For just over a year, the Animal Welfare Society has been working to place newly retired racing greyhounds into homes in Maine and New England. The racers require a bit of an additional expense to make them ready for adoption, says Bobbi Allen, shelter co-manager and coordinator of the greyhound program at the shelter.
“These dogs have been in a kennel and racing environment their entire lives, and are ready for a restful and relaxing retirement. In order to prepare them to go to their new homes, we must provide the funds for spay or neuter surgery, dental cleanings and specialized equipment for the breed.”
The dental cleanings and some extractions are many times necessary, says Allen, because of the dogs’ diet while on the racing track. “The dogs are not fed a traditional dry kibble, but are fed a high-protein gruel or raw meat to enhance their racing performance.”
In the past year, the shelter has placed 23 greyhounds and plans to continue the program as long as there is community interest in the breed. Commonly thought to need tremendous amounts of exercise, a typical retired greyhound would prefer a long nap. “Most of our retired greyhounds are three to four years old,” says Allen. “They’re mellow, sweet and make a wonderful family pet.”
Allen has worked with dedicated shelter volunteers to bring past greyhound adopters and potential greyhound adopters together at “retirement parties” at the shelter. The parties are meant to be a learning experience for those interested in bringing a greyhound home, but have also been a good opportunity for past adopters to share stories of their experiences.
“We encourage shelters that are able to meet the needs of greyhounds to establish retirement programs for them," said Jacque Schultz, Senior Director for Community Outreach for the ASPCA, which has given grant funding to greyhound organizations since the early 1990s. Schultz, who is also the ASPCA's greyhound grants officer, added, “the grants we provide for greyhounds are a way for us to show these organizations how much we value their tireless efforts."
About The Animal Welfare Society
The Animal Welfare Society exists to provide humane shelter and care to animals temporarily in need of housing, and to further the cause of responsible animal adoption and ownership through education and public awareness. The society actively promotes kindness, the elimination of cruelty and neglect to all animals, and the lifelong commitment of people to their pets. The shelter cares for more than 3,200 animals annually. For more information, please visit www.animalwelfaresociety.org.
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has more than one million supporters throughout North America. A 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in animal-assisted therapy, animal behavior, animal poison control, anti-cruelty, humane education, legislative services, and shelter outreach. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service, accredited animal hospital, adoption center, and mobile clinic outreach program. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York’s animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series “Animal Precinct” on Animal Planet. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kerrie Robinson, Kerrie@animalwelfaresociety.org, 207-985-3244 x123
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