Before Orpheus joined the family, his human Chloe was already a greyhound fan thanks to her thirteen year old hound named Persephone.
As well as Persephone, the household includes Wally the kelpie and, as Chloe puts it, a “menagerie of animals”. With patience and careful introductions, Orpheus has settled in wonderfully and “with a gradual introduction (and always being supervised), he has learnt to live with our chickens, parrots and a rabbit as well”.
Chloe lives on an acre that Orpheus loves to explore, although she suspects he doesn’t need quite that much space to be happy. In fact, she’s pretty sure “he would be happy with just a couch to snooze on all day”.
Originally known as Frenchie to the GAPWA team, he was renamed to Orpheus to “stick to the Greek mythology theme we had going on with our other greyhound, Persephone. It ended up suiting him really well because he turned out to be a surprisingly vocal dog, and he likes to “sing” to us in the morning if we do not get up in time”.
Persephone was the first dog Chloe ever called her own.
“She has been the most perfect gentle pet. I fell in love with the breed and wanted another hound as she is far into her senior years now.”
One of the biggest surprises for Chloe was just how different two greyhounds could be.
“I thought all greyhounds were like Persephone,” she says. “She is very chill, gentle and sweet. She only ever barked in her sleep.”
Orpheus, however, had other ideas.
“Orpheus, on the other hand, loves to tell us how he feels and can be a bit chaotic at times (we say this with love!)…our girl is definitely the gentler one, and Orpheus is a bit more mischievous”
Despite their differences, the pair have settled into a lovely relationship. Chloe believes Orpheus understands that Persephone is older. “he doesn’t instigate play like he does with our kelpie and for the most part gives her space. Sometimes food brings out the criminal in him and he tries to steal her food, but we’ve given him a puzzle feeder so it distracts him longer enough for her to finish her meal”.
Food, sleeping and spending time with his people are among Orpheus’s favourite things. He even joins Chloe at work where he’s developed a reputation of his own.
“Orpheus is a strong advocate for workers’ rights,” Chloe jokes. “He will let you know when he’s done enough overtime and is ready to go home with a song!”
For anyone considering welcoming a greyhound into their family, Chloe has some simple advice.
“Be prepared to not have any space left on your couch, but also be prepared to fall in love with their long snouts and big hearts.”
