By Darren Cartwright
Adopters Nick and Jess got the shock of their lives when they brought prolific city winner Johnny Hot Feet home to their modest-sized Brisbane apartment.
They underestimated the sheer size of the four-year-old former racer, who won 13 of his 50 starts, including his second last outing at Albion Park in August of last year.
Having a greyhound as a pet was a dream, but the pair was surprised by how big he looked in their apartment when Johnny walked in four months ago.
Nick’s first thought was that if it didn’t work out, he’d have to return him.
“When we met him, it was in a big grassy paddock and, in a big grassy paddock, he didn't seem like a huge dog,” Nick explained.
“The minute he got inside, we were like, ‘oh sh**’ like this is a huge dog, and we were a bit concerned for the first day or two.
“I was prepared, if it wasn't going to work, to take him back. I didn't want to have the dog in a situation that was not ideal for him.”
Their fears were allayed when Johnny Hot Feet, who is now just Johnny, slept 20 hours a day, and only rose to eat, meet and greet arrivals and go for his daily walk.
His size though, may not have been an issue, so far as him living in an apartment, but he made himself so comfortable that Nick and Jess have had to make all the adjustments.
“I’d heard they slept 20 hours a day and that is spot on. He’s a bit more like a cat than a dog,” Nick said with a laugh.
“He’s happy to sleep and he takes up the whole couch, which he has claimed as his own, but gets up when there is food in his bowl.
“He has fit in so well, so quickly. There is not a worry with him ever. He is just great."
Image: Johnny Hot Feet on the way to one of his seven Albion Park victories.
Before they adopted Johnny, who Nick says is named after country singing legend Johnny Cash, they researched the breed’s nature, behaviour and energy levels.
Living in an apartment, the last thing they wanted was a “high energy” pooch that drove them crazy for love, attention and walks and they love him that much, Jess has started volunteer work to rehome greyhounds.
“
My mum had cocker spaniels and they were great dogs, but they had so much energy,” Nick said.
“But, I live in an apartment, and I didn’t want a high-energy dog that needed a lot of stimulation, so we went for a dog with a relaxed nature, and we saw Johnny and he’s been perfect.”
As for negotiating two flights of stairs to their reach their unit, Nick said it took about a week for Johnny to overcome his initial fears.
It had been about the only challenge Johnny faced living in the apartment, who Nick said is hard to fault.
“It was within a week, that he was going up and down two decent flights of stairs,” he said.
“He’s a super fast learner and he's a smart dog and super relaxed.
“He doesn't really shed any hair, doesn't smell at all like and doesn't bark and he was toilet trained.
“So yeah, there's not many downsides.”