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Born to Run, Dying to Race |
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It's an ancient breed. Greyhounds–sleek, strong, aristocratic in appearance–witnessed Arabian Nights in the land of their origin and later became the consorts of English nobility. But to fully appreciate them, watch them run. Other dogs can only envy their top speed of 45 miles an hour. It's what they're born to do. Unfortunately, it's also what they're dying to do. Long ago, greyhounds were used in hunting, and with their intelligence, quickness and agility, they excelled. Today, the game of choice is a mechanical rabbit at racetracks. But a racing dog's career lasts only five years. Afterwards, unless kept for breeding, many are put to death–a bitter end to a regal past and a vigorous, yet gentle and loving dog. A national organization, Greyhound Pets of America (GPA), is doing something about that, with 40 chapters across the country devoted to finding homes for retired racers. Oklahoma has two chapters, in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The local effort is lead by Shelly Dobson and Diana Burnett. "We're dedicated to finding good, compassionate, indoor homes for ex racing greyhounds," says Dobson. "Our motto is we provide adoption as an option." "We stress that, because we're not a rescue group, we're an adoption group," says Burnett. "We try to educate people and show them how greyhounds make wonderful pets." Dobson started the local group. She became interested in working with GPA after experiencing the scope of the problem firsthand. "My husband and I went to Wichita, Ks., where they race greyhounds, to adopt one. I didn't really know what to expect. I was aware of their plight, but I wasn't prepared for the sheer numbers. There were probably a hundred dogs in crates. We just stood there, kind of in shock, looking at row after row of dogs barking and wagging their tails, waiting for homes. And we could only take one." Burnett points out Oklahoma plays a part in those numbers. "Racing isn't legal here, but we're one of the largest breeding states, and we're bordered by racing states." "There's a vast number of dogs bred for an industry that views them as a commodity," adds Dobson. "They're bred for a purpose, to make money. If they can't make money, what happens to them? What if the pups don't qualify, if they aren't fast enough? With nine pups, maybe you get one or two winners. The bigger the number, the better the odds. I'd love to see the day when there aren't thousands of dogs waiting to come into our program–when they've refined the breed to the point there isn't a need for such numbers, or when the racing industry goes away. But I don't think it will happen." For that reason, GPA's dogs average between two and seven years old. The group has information that says racing greyhounds are raised on farms, in numbers ranging from 30 to hundreds. During their careers, the greyhounds are handled by breeders, trainers, haulers, track workers and veterinarians. And these people say it has one of the best temperaments of all the breeds, friendly with people, even strangers. A visit to Burnett's home illustrates the point. The six current residents are curious about the stranger in their midst–friendly but reserved, actually rather polite, as befits those of noble origin. A little petting, a few licks, and they're ready to resume the normal routine, curled up on a pillow or the couch, comfortable and at ease. "We call them 45 mile per hour couch potatoes," says Burnett. "That's one thing potential adopters need to learn. There are several misconceptions; one is people think their yards aren't big enough. In reality, this is what they do most of the time. Sure, they want to get out and stretch their legs occasionally, but they don't need a lot of exercise. They need some time outside, or to be taken for a daily walk. But I've got a small yard, and it's no problem. We've even adopted to people who don't have fenced yards, as long as they're committed to walking the dog on lead. Another misconception is that this isn't a good breed for first time owners or those who haven't trained a dog. We don't feel that's true. It's just an education process. They're very malleable dogs, used to being handled and touched." However, Dobson says the difference in a home environment from the one in which they lived can be startling for the dogs. "Everything is a surprise. They walk into storm doors, because they don't know what glass is. They've never been on tile floors or seen stairs. It's a matter of getting them acclimated to the home and riding in a car. Once you do, they love to go for rides." "That's where foster homes help, to smooth off rough edges before the dogs go into permanent homes," says Burnett. "And that's how we house our dogs. We're always looking for people willing to foster. It's a big commitment, an unselfish act of love to take in these dogs and work through this with them. Then, it's difficult to give them up, even though you know it's the right thing to do." If you're interested in fostering or adopting, you can look up the chapter's Web site, www.gpaok.com, or see them in person at Petsmart every third weekend of the month. They have dogs at the north store on Saturday and the south store on Sunday. "The application is pretty involved, because we want to learn about adopters' home lives to determine if a greyhound is appropriate for them," says Dobson. "We ask for two personal references. We check with their veterinarian, if they have one. We do a home visit, and there's required reading, a short book that gives the history and information about the breed." Also, the adopter must be prepared financially. There's a $150 fee. "Sounds steep," she says, "but it covers the expense of exams, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, worming, teeth cleaning and a new collar and leash." "There are things specific to the breed that people must be aware of," says Burnett. "With little body fat and a thin coat, they're not suited to be outdoor dogs. It also means they respond differently to anesthesia, medication and flea and tick products. They need a vet experienced with greyhounds. They're compatible with other dogs, but cats and smaller animals may be more difficult. Because of their gentle, docile nature, people forget they have a strong prey instinct. But we do test them for safeness with cats, small animals and children." "The greyhound has a long life span for a large breed dog," says Dobson. "We just want to make sure they're going to a lifelong home and won't be coming back to us. And if people want to help, we can always use it. We're grateful to Petsmart, and Ralston-Purina helps us with dog food. But we have a need for people and help with expenses." In return, Dobson promises, "Lots of warm fuzzies. It's a good feeling to know you, as an individual, helped a little. And with the national organization, we can help a lot." Back to OKC Animal Welfare |
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