As any Simpsons fan will know, "Santa's Little Helper" is the family's rescue greyhound.

 

He first appeared in an episode called "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" which aired on Dec. 17th, 1989 and he's stayed with the cartoon family ever since.

He joined the Simpsons when a Christmas bonus Homer expected never came to fruition so one thing led to another and Homer stole Marge's Christmas-money jar to pay for Bart's tattoo removal (don't ask .....).

 

In a last-ditch attempt to buy his family presents, Homer takes a job at Springfield's Mall as, you guessed it, Santa Claus. With his wages and an insider tip, Homer heads to the dog track in order to win big.

 Deciding to bet on a "long-shot" instead, he loses everything (D'oh!) but not all is lost when he ends up rescuing the now abandoned greyhound he bet on and taking him home to a delighted family.

 So a happy ending after all.

 

 

The greyhound is such a noble breed of dog, this canine dates back to 3000BC, in fact, the greyhound is the only dog mentioned in the Bible.

Egyptian tombs were decorated with images of these magnificent dogs, a close relative of the Pharoah Hound and linked to the Egyptian god, Anubis.

They were held in such esteem by the Egyptians that next to the birth of a son, the birth of a family's greyhound was a major event and greatly celebrated. When one died, the family went into mourning.

Mummified and buried alongside their humans, this dog was worshipped by Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and royalty alike.

Come the 1900's, the fastest breed of dog was used for circuit racing and most greyhounds you meet are ex-racers more used to living in a crate than a family home.

That said, boy do they adapt well to living with us. Imagine adopting an easy going, bright as a button blank canvas that's happy to sleep while you're at work. 

This dog that was "born to run" sleeps 16 - 18hrs a day so don't think you have to be a marathon runner to own one.

They live up to their nickname  "the 45mph couch potato" by generally lounging around and only need one good run or a nice walk a day. It's hard to believe by looking at them but they actually less exercise than most dogs.

They rarely bark, are affectionate and docile, making them a perfect apartment dog. They are easy to groom and naturally very clean (don't have that "doggy smell") and above all, are very polite when they meet new people or new dogs. 

The greyhound will become your best friend!

 

 

Cleopatra

Elizabeth I

William Shakespeare

Al Capone

Kenny Rogers

Uri Geller

Charlie Watts

JK Rawlings

Germain Greer

Jane Mansfield

 

  

If you have a sofa space for a leggy beaut that's happy to snooze while you work, you'll be rewarded with love galore so search your local rescue centres or check out the ones below. Not only will you gain a companion but you'll be saving a life.

 

 

The Greyhound Trust

Birmingham Greyhound Protection

Celia Cross Greyhound Trust

 

Forever Hound trust

 

Greyhound Rescue Groups in the UK-Welcome/Home

Greyhounds For You- Official Site