Tim Cahill told us the 5 things he wish he knew before adopting a greyhound.

Tim Cahill has lived an extraordinary life, being one of the greatest footballers Australia has seen. 

The sporting legend has travelled the world playing the sport he loves most, but for Cahill, nothing beats family. 

That includes his beloved blue greyhound Luna Moana, who he adopted through Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) New South Wales. 

In 2019, Cahill became the inaugural ambassador for GAP NSW organisation and tells Mamamia that adopting Luna was a decision he came to easily.

Their connection was special from the moment they met. 

"She put her head on my leg and it was one of those situations where I thought to myself, [my family and I have got] a farm and we've got dogs already," he recalls to Mamamia. 

After speaking with his family, he knew it was the right decision. 

"When they delivered Luna to my house, it was incredible," he continues. "She's part of the family."

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"I think for me this is the nicest part. It's a different part of retiring and being a footballer [because] you can be involved in the community in a different way."

"We've done amazing things and we're continuing to do more in Australia and making sure that we can re-home as many greyhounds as possible," he says. "I'm very happy that I can play a massive part in creating more homes for dogs.

Below are the five things Cahill wish he'd known about adopting a greyhound (and exactly why you should consider adoption).

1. Greyhounds are couch potatoes.

There's a misconception that the distinctive breed is filled with an endless supply of energy and a desire to never stop moving, but that couldn't be further from the truth Cahill explains. 

"They tend to walk around a bit but they sleep a lot," he explains in relation to his own experience with his Greyhound Luna. "The main thing though is that they're a companion. They're a friend. They're very placid and beautiful animals and it is in their nature."

When Cahill first started working with GAP NSW, he learnt the different types of personalities that are affiliated with the greyhound breed quickly.

"When I started doing this years ago, the educational side meant I was learning more about greyhounds," he says. "They have so much personality to them."

2. Greyhounds are perfect pets if you have children. 

The sporting legend has seen how greyhounds connect with little kids.

"When you see their nature, it makes sense that families, and especially the kids, are drawn to them very quickly," he says.

"Greyhounds are just a great companion for kids, parents and for [the] elderly as well because they're really reliable."

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3. Greyhounds are perfect for older families as well. 

Greyhounds are gentle, good-natured and low-maintenance creatures. 

In actuality, they need way less exercise than most people believe. 

This is exactly why they're perfect for older women and men thinking of adopting a fur friend or wanting a lifelong companion.

4. Greyhounds don't need limitless space. 

Greyhounds suit apartments; don't let their slenderness and agility fool you! 

While Cahill has Luna on a large farm, he urges others who live in smaller homes not to write off adopting their own furry friend. 

"A lot of people even in small apartments have greyhounds," he says. "A lot of people do and in general, I think it is nice to be connected to pets and animals."

5. Greyhounds get along with all other types of pets. 

For the retired pro footballer, educating himself about the greyhound breed was paramount when he became the inaugural ambassador for GAP NSW. 

One of his biggest learnings was just how well they blend into families who perhaps already have a pet. 

"Luna has a friend on the farm," he tells Mamamia. "We got a pup at the same time when we brought her into our family and now they're joined at the hip. I think for my parents, it is really nice company. 

"And we've got [lots of] dogs on the farm," he continues. "We have space for dogs, cows, donkeys and so many other animals. I think that is the nicest thing because I get to go home and be with my parents and Luna."

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Of course, adopting a pet is not a decision to take lightly, and that is why Cahill is so passionate about getting out there and telling everyone about greyhounds. 

"Not everyone needs to have a greyhound, but it's nice for them to learn more about the type of animal they are and what beautiful dogs they are," he says. 

"But for the families and every adoption event that I've been to, it's a massive success. There are people that just come to say hello, but a fair few of them go home with a greyhound, and that always makes me very proud."

Greyhounds As Pets' mission is to rehome as many greyhounds as possible into loving homes. Visit their website here to find out more. 

Feature Image: Supplied/Mamamia/@tim_cahill.