Adopted by a Greyhound
I was adopted by a retired racing greyhound named Zorro.
As a greyhound person, I am often asked two questions. The
first question is something like "Wow, is that a greyhound?".
It's hard to see a greyhound, with its graceful form and regal
demeanor, and not want to know more.
The inquisitive probe deeper: "Why did you adopt a greyhound?".
The truth is, I didn't really adopt a greyhound. A greyhound
adopted me. This long-legged boy walked into my house as a
foster dog and never left. Each time he looked at me his soulful
eyes seemed to say "Can I keep you, please? Can this
be my forever home?" And with each look it become increasingly
clear that this long-legged boy was to become my lifetime
friend. So, I failed at fostering, but excelled in greyhound
love.
Though no one knows the numbers for sure, it is apparent
that many greyhounds bred for racing never make it to the
adoption groups that place them as pets. Some reports indicate
that about 20,000 dogs a year may be killed or sold for medical
research when they are no longer competitive at the track.
If this happens to even one dog, it is a tragedy and a travesty.
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Zorro
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This is Deveron, a very sweet and silly boy
I adopted through the Greyhound
Adoption Center. As you can see, he has discovered
a life of comfort in my home. This photo was selected for
the 2003 Celebrating Greyhounds Calendar, available through
the Greyhound
Project. Proceeds from the calendar go to help
the dogs.
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Greyhounds make wonderful companions. Many people who have had
the privilege of sharing their lives with greyhounds report that
their lives will never be the same. They have never been touched
by such beauty, grace, and dignity in a canine friend.
Greyhounds are typically quiet, gentle and sweet. They are often
very good with other dogs, and some are even good with cats. They
are NOT "hyper" and don't require tons of exercise, which
often comes as a surprise to people. Greyhounds, like all dogs,
need to stretch their legs and minds with walks and exercise. But,
once retired from the track, greyhounds TRULY are retired. The only
race most retired racers strive to win is the race to the couch
- and your heart.
Greyhounds do have some special needs. They must be fully welcomed
in the house because they easily get too hot or cold. Plus, they
thrive on human companionship so to adopt a greyhound is to make
a commitment to be an attentive friend. And, they must ALWAYS be
kept leashed unless they are in a confined area. When left to their
own devices greyhounds do what Mother Nature and training have conditioned
them to do - run like the wind and chase moving things - so greyhounds
must be protected against their own drive and desire to run, chase,
and run. But the greatest need of each and every greyhound is to
be a welcomed member of a loving home.
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This photo is of Beauty, Claudia Presto's
dog. Claudia has made the adoption of retired racing greyhounds
her life's work. Her organization,the Greyhound
Gang, is dedicated to raising awareness about
these wonderful dogs and she works tirelessly on their behalf.
I took this photo while visiting Claudia and the Gang at their
home in southern Utah. I am very proud of it because it allowed
me, in a small way, to further contribute to greyhound awareness
and adoption. For several years it was available, in postcard
form, through Claudia's phenomenal website and at Carpe
Canem. |
Many people do not think of greyhounds when they consider which
future dog will grace their hearts and home. Thanks to the energy
and commitment of adoption groups, greyhounds do not typically show
up in the classified ads of newspapers, or at shelters (though some
do). However, out there right now - in adoption kennels and volunteers'
homes throughout the country - are thousands of greyhounds waiting
for their forever homes, waiting for a second chance at life, waiting
to look up at you, with deep soulful eyes that ask "Can I keep
you, please? Will you provide my forever home?"
If you think a greyhound might be right for you, and you right
for a greyhound, please contact an adoption group. Different adoption
groups have different procedures, though all are dedicated to helping
these majestic dogs find permanent, loving homes.
Meet
the Greyhounds!
And To All...A
Greyt Night!
Here are some important greyhound links:
Information About Greyhounds &
 Links
to Adoption Groups Nationwide
California Greyhound Adoption
There are many more adoption groups in California, but these
are two with which I am familiar.
Greyhound Advocacy
Other Greyt Links
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