Adopt a Prison Greyhound

The Greyt Prison Greyhound Dog Wash!

2010-01-03T20:22:00.002-05:00

Save the date of Saturday Feb. 13 for Prison Greyhounds' first fundraiser - a dog wash at Tom Kortie’s Healthy Hounds Dog Emporium (by Geist Kroger). Funds raised will help us with start up money to cover legal fees, insurance, promotional printing, etc.

We need volunteers to serve two-hour shifts between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. We need dog bathers, dog dryers, hospitality/promotion people that also collect fees. We are looking for vet techs that can trim nails or microchip. Shifts will run:

10 a.m. – noon (arrive at 9:45)
noon – 2 p.m. (arrive at 11:45)
2 – 4 p.m. (arrive 1:45)

We need someone to take valentine Pet Photos that we can print on the spot so the customer can take them home. If you know where we could rent such a camera / printer, let us know, or better yet a volunteer that owns one. (Such as Fuji Film Instant Photo System.)

This is all necessary before we can bring dogs from the track to be trained and fostered in Indiana prisons. If you have additional ideas that will add value to this event please send your ideas. We value your willingness to support Prison Greyhounds. To volunteer, please leave us a comment with information about how we can reach you.

Show us the money! Please!

2009-11-03T21:34:00.000-05:00

I Love a Great Dog Story

2009-08-25T13:20:00.002-04:00

It never fails. I can be having a not so great day, and someone will send me a link to something that they hope will inspire me or at least make me smile.

I received this link, and it did more than make me smile. It warmed my heart. Give your dogs a hug. Our hope is that the dog you choose to hug and love is a Greyhound.

http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/08/19/the-birthday-girl-has-fleas/

Enjoy the story.

Did You Know?

2009-06-15T21:19:00.004-04:00

Some little known facts about the beautiful greyhound:

Greyhounds are the only breed of dog mentioned in the Bible (Proverbs).
Greyhounds have a larger heart, lungs and more arteries than any other canine.
Greyhounds came to the New World in 1493 on Columbus' second expedition.
Greyhounds are mentioned or featured in 11 of Shakespeare's plays.
When running Greyhounds spend 80% of their time in the air.
The Greyhound breed is over 4,000 years old.
Greyhounds are very quiet and need very little exercise (surprise!).

April is Adopt A Greyhound month ... and it's never too late!

2009-04-29T15:25:00.002-04:00

The CBS Early Show did a feature yesterday morning about greyhounds! As it turns out, April is Adopt A Greyhound Month. Check out the video and then try not to fall in love with one of these pups! Whether it's April or some other month, it's always a good good time to adopt a greyhound.

Needle Noses

2009-04-23T22:25:00.003-04:00

Elly demonstrates how greyhounds got the nickname "Needle Nose."

New name!

2009-04-19T16:56:00.003-04:00

It's official - our previously unnamed greyhound rescue group now has an official name! We are Prison Greyhounds Inc. Exciting, I know. But it's to the point and we are ready to get to work. We have a few more things to do before we can start getting dogs, fostering them in prisons and adopting them out to their forever homes. I won't bore you with the details, but we have to be sure to dot all our i's and cross all our t's.

Keep an eye on our blog for updates. In the meantime, hug your greyhounds. If don't have one, hug someone else's and then consider adopting one!

Jasmine

2009-04-15T21:24:00.005-04:00

I don't normally pay attention to things like this, but this "story" (or truth) touched my heart. I guess it doesn't matter if it moves you, right? Enjoy!

Jasmine

In 2003, police in Warwickshire, England, opened a garden shed and found a whimpering, cowering dog. It had been locked in the shed and abandoned. It was dirty and malnourished, and had clearly been abused.

In an act of kindness, the police took the dog, which was a Greyhound female, to the nearby Nuneaton Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary, run by a man named Geoff Grewcock and known as a willing haven for animals abandoned, orphaned or otherwise in need.

Geoff and the other sanctuary staff went to work with two aims to restore the dog to full health, and to win her trust. It took several weeks, but eventually both goals were achieved.

They named her Jasmine, and they started to think about finding her an adoptive home.

But Jasmine had other ideas. No one remembers now how it began, but she started welcoming all animal arrivals at the sanctuary. It wouldn't matter if it was a puppy, a fox cub, a rabbit or, any other lost or hurting animal, Jasmine would peer into the box or cage and, where possible, deliver a welcoming lick.

Geoff relates one of the early incidents. "We had two puppies that had been abandoned by a nearby railway line. One was a Lakeland Terrier cross and another was a Jack Russell Doberman cross. They were tiny when they arrived at the centre and Jasmine approached them and grabbed one by the scruff of the neck in her mouth and put him on the settee. Then she fetched the other one and sat down with them, cuddling them."

"But she is like that with all of our animals, even the rabbits. She takes all the stress out of them and it helps them to not only feel close to her but to settle into their new surroundings.

"She has done the same with the fox and badger cubs, she licks the rabbits and guinea pigs and even lets the birds perch on the bridge of her nose."

Jasmine, the timid, abused, deserted waif, became the animal sanctuary's resident surrogate mother, a role for which she might have been born. The list of orphaned and abandoned youngsters she has cared for comprises five fox cubs, four badger cubs, 15 chicks, eight guinea pigs, two stray puppies and 15 rabbits.

And one roe deer fawn. Tiny Bramble, 11 weeks old, was found semi-conscious in a field. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, Jasmine cuddled up to her to keep her warm, and then went into the full foster mum role. Jasmine the greyhound showers Bramble the Roe deer with affection and makes sure nothing is matted.

"They are inseparable," says Geoff "Bramble walks between her legs and they keep kissing each other. They walk together round the sanctuary.

It's a real treat to see them."

Jasmine will continue to care for Bramble until she is old enough to be returned to woodland life. When that happens, Jasmine will not be lonely. She will be too busy showering love and affection on the next orphan or victim of abuse.

The Pet, Health Connection

2009-03-17T08:40:00.003-04:00

It is no surprise to animal lovers the benefits of owning a pet. Especially in these difficult times, anything we can do to bring joy into our lives is welcome. I know that with my family spending more time at home, the joy of our two dogs and their companionship is even more important. Walking with and playing with your dogs is free. It gets you both moving. It will make you both happy. See this article from CBS news regarding the benefits of pet ownership. Rescue a life - it might make yours longer.

Greyt Tunes!

2009-03-09T22:44:00.003-04:00

One of my greyhound friends from Cincinnati sent me a link to the video below. Besides having some wonderful greyhound photos - including rarely seen greyhound puppies, the song and lyrics are really touching. If this doesn't make you want to adopt one of these sweet dogs, I don't know what will.

The Recession's Effect on Dogs

2009-03-04T11:41:00.003-05:00

I have been reading more and more articles about people giving up their dogs due to the recession. I realize I might be a bit wacky about my animals, but really? Would you dump your kid at a shelter when times got tough?

Most of the articles say that downsizing into a home or apartment that doesn't allow pets is the #1 reason. Consequently, shelters are overcrowded, recieving less donations and the sweet souls of dogs pay the price. Adopting a dog is a HUGE responsibility. Not one to take lightly, and certainly not one to not consider over the long haul. There will always be something in life that makes us "uncomfortable."

Instead of ditching the first thing we see, how about appreciating the comfort and joy a pet can bring. If you choose to adopt a dog (or any animal for that matter), really look into your heart. If you can't promise to love and cherish that pet forever, don't do it.

The Attitude of Gratitude

2009-02-24T10:18:00.003-05:00

I don't know why, but I typed into Google this morning "Can dogs feel gratitude?". I guess I posed the question because humans seem to be struggling with gratitude right now, but my dogs are definitely not!

I know it's hard to be grateful when at times it feels like we are sinking into a hole we may never get out of. But, if you are a dog owner, 5 minutes inside the front door of your house can take care of that. My dogs are grateful for the smallest things:

1. The tiny pile of snow outside of our back door that they can still bury their noses in.
2. My son's twin bed which they seem to find enough room for him and both of them to snooze.
3. The cat that puts up with them and occasionally even acts like he might like them.
4. A home that is warm and loving.
5. A lap that is always readily available for snuggling.

I am grateful that I have the furry souls in my life to continuously teach me about what is good. The greatest things are found in the simplest of life's pleasures.

I challenge all of us to look at the world through the eyes of our dogs today. I know for a fact that any rescued animal, especially greyhounds, have more gratitude than we could ever imagine.

A few Greyhounds in my time

2009-02-11T16:43:00.003-05:00

Hi,

I was just sitting here and remembering how I got interested in Greyhounds. I lived across the street from a family that had a Greyhound. It ran free in the neighborhood and was just the sweetest thing. At first the way he kinda swung around the hood made me uneasy, but when he came up to me he was just so sweet and gentle. I never really thought much about him because he was the neighborhood dog.

Several years later, I was at a parade in Mooresville, Indiana, and again ran into a BUNCH of Greyhounds. They were with Greyhound Companions of Indiana (now since shutdown). I saw a pretty girl there named Agatha and just fell in love with her. She was she softest dog and so sweet. Her coat was a dark brindle and she had a black face. She was just so sweet. I had been wanting a dog for years and filled out an application to adopt Agatha that day. A few weeks went by and I was able to adopt her. She was 8 at the time. I only had a couple of years with Agatha but she taught me to love the breed and become passionate about them. I eventually adopted Snowflake and we all went around to meet and greets telling everyone about the breed.

Agatha made it to 10 years old and in those two years enriched my life more than I could tell you. Snowy lived to be 12 and was my best friend. If you were ever wanting a true companion I would encourage you to look into adopting a Greyhound....you will NEVER regret it.

Lean on Me

2009-01-25T19:58:00.002-05:00

I remember when we first brought Nicki home. I wondered if she had something wrong with her as she would lean against me anytime that I was standing still. What I came to find out, was that leaning is like a full body hug for a greyhound. She would not only lean on people, but the couch and our bed; all things that she loved.

Greyhounds have some other funny habits which I thought I would share. If you are like me, you may adopt for love, and not be completely informed.

They like to lay on their backs with all 4 legs in the air. I've heard this called the "dead cockroach." If I was going to give it a name, I would call it BLISS!

Greyhounds also like to "smile." If you're not clear on this, you may think they are snarling at you. Fear not - it's a smile!

Nicki also liked to nibble on us. It never hurt, in fact, it tickled. She would lay on the couch next to me and nibble on my shirt or right on my arm. It was almost like a secret language that we shared.

Greyhounds are unique. Enjoy falling even more in love once you get to them completely.

St. Guinefort

2009-01-11T12:37:00.003-05:00

Recently, someone gave me a book of photographs called, appropriately enough, Greyhounds by photographer Barbara Karant. It is absolutely gorgeous and the proceeds from the book benefit greyhound rescue. Anyway, I was skimming through some of the text and saw it mentioned that the only non-human saint is St. Guinefort - a greyhound! How cool is that???

I looked up the story of St. Guinefort and learned that, supposedly, he was a 13th century dog near Lyon in France who belonged to a knight. The knight went hunting and left his infant son in the care his faithful greyhound. When he returned home, there was blood all over and the baby's cradle was overturned. The dog lay on the floor next to the cradle with blood on his mouth. Thinking the dog had killed the baby, the knight then killed the dog. Then he heard the baby cry. The baby was safe and sound under the cradle, but next to him was a dead snake - killed by the dog to protect the baby. Realizing his mistake, the knight buried the dog in a nearby well and planted trees to honor him. Locals started bringing their babies to the shrine to beg for protection from St. Guinefort, who had now become known as a protector of infants.

Greyhounds are truly special dogs!

Skinny heads, but big hearts and smarts

2009-01-03T20:38:00.004-05:00

This is an actual comment that people have made to me on more than one occasion ... I've heard greyhounds are pretty dumb since their brains have to be so small to fit in their small heads. I've managed to be polite enough not to comment on the size of the commenter's head. I'll be honest, I don't know much about brain size relative to intelligence in dogs, but I really don't think one has to do with the other. My girl Elly is incredibly bright and picks up on things pretty quickly. She was a star pupil in obedience training and she's picked up on other things very well.

My favorite thing I taught her? Well, she loves her "stuffies" - stuffed hedgehogs, stuffed snowman and a giant bear that Santa brought her for Christmas. It's so big she uses it as a pillow. Anyway, when she goes outside to relieve herself, she usually takes a stuffed toy out with her. I don't mind, but when I first got her, I quickly learned that most of her toys would end up getting left out in the yard unless I went out and brought them in for her. So the rule is, she can take a toy out but she has to bring it in with her. So if she comes back to the door to be let in and doesn't have her toy with her, I just say "Elly, go get your toy." Nine out of 10 times, before I'm even finished talking, she heads back out into the yard to look for it. Sometimes, I don't even have to say anything, just a look will do it. She's a pretty good girl!

Another thing I worked with her on was being a good walker. It took about a week but she picked up on the concept of heeling pretty quickly. She nearly always walks right next to me and rarely pulls on the lead. Even when I give her plenty of slack to go off an explore a bit, she still stays by my side. I found a post in the Never Say Never Greyhounds blog about teaching your dogs to heel and I thought it had some great techniques and some great videos. Interestingly, Jennifer, the blogger, has somehow managed to get her hounds to sit. Elly doesn't sit (she does a great "down") and the greyhounds I've met who do sit often don't for long and usually look pretty awkward doing it. Anyway, check out her blog.

Beautiful Photo Blog

2008-12-27T23:12:00.008-05:00

I'd like to think that most greyhound lovers are dog lovers in general. I know I am. I often find myself surfing the web, looking for strays that need homes, sponsorship, something that I can provide. During one of my "surfing" expeditions, I came across a beautiful photo blog entitled "Shelter Dogs". I sent the photographer a note and shared with him the work we are starting here in Indy. I asked if we could feature a gorgeous greyhound that he had photographed as well as a link to his blog http://www.shelterdogs.net/.

He was so gracious and encouraging about our new prison greyhound program. His name is Andreas Holm and I hope you enjoy his beautiful work as much as I did.

Hug your dog!

Meet Bentley - My Constant Companion and Teacher

2008-12-20T18:57:00.007-05:00

This attractive greyhound is my Bentley not long after he came home. It did not take him long to become a mamma's boy. He developed a habit of snuggling things there were mine, but thankfully he has given it up mostly.

I can't help feeling guilty from time to time about the fact I didn't really have an interest in him. I wanted one of the "different" looking dogs - a brindle or one with some ticking. I even liked the idea of one that looked like a deer. Then I met this big boy.

I've read different reports on black dogs taking longer to be adopted: http://www.unc.edu/~nbeach/blacklist/index.htm I suppose this could very well be true. I was almost one of those people who didn't want a dog due to his "boring" color. I have to admit I now adore his appearance. Once I got him home and on some awesome food his coat became so soft and silky. He has this amazing radiance in the sun. I never see his hair around around the house. He sheds less than my other greyhounds (not that they're bad). He can wear any color and make it look amazing.

Sometimes people do shy away from him but go up to his red litter mate, Benson. When this first happened I was furious inside. How could anyone discriminate against such a sweet boy? Now I just smile and realize that they are truly missing out on a good entertaining time. Bentley loves to greet happy people with a roo and a kiss. It is so darling and always makes his new friend smile.

My point is this: when you adopt please don't rule any dog out based on color. Find a dog based on what personality will be best for you. Then enjoy watching your relationship blossom. You will be amazed at the happiness the right match will bring.

Leader of the Pack

2008-12-20T12:44:00.004-05:00

I love the Dog Whisperer (aka: Cesar Millan). I've read his first two books. I watch the show whenever I can and am always amazed at the simplicity and common sense of most of his solutions.

When I first got my greyhound, Elly, we didn't quite know what to do with each other. I had always had dogs growing up but had gotten them as puppies, and Elly was 6 when I adopted her. And greyhounds are just different than most other dogs. So for the first couple of weeks, we went on walks and to the dog park, but at home, we mostly just stared at each other. A few months later, she started showing signs of separation anxiety. I thought it was strange that after three or four months, with no real change in our routine, she would get nervous when I left. So I called my vet. "Congratulations," she said, "your dog has bonded with you." Apparently, now that she felt we belonged to each other, she didn't like it when I went to work, or wherever. The vet suggested a few tricks and a course in obedience training to strengthen the bond and instill some trust and discipline in both of us. The obedience training definitely helped both of us get to know each other better and to begin to establish my role as Elly's pack leader.

But what really made an amazing difference was when I started practicing the Dog Whisperer's mantra of rules, boundaries and limitations, and exercise, discipline and then affection. As it turns out, what Elly really wanted was a strong pack leader. And once I actively took on that role, she became a different dog. She is so much more relaxed, content, confident and happy. I am so proud of the dog she has become and I just love her dearly. People are always telling me how well-mannered and polite she is and, even when we are at home, she knows the rules and sticks to them. If she starts to try to test those boundaries, all I have to do is give her a stern look.

Anyway, I found this article about applying the Dog Whisperer's methods to greyhounds and I thought it was spot-on. So, as the Dog Whisperer would say, until next time, "stay calm and assertive."

Once they have your heart........

2008-12-17T08:15:00.004-05:00

My husband and I had a greyhound 7 years ago. Her name was Nicki and she was the sweetest soul I have ever known. Unfortunately, we lost her to old age when she was 12. We have since gone on to have a baby, and rescue another dog "Buster." The funny thing is, I thought when we got Buster that I would be satisfied. Buster is an adorable terrier mix, and I love him dearly.

But it wasn't until I got involved with my new Greyhound friends, that I realized how much I missed having a Greyhound in our lives. So, now the campaign begins!!! I am working very hard to get the rest of my family in the Greyhound spirit! We are taking our time and deciding if a new furry family member is the best for both us and the Greyhound.

Greyhounds are awesome, sweet creatures. BUT, that doesn't mean they are for everyone. My hope in working with our new Greyhound group is that we can help put great dogs with great families for long and happy lives together.

I will say, that if you haven't had the pleasure of spending some time with a Greyhound, be prepared. You will most likely fall in love, and be in love forever.

Welcome to me!

2008-12-16T22:20:00.003-05:00

I am for sure new to the BLOG thing so bear with me. I will get the hang of it soon and have a few things that will hopefully help everyone. Until then, just know that Greyhounds have been a special part of my life since 1997 when I adopted my frist Grey...Agatha. She started the whole love of them for me and I have not been without at least one since. I cannot imagine my home being ahome without one....or my life being much of a life without those cold noses....and sweet sweet eyes looking back at me. Dano

3 Months and 3 Greyhounds - My Adoption Story

2008-12-16T11:29:00.005-05:00

I know I adore reading successful adoption stories. This was especially true of greyhounds when I was deciding when to adopt and what kind of greyhound was right for me. In hopes there are others out there looking for such stories I would love to share mine.

I will never forget the first time I fell in love with greyhounds. I was shopping for my current pets and stumbled upon a meet and greet. It was an incredibly hot summer day. This gorgeous brindle greyhound nudged my bare calf with her wet, cold nose and scared me half to death. I'd never met a greyhound before and was amazed at how beautiful they are. Pictures do not do these dogs justice. At this point in my life I knew I could not adopt. My fiance and I were in college, working and had 3 dogs already between the 2 of us. We did not have the times (or funds) to care for another pet, but I knew then that my next pet would have to be a greyhound.

Three years later I was training our jack russell terror (yes, I mean terror!), and I realized he was listening to every cue I gave. He had been a handful, but with lots of training and exercise he was a happy, balanced pet. Knowing my current pets were all in good shape I decided it was time.

I began searching high and low for the "perfect" greyhound, but there were so many bumps along the way for me. Several groups denied me because I did not have a fenced in yard. Another local group never returned my e-mails or phone calls. At this point many people would have given up, but I was determined. I knew this breed was for me. During all of this I read every greyhound book I could find. Then I read them again. Yes. They were for me.

I finally found a group in Michigan that was quick to check my references, answer my questions and help me find my newest family member. This is where I met Bentley. His race name was Yo My Ironside. He had looked almost fierce on his picture online and honestly I didn't look twice at him. When they brought him in I just fell in love. I wanted to leave with 2 dogs that day, but after much debate I had to adopt Bentley.

I couldn't have found a more perfect companion. I was told greyhounds were not "trainable", but as a dog trainer I was not swayed by this. Bentley was different to train than other dogs, but with patience and a little creativity he learned quickly. I had him home less than a month before he became my favorite "demo" dog at work. He would help me socialize puppies, demonstrate behaviors we were working on and best of all to me he was a daily ambassador for the breed.

One day Bentley saw another greyhound at work and was more excited than I'd ever seen him. I'd read many times that greyhounds often prefer other greyhounds. It was true. I knew that I had to adopt another. Although Bentley's training was going well I know how important it is to have great traning before brining in a new companion. This is how I found my prison greyhound.

Bravo (known as Desi then with the race name of Ima Best Design) was home with us roughly 6 weeks after we adopted Bentley. He came with basic training which was so helpful to us. He whined a bit his first night home, but by the next day he was happy at home. Bentley was so happy to have another greyhound at home, and I was thrilled to invite this new boy into our lives. He did go to work with me quite a few times, but it soon became apparent to me he didn't enjoy it much. Of course I no longer asked him to endure time at work, but I continue to take him many places. He is such a social dog!

It would make sense for my adoption story to be finished now, but I am in love with this breed. Ok, crazy in love. Around the time we adopted Bravo I discovered how to track down their "family" I found Bentley was from a litter of 11 dogs and Bravo had 4 siblings. I soon discovered 2 of Bentley's siblings were still racing and doing quite well. I decided to e-mail the track just incase they would consider allowing me to adopt eventually. A week went by and I heard nothing. I thought for sure the answer must be no. Then after 2 weeks I received an e-mail saying his sister had been adopted but was I interested in his brother. This was not quite 2 months after adopting Bentley and 1 month after Bravo. In my mind this was Bentley's brother and I would do whatever it took to bring him home. I sent my fiance an incredibly long e-mail ending it with "if you say no I understand." That night he said yes! (I have a total keeper!)

Within 2 weeks we had Bentley's brother (Yo My Matlock) home and named him Benson. They say when you add greyhounds you "chip" (couch potatos, potato chip...). My chipping rate must be one of the fastest. We adopted 3 greyhounds in 3 months which gave us a total of 6 amazing dogs. I would not change a thing. Each greyhound has a distinct and wonderful personality.
It has now been 1 year since we adopted Bentley. They have all brought so much joy to my life, and they make me so proud every day. Bentley still helps me train other dogs, has earned has canine good citizen, and he is doing very well in agility (don't let anyone tell you these dogs can't do it). Bentley's next "goal" is a becoming a certified therapy dog. Bravo is now training for his canine good citizen and will also test for therapy dog in the future. Benson has recentley tried agility and did very well. He would not enjoy therapy work, but I take the fact that he prefers "his people" over others as a compliment. He is a true snuggler with his family. While these dogs are overall very lazy they have been happy to indulge me. In good weather they are thrilled to join me for 1-3 hour hikes 1-2 days a week. Without a fenced in yard we do walk almsot every day, but on the days we don't take long hikes they are happy with a 30-45 minute walk. Oh, and all 3 of them love to wade in water.

That is my greyhound adoption story. I hope you've enjoyed, and if you are considering adopting I hope this gives you some idea of what can be possible. Whether you want a dog to go places or just stay at home on the couch the right greyhound for you is out there. When given proper care they make the most amazing pets. You'll never regret opening your heart and home to these wonderful creatures.

40 mph couch potatoes!

2008-12-15T21:49:00.005-05:00

I was just browsing the "blogosphere" and came across this Dec. 4 article and this Dec. 7 article on the Pet Connection about adopting greyhounds and the need for rescue groups and adopters to step up due to some scheduled track closings in 2010.

So, here are five reasons why greyhounds make greyt pets:
1. They are extremely loyal and loving. Really loving.
2. They are smart. They really seem to get what is expected of them rather quickly and work hard to please their people.
3. They are calm and well-mannered. None of that running in circles and jumping up on people. Just a polite tail wag and maybe even a bit of leaning.
4. Their favorite thing is to be in the same room with their people, snuggled up in a soft spot sleeping.
5. They run really fast. But they'd much rather take a long nap on the couch. Hence the "40 MPH Couch Potato" nickname.

For the love of greyhounds!

2008-12-14T13:03:00.005-05:00

Greyhounds are quite possibly the most sweet natured dogs ever invented! It is for this reason, and many more, that a group of us in the Indianapolis area decided to form a brand new greyhound rescue group. Yeah, yeah, I know ... there are lots of greyhound rescue groups already, so why do we need another? Well, there are lots of greyhounds that need rescuing. Also, our group (we don't even have a name yet!) wants to help "rescue" people too. So we will be partnering with the Indiana Department of Corrections.

Once we get things up and running, here's how we hope it will work ... we will work with racetracks around the country that have dogs ready to retire from the racing life. We will work with select Indiana prisons and their inmates who will act as the foster parents and trainers for the recently retired dogs. Once the dogs have gone through fostering and training at the prisons, they will be ready to be adopted into their forever homes. This program will be win-win for all sides! One problem many greyhound rescue groups have is finding enough foster parents for dogs coming straight from the tracks. By allowing inmates to foster and train the dogs, they will learn the responsibility and job skills that will help them when they are released. And our group will have a steady stream of foster parents available. And the inmates will get to experience the unconditional love of a greyhound. And the dogs will go to their forever homes with basic house and obedience training under their skinny little belts. Whew! That's a lot lot of greyhound love to spread around. But anyone who has ever met one of these dogs knows that they have a lot to give.

So, while we are busy setting up the group and getting ready to get things moving (and coming up with a name!), a few of us are going to be blogging about all things greyhound. Feel free to leave us comments or questions. The more the merrier!