Retired racer takes new role in her stride

MARION VAN DIJK/Nelson Mail

NEW FAMILY MEMBER: LaVerne Clark and her daughter, Gabrielle, with retired greyhound, Jazzy.

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She is a little shy around strangers, but once she gets to know you, Jazzy is loyal, friendly and gentle.

She is also very lucky.

As a racing dog, the four-year-old greyhound could have ended up being put to sleep once her life on the track came to an end.

Luckily for her, a Stoke family decided a greyhound would be the perfect addition to their family, and now they are keen to introduce others to what they believe are a breed that makes a great pet.

LaVerne Clark is the Nelson area co-ordinator for Greyhounds as Pets (GAP), an organisation that looks to rehome former racing greyhounds once their racing career has finished, typically between the ages of three and four.

Jazzy didn't have a stellar career on the track, pulling in about $4000 in winnings, but after the Clarks adopted her nine months ago from the GAP kennels in Rangiora, she has quickly adapted to her more comfortable surrounds.

"You just don't think of greyhounds as pets. You just see them on the track. People have never had the chance to see them and say 'Hi'."

Mrs Clark said Jazzy was great with 17-month-old Gabrielle, eight-year-old Aidan and cat Suki, and unlike other breeds, rarely barked.

Because they do not produce much oil, they do not smell.

Despite what people may think, greyhounds are built for pace, not distance, so Jazzy is content with a 40-minute walk each day.

However, because of their high predator urge, greyhounds can get agitated by the sight of small animals, so most are muzzled in public.

Mrs Clark said there were 10 adopted greyhounds in the Nelson region. She organises get-togethers for owners and their pets. "They all get together and they go berserk," she said of the dogs. "It's great fun to watch."

She said Jazzy was a low-maintenance pet. "She sits on her bed, goes to sleep and likes being walked."

The region's greyhounds and their owners will meet at the field by WOW at 12.30pm on Sunday. Mrs Clark said people were welcome to come and find out about adopting one.

See greyhoundsaspets.org.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News