Alan and Glen have always been dog people.
Over the years, their home had been shared with a wonderful mix of companions: Benny the Labrador, Ridge the Rottie cross, Ava the Border Collie and Shadow, a Kelpie cross who joined the family as a three-year-old rescue.
“We have always had dogs,” Alan said. “They’ve always been part of our lives.”
While every dog left their own mark on the family, Shadow and Ava formed a particularly special bond. When Ava suddenly passed away from acute pancreatitis in November 2025, the loss was devastating for everyone in the household.
“Shadow was very depressed” Alan said. “He had brought her up and it was very hard to watch him deal with the loneliness. They were inseparable.”
As they navigated their grief, a friend who had recently adopted two greyhounds through Greyhounds as Pets WA suggested they consider the breed. The idea was completely new.
“We had no prior experience with greyhounds and went all in for the ride because we knew we would provide a stable warm home and we thought a greyhound would be a good fit for Shadow who himself was older. “
As it turned out, they were absolutely right.
Not long afterwards, Aspen, a three-year-old brindle greyhound arrived home.
Discovering Life with a Greyhound
Like many adopters, Alan and Glen quickly discovered that life with a greyhound wasn’t quite what they had expected.
“Aspen loves to lounge,” Alan commented. “One or two short walks a day and his daily zoomie and Aspen is content.”
Watching Aspen become a part of family life was one of the highlights of the adoption journey.
“Watching Aspen settle in was amazing and he learned the routine pretty quickly. Aspen was a joy to have and Shadow picked up in his mood and became more settled”
But only five months after losing Ava, the family faced another heartbreaking goodbye when Shadow passed away due to old age and Aspen felt the loss.
“Aspen was involved in the whole process of saying goodbye to Shadow. He didn’t move much from his bed for 2 days afterwards so we reached out to GAPWA and asked that they recommend another greyhound.”
Just a week later, Minnow joined the family.
Two Very Different Personalities
Today, Aspen and Minnow are best described as opposites who somehow perfectly complement one another.
“Both boys are amazing,” Alan said “Minnow is bigger than Aspen and very strong but a gentle giant.”
The transition wasn’t instant.
“He (Minnow) took a little bit of warming up to us in the beginning but now his personality is coming through strong.”
These days, both boys have found their place in the family, each bringing their own unique quirks.
“They love walks, love toys and love all kinds of affection. Minnow loves his food and cuddles and always greets you with nudges, resting his head on your lap or rubbing his whole body against yours.
Aspen is the little independent fellow who loves to love and plays a bit rougher with toys and mad zoomies. Both get excited about being in the Van to the park.
Minnow loves to chat to other dogs, Aspen is more calm and collected.
Minnow loves his food and cuddles and always greets you with nudges, resting his head on your lap or rubbing his whole body against yours.
They sleep extremely well, love the warm clothes that they have and are a joy every single day.”
As for their brotherly relationship?
“They get on well. Aspen is grumpier than Minnow. Other times they are thick as thieves.”
More Than Just Pets
Looking back, Alan says adopting Aspen and Minnow has been about far more than simply welcoming two new dogs into the family.
“It has been an amazing journey. Not only have they helped heal the pain from losing two amazing companions, but they also still teach us new stuff every day.”
The family has embraced every part of greyhound life.
“We are enjoying the walks with them, the mad times with the toys and knowing after racing they are living a very happy life. Both boys are such different dogs than we had before so the whole thing is a learning curve. Every day a new thing to see.”
Their advice to anyone considering adoption?
“Greyhounds are amazing dogs. They are unlike anything else and they make perfect companions for all different sorts of people.
They respond well to love and affection and knowing you are giving a racer a second home is the best feeling out there. And they are quite the majestic looking dog too.
Fostering is a cool way to see if you connect to your dog and they fit with your tribe. We just knew our boys wouldn’t be coming back”
Fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing our journey with the boys.