News
Giving Retired Racers a New Leash on Life
January 11, 2008, 10:7PM MT
By Jennifer S Hayes
Heart of Texas Greyhound Adoption has recently taken in 40 dogs and expects another 20-30 soon.
Heart of Texas Greyhound Adoption has recently taken in 40 dogs and expects another 20-30 soon.
By Kimberly King
Heart of Texas Greyhound Adoption, Inc. or "H.O.T.", is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax exempt corporation formed for the purpose of rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of Greyhounds. Although the majority of Greyhounds acquired by H.O.T. are retired racers, H.O.T. is committed to helping all Greyhounds in need, including retired brood matrons, retired stud dogs, those with physical impairments, those not fast enough to race, seniors, in other words, any Greyhound in need.
(Sterling, has some special needs, but is one of the many Greyhounds available for adoption-click link and scroll down)
Currently, as well as for the past three years, we have been working extensively with the Corpus Christi Greyhound Racetrack to help coordinate efforts to bring Greyhounds into adoption as the track has not been approved for live racing in 2008. Through the efforts of the TRC, TGA and adoption groups such as H.O.T., Greyhounds that are not at presently in an adoption group are being cared for by wonderful people down at the kennels in Corpus Christi until room can be found in our organization or others. Since mid-November, H.O.T. has taken in 40 hounds from the track and are expecting up to 20 or 30 more.
H.O.T. is in need of great homes for these “Greyt” hounds. Requirement for adoption are not inflexible, with only two major requirements. Greyhounds need to be indoor only dogs – they do not have the body fat to withstand fluctuations of weather -- and require a fenced-in area when not on a leash. The leashed part is a MUST. Greyhounds are sighthounds and their instinct is to chase any movement that interest them. With a top running speed of 45 MPH, fair warning, good luck catching them! Some Greyhounds make fantastic companions for people who live in apartments.
(With only 31 races under her belt, Carmen, is now out of the business and wants to be into a home. She is available for adoption-click link and scroll down)
H.O.T. is also in need of foster homes for the hounds. Foster homes help the Greyhounds get used to life after the track by introducing them to things that they have not been exposed to. This can be anything from mirrors/shiny glass, stairs, other animals, and just in general, life in a home that is not a track kennel. Usually, H.O.T. will provide the foster home with everything it needs for their foster Greyhound.
If fostering is not an option, we can always use monetary donations, which are tax deductible, and donations of good quality dog food.
We have had many successful adoptions, with 700 placements in our seven year history. Several of our adopters use their Greyhounds as therapy dogs and go visit hospitals and nursing homes. One hound, Goldenboy, and his adopter, Lisa B., work with Paws for Service and visit folks at a local hospital. All Greyhounds are wonderful ambassadors for the breed. Whether they meet new people in a local pet store or in a local park, they typically meet new people with a happy tail wag and often a wet, sloppy kiss!
We have a lot of Greyhounds now looking for homes. We have Geraldo, whom we call the “Latin Lover” because he is such an easy going guy that gets along with everyone to Roxanne, who is a great little lady that does well with children of elementary school age and older. If you are interested in adopting a Greyhound, or fostering, you may visit our website or call 210-621-0123. You can also contact our foster coordinator at hotgreyfoster@yahoo.com.
(Geraldo is one of the many dogs just saved from Corpus Christi. He is currently available for adoption)
How you can help:
Such a large influx of animals leaves any organization short on resources. Please consider assisting the organization by:
• Adopting a greyhound into your loving home
• Making a monetary donation through PayPal
• Giving an item on their wish list
• Volunteering to help
• Fostering a retired racer and ready him or her for a forever home
For more information:
Heart of Texas Greyhound Adoption, Inc.
24430 Camp Site
San Antonio, TX 78264
Phone: 210-621-0123
Fax: 210-621-0360
e-mail: contact@heartoftexasgreyhounds.com
Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Network
Photo credit: photos provided courtesy of Heart of Texas Greyhound Adoption. The lead photo shows Blondy, who should now be enjoying her golden years in her own loving home. See is currently available for adoption-click link and scroll down.