Move quick for retired hounds

By Kath Gannaway
GOING in to bat for the underdog is something Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato is more than comfortable with.
In Parliament recently it was a particular brand of underdog she was advocating for – ex-racing greyhounds.
Ms Lobato said she wanted to raise awareness of the important role played by Greyhound Safety Net, an organisation which aims to provide a new home and a new life for greyhounds which are no longer used for racing.
Greyhounds generally race until they are about four years old but can live until 12 or 14 years old.
“That means that homes need to be found so they can enjoy their eight to 10 years of good quality life after racing,” Ms Lobato said.
She said some dogs bred for racing are also found to be unsuitable or unsuccessful for racing and may need to be rehoused from as young as a year old.
“This is where Greyhound Safety Net comes in,” she said.
“The non-profit organisation finds homes for as many of these greyhounds as possible.
“Contrary to what some people may think, greyhounds actually make ideal pets and do not need a lot of exercise,” said Ms Lobato, who herself owns a former racing greyhound.
Speaking from experience, and from the heart, Ms Lobato said greyhounds make wonderful family pets who defy the stereotype, opting in most cases for a good lie down rather than a run.
“I can vouch for the success of Greyhound Safety Net as I had the pleasure last year of welcoming a new member into my own family,” Ms Lobato said.
“Becky, a two-year-old beautiful fawn greyhound, has not only given a new lease on life to my elderly whippet but has also become an integral part of the household and an excellent companion for my children.
Describing Becky as caring, protective and always ready to play with the children, she said her only hesitation about adopting Becky has been the potential torment she might have been inclined to inflict on the family’s cats.
“Thankfully, she is even great with them,” she said.