Adoption and Rescue: Adopting a Retired Greyhound
By Michele Blandino
Families looking to adopt a dog into their household usually turn to their local animal shelter to find their new friend. What many don't realize, however, is that there is another available option: retired greyhounds.
For the uninitiated, there are 15 states that have legalized dog racing: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Greyhounds, because of their ability to run fast and far, are used at many of these tracks.
A Darker Side
Unfortunately, there is a dark side to this sport; when they're not racing, the dogs are typically kept isolated from people and other dogs and when their racing career is over, they are usually destroyed. In fact, according to statistics supplied by the National Greyhound Adoption Program, an estimated 30,000 greyhounds are destroyed in the U.S. each year because they cease to be profitable (i.e. win races) for their owners.
Greyhound Advocacy
Fortunately, there are advocacy groups popping up all over the country that are attempting to end this cycle of abuse. As a result, many dogs are finding new homes, and new lives.
The role played by organizations such as the National Greyhound Adoption Program goes far beyond introducing the greyhounds to their new owners. Most of the advocacy groups have a stringent set of criteria that adoptive families need to meet in order to be considered as candidates for adoption.
And, unlike many shelters, these advocacy groups charge an adoption fee which covers the cost of expenses such as air transportation, rabies shots, spaying and neutering, and other expenses.
Greyhounds as Pets
So, what kind of pets do greyhounds make? Despite the fast and furious pace of the dog track, the greyhound is actually a docile animal, making them particularly appropriate for families with small children. Young greyhounds typically spend quite a bit of time with their trainers and so they have well-established social skills. However, because they are usually kept in isolation from other animals, a greyhound may not be a good fit in families where there are other pets. A representative from an advocacy group can review your particular situation and counsel you in matters such as these.
Greyhounds usually have a racing career that lasts between one and three years, and as a result, the majority of dogs that are put up for adoption are between the ages of two and four. This means that your greyhound will be part of your family for many years. Most are completely housebroken.
Another consideration is your property. Make no mistake, greyhounds are fast. Some experts say they can accelerate to a speed of 40 MPH in 30 seconds. As a result, it's important that you have a fenced-in yard and that you always keep your pet on a lead.