Every year, tens of thousands of “retired” Greyhounds are discarded by racetracks when they no longer turn a profit. Sadly, many are put down, but the lucky ones find their way to rescue organizations that adopt them to loving families.
This spring, the Northern California rescue organization, Greyhound Friends For Life, will present a trio of free events at the Marin Humane Society to promote Greyhound adoptions and educate about the cruelties within the Greyhound racing industry. The events include two “Meet & Greets” and an “All About Greyhounds” workshop.
Local Greyhound Friends For Life member Betsy McGee is hopeful that these upcoming events will produce more Greyhound advocates in Marin, and maybe even a few adopters. “These opportunities to educate can save lives,” says McGee. “Most people aren’t aware of the plight of racing Greyhounds nor of what wonderful pets these dogs make.”
Misconceptions about this breed abound. Because Greyhounds are usually seen muzzled and sprinting around a racetrack, many people think of them as hyperactive and hard to control. But Greyhounds are actually very well-mannered. They generally don’t pull on the leash or jump up on people. They’re also sweet, sensitive and social. And, ironically, they don’t require a lot of exercise. In fact, Greyhounds are affectionately described as “couch potatoes.”
“Living with Greyhounds is a lot like living with cats,” laughs McGee. “They display quick, comic bursts of energy when playing with their squeaky toys, and the rest of the time, they’re couch potatoes, draping themselves elegantly around the house.”
At one time, Greyhounds were worshipped by royalty. Now, because of a profit-driven racing industry, they are often found confined to kennels housing hundreds of dogs, living in filthy conditions with minimal care. Many of them never know a kind word or a pat unless they are rescued.
Which is why rescue efforts are so important. Marin County resident Carol Hayes traces her interest in adopting a Greyhound to an article she read three years ago about the racing industry. “I was deeply saddened to learn that after only a few years at the track, most Greyhounds are killed. After searching for rescue groups online, I came across Greyhound Friends For Life, and that’s where I found Lucy!”
Carol and her husband were careful to make sure that adopting a Greyhound would be a good fit for their family, which includes two young children and another resident dog named Jake. “Our kids are crazy about Lucy, and Jake took to her immediately,” says Carol. “Lucy is truly our companion. She is curled up at my feet even as I speak.”
For more information on upcoming Greyhound events at the Marin Humane Society, please call (415) 506-6288.
Greyhound Meet & Greets
Saturday, April 8, 11 am–3 pm TODAY!!!
Saturday, May 13, Noon–4 pm
Two opportunities to get up close and personal with former racing Greyhounds. Learn more about this special breed and prepare to fall in love!
All About Greyhounds Workshop
Saturday, April 15, 10–11:30 am
A free workshop about the breed for potential Greyhound adopters and those who wish to learn more about the plight of the racing Greyhound. Betsy McGee of Greyhound Friends For Life will talk about the racing industry, Greyhound rescue and the realities adopters face when transitioning their new Greyhound into their home. Please call 506-6288 for more info and to RSVP.
Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal
