Ex-racers looking for a new home

When you think of a greyhound, chances are you think of a runner!

It's true, but greyhounds can be so much more. And a local rescue group wants to prove that to you.    

Greyhound Pets, Inc. Is a nonprofit group that cares for retired greyhounds until they can find the dog a new home. But right now the facility is full.

Yes, greyhounds love to run. But remember, they're sprinters! They work out in short bursts and then love to rest.

 "We call them 40-mph couch potatoes," said Moira Corrigan, who runs the rescue. "They'll do a few laps around the yard and then want to hang out for the rest of the day."

Corrigan has more than two dozen greyhounds kenneled at the facility, and another 2 dozen out in foster homes.

"And we're bringing another load -- at least 16 in February," she said.

The dogs come from race tracks that go out of business, or states where racing is now illegal. and another state just shut down all of its tracks.

The mission here is to find each of these loving dogs a new home.

"First thing most people say to us is, 'Well, aren't they hyper?' Well, no, they're pretty laid back," said Corrigan.

"They're just a very special breed, very loving, very kind," said Sue Curtis, one of more than 200 volunteers who keep the rescue going. Curtis herself has owned 4 greyhounds.

"As big as they are, they're basic couch potatoes when you take them home, you know. They're real snuggle bunnies, just excellent," she said.

"So they're good for people with small children. They're good for older people and, of course, everybody in between," said Lee Ann Morris, another volunteer.

Even though each of the dogs comes from a racing background, each one has developed an individual personality, Corrigan said.

The adoption fee is $200. For more information on how to adopt, visit GreyhoundPetsInc.org.