The Road to your own Greyhound Companion!

Welcome to the World of Greyhounds!

This page is intended to give you a serious look at the steps to adoption and the parts of the process we think are very important.  As much as we love greyhounds, we also recognize the simple truth that they aren't for everyone.  As you read the information here, don't hesitate to jot down some notes and email us!

Consider the question "Does a greyhound fit my lifestyle and desire for a family companion?"  We encourage you to research by reading books, asking questions of adoption group representatives, or talking to folks who have adopted already.   For a list of informative articles and recommended reading material, see our links, below left.

• Greyhounds must be kept as inside pets. This is for two main reasons; 1) they are not physically suited to life out in the elements subjected to weather and little padding or comfort, and 2) they will pine away without because you because your family becomes THEIR family!
• Greyhounds must be kept leashed or fenced whenever outside.  This is for one very good reason-- they have no reason when it comes to running!  It is pure instinct for them to run, and they love to do it with their whole body and heart.  When given the opportunity, they'll take off for the pure, unadulterated joy of stretching their legs and feeling the wind.  Unfortunately, cars sometimes can't stop and they often can't find their way back home if they do survive the roads.  Said in hard plain fact....a loose greyhound is a dead greyhound most of the time.  It's a terribly tragic way to end a life that you saved.
• Greyhounds must never be kept chained or tied up.  While we don't think it's fair to chain dogs anyway, greyhounds can literally break their necks on a 10-foot chain.  They reach full speed at three strides.  That means that they can be moving at the speed of 40+ miles an hour when they hit the end of the chain.  That would be BAD.  Another terribly bad way to end a splendid life.

As you consider adoption, we believe this is one of the first most important steps in making it a successful one.  In the beginning of the adoption movement, folks were lucky to find a group within a day's drive of their home.  Thank goodness, in today's world there are many more groups out there all working toward the same goal.   All groups will choose to do things a bit differently though...organize differently, have separate criteria for adoption, are larger or smaller, etc.  In Greyhound Crossroads we realize that every family is different too and your choice of adoption groups should reflect that, particularly for first-time greyhound owners who usually have more questions in the beginning.  We think there are so many greyt reasons for choosing the group first!

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• Making the best match- the group that knows you, your family members, and your lifestyle the best will be the best equipped to help you make the best choice among the dogs available.
• Repeat adoptions- adding another dog to your family pack can be very successful or not, depending on the personalities of the dogs you're mixing.  A group that knows all the dogs in your home is best able to judge and evaluate this factor.   Repeat adoptions happen alot in greyhounds!
• Support after adoption- the more comfortable you are with your group, the more likely you are to seek assistance when you need it.  Choose a group you feel relaxed with and become a part of the family- your hound will love it too.
• Advance adoptions- Many groups have dogs 'waiting', ready to come into the program.  Having advance information about possible placements and a clear understanding of each family's needs may allow the groups to specifically bring in dogs that would be a good match for homes on their waiting list.  This helps eliminate waiting time and means even more wonderful greyhounds will find their couches quicker.
• Involvement before adoption- Even before you choose your greyhound, families can often participate with their chosen group in local activities.  This allows families to become acquainted with more involved members, gives them time to learn from their experience, and helps ease the transition into greyhound ownership.  Depending on the group you select, they may have public events you can assist with, an email list for members to share knowledge, members activities, or even fun runs where you can go meet the dogs!

We realize this sounds like a unique perspective but it's something we have seen through the years with GC adoptions.  We encourage every family to talk to the various groups in their area: ask questions, review their goals and stand on issues that are important to you, speak to members already involved in that group, and in the end find the group you'd like to devote your efforts to.  We feel that's usually the best choice and helps ensure the adoption process runs as smoothly as possible.    After all, when you choose to adopt a greyhound you're really joining a group of folks that can help you along the way.

After coming this far, you'd be ready to proceed to the fun part!  Congratulations-- you've done all of your research and you're sure that a greyhound companion is perfect for you.  The actual adoption process includes:

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• The Application~  This form helps you further evaluate your potential greyhound choice by giving us the information we need to help you.  To receive yours, just send us an email!
• The Dogs~ To see the dogs for adoption, visit our Available Hounds page and meet the fosters and their volunteer caretakers in person.
• The Welcome Visit~  To learn more about this invaluable service, send us an email!  A volunteer will ensure that you have all the information you need, your home doesn't have any hidden dangers to your greyhound, and that someone can quickly find your location in the event of an emergency.  This is NOT an inspection of your home but rather an opportunity for us to get acquainted and help you make the best choices possible.
• The Adoption Donation~ The retired racing greyhound that you choose to adopt is free.  However, there is a required adoption donation of $200 to help us continue the work we do.  This helps to cover the cost of all the medical work that is completed on your dog after it arrives in our program.  Our standard work includes spay or neuter, heartworm test, worming, vet wellness exam, nail trims, grooming, and dental inspection with cleaning whenever necessary (most dogs get a full dental).  Additional financial assistance from families who wish to do so is very much appreciated, but absolutely not required or expected.  Often the needed medical work on our dogs rises to $500 or $600, which must be covered with fundraising and other activities.
• The Email List~  We maintain an email list of GC members free as a great way to make contact with everyone in the group.  It provides a forum for asking questions, planning events, sharing good times and bad, or getting help in emergencies.
• The Adoption~ By this point you've done your homework and done a great job!  You've gained a group of friends for support, chosen the best match for your family, and experienced the thrill of learning a whole new way of looking at dogs.  The day finally comes and your companion changes your life forever.  :-)

The 1, 2, and 3 number boxes you see above are 'blanket colors'.  Typically greyhound races have 8 starting boxes, and each greyhound wears a racing jacket displaying it's box number just like jockeys and their mounts do.  These colors are standardized, with the only addition that some tracks use an additional number 9.

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Page Manager:  Kim Owens, Greyhound Crossroads Director