I brought home a tall, shy greyhound named Marty on a rainy Sunday. Track tattoos in his ears, old number on his collar, eyes like warm tea. He leaned on my leg in the foster’s driveway and that was it. Hooked. If you want a peek into what his earlier life at the Jacksonville track might have looked like, take a look at my honest take on JAX greyhound racing.
He didn’t know stairs. Or glass doors. Or his name. But he knew how to nap like a pro.
Why a greyhound, Kayla?
I live in a small townhome. Thin walls. Busy street. I wanted a calm dog that wouldn’t bark all day. A friend said, “Greyhounds are 40 mph couch potatoes.” Truth. Marty can sprint like lightning, then he’s out cold for hours.
I’ve had a rowdy lab mix before. Sweet as pie, but he needed long runs and a big yard. This time, I needed quiet and simple. Mostly.
The adoption part (and a quick surprise)
I went through a local group, Greyhound Pets of America. (Curious about the wider movement? Greyhound adoption has taken off worldwide.)
They did a home check. Quick chat. They asked about kids, cats, my work hours, stairs, and if I had a yard. I met three dogs at a foster home:
- Toast tried to climb into my hatchback by himself. Hilarious.
- Blitz stared at the foster’s cat a bit too hard. Not great for me.
- Marty leaned on me and sighed, like we already lived together.
The fee was $375. He came fixed, chipped, up to date on shots, and with a soft muzzle. We drove home, and he slept so hard my arm fell asleep from trying to keep his long neck comfy. You know what? I didn’t mind. For the complete play-by-play of those first chaotic days, I put together this step-by-step adoption diary that might help future adopters.
Day 1: Stairs are lava
Marty froze at the bottom step. All legs. No clue. I used a handful of boiled chicken and a calm voice. Step, treat. Step, treat. We got to the top like two kids on a wobbly ladder.
He also walked into my sliding glass door. Twice. After that, I hung a dish towel on the handle. Fixed.
He didn’t bark. Well, not at first. On Day 3, the neighbor dropped a pan. Marty did one loud “woof,” then hid behind me. Brave, but also baby.
The first week was messy and sweet
- He peed on the bath mat once. My fault. I was slow with the leash.
- He learned the elevator with a simple “wait.” We counted “1, 2” with the door. It helped.
- He didn’t know toys. The first squeak made him jump in the air, like a cat. Then he “zoomed” in a little circle, legs everywhere, giant smile.
He slept about 18 hours a day. He “roached” (on his back, legs in the air) by Day 5. That’s trust. Or he just found the one warm sunspot. Maybe both.
Gear that saved my sanity
These were the keepers from Week 1:
- Martingale collar (greyhound necks are thick; this keeps him safe)
- Tag collar with his name and my number
- Soft basket muzzle for playdates and first cat visits
- A snug coat for winter walks (he’s all ribs and feelings)
- Nail grinder (clippers scared him; a grinder was slow but calm)
- Slippery floor fix: cheap yoga mats by the door and stairs
Total startup cost for me? About $220 after the fee. The coat was the big spend. Worth it in February.
Training: short, sweet, and fair
Greyhounds are smart, but they’re sighthounds. They watch. They think. They don’t love long drills. We did five minutes, twice a day: “wait,” “touch,” and “leave it.” He did great. Food helped. Cheese helped more.
He does not sit well. Many greyhounds don’t. Long legs, tight hips. I don’t force it. We do “stand” and “down.” Works fine.
One big rule: no off-leash unless fenced. He sees a squirrel, he’s gone. He’s not “bad.” He’s built to chase.
Cats, kids, and the “sleep startle” thing
Marty was “cat workable.” That means curious but not wild. We did slow meets with the muzzle on, treats in hand, and a baby gate. By Week 2, he ignored my neighbor’s cat, Bean, if I kept things calm.
With kids, I set a clear rule: don’t touch him when he’s sleeping. Greyhounds can startle and snap in their sleep. My 10-year-old niece dropped a Lego by his bed. He flinched, looked worried, then went back to snoring. We praised him for staying chill and moved the Lego party to the table.
Health stuff no one told me (but I wish they had)
- Teeth: greyhound teeth get gunky fast. We brush. We do chews. He’ll likely need cleanings at the vet. Budget for it.
- Skin: it’s thin. He got a tiny scrape on his “barbie nose” from a bush. He looked tragic. A dab of ointment and we were good.
- Feet: watch for “corns” on pads. They can limp on hard ground. So far, zero for Marty, but I check.
- Vets: greyhounds have weird blood values. Their red cells run high, and thyroid can read low even when they’re fine. Tell your vet he’s a greyhound. It matters for meds.
For a deeper dive into common conditions and how to spot them early, check out this concise guide on greyhound illness.
Pet insurance for us is $45 a month. Food is around $60 a month. He eats 3 cups a day, plus a spoon of fish oil for coat and joints.
Exercise: not what you think
Two 20-minute walks work most days. If he gets the zoomies, we do five safe sprints in the fenced tennis court near us when it’s empty. If it’s wet, we play “find it” with treats in the living room. Mental work tires him out nicely.
He loves the car. Hates jumping into it. I put down a bath mat on the bumper. He hops in like a gentleman.
Little quirks I love now
- He “air sniffs” when he’s excited, like he’s reading the wind.
- He leans on my legs while I brush his teeth. It’s sweet and a little bossy.
- He watches TV dogs. He ignores TV squirrels. Go figure.
- He learned “bedtime” means cozy fleece blanket. He tucks his nose under it like he’s hiding from taxes.
Real pros and real cons
Pros:
- Quiet, clean, and gentle
- Short coat; low dog smell
- Funny zoomies and deep naps
- Grateful, steady company
Cons:
- No off-leash without a fence
- Teeth and skin need care
- Stairs and slick floors can be hard at first
- Prey drive means small, fast pets can be tricky
Who should get a retired racer?
- Apartment folks who can do daily walks
- People who like calm dogs and short training sessions
- Families who can teach kids dog-safe rules
Who should skip it?
- Anyone who wants a hiking buddy for 8 miles a day
- People with free-roaming tiny pets who run like toys
- Folks who need a dog park regular
On a totally different note, companionship comes in many forms. If you’re over 18 and looking for human company that’s as straightforward and judgment-free as Marty’s 40-mph snuggles, take a moment to browse the local escorts directory — it lists verified independent providers, clear rates, and user reviews so you can find the right match safely and discreetly.
If you’re based near Snohomish County and specifically interested in meeting welcoming trans companions, explore the detailed profiles at Marysville TS escort listings where you’ll find verification badges, current availability calendars, and client-rating summaries to help you arrange a respectful, hassle-free meetup.
Final thought (and a warm nap)
I wanted a chill dog. I got that. But I also got a buddy who makes eye contact like we share a secret. He trots to the door when I grab his martingale. He falls asleep with his chin on my foot while I read. He’s soft, a little weird, and perfect for me.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. I’d keep the bath mat off the floor, though.
— Kayla Sox