A few months ago I posted asking if anyone had successfully integrated
ferrets and greyhounds. I got some true horror stories, and I also got
some great advice from people who had been able to have both species
happily co-exist in thier home.

I worked with a local greyhound rescue to find a retired grey who was
very cat friendly (seeks out their companionship), and we tested him
on ferrets. He ignored them.

My grey came to his forever home about six weeks ago, and I'm happy to
report has zero interest in the ferrets--except when they are playing
and he's not crated. In that case he wants to hop around and play with
them--and he's ever so careful to not step on them! He acts very
submissive when he does this, and actually doesn't like the ferrets too
close to his paws--he's actually rather cautious with the wee beasties.
(He's muzzled and there are two adults present and watching very
carefully when we allow them to interact like this.)

Of course I will never, ever trust him to be left unsupervised with
them, but as long as they are caged (or he is crated), he has
absolutely zero interest in the ferrets.

I think the key is to work with a good rescue who wants to make a
forever placement and will help you choose the "right" dog for your
home. There were some greys at the rescue who would have been
disasterous, but the one I got has been a wonderful addition to my
home.

Anne

[Posted in FML 5723]