Firefly- Adoption Tales

When Eileen and her family agreed to foster a greyhound for a few days over a long weekend, they thought they were simply helping out a friend.

They had no idea that fourty-eight hours later they’d be sending an email asking if they could keep her forever.

“We have always had a soft spot for Greyhounds through a lovely friend who works for Racing WA…one day we got “that” message from her about a “angel” dog. The call was for a foster carer for a few nights over a long weekend, as her lined up foster carers didn’t show up. Instantly we felt bad for her, knowing how much we love older dogs, we agreed to “help out”. Needless to say, 2 days later we sent an email saying we’d like to keep her!”

Today, seven year old Firefly, (also known as Fifi) is a cherished member of a bustling Perth Hills household that includes Eileen, Casey, their two young children, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Winter, two cats, two ponies and a flock of chickens.

 

 

Despite entering a busy household full of animals and children, Firefly quickly showed just how adaptable greyhounds can be.

“Firefly adapted to the routines of home life quickly.”

Introducing a greyhound to two resident cats could have been daunting, but Firefly’s reaction surprised everyone.

“Initially Firefly was petrified of the cats. She never showed aggression, she just didn’t want anything to do with them.”

Over time, her confidence grew.

“She was so polite throughout the process, she ended up slowly going closer to them. I was so surprised how quickly she became used to home life with these fluffy and slightly rude housemates.”

Her relationship with Winter developed just as naturally.

“Winter and Firefly got on straight away, Winter was so surprised to see this older lady running around like a puppy, sometimes Firefly would knock Winter over accidentally and so beautifully would run to her and check she’s ok.”

Eileen says Firefly’s maternal instincts were obvious from the beginning.

“We never saw any aggression from Firefly, even at meal times. She would just nudge Winter away if she became annoying or needy.”

The chickens took a little longer.

“Firefly initially chased our chickens, however after a couple of weeks she was laying in the sun with them pecking her face and grazing around her.”

 

 

These days, Firefly is perfectly at home in family life. Her new family call her a “lady of leisure.”

Whether she’s enjoying a sunny spot outside or retreating to her favourite quiet space, she’s mastered the art of relaxation.

“She loves having her own “den” away from the madness of young kids and Winter, she will chose to go and retreat for an arvo snooze or you can find her outside sunbaking for hours.”

She has also formed an especially close bond with her human Eileen.

“Firefly is very attached to me, she will follow me around everywhere, I call her my mum friend- we are always doing things together around the house and appreciate each other’s journey with children, I often laugh and say that Firefly is the mum friend I always needed”

Of course, she has her quirks too.

“She loves digging in certain spots in the garden to make a comfy bed and she makes us laugh so much when she will lick random couches or surfaces with the longest lick you’ve ever seen – it goes on forever.”

 

 

For Eileen, one of the biggest surprises has been watching Firefly interact with her children.

“Firefly has been incredible with our children, she has a beautiful motherly sense when the kids need some love, she will go and stand next to them or put her long snout on their lap, no fuss just “I’m here with you” vibes.”

Eileen did initially worried about the relationship between a larger dog and their son but Firefly adapted just as well to his needs.

“Our son has high sensory needs and can be quite rough, I was initially really worried about bringing a large dog home, however Firefly knows exactly when to retreat and wait until things are calm enough to come back, she fits in so well in our home life.”

Looking back, Eileen says one of the most best things about greyhound ownership is how effortlessly Firefly fits into everyday life.

“We didn’t realise how much space she doesn’t take up, physically sure she’s a large dog, but she just fits in to our routines and life so easily it’s surprising to think an animal her size can just “be” there.”

The family has also embraced the wider greyhound community.

“We love that there is a Greyhound community and have enjoyed taking the kids to events, they love learning about the life of Race animals and I just love showing them that there is a life for Race animals after their careers. We often look up Firefly’s races online and cheer her on.”

 

When asked what she would say to someone considering adoption, Eileen doesn’t hesitate.

“This is a simple answer. If you’ve ever wanted a dog, not just a greyhound, I would say a greyhound is something to consider. Since owning Firefly, I show all my work friends and people I know how beautiful they are. They look like big dogs, but they fill your home and heart in all the right places.”

Today, the family can’t imagine life without their beloved Fifi.

“We couldn’t imagine life without our Fifi and that comes from dedicated volunteers and people who work within the Racing animal industry- thank you for your dedication and compassion.”