Greyhounds are such couch potatoes

The greyhounds with their handlers (from left) Dave Hamby, Noni Hogwood and Harold Seelig posing for the photographer at Tractor Supply Co recently. — TNS

Greyhounds may be known for their speed and inclination to want to run.

But did you know they also are known to race to the nearest sofa?

“They’re couch potatoes, ” laughed Noni Hogwood. “That’s what they are!”

Hogwood, who owns retired racer Goldie, was one of several pet-parents who brought their four-legged “children” to a meet-and-greet one recent weekend at Tractor Supply Co in Prince George, Virginia, the United States. The event was sponsored by James River Greyhounds and Greyt Love Retirement, a group that advocates for the dogs after they end their racing careers.

“Knowing that you’re helping other greyhounds find their fur-ever home is what this is all about, ” shared Hogwood. “Goldie’s been my salvation since my husband passed away, and she’s a registered emotional support dog.

“Goldie attends coffee hour at St Michaels Episcopal Church in Colonial Heights with me, ” she added. “She’s made a lot of friends there.”

Margaret Worley and her four-year-old grandson Barry Webb visiting the greyhounds at Tractor Supply Co.

Joining Goldie at the meet-and-greet were fellow retirees Bazooka, Missy, Chloe and D’zot, accompanied by their human companions.

Harold Seelig of Chester brought Chloe and D’Zot. “We love to show them off in hopes that other people will become interested in adopting a greyhound, ” Seelig said.

Greyhounds are considered past their racing prime at the age of five. They have an average life span of 12-14 years, which can be uncommon for larger dogs.

“They outlawed racing in Florida over a two-year period, so people have dogs there that need to go somewhere, ” added Seelig.

Greyhounds might be sleek, but they are not considered very good guard dogs.

“They get excited and greet people, but they’re not protectors, ” Seelig said.

John Sulla, manager of Tractor Supply Co, said he enjoys having the greyhounds come to the store because they are so human-centric.

“A lot of people think all they want to do is run, but they’re actually cuddly, ” added Sulla. “They even cuddle each other with their faces. Customers enjoy the greyhounds’ presence.” – Tribune News Service/The Progress-Index (Petersburg, Va.)/Kristi K. Higgins