Tiara

Tiara is a sweet, shy, and affectionate pup once trust is established. She does not warm up quickly to new people. When she forms a bond, she becomes very people oriented and seeks closeness, guidance, and affection. With her trusted person, she follows closely, listens for cues, and clearly looks to her human for reassurance. She actively seeks affection and has adorable ways of asking for it: placing her paw on you for more pets, playful barking, and leaning or tucking her nose into a leg or blanket. As she has settled in, she has shown a very silly, playful side that comes out when she feels safe.

Tiara is very shy with new people. When guests come over, she typically retreats to her crate and may remain there the entire visit unless the group is very small and familiar. Even with people she has met before, she may need time to re-acclimate. We recommend slow, gentle approaches and minimal eye contact initially to avoid pressure.

Tiara is generally low-to-moderate energy. She enjoys a daily 15–20 minute walk, especially in parks (she does much better in open, quiet spaces than in neighborhoods); short bursts of zoomies in the yard; playing with squeaky toys and blankets and of course – long naps near her people (beds and couches are non-negotiable for her!)

Neighborhood walks can be challenging. Tiara may freeze (“statue”) if she sees dogs, children, or people nearby. She is particularly scared of non-greyhound dogs and will hide behind us. A front-clip harness has worked best. In parks, she is noticeably more relaxed and confident. Gentle encouragement works better than pressure, she may vocalize if pulled and resumes walking once reassured.

Tiara has done very well with house training and understands “potty,” as well as using bells to signal needing to go outside. She does best with a structured household and consistent daily schedule; a house with a fenced yard for her comfort and privacy.

Tiara is crated when left alone. She initially showed distress with departures and has done much better with a frozen lick mat as a distraction. She may resist entering the crate and eventually settles down and falls asleep. She can comfortably be alone for up to about 5 hours. Longer stretches are possible on occasion but should not be routine.

She has been shy yet appropriate with other greyhounds. On walks, she is fearful of unfamiliar dogs. A calm, confident canine companion could work, and she would also do very well as an only dog. Prey drive has been minimal (one brief bird chase, quickly disengaged). Tiara has not been around children. If placed with kids, they should be older, calm, and dog-savvy, especially around food and toys. Important note: Tiara is protective of high-value food items. Hands should never be placed near her food or lick mats while she is engaged.

She knows several basic words (potty, food, come here, back) and is very food motivated. She is sensitive to stern correction and responds best to gentle guidance. She has tolerated household noises well (vacuum, blender, fireworks).

Tiara would thrive in a home that has consistent routines with a family that is patient and willing to give her time to settle. Car loading is challenging as she needs to be lifted calmly by one person while another reassures her. We found that vet visits are stressful and she requires trazodone and support during appointments.

The most rewarding part of fostering Tiara has been watching her learn that she is safe. Once she trusts, she is incredibly loyal, loving, and eager to please. Our biggest hope is that her future family gives her the time and grace she needs; this sweet girl truly blossoms with patience.