The Greyhound Expo
There are hundreds of stories of successful and lasting adoptions right here in our own region. In fact, every Father’s Day weekend retired racers and their adoptive families come back to Raynham Park for an annual reunion at The Greyhound Adoption Expo. More than 200 dogs and owners participate in a parade called”Back on Track: Retired Racers Strut Their Stuff” while representatives from the racing and adoption communities come together with one goal in mind – to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of the racing Greyhound.
How To Adopt A Greyhound
The adoption center at Raynham Park is called “Off Track Pets.” Located in the grandstand area of the park their hours of operation are Saturdays from noon-3:00 or any other time by appointment. At Off Track Pets, volunteers are available to discuss any aspect of greyhound adoption and to meet families who are interested in providing stable and loving homes to greyhounds. To schedule and appointment or for more information, please contact Scott Peterson at (508) 824-4071 x412.
Where Did Greyhounds Originate?
Many historians feel that the greyhound originated in the “Cradle of Civilization,” also known as the Middle East, around 5,000 years ago. Since that time and through the years, the greyhound has coexisted with mankind as a hunter of food and as his companion by bed and fireside.
The greyhound has also been an animal of the nobility for much of its existence, having been the favorite breed of the royal kennels of both Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and Queen Elizabeth I of England. It is no wonder that Greyhound Racing has been called the “Sport of Queens.”
The greyhound was first introduced to this country during the 1800’s and was used a coursing dog to help farmers control the jack rabbit population. Soon, this coursing became competitive and thus, the beginnings of the greyhound racing industry as we know it today.
Greyhounds Entering The Adoption Program
Greyhounds may be placed by the racing kennel for adoption for several reasons. Usually the greyhound is, for various reasons, no longer competitive on the racetrack. Greyhounds may be anywhere from 2 to 5 years old at the time they are placed in the Raynham Adoption Program.
As soon as the greyhound is received into the Adoption Program, our ex-racer receives a thorough checkup and is either spayed or neutered. This also includes any shots, a tooth cleaning and a heartworm check.
In the adoption center, the greyhound is placed on a “pet” diet similar to the one he/she will most likely have in a new home. The high-protein meat and kibble diet of their racing days is no longer necessary.
Socialization is very important at this time and our new retiree will participate in new extracurricular activities, such as nursing home and other confined life-style visitations, adoption program promotions and taking turns in the spotlight at our viewing center
Is a Greyhound An Indoor or An Outdoor Pet?
A greyhound is definitely a house pet, as he prefers being near his/her human family. Also, their coat is too thin and they don’t have the body fat to keep them warm, so they are not suited to outdoor living in very cold weather. This does not mean, however, that an occasional romp in the snow on milder days would not be enjoyed or appreciated.