900 Greyhounds In Need of HELP!

ItzKatzTime · 11-19-2009, 09:27 PM

A friend in Chicago sent this to me.

"Dairyland Greyhound Racetrack" in Kenosha, WI is closing Dec. 31. Some 900 Greyhounds will need to be adopted otherwise they will be euthanized. Get the word out...pass this on....only 6 weeks to get this task done!!! Call Joanne Kehoe, Operations Director Ph: 312/559-0887 or call direct to Dairyland Adoption Center 262/612-8256

The volunteers are overwhelmed trying to help these wonderful dogs.

Please pass this on....thank you!

tsutcli · 11-20-2009, 09:48 AM

I just emailed this information to one of the key people with the Emerald Coast Adoption Agency we adopted our Greyhound from. Hopefully he will get involved or have some suggestions. They make absolutely wonderful pets!!

MissCritter · 11-20-2009, 09:56 AM

Have they done press releases to the morning shows - Today, GMA? Talk shows - Ellen, Oprah? APSCA, of course, which has an extensive memebership/email list.

May be a long shot, but the payoff could be big. Thank God the park is closing. I pray all these beautiful animals get the loving homes they deserve.

Franny · 11-20-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissCritter

Have they done press releases to the morning shows - Today, GMA? Talk shows - Ellen, Oprah? APSCA, of course, which has an extensive memebership/email list.

May be a long shot, but the payoff could be big. Thank God the park is closing. I pray all these beautiful animals get the loving homes they deserve.

And Bonnie Hunt, she is a huge animal advocate.

ItzKatzTime · 11-20-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsutcli

I just emailed this information to one of the key people with the Emerald Coast Adoption Agency we adopted our Greyhound from. Hopefully he will get involved or have some suggestions. They make absolutely wonderful pets!!

Thanks so much for getting this information out to someone who knows about adopting Greyhounds. I know absolutely nothing, except that I do see quite a few people out and about with them. And, everyone I've ever talked to about their adopted Greyhound(s) is just crazy about them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissCritter

Have they done press releases to the morning shows - Today, GMA? Talk shows - Ellen, Oprah? APSCA, of course, which has an extensive memebership/email list.
May be a long shot, but the payoff could be big. Thank God the park is closing. I pray all these beautiful animals get the loving homes they deserve.

Thank you MC....I don't know as my friend just passed this on to me....to pass it on. I guess the person to contact about that is Joanne Kehoe. I will ask Patrick about that and post it if anything has put it on the news. I would hope that 900 Greyhounds would definitely be news worthy!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franny

And Bonnie Hunt, she is a huge animal advocate.

Thanks Franny!!!!

ItzKatzTime · 11-20-2009, 11:59 PM

900 Greyhounds!
The amount is staggering!!!
Think about it.

Franny · 11-21-2009, 11:39 AM

Heartbreaking to say the least!

jdarg · 11-21-2009, 06:18 PM

I am always suspect of chain email pleas- and this is another one that popped up on Snopes. However, it does help get out the message that there are lots of animals that need adopting, and these dogs do need a home. These dogs at Dairyland are the lucky ones- greyhounds have been euthanized in large numbers for years- I remember hearing about a pile of about 200 dead greyhounds being discovered in an orange grove when I was out in Phoenix in the 90's. The exact number of greyhounds available for adoption is unknown until racing ends on 12/31/2009, according to the article.

Recent News

According to the Snopes article, the park will remain open until the dogs are placed. Scroll down, since the info comes after news about other animal hoaxes.

snopes.com: Shelter Closure

And remember- greyhounds are wonderful dogs, but off the track dogs have special needs and adaptability issues that are unique to their circumstance.

Franny · 11-22-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdarg

I am always suspect of chain email pleas- and this is another one that popped up on Snopes. However, it does help get out the message that there are lots of animals that need adopting, and these dogs do need a home. These dogs at Dairyland are the lucky ones- greyhounds have been euthanized in large numbers for years- I remember hearing about a pile of about 200 dead greyhounds being discovered in an orange grove when I was out in Phoenix in the 90's. The exact number of greyhounds available for adoption is unknown until racing ends on 12/31/2009, according to the article.

Recent News

According to the Snopes article, the park will remain open until the dogs are placed. Scroll down, since the info comes after news about other animal hoaxes.

snopes.com: Shelter Closure

And remember- greyhounds are wonderful dogs, but off the track dogs have special needs and adaptability issues that are unique to their circumstance.

I wish it weren't true.

jdarg · 11-22-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franny

I wish it weren't true.

It's partially true. There isn't going to be a mass killing on Dec. 31st, but the dogs will be adopted out. I imagine every greyhound rescue in the country is on this by now. Of course nobody knows what happens when dogs are returned to their owners- it will be dealing with the individual owners that will be a PIA.

From the Dairyland website:

"Wisconsin State law provides that the greyhounds are to be adopted to new homes, sent to another racetrack for racing purposes or returned to their owners. Our kennel compound will remain open until all greyhounds are properly placed."

A big concern is the viral nature of this email and how many people will think they are doing the right thing by adopting a greyhound and finding out quickly that the dog is not suited for their home/lifestyle and it ends up in a shelter. Hopefully, the adoption process will be thorough and people will do their homework. I would hate to see lots of greyhounds end up like all the unwanted Dalmations (remember when "101 Dalmations" came out?) and chihuahuas (yo queoro Taco Bell)- shelters loaded with the "dog du jour".

tsutcli · 11-22-2009, 06:14 PM

Greyhound Pets of America-Emerald Coast has gotten involved along with a few other Greyhound agencies who find homes for these wonderful dogs. They are not closing any kennel until these dogs have been adopted and I can personally say they make wonderful pets. They are very low maintenance and loving dogs and that's why folks usually adopt more than one. We have two right now since we are dog sitting for friends who are out of state for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, I was also notified by a key member of GPA-Emerald Coast that there are kennels closing in Pensacola and Ebro also at this time. Just "google" Greyhound Pets of America-Emerald Coast and visit their website. Best thing we ever did!!! Also required reading is "Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies." Tells you everything you need to know.

scooterbug44 · 11-22-2009, 08:38 PM

I am glad to hear folks are adopting the dogs, but a racing greyhound is NOT a "low maintenance" dog - they need a lot of exercise and care!!!

tsutcli · 11-23-2009, 08:13 AM

Sorry Scooterbug but you are incorrect. They are low maintenance dogs and do NOT require a lot of care and exercise. Ask anyone who owns one or two. In fact, they are called "40 mile an hour couch potatoes" after retirement because they lay around most of the day and just enjoy life. They also make excellant apartment dogs and do not need a lot of space like you would expect. We have always owned dogs and Greyhounds are the easiest to care for by far! Of course they do have the same needs as any other dog but they are minimal and they are so loving and grateful for their new start in life. Another benefit is that they usually don't shed and have no doggie smell because they have almost no body fat. We are hooked and would have more than one but we already have two parrots as well so enough is enough.

kathydwells · 11-23-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsutcli

Sorry Scooterbug but you are incorrect. They are low maintenance dogs and do NOT require a lot of care and exercise. Ask anyone who owns one or two. In fact, they are called "40 mile an hour couch potatoes" after retirement because they lay around most of the day and just enjoy life. They also make excellant apartment dogs and do not need a lot of space like you would expect. We have always owned dogs and Greyhounds are the easiest to care for by far! Of course they do have the same needs as any other dog but they are minimal and they are so loving and grateful for their new start in life. Another benefit is that they usually don't shed and have no doggie smell because they have almost no body fat. We are hooked and would have more than one but we already have two parrots as well so enough is enough.

I have to agree with you on this. My parents have rescued 3 Greyhounds and they were all couch potatoes. Such sweet dogs. Because of my parents they all lived long lives and they were very easy to care for. All they wanted was a warm bed and enough to eat and loving. I will rescue one some day when the two I have are gone.

ELLIE · 11-23-2009, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franny

I wish it weren't true.

Glad to know, others have become Bonnie Hunt fans. She is great! I am trying to marry her off to my brother! They would make such a perfect couple. She, at this time, as not bitten. Oh well.
Miss you!
Ellie
I know this is a bit off track.

kitlit · 11-23-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsutcli

Sorry Scooterbug but you are incorrect. They are low maintenance dogs and do NOT require a lot of care and exercise. Ask anyone who owns one or two. In fact, they are called "40 mile an hour couch potatoes" after retirement because they lay around most of the day and just enjoy life. They also make excellant apartment dogs and do not need a lot of space like you would expect. We have always owned dogs and Greyhounds are the easiest to care for by far! Of course they do have the same needs as any other dog but they are minimal and they are so loving and grateful for their new start in life. Another benefit is that they usually don't shed and have no doggie smell because they have almost no body fat. We are hooked and would have more than one but we already have two parrots as well so enough is enough.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kathydwells

I have to agree with you on this. My parents have rescued 3 Greyhounds and they were all couch potatoes. Such sweet dogs. Because of my parents they all lived long lives and they were very easy to care for. All they wanted was a warm bed and enough to eat and loving. I will rescue one some day when the two I have are gone.

Couch potatoes, yes. Low maintenance, no.

I don't think that any animal is truly low maintenance, not if they are receiving proper care. But greyhounds do have quite a few issues that can make care for them rather costly--lots of problems with teeth (my parents have a retired--not a rescue, mind you, she was a winner--greyhound, and actually just recently had to have two of her teeth removed), tails (they swing those things around like a whip and, very often, can hurt themselves on furniture) and toenails (they tear easily--if you've ever seen a greyhound's feet, they've got pretty big "fingers" and those long legs make them pretty clumsy in confined spaces).

Also, be wary of two-storied houses. It took my parents greyhound quite a while to figure out how to make it up and down the stairs, and it's kind of awkward when they're moving quickly. And finally, I'm just not so sure about your stating that they make great apartment dogs. I would think that this would be true only if you live near a bark park where you could turn them loose to run for a bit. While they may no longer make a living running on a track, they still like to get out for a jog on a regular basis, and most people aren't really in the kind of shape required to "jog" with a greyhound!

I think that they are fantastic dogs, and I am truly praying that every last one of them finds a loving, forever home. But, I've also seen the efforts that my parents have put into giving theirs that kind of home, and I would have to say it's not for everybody. I agree with those that have said to consider the breed before adopting. Just my .02.

shellak · 11-23-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitlit

Couch potatoes, yes. Low maintenance, no.

I don't think that any animal is truly low maintenance, not if they are receiving proper care. But greyhounds do have quite a few issues that can make care for them rather costly--lots of problems with teeth (my parents have a retired--not a rescue, mind you, she was a winner--greyhound, and actually just recently had to have two of her teeth removed), tails (they swing those things around like a whip and, very often, can hurt themselves on furniture) and toenails (they tear easily--if you've ever seen a greyhound's feet, they've got pretty big "fingers" and those long legs make them pretty clumsy in confined spaces).

Also, be wary of two-storied houses. It took my parents greyhound quite a while to figure out how to make it up and down the stairs, and it's kind of awkward when they're moving quickly. And finally, I'm just not so sure about your stating that they make great apartment dogs. I would think that this would be true only if you live near a bark park where you could turn them loose to run for a bit. While they may no longer make a living running on a track, they still like to get out for a jog on a regular basis, and most people aren't really in the kind of shape required to "jog" with a greyhound!

I think that they are fantastic dogs, and I am truly praying that every last one of them finds a loving, forever home. But, I've also seen the efforts that my parents have put into giving theirs that kind of home, and I would have to say it's not for everybody. I agree with those that have said to consider the breed before adopting. Just my .02.

my husband and i have owned our greyhound "snickers" for over 3 1/2 years, and she has been very low maintenance and an absolute joy. much more low maintenance than a regular breed. greyhounds barely shed, they do not get hip dysplasia like other large breeds, they have no smell, and despite what some may think, they do not need a lot of exercise. they make very good apartment dogs. we walk snickers 3 or 4 times a day, not because she needs it but because we enjoy walking her because she is so effortless to walk! it also makes for good exercise for us. you DO NOT have to jog with them..that is a myth. i would not own any other breed. i'm sure there are some greyhounds that are not as easy as snickers but i've met quite a few owners who have more than one so that tells you something. met one woman who owned 10!! as for their teeth, that can be a concern just like spaniels who get ear infections, skin diseases, etc. every breed of dog has some issues. all and all, greyhounds have few. so sorry to the sowaller who said they are not low maintenance. that couldn't be any further from the truth!!

ItzKatzTime · 11-24-2009, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shellak

my husband and i have owned our greyhound "snickers" for over 3 1/2 years, and she has been very low maintenance and an absolute joy. much more low maintenance than a regular breed. greyhounds barely shed, they do not get hip dysplasia like other large breeds, they have no smell, and despite what some may think, they do not need a lot of exercise. they make very good apartment dogs. we walk snickers 3 or 4 times a day, not because she needs it but because we enjoy walking her because she is so effortless to walk! it also makes for good exercise for us. you DO NOT have to jog with them..that is a myth. i would not own any other breed. i'm sure there are some greyhounds that are not as easy as snickers but i've met quite a few owners who have more than one so that tells you something. met one woman who owned 10!! as for their teeth, that can be a concern just like spaniels who get ear infections, skin diseases, etc. every breed of dog has some issues. all and all, greyhounds have few. so sorry to the sowaller who said they are not low maintenance. that couldn't be any further from the truth!!

So glad you posted this. Everyone I have ever met with Greyhounds echo your words about living and caring for them. I hardly ever see anyone with just one.

Thank you

scooterbug44 · 11-24-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsutcli

Sorry Scooterbug but you are incorrect. They are low maintenance dogs and do NOT require a lot of care and exercise. Ask anyone who owns one or two. In fact, they are called "40 mile an hour couch potatoes" after retirement because they lay around most of the day and just enjoy life. They also make excellant apartment dogs and do not need a lot of space like you would expect. We have always owned dogs and Greyhounds are the easiest to care for by far! Of course they do have the same needs as any other dog but they are minimal and they are so loving and grateful for their new start in life. Another benefit is that they usually don't shed and have no doggie smell because they have almost no body fat. We are hooked and would have more than one but we already have two parrots as well so enough is enough.

I guess I have just been around other greyhounds - who did amazing laps around the room and left welts on our legs w/ their whiplike tails in their excitement.

Gorgeous animals, but not exactly what I consider "low maintenence." Might be a word issue. Don't think they have any more health problems than any other pure bred and I am sure make many people great pets, just had the indelible image of that dog zooming around the living room.

rolling dune · 11-24-2009, 09:42 PM

The plight with these hounds unfortunately happens more than we know. I worked with Adopt-A-Greyhound in Atlanta for seven years. I worked adoptions in Ga. as well as taking many from Ebro to my condo in Seagrove. They had never seen steps or glass, but quickly learned the premise. On the ride back to Ga., it was if they knew something much better was ahead of them. These graceful dogs have a noted place in history and make wonderful companions and simply love to be loved. Yep, they will clear off your coffee table with a big wag so I recommend books...

rolling dune · 11-24-2009, 11:52 PM

I would be remiss if I did not add another special trait that applies only to the greyhound. They are the only breed of dog that is a universal blood donor to all other breeds. It is very common for any vet clinic to house one or two for the specific reason of harvesting their blood. I am sure some of these dogs will be used for that purpose. I am on the fence with that. I want any dog that needs blood to receive it, however it is common practice for the vets to keep these dogs way too long. I adopted a donor after Opal from a vet in Panama City. She had been their donor for 9 years! Not acceptable in my dog book. It happens but we can all become aware of this and perhaps ask our vets what their policy is. Univ. of Ga. keeps these dogs for their vet school no more than six months and most of the time students adopt them. Anyway...love to all of these hounds and hope they all find loving homes.