There’s no joking here: Over 150 greyhounds in Texas need our help. Look how cute they are. Apparently, the Corpus Christi Greyhound Racing Track closed earlier this year, and this has sent The Greyhound Adoption League of Texas, Inc. (GALT) (based in Addison) and The Texas Greyhound Adoption Program into crisis mode. These animals need some place to go. If you’re interested in a sweet new pet, follow the jump.
GREYHOUND ADOPTION LEAGUE OF TEXAS HELPS
TO PLACE 150 GREYHOUNDS FROM CORPUS CHRISTI GREYHOUND TRACK
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DALLAS, TX — With the closing of the Corpus Christi Greyhound Race Track on December 31, 2007, The Greyhound Adoption League of Texas, Inc. (GALT) (www.galtx.org <http://www.galtx.org/> ) and The Texas Greyhound Adoption Program (http://www.txgap.org/), along with other adoption groups in Texas, are in crisis mode trying to place approximately 150 dogs into adoptive homes.
With 65 GALT Greyhounds already in foster homes across the Metroplex, and more arriving weekly from the Valley Race Park in Harlingen, GALT is in dire need of volunteers and foster homes to help foster in their homes these loveable dogs from Corpus Christi until they can be placed in their “forever adoptive homes.” Currently housed in adoption kennels at the Corpus Christi track, The Texas Racing Commission, The Texas Greyhound Association, and the Corpus Christi track, are committed to caring for the Greyhounds there until they are moved or adopted to make sure that “no Greyhound is left behind”.
“Greyhounds make wonderful pets,” says GALT co-founder Susie McQuade. “The biggest misconception is that Greyhounds are hyperactive and need lots of room to live and run. They are actually quite docile and are just as happy to nap as they are to play. Many of these dogs are only 2-3 years old, so they have many good years in ahead of them, as Greyhounds can live to 12-14 years of age! Greyhounds are the best kept secret in the companion animal world.”
Additionally, GALT is the sole adoption outlet for Valley Race Park in Harlingen and has received 12 injured Greyhounds since November. Based on prior years, GALT can expect to receive 120-150 Greyhounds by the end of the 4-month racing season in April, 2008.
To learn more about adopting a Greyhound, go to www.galtx.org <http://www.galtx.org/> or call 972.503.GALT.
GALT is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit all-volunteer group dedicated to placing all Greyhounds, primarily those that competed and trained for racing, into loving homes. GALT facilitates the adoption of Greyhounds by providing kennel services and foster homes along with their medical needs, including spay and neuter; assisting them in the transition from track-life to home-life; and educating the public about why the Greyhound has been a favored companion dog for more than 4,000 years.
For anyone thinking of a pet, greyhounds are perfect dogs. They are calm, loving, and clean. They are terrific for apartment dwellers, too! I have an 11 year old brindle female. It’s like living with a furry supermodel.
Some other greyhound facts, they are fabulous with kids. For example, they don’t snap if their ears or tail is pulled, they walk away. And they very rarely need bathing or brushing.
They CANNOT be walked off a lead. Because they are sight hounds, they can see something a cat or squirrl up to a half mile and take off. I know this from personal experience.They are great with other dogs, but you will want to test the dog for compatability with cats (no hamsters, gerbils, or rabbits, either…)
Go get a greyhound! Or two!
Go Greyhound!
“the amanda” beat me to it. We were parents to a former Corpus racer years ago, and it was a wonderful experience. I recommend working with GALT — they’re compassionate, understanding, and quite dedicated to making sure that you are as happy as your new pooch.
My most favorite pet to date was a retired Greyhound.
His name was Nitro Dan and his 5 years with me will never be forgotten.
He made residents at the nursing home talk that hadn’t spoken in years. He brought joy to children. He played protector to my Italian Greyhound and two cats. He never once barked and always shared the bed.
He was, in a word, amazing.
Please adopt one of these outstanding creatures.
Just one more thing, I have to second what the first Amanda said about their ability to walk away rather than bite, growl or snap. Totally true.
I keep coming back to this post because I miss my adopted Dan-Dan so much. It was so painful the day I had to put him to sleep. He was such a joy in my life. He made my house a home.
He was a couch potato. He loved his swimming pool. He loved running laps at the baseball field. He loved every human being he ever met. You don’t know love until a Greyhound ‘leans’ on you.
I implore people to adopt these magnificent animals. They’ll teach you the meaning of true companionship, they’ll steal the covers, and most importantly, they’ll be the best investment of your time and love that you’ll ever make.
Best dogs ever people!! I’d adopt another but we are full up.
Never adopted a greyhound myself but have friends who have several and have volunteered at rescue organizations to place ex-racing greyhounds. They are absolutely incredible companions and among the most docile, non-aggressive dogs I’ve seen.
I’d like to see an end to dog racing in general so you don’t have the crisis of placing 65 greyhounds in adoptive homes all of a sudden, especially a dog like this that makes such a wonderful addition to the family.
I hope they all find good, loving homes.
My possum Petey is also great with kids. Curls up in their laps and licks peanut butter right outta their pretty mouths. Our pit bulls (Dolly, Tammy, Minnie, and Condoleeza) don’t like him much, though.