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How to Help Greyhound Rescue Groups When a Race Track Closes

by YvonneZ

Overview

Greyhounds are magnificent athletes that make wonderful pets when they have retired, and a whole network of rescue groups have sprung up around the country to help them make the transition from athlete to couch potato. However, when a racetrack closes, the resources of rescue groups--especially those groups operating nearest to the track in question--are strained to the limit. Because track closings are extraordinary, most groups are not prepared financially or logistically to cope with such an unusually large arrival of dogs. At such times, greyhound rescue groups are especially grateful for help from the public.

Step 1

Adopt a greyhound. When a racetrack closes, the number of dogs available for adoption skyrockets. This leaves many rescue groups, most of which are small nonprofit organizations, with insufficient kennel space to board the influx of dogs it receives. When you adopt a greyhound, that is one less dog that will need a space at the kennel. You will likely have to undergo some screening by the group to see if you are a suitable adopter, but if you are accepted, you will find yourself with a great companion.
Step 2

Foster a greyhound. If you are unable to or uninterested in adding a dog to your home at the time of the track closing, taking a dog in for a short time until a permanent home is found will also help relieve the space crunch groups face when confronted with such a large number of dogs entering their system. If you have never fostered a greyhound, which is unused to living in a home and will need guidance with such things as how to climb stairs, many groups will offer training and other assistance to bring you up to speed.
Step 3

Donate money. When a group takes in such a large number of extra dogs, its meager operating budget is probably not equipped to accommodate the extra expenditures necessary for medications, vet work and boarding. If you decide to donate money, be sure to also check with your employer, as matching gifts from your company might allow your contribution to be doubled or tripled.
Step 4

Donate supplies. Medical supplies, such as cotton balls, rubbing alcohol and tweezers, bags of kibble, grooming supplies, such as dog shampoo, towels and nail clippers, and other items, such as large dog crates, dog coats and leashes, would all be appreciated by greyhound rescue groups. This is especially true when they are having to process a large number of dogs all at once.
Step 5

Donate time. When the dogs first arrive from the track, many groups will want to bathe them since they will be dirty from the track. Having a large number of volunteers makes this work go more quickly. Another way to donate time is to transport dogs from the track to the rescue group or to and from the group's vet.

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Greyhound rescue groups can generally use donations of all types at any time, not just when a racetrack closes (though the need does tend to be greatest then). So if you aren't able to help at a time when a track is closing, consider donating money, supplies and/or time when next you can.
Greyhound rescue groups can generally use donations of all types at any time, not just when a racetrack closes (though the need does tend to be greatest then). So if you aren't able to help at a time when a track is closing, consider donating money, supplies and/or time when next you can.
If you do decide to adopt, know that a greyhound isn't for everyone. While generally of mild temperament and having a gentle manner, they have not been socialized to be around children, other dogs or small pets of other types. Many do adapt readily to homes with kids and non-greyhound pets, but if you need a dog who will be good with your other pets and children, you need to make sure that the dog you adopt has been screened for that by the rescue group. Also, because greyhounds are sighthounds with a strong prey drive, they can never be off leash outside a fully-fenced area.
If you do decide to adopt, know that a greyhound isn't for everyone. While generally of mild temperament and having a gentle manner, they have not been socialized to be around children, other dogs or small pets of other types. Many do adapt readily to homes with kids and non-greyhound pets, but if you need a dog who will be good with your other pets and children, you need to make sure that the dog you adopt has been screened for that by the rescue group. Also, because greyhounds are sighthounds with a strong prey drive, they can never be off leash outside a fully-fenced area.