Rossi
AGE: 4 years
BREED: Greyhound
SEX: Male
IDEAL HOME: a home with a garden
LIVING WITH CHILDREN: I could live with children 10 years plus
LIVING WITH DOGS: I could potentially live with another sight hound
LIVING WITH CATS: I’ve never lived with cats
Rossi is a gorgeous 4-year-old Greyhound looking for a loving forever home, and we have a real soft spot for these wonderful dogs here at S.A.R.A!
Greyhounds are often misunderstood because of their racing background and athletic appearance, but they are frequently gentle, affectionate dogs who love nothing more than a comfy sofa and a cosy place to snooze. They may be capable of incredible bursts of speed, but many are surprisingly happy with a few leisurely walks, a chance to stretch their legs and plenty of time to relax afterwards!
Like the other Greyhounds in our care, Rossi is an ex-racing dog who has spent much of his life in kennels. Moving into a home will be a new experience for him, and he will need time to adjust to all the sights, sounds and routines of family life. We have often found that Greyhounds adapt beautifully, although they can sometimes have a cheeky side! Food left unattended on kitchen worktops may mysteriously disappear, so keeping tasty treats out of reach is definitely advisable!
Rossi is an exceptionally affectionate boy who absolutely loves people. He regularly comes over looking for fuss and attention, and he seems to enjoy human company more than most dogs. He really is a lovely lad who will happily soak up all the affection you're willing to give.
Rossi originally arrived at S.A.R.A with his kennel mate, Buck. Unfortunately, they have had to be separated while Buck undergoes surgery on his leg. Thankfully, both boys are coping well living as neighbours, so we feel confident that they can now find their own individual forever homes.
Rossi could potentially live with another suitable sighthound, provided introductions go well and they are comfortable together. However, due to his background as an ex-racing Greyhound, Rossi has a high prey drive and appears reactive towards small-breed dogs and cats. He will need careful management around smaller animals and must wear a suitable muzzle on walks for safety. He should not be rehomed with cats or small pets.
🐕 Walks and exercise
Rossi walks fabulously on the lead and is a pleasure to take out, provided there are no unexpected distractions! However, if a squirrel darts across his path or he spots a cat, his Greyhound instincts can quickly kick in. Due to his high prey drive, Rossi must never be let off the lead in an unenclosed area, as he can react very quickly and would be difficult to stop once chasing.
Thankfully, we have plenty of secure free-run pens here at S.A.R.A, where Rossi can safely stretch his long legs, enjoy a good run and have the occasional sprint without the risks associated with being off-lead in an open area. Access to a similarly secure, fully enclosed space would be a real bonus in his new home.
🏡 What Rossi needs in his forever home
A comfy place to relax: Greyhounds are famous for their love of lounging! Rossi will appreciate a comfortable, well-padded bed or sofa where he can stretch out and snooze in peace.
Appropriate daily exercise: Rossi needs regular walks suited to his fitness and individual needs, along with opportunities to stretch his legs safely. Greyhounds are sprinters rather than endurance athletes, so a balance of gentle walking, short bursts of activity where appropriate and plenty of rest is ideal.
Safe outdoor exercise: Rossi must remain on a lead in unenclosed areas and should only be allowed off-lead in a secure, fully enclosed space. His prey drive means his recall cannot be relied upon around moving animals.
Muzzle training and safety: Rossi must wear a properly fitted Greyhound muzzle on walks to help prevent injury to smaller animals. He should be introduced to and handled with the muzzle positively, and his owners must continue to manage his reactions carefully.
No cats or small pets: Rossi's prey drive makes a home with cats or small animals unsuitable. He can also react to small-breed dogs, so walks will require awareness and space from dogs he finds difficult.
Potential sighthound companionship: Rossi may enjoy living with another suitable sighthound, subject to careful introductions and compatibility. He could also be happy as the only dog, where he can enjoy plenty of human company.
Time to adjust to home life: Having spent much of his life in kennels, Rossi will need patience while he learns about household routines, stairs, household noises and the other new experiences that come with living in a home.
Mental stimulation: Sniffing opportunities, food puzzles, enrichment toys and gentle training sessions will help keep Rossi mentally engaged without overwhelming him.
Warmth and comfort: Greyhounds have thin coats and little body fat, so they can feel the cold more than many breeds. A warm bed and a suitable coat in chilly or wet weather will help keep him comfortable.
A loving family: Above all, Rossi needs people who will include him in family life, give him plenty of affection and allow him to settle at his own pace.
Rossi is such a loving, people-oriented boy, and we would love to see him enjoying the comforts of a proper home. He has spent enough time in kennels and deserves a family who will show him just how lovely retirement from racing can be!
If you're looking for an affectionate companion who will enjoy gentle adventures followed by serious sofa time, Rossi could be the perfect Greyhound for you. ❤️
Interested in adopting Rossi? Call 01642 488108 or contact us.