Tim Cahill calls on more Aussies to adopt greyhounds as pets

Socceroo superstar Tim Cahill’s first move as ambassador of the Greyhounds as Pets program was adopting retired racer Lumo — now it’s changed his life.

Socceroo legend Tim Cahill knows a thing or two about being an elite athlete, something he expected to have in common with his adopted greyhound Lumo (short for Luna Moana).

But the eight-year-old former racing dog had a few surprises in store for the great man.

“People think because greyhounds race that they’re going to be really active, but they’re not,” Cahill told Dogs of Oz.

“I was surprised by just how placid and calm they are. They can be in small places, they can live in apartments, they don’t need a lot of room to run around and they spend a lot of time sleeping.”

Currently based in the UK, Cahill is back in Sydney talking about the Greyhounds as Pets (GAPNSW) program ahead of National Adoption Day on April 19.

As a high profile sportsman, Cahill is often asked to endorse products, but he said it was much more important to promote a good cause.

“I couldn’t (become an ambassador) without skin in the game. I didn’t want to stand up and talk about adopting a greyhound without doing it myself first,” he said.

Cahill said retirement had transformed Lumo in the eight months since her adoption.

“She’s got a beautiful life on my mum and dad’s farm up in the (Byron Bay) hinterland. They’re getting older now and Lumo and her (staffordshire terrier) best friend Boy Boy spend all their time following them around.”

Like most dogs, Lumo is partial to edible rewards, but Cahill suspects she’s enjoying a few more now than in her racing heyday.

“She’s a very healthy dog, but I think my mum’s been slipping her extra treats,” he said.