Gentle Ruby needs a new home after her owners passed away(Image: Dogs Trust)

10 homeless greyhounds in need of new owners in Merseyside

by · Liverpool Echo

Many are former racers that have been abandoned

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Greyhounds are a tragically common sight in animal rescues and kennels across the UK. Many homeless greyhounds are former racers who have been sadly abandoned after growing too old for the sport - but these dogs also make surprisingly great pets.

Greyhounds are known for their laid-back temperaments, making them the ideal addition to any family. Adopting from the RSPCA, Dog's Trust or another charity is significantly cheaper than buying an expensive pedigree from a breeder - which is why we've made a list of 10 greyhounds - and one special lurcher - from Dogs Trust Merseyside Rehoming Centre who are in desperate need of a new home.

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People who are interested in adding a four-legged friend to their family are asked to register to adopt with the Dog's Trust. You will be asked to provide details about your home, your lifestyle and the dogs you are interested in. You will also be asked to select a rehoming centre. Afterwards, the Dog's Trust team will review the application and contact you within seven days to talk about your dog search.

The Trust retain all applications it receives for three months, during which time it will be used to scope out the most suitable pet from your chosen centre. After a match is made, you will be invited to meet the dog at your chosen rehoming centre. Some of the dogs will need to meet prospective owners several times to see if they are compatible.

If no dog matching your requirements becomes available during the three month time period, however, you may be asked to apply again. After adoption, the Trust will keep in touch to see how you and the dog are doing.

  1. Ruby

    Breed: Greyhound
    Age: 8+ years
    Sex: Female
    Requirements: Can live with older children, other greyhounds and lurchers
    The Dogs Trust says:
    Ruby is such a gentle soul who has sadly found herself back in our care due to her adopters passing away. She's in her golden years now and thankfully has a safe place in a foster home, but she'd love to get back to the security she has known previously. Ruby is an excellent house guest, very polite and doesn't get on the sofa, although if there's a chance of getting on the bed with you, she'll take it! She enjoys her walks, a gentle plod about the neighbourhood taking in all the smells, and she isn't bothered by other animals passing by. Ruby could potentially live with another older Greyhound or lurcher, depending on them having a successful meet at the centre.
    1 of 10

  2. Pilot

    Breed: Greyhound
    Age: 5-7 years
    Sex: Male
    Requirements: Can live with older children, no other dogs
    The Dogs Trust says:
    Pilot is a very happy and friendly Greyhound who loves to rub his big head on people. He's not too chuffed at finding himself at the centre but he gets very excited to see his handlers and has been loving exploring the centre grounds. He's very inquisitive and likes to take his time to sniff new place out, trying to figure out where the squirrels might be hiding! As an ex-racer, Pilot does have a strong prey drive and will need to be kept on a lead and muzzled when out in public, in case he takes off after wildlife or small pets. He has always worn a muzzle and it's just part of his daily life and not restrictive. Pilot doesn't quite know how to behave around other breeds of dog and would benefit from having a few larger friends he can walk with and learn from. As Pilot has never lived inside before, please be patient with his house training. Greyhounds do pick it up very quickly once in a home.
    2 of 10

  3. Tanya

    Breed: Greyhound
    Age: 2-5 years
    Sex: Female
    Requirements: Can live with older children, no other dogs
    The Dogs Trust says:
    Tanya is an easy going girl but the recent wet weather has made it clear that she isn't a fan of the rain! She tolerates it if she's got her coat on but definitely prefers to wait it out indoors if she has the choice. When she is out, Tanya just loves to lean on you and can sometimes get in the way of your legs! She's very affectionate and likes a gentle fuss, and had no issues being given a check over by our vet. Tanya enjoys walking with her Greyhound pals but wasn't as comfortable sharing a kennel with a dog she knew, so she's probably going to be more comfortable as the only dog in her new home, but with friends for walks. Her chase instinct is quite strong so care should be taken around smaller dogs as she is an ex-racer. Tanya loves to play with toys and likes to chase after them and then carry them to bed with her.
    3 of 10

  4. Rupert

    Breed: Greyhound
    Age: 5-7 years
    Sex: Male
    Requirements: Can live with older children, other dogs
    The Dogs Trust says:
    Rupert is all about the fusses! He's a very laid back boy who will do everything he can to get people to stroke him, including the infamous Greyhound "lean", which he has down to a fine art. He has shared his kennel happily with a female Greyhound and could possibly live with another similar dog following a successful introduction at the centre. He walks very happily with other Greyhounds and larger dogs, so should definitely still have company for his adventures. Rupert is tennis ball MAD! He can be very intense with them when playing and we advise that his adopters shouldn't try to take them from him, but teach him to trade or a drop command instead. We have no history for Rupert other than he has been used for racing and has most likely spent his life in a kennel. Please be patient when he goes home as it's a big change for him and he will have a lot to learn and get used to.
    4 of 10

  1. Dexter

    Breed: Greyhound
    Age: 2-5 years
    Sex: Male
    Requirements: No children, no other pets.
    The Dogs Trust says:
    Dexter is a very friendly dog who made an impact on the staff very quickly! He's very relaxed when on his lead and likes a gentle plod about, exploring and taking everything in. Off lead is a different story! Dex gets very giddy and overexcited but he loves to play, so we recommend keeping playtimes calm and not letting him get so OTT that he can't control himself. He's been great when it comes to being handled and had no objections to the vet giving him a thorough check, he took it like a champ even though he was a little unsure what was going on. Dexter is very affectionate and enjoys company, and absolutely lives for having his neck and chin scratched. We don't know his background but we'd advise that someone is with him most of the time initially, but he can gradually have alone time increased so that he knows being by himself for a little while is OK. He doesn't quite seem to know what to make of other dogs - he seems curious but has barked at some whilst sniffing others and then walking away. Because of his potential to become easily excited, we'd advise that any potential walking buddies be introduced calmly and appropriately so Dex can learn to keep it nice and easy.
    5 of 10

  2. Ollie

    Breed: Greyhound
    Age: 2-5 years
    Sex: Male
    Requirements: Can live with older children, other medium and large dogs
    The Dogs Trust says:
    Ollie is a sweet boy with a shy nature. he will often hide on the inside of his kennel but he's always willing to go out for walks with his handlers or volunteers, and seems to find much more confidence outside. He is comfortable exploring new place but if they're a little noisy then he's more hesitant, so his new family will need to make sure he isn't overwhelmed by too much going on. Ollie gets used to people quickly and forms nice bonds, but he's never been in a home before so everything is very new to him. He gets along well with other Greyhounds and shares his kennel with one, and he seems comfortable enough around other dogs outside. Like most Greyhounds, Ollie can stare intensely at smaller breeds so care should always be taken around little dogs. He doesn't seem to know what to do with toys but hopefully once he's settled in with his adopters, his playful side will come out and he can learn to relax and enjoy his new life.
    6 of 10

  3. Simba

    Breed: Greyhound
    Age: 2-5 years
    Sex: Male
    Requirements: Can live with older children, other large dogs
    The Dogs Trust says:
    Simba is a gentle giant who gets along well with other similar sized dogs. He spends his days happily relaxing in his bed, watching the centre comings and goings. He walks very nicely on his led and likes to take time to give things a good sniffing before moving on. Simba is quite affectionate and loves to be made a fuss of, practicing the typical Greyhound "lean". He was even happy to cuddle the vet! He's been walking with various dogs and is happy to have company but he has shown a little more interest in smaller dogs. Due to his racing history it's probably better to be a little cautious around the little ones. Simba enjoys playing, particularly chasing after rope toys and squeaky things.
    7 of 10

  1. George

    Breed: Greyhound
    Age: 2-5 years
    Sex: Male
    Requirements: Can live with older children, other greyhounds
    The Dogs Trust says:
    George is a super relaxed lad who spends the majority of his time in bed! He's always happy to see us though and calmly waits whilst we get him ready for his walks. He's a curious dog who likes to fully take in a new environment and takes everything in his long stride. George is very friendly dog and happy to greet everybody, leaning in to encourage some attention! George is very happy around other Greyhounds and will generally not bother with other dogs, but if they get face to face with him, he seems uncomfortable. we would possibly rehome him with another Greyhound but not other breeds. he has a strong chase drive being an ex-racing dog, and he does stare at the smaller breeds as if waiting for them to move, so care should always be taken around smaller dogs.
    8 of 10

  2. Sacha

    Breed: Greyhound
    Age: 2-5 years
    Sex: Female
    Requirements: Can live with older children, other medium and large dogs
    The Dogs Trust says:
    Sweet petite! That's the best way to describe lovely Sacha, she's such a small and gentle Greyhound with a very affectionate nature. She's very curious and has been loving getting to know every inch of the centre on her walks, especially the bits frequented by the squirrels! Sacha has been used for racing but she's only two years old and that will hopefully become a distant memory very quickly. Greyhounds make wonderful pets and she will be no exception, she is so friendly. She gets along well with other medium to large dogs but that racing past does mean she can be a little more interest in smaller ones. It's advisable to make sure she isn't allowed off lead with them so she doesn't feel inclined to chase them. Sacha has been happily sharing her kennel with another Greyhound and played nicely with a Staffy.
    9 of 10

  3. Ned

    Breed: Lurcher
    Age: 5-7 years
    Sex: Male
    Requirements: No children, no other pets.
    The Dogs Trust says:
    Ned loves his walks and chillout time in equal measure. He is a playful lad who enjoys a game with his toys but is also content to settle on a comfy duvet with his favourite ball. Ned is friendly with people and likes a fuss once he knows you well. He could potentially have a few canine walking friends if introduced to them slowly. This big handsome hound will be a lovely addition to a home who may have had similar dogs to him before and know their quirky nature. Ned is missing an eye after an altercation with a bush, but it doesn't bother him at all. Ned would love a private and secure garden to play in at home, and travels well in the car, and was even used to going to church weekly!
    10 of 10