A distinguished gentle-hound

DOB:
22/02/2018

Location:
Melbourne

Microchip Number:
956000009483304

Source Number:
RE145276

Duke finds himself back in our care after the addition of small noisy humans turned his ideal quiet household of many years into a bustling family environment. He now seeks a different pace for himself, a cosy sunlit corner for a comfy bed, the occasional slice of toast, to be asked “is it possible that you are the most handsome greyhound in the world?” from time to time.

While this eight year old gentleman will you show you that there’s plenty of pep left in his step and loves to get out on a good sniffari, he has also mastered the art of couch potato and will take pleasure in being left behind at home to nap while you head to work or run errands. He’s really more of a homebody than a pub date kind of guy - but rest assured he’s a cool cucumber when spending time alone (especially if there might be some couch privileges in your absence) and will welcome you back with a happy tippy tap dance.

Like many greyhounds rescued from the racing industry, Duke has sleep startle, so prefers to rest in quiet areas away from the action. He is very good about going to his own bed when asked, but it is best not to approach when he is sleeping. For this reason we feel he will thrive in a home where there is enough space for a big dog bed in an out of the way spot.

Duke has been a good foster brother to other greyhounds over the years and he would be okay to share his space with a large dog who is equally as relaxed as he, but he also thrives as an only dog and does not seek out canine companionship or play. He is far more interested in people, even choosing to greet strangers on his walks as opposed to other dogs. He can be socially awkward and chooses to greet head on with other dogs but does not appreciate when other dogs behave the same way and are too much in his face - he is an enigma wrapped in a mystery, but awkward moments can be easily avoided by just allowing him to take the lead and not forcing him into greetings. When given the choice he will avoid direct interactions with other dogs if he is on lead.

A treat fiend and a smartypants, Duke loves to learn and has a small repertoire like “on your bed”, “stay”, “leave it”, “spin”, “down”, “shake paw”, and even “scratch” for using his scratch pad! He would love a home who have more time to teach him new tricks and work on his training, he finds it lots of fun and very enriching (in a home with a yard he could even swap walks for training sessions from time to time, as they really tire his brain out).

Unfortunately Duke had a run of paw problems (grit and corns) and he developed sensitivity around having his feet handled which has become high anxiety around nail trims; he currently has them done under sedation in a vet clinic for his comfort, and to avoid worsening his fears.

Navigating the upheaval in good spirits and his signature ‘stoic, but open to a snuggle’ style, Duke just needs a quiet adult home with a good routine and time to settle him in, the right people will have their patience returned ten-fold in all the love this lad has to give.