Posts tagged "greyhound adoption"

Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog. "They can run up to 45 miles per hour for short distances," says David Wolf, founder and director of the National Greyhound Adoption Program (NGAP). This genetic gift ultimately puts these dogs in harm's way as it drives the racing circuit which puts greyhounds at great risk.

"I found there was a terrific need to reverse the trend of what was happening to greyhounds when they didn't win anymore [at the racetrack]," says Wolf, explaining why he started the NGAP some 20 years ago. "They would be destroyed in such enormous numbers, and it disturbed me so much I wanted to get involved trying to reverse that." To date, NGAP has rescued and found homes for some 7,000 former racing greyhounds.

Have you ever considered adopting a greyhound? Here are 10 essential things to know about adopting one (or more) of these magnificent dogs:

1. They are couch potatoes. Although greyhounds are very fast when they're in action, they are not hyper or high-strung dogs. "When they're not racing, they are in a cage at least 22 hours a day, so they're used to being sedentary," says Wolf. "They're actually quite calm and low-strung."

2. They have to learn to walk steps. Racing greyhounds have to be taught how to go up and down stairs because they've never had to do this before, says Wolf. Glass doors are another potential hazard because they've never been exposed to them. Wolf recommends frosting the lower portion of glass doors so that greyhounds are less likely to run into them.

The thrill of the opening gate gun on a greyhound racetrack is exhilarating for spectators and owners alike, but did you know the career span for the average racing dog is just two years? Since the typical life-span for this speedy breed is 12-14 years, what are these pups doing the rest of their lives?

Generally, once the dogs retire they're euthanized, but rescue groups all over the country are working to make that a passé retirement plan. One example is the Greyhound Friends of New Jersey (GFNJ), which sponsors today's annual Greyhound Adoption Day event held at the Bergen Community College in New Jersey.

"In our 22 years, Greyhound Friends of New Jersey has saved the lives of thousands of retired racing greyhounds," GFNJ volunteer, Lynne Heller tells Paw Nation. "Just this week, we'll take in 23 dogs from tracks where they faced being euthanized. Our volunteers are dedicated to educating the public about the breed and finding the right home for each greyhound we rescue."