You have probably noticed that more and more people are adopting Greyhounds. Have you ever thought of adopting a retired racer? Becker College and the Animal Welfare Society have worked together this semester and will have fabulous dogs available to go home in early December. Greyhounds may have had a different past than your average pet, but they make wonderful companions! They are generally very gentle, sweet-tempered and easy-going dogs. As unique in character as they are in looks, Greys have very quirky, endearing personalities that often turn first-time owners into lifetime enthusiasts! These dogs have found a very special place in the hearts of thousands of adopters…maybe you should join the club!
The following retired racers are currently enrolled in a socialization and training program at Becker College. Here, students in the college’s Animal Care major work closely with the dogs for four months. During this time, the greyhounds are taught basic “manners skills” using clicker training and are exposed to beginner’s agility. This combination of relationship-building, obedience training and obstacle course work builds the greyhounds’ confidence, coordination and capabilities. The dogs have also provided a great service to students in Becker’s Veterinary Technology and Pre-veterinary majors, by teaching students the fine art of patient handling. But perhaps their greatest contribution is their ability to make all of us smile, every day, with their unconditional kindness and loving spirit.
Atlanta – Could you get any cuter? Atlanta is a petite fawn 2-year-old female weighing in under 60 pounds, but her spirit more than makes up for her size! She has a bright and bubbly personality that helps everyone she meets see the “sunny side of life.” Atlanta will try anything once and she finds fun the most ordinary places – a leaf fluttering across the lawn deserves just as much attention as her most precious squeaky toy! If you’re looking for a dog to live, love and laugh with, Atlanta is the one for you!
Eddie – Looking for a handsome guy with a good sense of humor? Meet Eddie – a 2 ½-year-old, 65-pound charmer with a serious sense of style and class. He is easy-going and playfully energetic – there is nothing he loves more than a fenced yard, a choice of toys and a sunny day. Eddie is also very bright and eager to learn - he would be an ideal candidate for someone interested in taking basic training classes to keep him mentally and physically fit! If you’re looking for a dog to keep your spirits lifted, Eddie will certainly be happy to meet you!
Mandy – How gorgeous is she?! Say hello to Mandy, a 2 ½ yr old, 60 pound, black and white beauty! This girl is as smart as she is beautiful and has quite the magnetic personality! Mandy greets her handlers every morning with joyful bouncing, an enthusiastic play bow and a short, quick, bark to say hello. Although her morning greeting is very lively, she is remarkably still and patient while getting leashed and when out on her walks. Mandy is a star on the agility course and is the first to show the other greyhounds “just how it’s done” – she would be a great candidate for someone looking to start agility with their furry friend! Mandy has a lot of talent and a love of life that she can’t wait to share with her new family!
“They say greyhounds are like potato chips – you can never have just one!
There’s no better companion for a greyhound than another greyhound and it just so happens that there is love in the air at Becker College! Kimmy (purple collar) and Banks (green collar) were introduced two weeks ago and have been playing together happily ever since. The two made fast friends and complement each other in every way. Not only do they look like a pair of bookends, they bring out the best in each other!
Banks – Tall, dark and handsome, this boy is likely to sweep you off your feet! At 3 ½ years of age and 70+ pounds, Banks is sure to catch your eye in a crowd. Photos don’t do him justice because they don’t show the happy heart that lies within. Banks absolutely loves his human friends, giving a frenzy of kisses in greeting and running joyfully to your side when you call, but he can have a hard time containing his heart-felt enthusiasm when it comes to physical attention and leash-walking. For this reason, Banks would be best in an adult-only home or with older, dog-savvy children and with people who understand that trust is a two-way street built on calm, consistent handling. He enjoys interactions with other dogs, and may be a good companion for another confident canine who doesn’t mind sharing the dog bed after a long day’s play. If you’re looking for a lively and loving companion, you can bank on Banks!
Kimmy – It is “Kim-Possible” not to fall in love with this delightful girl! Kimmy is an amiable, affectionate grey who loves meeting new people and giving kisses at every opportunity. At four years old, she has a wonderful combination of youthful energy and mature stability. She does have the tendency to worry a bit, but she always shares her concerns with her friends and accepts help and guidance gratefully. She is cooperative, observant, responsive and engaging – a true gem who sparkles in any light!
Kimmy has found a match for her bold style of play, and Banks has found a devoted follower that understands his happy heart. Banks gets so excited to see her that he runs in circles around her, and Kimmy quickly learned to just stand still in the middle until she could surprise him with a sudden play bow! After an exciting romp, Banks will flop down on the grass while Kimmy stands watch over him, just waiting for him to move so she can tag along. They walk beautifully on leash together and, while they would be equally happy placed separately, they would make a wonderful pair if you have room in your heart and home for two!”
Because they have spent most of their lives in a track kennel, greyhounds need some guidance as they learn to navigate life in a home. Things we all take for granted, such as stairs, televisions, linoleum floors and sliding glass doors are all new to greyhounds as are other non-greyhound dogs, cats and small pets. However, with an owner who provides gentle leadership and has a willingness to see the world through their eyes, most greyhounds acclimate to their new lives quickly and gratefully! They love people and make social, affectionate friends!
Greyhounds were bred and raised to run, but they are sprinters and most require less exercise than your average large dog. If you have access to a securely fenced area, they do appreciate an occasional romp, but they are quite happy with a few leash-walks throughout the day and are commonly referred to as “40mph couch potatoes” due to their passion for comfortable beds and long, lounging naps.
Greyhounds also love to learn and are capable of great things using positive, relationship-driven training methods.
Dory – Adoption Pending! This little beauty is poised to be someone’s true best friend! She is 3 ½ years young and 65 pounds of sweet. Dory really has it all – she is gentle and demure, sensitive and smart, playful and popular. It is hard to pass by her when she turns those big soulful eyes your way! Dory is not yet a fan of snow and rain – she will often try to convince you that her time is better spent on a nap, but with a little encouragement she channels her Finding Nemo namesake and “just keeps swimming.” Dory is truly as kind-hearted as they come!
Penny– Adoption Pending! If someone offered you “a penny for your thoughts” you’d be truly rich if this Penny was your payment! With her piercing golden eyes and her adorable floppy ears, this 4 yr old, 73 pound, brindle lady is sure to have your heart! When it’s time to go for her walks the morning, Penny lets her handlers know how much she appreciates it with a wiggle and a low, playful “Rrrrooooo”! Although she’s a little bit bigger than other female greyhounds, you’d never know it – Penny’s mild-mannered, “ladylike” nature make her seem thirty pounds smaller! Penny is a very polite walker and although she hasn’t quite mastered slippery floors (they can be slick and scary for Penny sometimes) she will try very hard to trust your judgment and will look to her handler for guidance and support. She is one tremendously sweet dog - if you’re considering adopting greyhound, then share that thought today and inquire about Penny!
Warrior – Adoption Pending! It is said that “still waters run deep” and Warrior is no exception. He is unquestionably handsome, with a sparkling white coat and striking brindle spots, but his true beauty lies in his kind and noble heart. He has a rather shy demeanor and is quite comfortable relaxing in his bed and dreaming the day away. Warrior was quite an active racer, but the only battle this gentle Warrior fights is deciding whether to sleep on his left side or his right! He is patient and asks for nothing – when other dogs get excited and bark for attention, Warrior quietly leans against the wall, waiting for you to notice him, and will give a quick wag of his tail when he knows you’re coming to visit. He has been very respectful of other dogs he meets, and would do best with a relatively quiet, predictable family that will allow him to feel safe, secure and loved!
Banks – Tall, dark and handsome, this boy is likely to sweep you off your feet! At 3 ½ years of age and 70+ pounds, Banks is sure to catch your eye in a crowd. Photos don’t do him justice because they don’t show the happy heart that lies within. Banks absolutely loves his human friends, giving a frenzy of kisses in greeting and running joyfully to your side when you call, but he can have a hard time containing his heart-felt enthusiasm when it comes to physical attention and leash-walking. For this reason, Banks would be best in an adult-only home or with older, dog-savvy children and with people who understand that trust is a two-way street built on calm, consistent handling. He enjoys interactions with other dogs, and may be a good companion for another confident canine who doesn’t mind sharing the dog bed after a long day’s play. If you’re looking for a lively and loving companion, you can bank on Banks! 
Penny 