A distinguished gentle-hound
DOB: 22/02/2018
Weight: 37kgs
Available to adopt in: Victoria, Australia
Microchip: 956000009483304
Source Number: RE145276
Adoption fee: $150
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 he is a senior, this dapper gentleman will you show you that there’s plenty of pep left in his step and loves a zoomie in the yard (or sometimes, around the living room rug); over his many years as a beloved pet he 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.
Over the years Duke has been a good foster brother to other greyhounds in our program and would be okay to share his space with a large dog who is equally as relaxed as he, but he thrives as an only dog and does not seek out canine companionship or play.
Duke is far more interested in people, choosing to greet strangers on his walks as opposed to other dogs. He can be socially awkward and greets head on with other dogs but does not appreciate when other dogs behave the same way and are 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 and happily skirts by them without acknowledgement.
A treat fiend and a smartypants, Duke really loves to learn and has a 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 the time and interest to continue teaching him new tricks, 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).
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.
HEALTH NOTE: 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.
LIFESTYLE MATCH:
Suitable for cats or pocket pets? ❌
Suitable for children? ❌ would prefer a quiet adult home
Suitable to be home alone? ✅ up to 10 hours fine with access to toilet
Suitable to live as an only dog? ✅
Suitable to live in an apartment? ✅ requires an outdoor area/balcony for a toilet patch
Suitable to live in a city? ❌ would prefer a quiet suburb with grassy areas to walk
Energy level? Low. Currently needs 2 × 15 minute walks a day at a slow pace, loves a few minutes of zoomies, in a house with a yard he could easily switch out a walk with a training session
GUMTREE GREYS ADOPTION PROCESS:
Step one submit our online application form, you can nominate a specific dog or express your interest generally
Step two a Coordinator will touch base via email to set up a phone call so we can get to know you a little better, and help to find your pawfect match
Step three once we have made a match we’ll reach out with the details, and to set up a meet and greet
Step four pending a successful meet, we will touch base via email with our Adoption Guide, any relevant handover notes, and a request to finalise payment of the adoption fee ($150) and sign our trial agreement
Step five start your two week adoption trial! On handover day we will drop off your precious cargo and their gear (collar, Gumtree Greys ID tag, lead, food, coat, and toy), you will also receive an email inviting you to ‘Petcademy’ (Gumtree Greys provides our adopters access to unlimited messaging with certified behaviour professionals and a library of over 100 hours of video content for training advice). During the trial period your Coordinator will touch base to see how things are progressing, and assist with any settling in issues. At the end of two weeks if the trial is successful you will sign your adoption agreement and we will complete the paperwork to transfer your dog into your name via the GRV Microchip Registry.
In the unlikely event a trial is not successful, we take the dog back into care and will refund your adoption feeStep six lifetime support and community access. As a Gumtree Greys adopter, your greyhound will always have the support and care of our experienced team including our IAABC certified Behaviour Consultant
