Source: The Greyhound Project
What better month than National Adopt-a-Greyhound month to welcome a beautiful, graceful, and gentle companion into your home.
A total of 10 Greyhound racing tracks have closed across the country since the end of 2008, and 25 have closed since 2000. An estimated 500 to 1,000 greyhounds have been displaced as a result of each closing. Add greyhounds that have been retired from still-existing tracks across the country and you have thousands of these vibrant dogs being cared for by adoption groups as they wait to be adopted into permanent homes.
Two tracks recently closed in Massachusetts as a result of state legislation banning racing, and the sluggish economy contributed to other closings across the country. April is National Greyhound Adoption Month, and The Greyhound Project is spreading their message of greyhound adoption awareness to ensure that 100 percent of the greyhounds waiting at adoption groups find caring homes.
“Greyhounds are graceful, gentle pets and companions,” said President of The Greyhound Project Michael McCann. “The state of the economy has resulted in fewer adoptions and more surrenders. This factor, along with the track closings, really underscores the importance of finding permanent homes for these wonderful dogs.”
The Greyhound Project works to assist over 300 greyhound adoption groups nationwide. The charity also publishes Celebrating Greyhounds, an award-winning quarterly magazine written for greyhound adopters, owners, and supporters.
About The Greyhound Project
Founded in 1992, The Greyhound Project is a volunteer, non-profit organization. The mission of The Greyhound Project is to promote the welfare and adoption of greyhounds by providing support and information to adoption organizations, adopters, and the public. Please visit www.adopt-a-greyhound.org for more information.
Bart
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They look so sweet and gentle. I would addopt one greyhound but the problem is that I already have a cat, and she’s like the ‘master’ of the house!
I think its a wonderful project, but I think that people should also be aware of the ‘special needs’ of many of these loving ex racing dogs. In Australia they usually go through a one year rehabilitation program, but when walking my and other dogs, I have often found that this may not be enough. They are great sprinters but not so good at even mid to long walks (tire easily).
Walking and bonding is essential to tiring them out and socializing them, but without a good trainer/ discipline, they often switch back into hunting and nipping mode, bullying other social dogs.
I love grey hounds, just would like to add that owning one takes special ongoing responsibilities that need to be addressed for everyones needs. They deserve it for the effort they have already put in@
Hi Bruce – I totally agree and hope that all rescue groups would be realistic about the special needs of greyhounds, puppy mill survivors, etc. Thanks for your insights!