Tony, so sorry to here about your loss of your beloved friend Echo. You have come to the right place for advice on this wonderful breed. Having been a former cat lady, I researched a lot before making this decision to adopt a grey and it sounds like you understand the concept of building up to time alone and crating. With my 1st grey, I crated while I was away and spent the 1st 2 weeks leaving for short periods of time and letting him get used to it, he was fostered 1st and did not have a problem w/crating. At the time I had a varied schedule and could come back home often to check on him, within 2 weeks he adjusted to being left out in entire house, never had any accidents, only twice in 4 years, diarhea in basement(sick). I agree w/many that it depends on the Greyhound, they are all different but one thing for sure, they are all gentle souls just waiting for someone to love them, always appreciative of what they get. I hope you do choose to adopt one of these beauties and stay connected to this forum, great people and greyt dogs!!!