It definitely varies as I’ve heard of other people with allergies, or even fewer allergies than I have, being more allergic to greyhounds. Thankfully, I can be with them without having to do anything else, though I may still pursue allergy shots at some point to alleviate my allergies to everything else (pollen, grass, dust, who knows).
Oh, me too! If it ever changed, I’d definitely rather get allergy shots regularly than give up on having future greyhounds, but hopefully my body will stay like it is, accepting the hound allergens as harmless passers-through in my system, lol. It’s difficult to convey to people how amazing it is to be able to finally be able to hug and be close to a furry animal without my immune system unleashing an apocalypse upon me!
We’re always going to have a little lovebird flock, though. Some people seem to think that finding dog breed(s) I don’t react to = not needing birds in my future. I find that so weird, and it is so far from the truth. Birds have always been a part of me, and I’ve had a strong affinity with them since before I could even talk. The lovebird is my soul bird and the greyhound is my soul dog.
Beyond not being allergic to greyhounds, I love how they are. Dignified yet playful and silly, affectionate yet independent and free-thinking, quiet/calm yet intense, unimposing, and mostly respectful of human signals. Those soulful eyes of theirs and their expressive ears and faces.
One thing I was used to with larger dogs is the way they would always crowd me, jump on me, and wouldn’t leave me alone. The greyhounds I’ve met and interacted with are by and large respectful beings that wait for a sign as to what you would like. They may ghost up next to you to show they’re there, but they’re not going to pester or push you if you don’t react. They just melt away and go back to their solitary pursuits (mostly sleeping, lol). Sometimes JJ will give me a gentle nudge or nose-bump to let me know he’s close. Any of the more invasive demonstrations of affection, I’ve had to really encourage. I worked hard to get JJ on the couch near me, then on the bed, then on my lap.
Sai is super cute the way he stands at a distance and watches you. When you look up, he starts to gently wag his tail, but still waits for an outstretched hand or a call. If I hold out both hands, Elsa comes and puts her face in them. We have worked hard to make them feel welcome and that they are always allowed to be close to us, but they’re still very sensitive, attentive, and attuned to what their people feel and desire.
Sai thinks he’s the regulator of the pack and will growl or bark when he thinks someone is out of line, even if it’s just one of them getting up at night.
We’ve found workarounds for that to keep him from fussing at night. Whatever annoyances or vet trips we have to make (they are delicate-skinned dogs, and Sai thinks he’s a tank and treats himself that way), it’s more than worth it.
How dare you let that precious creature injure himself in his sheer craziness, you must carry him everywhere for life now. 
He would have let me walk into that kitchen in the dark while he ran off to hide!
That could have gone a lot worse!
