When we think of Greyhounds, our minds typically think of slender, fast-running canines. These dogs are typically used for hunting, but they have gained widespread popularity as main contingents in dog racing. They do their best on the racetrack and people wager on who they think will win.
Unfortunately, racing dogs spend their entire lives competing, so they know nothing else. Even though they receive excellent nutrition, are routinely exercised, and are kept healthy, these dogs do not have a family that they can love and find comfort in. They have only ever known racing and training.
But what really happens when Greyhounds retire? Typically, winners are preserved for breeding purposes. However, frequent racing causes some Greyhounds to retire prematurely due to injuries and they are put down. It’s heartbreaking to think that these magnificent canines find themselves at the end of their lives without ever experiencing love.
Salem, a racing Greyhound, was retired and removed from the racing world. She was among the numerous canines in need of a home, as the Greyhound tracks in Florida were closing down. So, a man named Caleb volunteered to foster Salem, knowing that it would be difficult for him. As anticipated, Salem was so terrified when she initially arrived at Caleb’s house that she remained in her cage even though it was left open for the entire day.
Salem did not know how to interpret her new environment. The following day, however, Salem escaped her cage and began investigating Caleb’s home. Caleb was still pretty unsure about what to do. Even when Caleb first took Salem on a walk, she was a little nervous.
Salem had terrible separation anxiety, as well. Wherever Caleb went, Salem wanted to go as well. However, Caleb gradually helped Salem overcome her separation anxiety and become more independent.
Salem learned after two weeks in foster care that her new world is incredible, and her personality began to emerge. Salem enjoyed going to cafes for goodies, and she often visited pet stores. Caleb also took Salem to the beach, where she thoroughly enjoyed wandering on the sand and sea. Salem was more at ease after a few weeks with Caleb, and she absolutely adores what her new environment has to offer.
Caleb became attached to Salem that he knew it would be difficult for him to let her go. However, he was aware that Salem required a loving, stable family in order to thrive. When Caleb learned that a friend with a Greyhound named Diver was seeking for another Greyhound, he knew that Salem had found his forever home.
Diver and Salem got along really well when they first met, and Caleb was thrilled that Salem has finally found a loving home.
Source: The Dodo
