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The Joy of Greyhound Adoption Adopting a retired racing greyhound can be one of the most joyful experiences of your life - in fact, it can be quite addictive. After adopting one, you may find yourself with two, three, or more! It is difficult to put into words how truly wonderful it is to bring this delightful creature into your home. I speak from personal experience; my life has been infinitely enriched by my own Greyhound, Agie. Greyhounds have an aristocratic past. The breed dates back to antiquity -- its origin is ancient Egypt. Sadly, today Greyhounds are exploited. An estimated 30,000 are slaughtered annually in an industry that discards dogs that are not deemed profitable. Greyhounds of all ages are killed because they are not fast enough, or have been injured while racing. Thousands of greyhounds who survive racing are then sold or given to labs for 'medical research.' Greyhound racing exists in nineteen U.S. states, and is widespread in Mexico, Latin America, Ireland, Spain and Turkey. It has recently spread to South Vietnam, Guam and Macao, where the dogs endure horrendous conditions. Your support and advocacy can help prevent this cruel practice. You can write to your State Senators and members of U.S. Congress and urge them to help. For any animal lover, adopting a greyhound is simply a good deed. As conditions in puppy mills continue to be revealed by the media and animal rights organizations, it has become more apparent that potential dog owners should be adopting adult dogs in need of homes, rather than fostering the cruel and unethical 'manufacture' of puppies. Adult Greyhound adoption is an ideal route for people who are searching for a beautiful, docile (I almost never hear my Agie bark!), sensitive, but sociable pet. Their calm and sweet demeanor is ideal for any pet owner. For everyone, from people in their twenties to older people seeking a companion, Greyhounds make the perfect pet. They get along well with almost any other pet in the home, and they are wonderful with children as well. Greyhounds are loving dogs in search of caring owners. Any emotional or physical difficulties resulting from life at the track may take a few weeks or months to recover from, but do not get discouraged! Greyhounds are adaptable, and will come around. They simply need love and kindness in an atmosphere that will help facilitate the transition from kennel to home. Most organizations spay or neuter the dogs before adoption. Greyhounds are usually leash and house trained. The dogs are exceptionally clean and rarely shed. Ideal homes for greyhounds have yards with physical fences, not "invisible" ones. If you are active and like to walk, run and spend time outdoors. Your greyhound will happily participate in all your activities. If you fear that these dogs may be hyperactive or have a need to race, rest assured that most greyhounds go into retirement in your home and just want to snuggle up in your bed or on your couch. (They do appreciate having dogbeds of their own too!) Greyhounds deserve human companionship, love and physical comfort during their lives. With their sweet demeanor, Greyhounds are not rough and tumble dogs. They are generally past puppyhood and do not need to be trained or disciplined. I would advise strongly against using choke collars, or forcing these sensitive dogs to sit on command. Ideal household pets, Greyhounds thirst for love and will give even more in return. The joys of adopting one range from an elongated nose subtly nuzzling up to you, to a two foot tail wagging you a greeting whn you come home. Just wait until you see their sleek lines bounding across your backyard, or for the compliments you will get when you take your Greyhound on a walk. A dog of uncompromising beauty, intelligence and affection is waiting for you at a rescue organization right now for you to take home. So what are you waiting for?! The following organizations adopt out dogs, or can refer you to your local adoption organization. They also are in need of donations and volunteers to provide time, computer skills and other assistance: National Greyhound Adoption
Program And check out "Celebrating Greyhounds" magazine for more information. Please contact your Senators and Congressman: Office of Senator (name) Office of Congressman (name) |
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