Diesel, the Great!

One year ago, after I pleaded with my mom and dad a million times (exaggerating to make a point) we rescued a retired greyhound racer. His name is Diesel and I think it is funny that he is named after a fuel for big, slow cars. That's not really a great name for a fast dog!
My mom chose a greyhound because they are known for their mild and gentle temperament. Greyhounds also have no undercoat and shed very little and that is good for my dad, who is a little allergic to dog hair.

Diesel in his cold weather coat. He does not have enough hair to stay warm!

Diesel raced for 3 years in Tucson, Arizona. A greyhound can reach a speed up to 43 mph and the only other land animal who can accelerate faster is the cheetah! Greyhounds love to run, but they have a very hard life during their racing careers. In Tucson, the dogs have to race all week with just 2 days of rest, which puts them at risk for lots of injuries. They are kept in small crates most of their free time and don't even have time or room to play.

Greyhound race

Racing dogs have to be pure bred and both of their ears are tattooed after they are born. With that tattooed number everyone can look up their family and race history.

 

Diesel's ear tattoo

Diesel's racing record

When Diesel came to us, he did not even know how to walk up stairs and it took us quite some time and lots of love to teach him. He also is one big, lazy and sweet couch potato. That is normal for retired racers; they need only one or two good walks a day. Diesel can still run fast, but only if we trick him into it with a treat. He LOVES his treats, but he also goes crazy for any squeaky toy!
It's so much fun playing with him, because he is never rough or even growls.

Practicing stairs!

Playtime with  squeaky toy

My mom bought Disel a big, orthopedic bed to help his hurting joints and says he deserves it after years of hard work. My dad says that Diesel sleeps more comfortable than all of us now!

Best bed in the house!

The Greyhound breed started 8,000 years ago on the open plains of the Middle East and was seen as almost god-like  in ancient Egypt. They are also known as sighthounds because they rely on their excellent eyes (not their sense of smell) for hunting. For centuries, only royalty was allowed to own Greyhounds and in the late 18th century the first Greyhound breeding club was founded in England.

Tudor royal code of arms- a greyhound!

England: "You can recognize a gentleman by his greyhound and his horse :0)

What I love most about Diesel is that he became a member of my family right way. I also adore that he is quiet. He is not a watchdog and does not bark at people, but he might quietly sneak up and give you a gentle poke with his wet nose. I don't know what we would do without him! His cutest features are his adorable eyes and his funny face.

In modern times most greyhounds are used for racing and need loving homes when they retire. They are the best pets ever and I am so happy that we adopted Diesel. Maybe I can convince mom and dad to rescue a friend for him!

Do you like dogs?
Do you know a fun fact about greyhounds?