North Shore Kennel (NSK) is based in the US in Abilene and raises, trains and retires National Greyhound Association racing greyhounds.

Given the importance now attached to the rehoming of greyhounds in Australia, NSK’s “teaching America the truth about greyhound racing” is of some interest.

Greyhounds are not used to being alone. They’re always with other dogs or humans and have the ability to run every day. They play with toys and nobody tells them they can’t shred them.

They get to chase at full speed in a safe area made just for greyhounds and they have a blast doing it. Because they are greyhounds that get to grow up with their littermates, are kennel trained, handled extensively and are well socialised.

But while a retired racer when adopted can seem sad don’t blame its past. Just know it is sad because it misses all this – the previous life had been fun and exciting every single day prior to adoption.

Being home alone from 9 to 5 was never part of its schedule. No, the alone time consisted of being kennelled alone but still having the company of plenty of buddies.

So, their stomach doesn’t agree with the kibble you choose? This is probably because they have been fed the best diet possible from several weeks of age onwards.

Instead of blaming their past be proud of it. Be proud they were loved and cared for from the second they were born. And be proud of their career as professional athletes.

But the adopted racer will be happy again because the adopter is going to give it a new purpose that fulfils all its needs. The life will certainly be different from what it had known but that doesn’t mean the past, present or future should be viewed negatively.

Because once a bond has been created with the newly-adopted racer it will soon be apparent why they make for such awesome pets.

Meanwhile, Mount Gambier Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) assessments will be held on Tuesday, July 2 from 3.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Booking day is on Tuesday, June 25.