GREYHOUND RESCUE: HELP A RACING DOG FIND A HOME

Greyhound rescue programs exist to find homes for racing dogs who are not fast enough to win. Greyhounds are one of the oldest breeds of dog known to mankind, and have long been revered for their speed and beauty. Unfortunately, because of that extraordinary speed, greyhounds are used for dog racing, a career that leaves even the most successful racing dogs homeless after just a few short years; many are euthanized when they start to slow down. By volunteering in a greyhound rescue effort, you can help give racing dogs another chance at life.

Greyhound racing has come under considerable scrutiny in recent years, and opponents charge that the industry treats its racing dogs inhumanely during their short careers. For example, in an attempt to create ever-faster greyhounds, the racing industry breeds far more greyhounds than could possibly be used at racetracks, opponents say; those who are not fast enough are then destroyed. Each year tens of thousands of young and "retired" racing greyhounds are killed, according to the Humane Society.

The techniques used to train greyhounds and the conditions under which they are kept are also widely considered inhumane. Unfortunately, unlike other entertainment industries that use animals, such as circuses, greyhound racing is not governed by the federal Animal Welfare Act, so the industry is essentially self-regulating. Greyhound race tracks currently operate in 15 states, but many others have now banned live greyhound racing.

Greyhounds are a sweet-tempered breed, and most adapt exceptionally well to life at home. In fact, there are countless success stories illustrating just how gratifying it is to adopt a greyhound. But as long as dog racing still exists, greyhound rescue groups need your help to find loving homes for these gentle dogs.

• Offer your skills, help spread the word: Many greyhound rescue organizations, such as Grey2K USA, need volunteers to educate the public about the plight of racing greyhounds. By manning a greyhound rescue group's table at a public event, for example, you might reach potential greyhound adopters with information that could convince them to bring a greyhound into their lives.
• Avoid dog racing venues: When you're looking for entertainment, choose one that doesn't exploit animals.
• Offer your heart: If you're interested in adopting a companion animal, consider making it a greyhound! The Greyhound Project has a geographical look-up guide to adoption agencies worldwide. Greyhound Gang has an online guide to what you can expect when you bring your greyhound home.
• Share your home: If you're not ready to provide a home forever, consider providing a foster home to a homeless greyhound. With a little effort and love, you can give a racing dog the extra time he needs to begin the rest of his life.