When this FIFO family started talking about getting a dog, they knew one thing for certain: they weren’t looking for a puppy.
“The kids had been asking for years to get a dog after our boxer passed away when they were little. As much as I loved having a dog, I wasn’t ready for another puppy. I knew how much time, training, exercise and general chaos came with raising one.”
A friend with a greyhound changed everything.
“after seeing just how relaxed, gentle and low maintenance they were I suggested we look into adopting one instead.
We went along to a meet-and-greet at our local pet shop and instantly fell in love with the hounds. We met the most beautiful black greyhound and while chatting with his owner, learned that black greyhounds are often the hardest to find homes for. From that moment on the kids had only one request, they wanted a black greyhound.”
After months of following GAP profiles, the family found a hound they thought would suit their home and submitted an enquiry.
“It turned out that dog wasn’t quite the right fit, but GAP sent us another profile instead… Vinnie’s.”
And just like that, everything changed.
Vinnie adapted remarkably quickly and settled into family life almost immediately.
“He jumped straight into the car, happily trotted around the yard and house, and for a dog who had never lived in a home environment, it was as though he’d been there all along.”
Like many newly adopted greyhounds, Vinnie soon revealed some quirky habits.
“For the first couple of weeks, Vinnie became quite the little collector,” his humans let us know, “He would gather ‘treasures’ from around the house and proudly take them back to his bed. We always know when he’s swiped something he shouldn’t have because we hear him scurrying across the floorboards with his latest prize.”
After settling into life with Vinnie, the family found themselves considering another greyhound.
“I was a little nervous about adding a second greyhound to the family,” they admitted. “Vinnie had settled in so effortlessly that I didn’t want to upset the balance.”
Fortunately, those concerns disappeared almost immediately.
“We followed all of GAP’s advice about introducing the boys, but in the end we didn’t need to worry. They accepted each other from day one… We feel incredibly lucky that both boys have such beautiful temperaments. They happily share food, toys, beds and our attention without any problems, making life with two greyhounds much easier than I ever imagined.”
Today, the boys are inseparable.
“These days, the boys eat side by side, sleep side by side, and have perfected the art of greyhound zoomies together. At first hearing two greyhounds playing it can sound alarmingly like they’re having a fight but they’re simply having the best time barking and digging in the dirt piles in the back yard.”
Daily life
“Now that the mornings are darker and colder, Sterling and Vinnie are in no rush to start the day. They happily stay curled up in their beds watching us get ready for school before deciding it’s time to rise at their own leisurely pace.”
The pair also share a daily walking routine.
“They know exactly when it’s walk time. As soon as the sneakers or jacket come out, they follow us around the house with their heads practically glued to my thigh until we’re finally ready to leave. And nose the drawer we keep the leads. .”
Their morning adventures include a two-kilometre jog followed by plenty of sniffing opportunities.
“We reach the path alongside the golf course, which is absolute sniffing paradise,” they said. “The final kilometre home usually takes twice as long because they are in no hurry at all.”
And despite often hearing comments about their size, the dogs are a dream to handle.
“The kids are able to walk them with no issues. We often get comments about how they are able to walk such ‘big dogs’.”
“The rest of the day is spent doing what greyhounds do best: napping. They move from room to room throughout the house, always wanting to be wherever the family is, even if they’re fast asleep. Sterling is the ultimate cuddle bug. He loves curling up and genuinely sleeps like he has narcolepsy—one second he’s awake watching what’s happening, the next he’s snoring loudly.”
One of the family’s favourite activities is taking the boys to wait outside school pickup.
“They love greeting the kids as they come out, collecting pats from anyone who stops to say hello.”
The dogs have become local celebrities among students and parents alike.
“They’re always gentle, even with little ones, and have happily accepted cuddles and even the occasional kiss from brave toddlers who want to meet the ‘big dogs’.”
At home, that same affection extends to every visitor.
“Anyone who walks through our front door needs to be prepared for an enthusiastic greeting and a good tail whack from all the excited wagging.”
The Joy of Firsts
For this family, one of the most rewarding parts of adoption has been watching Vinnie and Sterling experience life as pets.
“One of the greatest joys has been watching them experience all the little things we take for granted for the very first time.”
There have been plenty of memorable moments.
“Their first Macca’s ice cream (Vinnie didn’t even stop to breathe!), their first trip to the beach, their first time with their heads out the car window, and even their very different reactions to an unexpected swim in the pool. Vinnie was happy to get out while Sterling looked completely invigorated and tore around the backyard covered in mud. I have a feeling he’ll be a regular swimmer come summer. Sterling has one floppy ear and always looks like he is confused and I love to watch it bounce around on walks.
Seeing these moments through their eyes reminds us that they’re experiencing a whole new world after racing, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of that journey”
The impact of hounds
For anyone considering adoption, their advice is simple.
“If you’re looking for a calm, affectionate dog that doesn’t need endless hours of exercise, a greyhound is hard to beat…Be honest with Greyhounds As Pets about your family, lifestyle and what you’re looking for in a dog. They’ll take the time to match you with a greyhound whose personality is the right fit for your home.”
They also hope to challenge some common misconceptions about greyhounds.
“I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that retired racing greyhounds are somehow ‘damaged’ or difficult dogs. Our experience has been the complete opposite. Vinnie and Sterling have brought so much joy into our lives ”
Looking around their home today, it’s hard for them to imagine life without their two boys.
“We adopted Vinnie thinking we’d have one greyhound. A few months later we adopted Sterling. I think that says everything you need to know about how wonderful they are. I’m not allowed to look at any more profiles as much as I would love to adopt them all! “
Follow along with their story at @ Thevinne_sterlingshow on Instagram.
