Dog racing will end at the Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park on January 1 after Massachusetts voters approved a 2008 ballot measure banning dog racing beginning in 2010. The ban affects two facilities in Massachusetts — Raynham Park and Wonderland Greyhound Park. In all, approximately 200 greyhounds will need to find homes immediately.
Connecticut Greyhound Adoption along with other greyhound rescue organizations in New England will work with the local personnel at the race track to move these retired racers into foster homes and kennels until they find suitable forever homes.
“Time is of the essence, so our goal is to find the right home for all of these wonderful dogs as quickly as possible”, said Emma Palmacci, President of Connecticut Greyhound Adoption. We know this is a difficult time of year coupled with tough economic conditions, but we are hoping that our fellow citizens in Connecticut will be able to either adopt or provide temporary housing for these soon to be homeless greyhounds,” added Palmacci.
In addition, there are many ways the public can help these dogs if they are unable to adopt or provide foster care for the displaced hounds. Dogs will need to be driven from the track to drop off points in the state. Cash donations will help cover the costs of gas and vetting the retired racers prior to adoption. Also, non cash donations like crates, leashes, food, coats, will also go a long way to support these dogs while in transition.
Unlike other large-breed dogs that need to run, retired greyhounds are content to spend their days snoozing. A couple of 10 to 20 minute walks a day or a fenced in yard is all that is required. Many are great with kids and are compatible with cats and other small animals. For the most part, they don’t bark and shed minimally. They do however, need to be on a leash at all times when not in a completely fenced or contained area. And, they do require a brief period of socialization when they first come home as many have never seen stairs, cars, hard wood floors, mirrors, or other dog breeds. But Greyhounds are smart and inquisitive by nature and fit right in to retired life in no time.
For more information on ways to help the homeless greyhounds or to fill out an adoption or foster application, please visit Connecticut Greyhound Adoption’s website at www.ctgreyhounds.org or call 860-836-5049.
Amber, the greyound pictured in this article belongs to Tina Dodge, owner of For The Love of Paws pet sitting services.
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I am still offering a 50% discount on 3 dog walks or 3 pet sitting visits on any cat or dog adopted from a sheletr or rescue group this month (Novemeber). (Branford, Guilford, Madison or Clinton). See my website for details: http://www.loveofpaws.com