Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Greyhound Rescue


I recently talked to Monica Davis, Adoption coordinator for Greyhounds of the Verde Valley. For the last 6 years her organization has found forever homes for 50 greathounds every year.

Dogs come from a dog track in Tucson where dogs race in14,000 races a year sometimes in 112 degree heat. These dogs have never had a toy, a treat, or learned their names. The ones I’ve met somehow seem grateful to have found a new life and quiet, docile, affectionate pets for that lucky owner.

These “40 mile an hour couch potatoes” ready to cozy up to their owner and a good book after. mandatory retirement.  

Although dog racing is illegal in 34 states there are approximately 1,500 breeding farms in 43 states and 46 racing tracks. 26,464 pups were registered with the NGA in 2000. (Greyhounds must be registered with the NGA to race at any U.S. track.)

Doris McFadden & a ready-to adopt Greyhound
These noble animals, once prized by pharaohs above human servants, where imported to the U.S. to help control the jack rabbit that threatened crops. (Looking at my yard they’ve been doing more racing than jack rabbit control.)

After adoptions the group, like others, continue to offer support, education, and play dates as well as information and tips.




“The best off track bet you’ll ever make.”

Like other groups they are always looking for foster and forever homes.


Books recommended to help you learn about greyhounds
"Adopting the Racing Greyhound" by Cynthia Branigan
"Greyhounds, a Complete Pet Owners Manual" by C. Caroline Coile
"Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies" by Lee Livingood
"Greyhound Guide" by Claudia Presto




Find a Greyhound Adoption Agency Near You


2 comments:

  1. Greyhound racing is cruel and inhumane. Greyhounds endure lives of nearly constant confinement, kept in cages barely large enough for them to stand up or turn around. While racing, many dogs suffer and die from injuries including broken legs, paralysis, and cardiac arrest. And many greyhounds are euthanized every year, as the number retired from racing exceeds the number of adoptive homes.

    At racetracks across the country, greyhounds endure lives of confinement. According to industry statements, greyhounds are generally confined in their cages for approximately 20 hours per day. They live inside warehouse-style kennels in stacked cages that are barely large enough to stand up or turn around. Generally, shredded paper or carpet remnants are used as bedding.

    An undercover video recently released by GREY2K USA shows the conditions in which these gentle dogs are forced to live: http://www.grey2kusa.org/azVideo.html

    For more information on injuries these dogs suffer, please view:

    http://www.grey2kusa.org/azInjuries.html

    http://www.grey2kusa.org/eNEWS/G2K-022811Email.html

    Dogs play an important role in our lives and deserve to be protected from industries and individuals that do them harm.

    V Wolf Board Member, GREY2K USA

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  2. Yes, Val the true story behind greyhound racing needs to be exposed. I honor the dedicated volunteers who rescue as many as they can and search for loving homes. Please contact me directly as I am looking for research sources for a book.

    ReplyDelete