Gwennie’s quiet, reserved demeanour may seem at odds with her career as a competitive athlete.
But that’s exactly what attracted Louise Walters and her partner, Sandra Seekins, to the five-year-old greyhound that was bred and trained to race against other dogs in high-speed sprints around tracks in states like Florida, Alabama, West Virginia and Iowa.
In fact, it’s what brings most people to greyhounds, often after they’ve already owned other breeds, said Walters, who’s organizing a walk for greyhounds and their owners at Colony Farm Regional Park on June 11. The local event is part of the worldwide Great Global Greyhound Walk, which brings together sighthounds like greyhounds, whippets and afghans as well as their owners to socialize and raise awareness about their sometimes misunderstood breeds.
Those misconceptions can include a perception that greyhounds are high-strung and need a lot of exercise. Nothing could be further from the truth, said Walters.
“They are bred to chase, they are super fast,” said Walters, noting Gwennie is happiest when she’s lazing about the house. But “they don’t need to run. They like sprinting. They require only moderate exercise. They’re good with kids.”
Since adopting Gwennie about a year ago from an agency that specializes in finding forever homes for retired racing dogs, Walters said she feels like she has joined a special club of like-minded owners bonded by their love for the breed. Whenever greyhound owners bump into one another at the dog park or even in the parking lot at Costco, they often strike up a conversation about how they came to acquire their dog, share funny stories or experiences. She hopes the walk will extend that fellowship.
The Great Global Greyhound Walk started 11 years ago in the United Kingdom with a half dozen dogs. This year’s event is expected to attract about 20,000 walkers and dogs in many countries, including Spain, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and Germany.
Walters said she’s not surprised greyhounds have attracted a loyal following.
“They’re gentle, they have a quiet confidence. They make very good pets.”
• The Tri-City event of the Great Global Greyhound Walk takes place Sunday, June 11, at 11 a.m. at the greenspace opposite the washrooms by the main parking lot at Colony Farm Regional Park in Coquitlam. The walk covers 4 km of flat trails and will be followed by a picnic lunch. For more information, go to greatglobalgreyhoundwalk.co.uk.
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