans.

To supplement the calcium levels of laying hens, dried and crushed egg shells should be added to their food occasionally.

Make sure your chicken’s food isn’t left lying around or it might attract rodents. To ensure this doesn’t happen store all food in secure containers. The best way to feed them will be to invest in an enclosed feeder that won’t make any excess mess.

Chickens need a constant supply of fresh water, they drink between 500 ml to 1 L of water per day. So make sure they always have fresh water available to them. Or they will become dehydrated.

Care

Your chickens will need to be wormed regularly with worming products that can be purchased from a vet or pet shop. They also have the possibility of becoming ill, but not all vets will be experienced in caring for chickens, so make sure you find one that is suitable.

Want new feathered family members? Head over to rspcaqld.org.au/adopt

[tahliamcfarlanerspca]

Animal sayings what do they mean

Ever wonder what the popular animal sayings mean and how to correctly use them? Fear no more we are here to help!

Barking up the wrong tree

To make a wrong assumption about someone or something.

The origin is to do with dogs using their strong sense of smell to hunt. If the prey were to run up a tree, they would “bark up a tree” to alert the hunters where the animal went. But like humans, dogs can make mistakes! Therefore barking up the wrong tree.

Simon was barking up the wrong tree when he said I stole his homework, when in fact his dog ate his homework!

Love birds

Two people who are in love.

Lovebirds are small parrots that are very fond of their mate. They get their name from the strong affection they show for their partner.

Aww look at those love birds over there holding hands

Crocodile tears

Tears or expressions of sorrow that are insincere

It is said that crocodiles would weep while devouring their prey.

She shed crocodile tears when she dismissed him from his job

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth

Receiving a gift and being ungrateful.

Teeth are regarded as the guide to a horse’s age and health, when you buy a horse you should check its teeth. However, if someone gives you a horse as a gift, it is considered ungrateful to check its teeth.

I know the cars not in great condition, but you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Get off your high horse

To talk to someone as if you are ‘higher’ than them.

The size and height of the horse a noble or person rode, reflected their rank, in the medieval times. This is how the phrase ‘on one's high horse’ came to mean ‘superior’.

It's time to get off your high horse and admitted you were wrong.

Cry wolf

Someone crying for help when they don’t actually need it.

The origin comes from the boy who cried wolf. A young boy who was responsible for watching over the sheep grew bored and decided to call out “wolf, wolf” for fun. People came to help only to find it was a joke/prank. So when the time came when it was real, no one came.

My wife keeps crying wolf that there’s a spider in the shower, but I never see it.

Elephant in the room

Ignoring an obvious problem.

If there was literally an elephant in the room, it would be absurd to ignore it.

No one wanted to discuss the elephant in the room of Gemma losing her job.

Fish out of water

Someone being in a situation that they are unfamiliar or unsuited for.

When I had to host the meeting at work today, I felt like a fish out of water.

Happy as a clam

To be happy!

When the tides are low the clams are most vulnerable to humans digging them out. So when there is high tides, the clams are happy because they are less likely to get caught and eaten.

After thinking I had forgotten my lunch for today, I was as happy as a clam when checked my car to find it!

I smell a rat

Feeling as though something is not quite right.

Rats were seen to be pests and carrier of diseases, so dogs were praised for being able to smell them out. The idea then transferred to a person who was suspicious of something.

When he made that offer, I smelled a rat. It sounded too good to be true.

Can’t teach an old dog new tricks

It's challenging to teach a person something new, usually because that person has been doing what they do for so long that learning how to do it differently is hard.

I tried to show my mum how to use email, but I guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

[tahliamcfarlanerspca]

[tahliamcfarlanerspca]

Events Calendar

National Op Shop Week

21 – 27 August

Love hunting for a bargain? Support your local Op Shop for National Op Shop Week and the fantastic work that charitable shops do for their communities! We currently have 13 RSPCA Op Shops across Queensland and are always looking for good quality second hand items, so why not take this week to Spring clean and donate too! To find your nearest RSPCA Op Shop and check out fantastic in store specials, visit rspcaqld.org.au/locations.

Bridge to Brisbane

Sunday, 27 August

Bridge to Brisbane Day is all about celebrating the best sights Brisbane has to offer, whilst running or walking for a good cause! You can participate and help give back to the community, get your family, friends or workmates on board to help raise money for Team RSPCA or your chosen charity! To register to participate, visit bridgetobrisbaneday.com.au.  

Cupcake Day – FEATURED EVENT

Monday, 21 August

Sweets! Chocolate! Desserts! Now that we have your attention… RSPCA Cupcake Day is just around the corner. It’s a great way to raise crucial funds needed to fight against animal cruelty and be a part of something bigger. So what are you waiting for? Don your apron, whip out the mixing bowl and get ready for the sweetest way to help all creatures great and small! To get started and receive your free host kit, visit cupcakeday.com.au.

Big Adopt Out

Saturday, 16 September

Join us at the Brisbane Showgrounds to meet hundreds of animals! Rescue groups will be uniting for one day, in one place to help find homes for animals in need. Entry is free and it’s a great day to meet potential furkids. You can even bring your existing pooch if you are looking for dog number two… Come along, support your local community and open your heart and home to a rescue animal. For more information, visit bigadoptout.com.au.

Include a Charity Week

11 – 17  September

Want to leave a lasting legacy? Include a Charity Week is about changing the way Australians think about including charities in their Will. Often we’re not able to give as generously during our lives as we might like to, this is the perfect chance to leave a lasting, positive impact. Gifts large or small are greatly appreciated so charities can continue to provide live saving services. Find out more about how you can help and leave a lasting legacy, visit includeacharity.com.au.

[tahliamcfarlanerspca]

Happy Tail

Meet the jungle python called Whip! Whip was born at the Brisbane RSPCA Animal Care Campus in Wacol.

His mother Cerberus was brought in gravid (pregnant) last December, and is currently still looking for her forever home.

It was a surprise to RSPCA staff when they were doing Cerberus’ health checks and x-rays to find she was gravid. It was a great learning opportunity staff and volunteers, as having a gravid captive snake in care is quite unusual.

It can be difficult to get the enclosure environment correct for a snake in this situation, so the vets decided that the best chance of survival was to take Cerberus’ eggs for artificial incubation. Jungle pythons normally lay around 10 to 25 eggs, Cerberus was carrying 15 eggs when she came into care and all 15 survived!

A jungle python can grow up to 1.5 – 2.1 metres long and is non-venomous to humans.

We are pleased to say that Whip found a loving family who drove all the way from Toowoomba to pick up their beloved reptile! They are so happy with their new pet who quickly adapted to his new home with his loving family, not showing any sign of fear, anxiety or distress. “We are so in love, everyone's been cuddling Whip.”

It makes us so happy that Whip and all his brothers and sisters found their forever home. There are so many wonderful reptiles just like Whip waiting to be adopted at the RSPCA.

[tahliamcfarlanerspca]

Discovery of a New Species in our Waters

Scientists have identified and named two million of the 10 million species on earth, but new and exciting species are constantly being discovered!

In 2015, the Phyllopteryx dewysea (ruby seadragon) was discover and confirmed a new species, making it only the third known species of seadragon. Now three years later, footage has emerged in Western Australian, making it the first time the species has been seen alive. [1]

Seadragons are rare and this particular seadragon is believed to live at a depth of around 55 metres, which is 30 metres deeper than its cousins. Diving this deep is dangerous, which explains why it went undiscovered for so long. [2]

It has been a long road to its discovery and after many years of searching, Greg Rouse of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography said, "I can tell you we did not really expect to find them. And unbelievably, really, we found it."

A remote controlled vehicle with a video camera attached was sent down into the ocean. It captured the seadragon’s intense red colour and revealed that its habitat was very different from its relatives. Discovered to have a prehensile tail, which can be used to hold onto objects to avoid being swept away, this again differentiates it from its relatives as common and leafy seadragons cannot bend their tails. [3]  

It has been over 150 years since the last seadragon was discovered, all this time it was thought that there were only 2 species. Could this mean the beginning of more exciting discoveries in our oceans?

[1] Greshko, M. (2017). Rare Ruby Seadragon Caught on Video for First Time. National Geographic. Retrieved from; http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/01/ruby-seadragon-video-wild-first-time-animals/

 [2] Mortillaro, N. (2017). Newly discovered ruby sea dragon seen alive in wild for 1st time. CBC News. Retrieved from; http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/ruby-sea-dragon-seen-alive-first-time-1.3928881

 [3] Rouse,W,G. Stiller,J. Wilson, G, N.  (2017). Here be ruby seadragons! New species seen in the wild for the first time. BioMed Central. Marine Biodiversity Records. DOI: 10.1186/s41200-016-0102-x.  Retrieved from; https://www.biomedcentral.com/about/press-centre/science-press-releases/13-01-17

https://mbr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41200-016-0102-x

[tahliamcfarlanerspca]

Overview of my work

This semester I completed my internship at the RSPCA at Wacol, in their marketing department. The RSPCA has recently brought out a magazine called ‘The Biscuit’. The Biscuit gives a unique insight into the world of animals and pets, as well as a glimpse into the work of our invaluable RSPCA staff. During my internship I was fortunate enough to have experienced firsthand the different sides of what goes into producing a magazine, blog and advertisements.

The work that I had to complete varied day- to- day some of these task included;

·      Editing their blog and magazine

·      Coming up with campaign ideas

·      Emailing clients or potential clients

·      Writing news story

·      Writing feature articles

·      Writing media releases

·      Writing for both their magazine and website

·      Research tasks

My greyhound article has gone through the editing stage and is scheduled to be published on their blog. This task included a fair bit of research and reading. 

My op shop, bird count and dogs make for a happier life articles have yet to be edited and are still in the drafting stage for publication in their magazine. These included a fair bit of research and reading. My op shop article included me interviewing the regional op shop manager and will be conducting another interview at a later date. 

You will also see a copy of an email I helped write, to encourage Universities and Vet schools to subscribe to the magazine. 

I have also included my Queensland Rail Adoption Campaign ideas. This task took me 2 weeks as there was quite a lot of research that went into this, I also created a pinterest for further inspiration. 

I did a lot of research task through my internship that have not been included. 

[tahliamcfarlanerspca]

Queensland Rail Adoption Campaign Ideas

1. A house isn’t a home without a furry family member to complete it

2. Tinder it’s a match – meet your match

3. What would you rather come home too? (A dog waiting at the door, compared to nothing)

4. I’m just a dog that needs a home

5. Adopt your new best friend today

6. Adopt don't shop

7. Because binge watching TV is more fun with a friend (pet and owner watching TV together)

8. Best friend on their way home

9. Gain a friend

10. Don’t let a great opportunity pass you by

11. Don’t let your new best friend pass you by

12. Pawsitive story at the end of the line

13. Hop on the adoption train

14. Get on board the adoption train

15. Hop on and meet your best friend

16. Look what you gain when you adopt

17. On the way to your heart

18. Together, you can be travelling home

19. Travel home together

20. Adopt a travel buddy

21. Heading towards a future with you

22. Looking for a new travel buddy?

Here is the link to the Pinterest I made with inspiration for idea

https://au.pinterest.com/friendshavefun/rspca/

[tahliamcfarlanerspca]

Email

Please find enclosed your complimentary copy of The Biscuit, RSPCA’s new quarterly magazine.

We would like to invite you to subscribe to The Biscuit, as it explores pertinent issues in your field of study. At only $17.85, we promise a subscription to The Biscuit will be a fantastic resource.

The Biscuit is an exciting magazine for enthusiastic animal lovers such as yourselves. It combines practical pet-owning advice with educational articles on Australia’s native wildlife, rounding it out with the latest animal news and fun interviews with big names.

The Biscuit is a great way to gain further knowledge about a range of animals, biology, and animal psychology. As well as this, you will glean insight into:

·    The struggles both domestic and wild animals face in our modern society,

·    The work RSCPA does to ensure pets are safe, healthy and appropriately treated,

·    Common questions and myths associated with owning a pet,

·    How we, as citizens, can do our part to ensure animals live the best life possible.

RSPCA QLD believe that the most effective and powerful way to change the way people think about and treat animals is through education. By reaching a wider audience we hope to achieve this.  

All profits go toward helping animals in need, and subscriptions come with free postage.

For more information about The Biscuit, you can email us at info@thebiscuit.com.au, or call Jacqui on (07) 3258 5607.

Regards,

RSPCA QLD

[tahliamcfarlanerspca]

The Answer to a Longer Happier Life? Dogs!

As a health conscious society we are always looking for a way to extend our life span. We have the typical solutions like dieting and exercising but maybe there is a more fun solution, owning a dog! Dogs are said to be a man’s best friends and now we’re here to prove it.

I’m sure any pet owner will tell you that owing a pet improves their lives, but is there actually factual information to back up these claims?  

According to reports in the Daily Mail owning a dog is directly related to increasing physical health among older adults. The evidence indicates that dog owners exercise more than none dog owners resulting in better cholesterol, lower blood pressure, less at risk to stress, and lastly more likely to survive a heart attack. A study done by the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2013 backs up these claims saying that owning a dog could help lower the risk of heart disease. “Pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, may be reasonable for reduction in cardiovascular disease risk.” A similar Australian study showed pet owners had significantly lower systolic blood pressures than pet none owners despite similar body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic profiles. A study that gave participants who had high blood pressure and high stress jobs a pet dog, within six months had significantly lower blood pressure.

Another important role dogs play in health is support, often loneliness is a reality for any people. Cardiovascular disease, cancer and depression are major risks of isolation and loneliness, but with dogs we get that love and connection we seek and need, that we often can’t get from humans.

[tahliamcfarlanerspca]

Make Every Bird Count

Australians are encouraged to head into their “backyards” to support the Aussie Backyard Bird Count held from 23-29 October 2017.

The Aussie Backyard Bird Count is the biggest citizen science project in Australia. The week long census requires everyone to get involved by counting and identifying the birds they see and reporting their findings via the Aussie Bird Count app or website.  

By participating in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, you will be helping BirdLife Australia gain the knowledge they need to better manage our Australian birds. The process gives them an insight into details such as the bird species that are living where people live, which areas have more birds, what size populations the various species have. By acquiring this information BirdLife Australia understand the trends in our bird communities, and will help them to identify which birds are doing well and which are not doing so well.

The Aussie Backyard Bird Count is a fun and interactive way for both adults and children to get involved to support a good cause. Head outdoors and get to know the birds in the local area, whether that be your backyard, local park, school yard, beach or national park.

Some tips and tricks to attract the wildlife to your backyard is lots of plants at different heights, where possible, add trees that will provide year-round food and shelter for many different species.

Birdwatchers wanting to take part can download a free app, or visit the website, aussiebirdcount.org.au. 

This is the fourth year the national bird survey has taken place. With over 40,000 participants and over a million birds counted last year.

[tahliamcfarlanerspca]

Donate/Shop for a Good Cause

It’s a Sunday afternoon, you’ve got all this free time on your hands and not sure what to do with it. You decided to clean up the house, when you realise you’ve got all this “stuff” you don’t need or want anymore, and you’re thinking to yourself what should I do with it?

I have the perfect answer for you… donate it to your local RSPCA opportunity shop (op shop).

Did you know the RSPCA has an op shop that is open to the public? Not only that but it relies solely on the generous donations from the community; to ensure we raise the much needed funds for our animals.

Donating to the RSPCA is an easy way everyone can help make a small difference. By donating and shopping at the store you can be confident that you personally are making a difference, with 100% of the proceeds on items sold going straight back to the RSPCA’s work and helping the 44,965 animals RSPCA Qld cares for each year.

If you’re a bargain hunter the RSPCA op shop is for you, you’ll find cheap clothing, household items, accessories and furniture, all while supporting a good cause.

With the RSPCA being a not for profit organisation we rely on the communities support by shopping and donating. Donating to an op shop can be just as rewarding as buying from one.

The poor little animals can’t help themselves. A little goes a long way. Shopping at an RSPCA op shop is all about the animals and making a difference.

The RSPCA’s op shop regional manger Rachel Hrycek says 100% of the proceeds going back to the animals.

“They feed our animals, keep our inspectorates on the road, buy veterinary products…some of our animals can have a vet work of over $5000, all those proceeds go straight back to the animals”

“It’s really nice to be able to go back and tell people how much their item has raised…to be able to say that bag of clothes you just donated raised $50 that then goes into feeding 10 cats”

“It doesn’t matter how big or small it is [donations] it means the world to those animals,” she said.

Just like any op shop the RSPCA’s op shop relies on its volunteers to keep running.

The RSPCA’s op shop regional manger Rachel Hrycek believes the op shop wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers.

“Our shops wouldn’t survive without our volunteers. It’s really important that we do have volunteers; we’re always trying to recruit more volunteers. We have a lot of great volunteers who work for us, who then gain employment”

“They do an excellent job in very difficult circumstances, sorting through all the donations,” she said.

Donations can be dropped of at the stores; the Moorooka store is the drop of for furniture. Or our truck can come pick it up.

The RSPCA only has the one truck to pick up donations as well as do deliveries, due to only having the one truck it is important that when wishing to donate big items to give them a reasonable amount of time to pick up the item.

“Unfortunately to often we have people ring us up and say they have a lounge to give us but then say it has to be picked up within the next hour which is just impossible for us”

“It’s a shame because we really need all the donations we can get but, but with one truck time is limited” said miss Hrycek.

So what exactly do we accept? We accept all kinds of knick-knacks including;

·      Good quality bric-a-bra

·      New or pre-loved clothing, handbags, shoes, accessories, jewellery

·      Saleable quality books and pre-loved toys

·      Good quality sporting goods

·      Craft items – wool, knitting needles, crochet, fabric remnants

·      New or saleable quality manchester including sheets, towels, blankets, curtains and cushions

·      Furniture (please contact your nearest shop to discuss delivery hours)

·      Working electrical goods

We will accept most items with a few exceptions, if they’re not in good condition, damaged, broken, stained or torn. The following items will not be accepted due to health and safety; pillows and mattresses, opened toiletries and consumables, motorcycle ad bicycle helmets, high chairs, cots, baby capsules, and prams without Australian standard.

The RSPCA is trying to limit our waste disposal, so please only donate something you believe someone else would be willing to pay money for. If you’re not sure, it’s best to call ahead before you donate. One of our volunteers will help you decipher what we can and cannot take. National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations rule of thumb is, don’t donate anything you would be embarrassed to give to a friend as a gift.  

Rachel Hrycek says people really go out of their way to donate fanatic things.  

“We get fantastic donations; grandfather clocks, beautiful hand carved timber carved rocking horses, we had three boxes of royal daugten statues, which raised around $1500” said miss Hrycek.

It doesn’t matter who you are op shops are fun for everyone. When you’re done with you purchase just donate it straight back to the op shop and let someone else get some love out of it.

Anyone can go to a store and buy the latest clothes, shoes or even home ware but wheres the fun in that? Coming back week after week, patiently searching for treasures. The thrill of the chance to find what you’re looking for. Quirky, vintage, you name it we’ve got it. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction you get when you find the perfect piece of clothing in your size! It’s a value experience. You get the excitement of shopping, without the added guilt of maxing out your credit card.

Why donate to or shop at the RSPCA op shops? It’s all for a good cause! Do you need really need another reason?

We highly encourage everyone to get involved in 'National Op Shop Week’. It is celebrate in Australia every year running from the 21st – 27th of august. The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of supporting local op shops, helping your local community.  The week not only encourages everyone to shop at op shops but also donate goods.

For more information on the RSPCA op shops and store locations visit our website

[tahliamcfarlanerspca]

Greyhound Myth Busters

There are many misconceptions when it comes to greyhounds, which often leads people being reluctant to adopt them. We want to bust these myths and give everyone a better understanding of these loving animals.

MYTH ONE: Greyhounds wear a muzzle because they are malicious

A law introduced to Australia in 1927 states that greyhounds must wear a muzzle when in a public place. This law was introduced originally on the race track to protect the dogs from injuring themselves when racing, and “in public” came to mean all public places. There is no evidence to show that greyhounds pose any greater risk to the public compared to other dog breeds. With many people unaware of the compulsory muzzling requirements, the mistake can easily be made that greyhounds are muzzled due to aggressive or dangerous behaviour, when in reality, they are friendly and gentle animals. In addition, although ex-racing greyhounds have a very different start to life than your average family home dog, this doesn’t stop them being every bit a loving family pet.

MYTH TWO: Greyhounds need a lot of exercise and are hyperactive

A common question people ask is “Am I going to need to be super fit and active to own a greyhound?” However, greyhound owners know just how far from the truth this is. There is a reason greyhounds have been given the nickname “75km/hr coach potatoes” – they love sleeping and will spend most of the day doing it. Despite being a racing breed, greyhounds are built for speed rather than stamina and require no more exercise than your average pet dog. They can run fast – but not for long! Most would prefer a comfy couch to a jog any day.

Each dog is unique and will have a different set on needs, so not all greyhounds will want a lot of exercise. It is recommended that they have at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, but if possible a morning and night walk would be ideal. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for an afternoon jogging buddy, the greyhound won’t be the best choice for you.

Not only is physical exercise essential but so is mental stimulation. Just like small children, a bored greyhound can be a naughty dog. They will dig, chew, bark, and be quite destructive if they are not provided with entertainment. The best way to do entertain them is through enrichments, which can include a bone, hollow toys (e.g. Kong), treat balls and frozen food blocks.

MYTH THREE: Greyhounds don’t mix well with other pets or children

Just like all dogs, some greyhounds will happily co-exist with other animals, while others cannot. Ideally, as with most dogs, greyhounds should be introduced to other family pets before bringing them home. This gives the greyhound the opportunity to meet on neutral ground, and avoids territorial behaviour. It is important to remember that if the greyhound is an ex-racer, they may not have much – if any – exposure to children and could be frightened at first. But this doesn’t mean greyhounds cannot be around children – it just means they will need to get used to them. It’s also essential to teach any children that will interact with your greyhound how to behave appropriately around dogs.

MYTH FOUR: Greyhounds need a large living space

Greyhounds will happily adapt to living indoors in small homes, as long as they’re regularly exercised. Greyhounds don’t need much space, but they will need their own space. It is true that many greyhounds have not been inside a home, so they may initially feel trapped and scared. As such, giving them their own space – a place they can feel safe and secure – is essential. This can be as simple as having a bed in a quiet space of the house. If your greyhound is going to be outside, it is vital that all outdoor areas are well fenced, safe and secure and they are given the protection they need from sun, heat and cold. It depends on the dog as to where they like spending time – some greyhounds will prefer to live inside and some will prefer outside.

MYTH FIVE: Racing greyhounds don’t make good pets

Only around 30% to 60% of greyhounds have actually been on a racetrack, but even if they have, it doesn’t make them any less suitable as a pet. It is important to build trust with greyhounds and give them a feeling of security. All greyhounds, even ex-racers, make great pets; they are both loving, affectionate and adore human companionship. Owing a greyhound is a full time commitment and will take a lot of love and care, but is an exhilarating and rewarding experience. One of the most important things you can give any animal is love, patience and understanding. Greyhounds are gentle, smart, clean and quiet. And as temperature drops off, greyhounds will make the perfect cuddle buddy. What more could you ask for?