I'm very sorry for the loss of your little Tony. To answer your questions, I grew up with a dachshund, but always wanted a big dog. For 25 years, I had black labs and/or golden retrievers, and adored them. However, once they passed away, I began looking for a shelter that placed homeless goldens, and happened across greyhound adoption. Curious, I researched the breed, found all the characteristics EXACTLY what I was now looking for in a pet, and proceeded with my adoption application. It's been 10 years since my first greyhound blessed my life, and I am profoundly grateful. Other than my latest "failed fostering" with a lovely senior lurcher (half grey, half lab [we guess]) I can't imagine having another breed share my heart and home.