Click here for Our Adoptable Pets
If you are thinking about getting a new pet, won't you consider a retired Greyhound? You will be rewarded with many years of love and enjoyment
Greyhound Rescue, Inc., formerly of Elkridge, Maryland, is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding loving homes for retired racing Greyhounds. Located in Gerrardstown, West Virginia, we have adoption representatives conveniently located in Maryland, Virginia and the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.
We are a relatively small organization, but are very active and dedicated. We do not believe in overly restrictive placement policies. If you are a responsible, caring person and are willing to dedicate the attention that a Greyhound needs, please consider adopting one of these noble dogs through us.
Greyhounds make excellent pets; they are sensitive, intelligent creatures who adapt easily to their new life |
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About Greyhound Rescue, Inc.
Greyhound Rescue, Inc. was founded in 1989 by John and Denise Davis. It is an all-volunteer, registered, non-profit, charitable organization. Your adoption fees and donations are tax-deductible.
John and Denise founded the rescue program after they adopted Stacey, a white, brindle-patched, ticked female who raced into their hearts. Their interest in the rescue effort developed into the formation of their own rescue organization. Since its inception, Greyhound Rescue, Inc. has placed over 2,000 Greyhounds in homes throughout Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington D.C.
The pups worship Denise at Dewey
The goal of Greyhound Rescue is to find high-quality, loving homes for ex-racing Greyhounds and to educate people about the excellent, loving pets these noble creatures make.
How To Adopt a Greyhound From Us
What is the adoption process?
If you'd like to adopt a greyhound, please complete and submit an greyhound application. You can now apply online or download and mail or email applications to us.
Please allow a week for review of your application. Then we'll call or send you a note to schedule an interview.
John and Denise Davis, or one of their adoption representatives, will conduct an interview of all applicants. The interview, which usually lastsabout an hour, helps determine that a greyhound is appropriate for you. It also helps us to find the dog best suited for your home. They review the application with you, and discuss your preferences for the greyhound (i.e. sex, age, personality, coat color, etc.). They'll also discuss the responsibilities of owning a greyhound, and can answer any questions or discuss any concerns that you have.
At the interview, or shortly after, they will let you know if you've been approved. There is usually no more than a three-week wait to get your greyhound. You will be contacted with an anticipated delivery date for you to pick up your greyhound at John and Denise's.
Where is Greyhound Rescue, Inc. located?
We're in Gerrardstown, West Virginia, just a few minutes off I-81.
Directions from Northern Virginia:
I-66 West to I-81 North I-81 North to Exit 5 Inwood - Rte. 51West
Go 5 miles on 51 until you reach a 4-way stop sign
Turn left on Rte 45 West Glengary
Go 2.5 miles, then make a left on Mc Cubbins Hollow Rd
Go 1 mile, then turn left to stay on Mc Cubbins Hollow Rd
Go 1.2 miles, then turn left on Cressen Dr.
At circle keep right on Cressen Dr.
We are the last driveway - turn right at mailbox (road dead ends)
(We are 10 miles from I-81)
Directions from Maryland:
I-70 West to exit 26 Roanoke - I-81 South
I-81 South to Exit 5 Inwood - Rte. 51 West
Go 5 miles on 51 until you reach a 4-way stop sign
Turn left on Rte 45 West Glengary
Go 2.5 miles, then make a left on Mc Cubbins Hollow Rd
Go 1 mile, then turn left to stay on Mc Cubbins Hollow Rd
Go 1.2 miles, then turn left on Cressen Dr.
At circle keep right on Cressen Dr.
We are the last driveway - turn right at mailbox (road dead ends)
(We are 10 miles from I-81)
How much will it cost?
The adoption fee is $250.00 and is tax-deductible.
What does the fee cover?
Spay/neutering
Teeth Cleaning
Rabies vaccination (if needed)
DHLP
De-worming
Heartworm negative check
Flea Treatment
Transportation costs from the kennel
Leash, collar, and Greyhound Rescue, Inc., ID tag
'Owners' Manual
What do I need to prepare for my greyhound?
Please support the merchants that donate to Greyhound Rescue, Inc!
| Study! |
Purchase a copy of Adopting the Racing Greyhound by Cynthia Branigan or Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies by Lee Livingood. If you have young children, we highly recommend that you read Childproofing Your Dog by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson. Branigan's book is available in many libraries. Read these books and keep them close by when you bring your Greyhound home. |
| Leash and Collar |
Will be supplied by us when you pick up your Greyhound |
Name Tag |
Purchase a tag with the dog's name, your name and address and telephone number. Place this on the ring with the Greyhound Rescue, Inc., ID tag. ALWAYS KEEP BOTH ID TAGS ON YOUR DOG AT ALL TIMES. |
Crate |
We recommend that you rent or purchase a crate for the first few weeks of adjustment. Your greyhound has always lived in one so it is very familiar and comfortable for your dog. It can be used to make the transition from racer to retirement easier. If you're not too sure about when to use the crate, a general rule of thumb is, if you can't watch your dog, crate it. For the first two weeks, crate your dog every time you leave the house, particularly if you work all day and the dog will be alone. This will help your dog become familiar with the family routine. When you feel the dog is adjusting, put the dog in the crate but leave the door unlatched. This gives your Greyhound a choice. After a couple weeks of using the "open door" policy, you can usually eliminate the crate. Be sure to have the crate on hand before you arrive home with your dog so that you can begin using it right away
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Food and Water Bowls |
You'll need one bowl for food and one bowl for water--be sure to purchase large bowls. The food and water bowls should be elevated. You can either purchase an elevated feeding/water dish, or improvise by sitting the bowls on a child's stool, box or an inverted bucket bucket (12-18 inch elevation is suggested). |
| Dog Food |
Decide ahead of time through consultation with John and Denise Davis, your Vet, or other Greyhound owners what type of food you will be feeding your Greyhound and purchase it before you bring your Greyhound home.
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Rice |
During the first couple weeks, as the dog is transitioning to his/her new diet, your Greyhound may develop diarrhea. Consult your books--switch to a diet of boiled rice and chicken. This will help eliminate the diarrhea. |
Dog Bed, Pillow or Thick Quilt |
You'll need to provide something soft for your Greyhound to lie on. One tip: purchase or use something that is washable. This will allow you to clean it regularly. |
Toys
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(Optional) Greyhounds love the fleece toys with a squeaker inside or the "stuffed" animal toys--anything that squeaks. |
Dog Biscuits |
Choose a quality dog biscuit in the Large or Extra Large size.
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Bones |
(Optional)
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Pooper Scooper and Plastic Bags |
Please pick up after your pets on your neighborhood walks. Be a responsible Greyhound owner. |
Enzymatic Cleaner |
A good cleaning solution to effectively remove any "accident" spots of odors. Nature's Miracle and Simple Solution are very effective. |
Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste |
For the weekly tooth brushings. |
Hound Grooming Glove |
It's a rubber glove filled with "bumps" that you slip on your hand. You just "pet" your Greyhound and off comes all the loose and dead dog hair. This will also reduce shedding. |
Nail Clippers |
For nail clipping, use the guillotine" type of clipper not the ones that "mash" the nail. |
Cold-weather Coat
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Your Greyhound must have a coat for cold weather. If you are adopting during the warm-weather season, you'll probably have to wait for cooler weather in order to find the coats in the pet store. If you are adopting in the cold weather, make your first stop on the way home the pet store and purchase a coat. You'll have to try it on your dog to get the proper fit. It's too hard to guess the size. Classy Canine makes excellent coats for Greyhounds. Check with Denise about ordering a coat from her sister. If you sew, there are patterns for dog coats on-line at Greyhound Manor Crafts |
Muzzle |
Until you can trust the dog, a muzzle is essential if you have a cat or small dog in your home. Muzzles are also required if you plan to participate in an organized playgroup for Greyhounds. You can purchase a muzzle from us, or with a refundable deposit, we will be happy to loan you one. |
House Rules |
Review the rules of Greyhound ownership with your children. Remind them to keep outside doors closed and latched; gates closed and locked. Remind them that when the Greyhound is sleeping or resting on his bed, or eating anything, you don't bother them. |
House Preparation |
Prepare your house for your new family member by removing any fragile knickknacks that can be easily knocked over or broken by a happy, wagging tail. Clear your kitchen counter of any treats that you routinely might leave out to remove any temptation to start "counter surfing". Cover your waste container in the kitchen with a secure lid, or better yet, try to store it away in a cabinet where your Greyhound cannot gain access to it. You might want to secure cabinets with childproof latches that contain food or cleaning chemicals to protect your Greyhound. Greyhounds are experts at learning to open unsecured cabinet doors. Consider keeping bathroom doors closed to remove the temptation of getting into the trash can. Keep toilet lids down! Electrical cords should be out of sight and removed from areas close to where the Greyhound will be lying on his pillow or comforter to remove the temptation. If bored, your Greyhound might start chewing on the cord. |
Veterinarian's Appointment |
Set up an appointment with your Veterinarian to have a well-dog checkup so that your Vet can meet your Greyhound. You can use this as an opportunity to discuss the special needs of Greyhound anesthesia with your Vet. Don't wait until your Greyhound becomes ill or an emergency arises for the first introduction. It's important that you feel comfortable with your Vet and your Vet's understanding and knowledge of the special needs Greyhounds have.
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Inspect Your Fence and Gate Latches |
Check your fence for holes or weak spots and repair them before you bring your Greyhound home. Purchase clips for all your gates so that your Greyhound cannot open them. Always keep your gates latched. |
Sliding Glass Doors |
Place static cling decals or a large "X" with masking tape at the dog's eye level on any large windows or sliding glass doors so the Greyhound does not run through the glass window or doors until he learns that this is a hard surface. |
Choose a Vet who has worked with Greyhounds.
| How to Adopt |
Greyhound Rescue, Inc., has established a crate rental program in Maryland and Virginia. Rental is $5.00 per week. These fees offset the cost of additional crates and the medical expenses incurred by Greyhounds recuperating from track injuries prior to adoption.
In Prince George's County and Anne Arundel County, contact Darlene Riden at d.riden@comcast.net or 410-721-1154.
In Baltimore and Howard County, MD contact June Ansaldi ansaldi5@comcast.net at301-774-3612.
In Virginia and D.C., contact Judy Chopp judychopp@aol.com or 703-323-0118 or Terry Stansell at 703-318-7922.
How to Help Us
Buy a copy of Let Them Eat Cookies!
ALL proceeds from sales of "Let Them Eat Cookies: A Greyt Cookbook for All Great Dogs" will go directly to Greyhound Rescue Inc. The book features 136 recipes for meals, kibble add-ins, cookies, pupcakes, jerky, carob candies and so much more. There are recipes submitted by vets, greyhound owners and even one from Burpdog Biscuits! It is a truly unique cookbook and one your hound won't want you to do without. Share a few copies with all your dog-owner friends and family!! These recipes are suitable for all dogs. Each recipe is featured in a full color photograph and has been tested for accuracy. All meals, treats and remedies in the book have been hound-sampled for tastiness and vet-approved as safe and healthful for your dogs. There are four chapters in this cookbook: Beastly Meals; Canine Cookies & Pupcakes; Holiday Hounds & Pooch Parties; and Special Needs Recipes. We have covered it all, from stews and suppers to even vegan, wheat-free and grain-free treats. And best of all, the recipes are all easy - some can be made in 15 minutes from beginning to end! As a special feature of the cookbook, there are also more than 75 full-color professional photographs of hounds being hounds in all their favorite places: the sofa, the beach, Meet & Greets and more!
Be an ambassador!
As a Greyhound owner, you have the opportunity to be a "public relations" representative for all Greyhounds. These dogs attract a lot of attention. I'm sure everyone has been approached at one time or another while out walking your dog by a neighbor or stranger asking questions about your Greyhound. Become knowledgeable about Greyhounds and help spread the word about them. Use these opportunities to hand out a business card or brochure from Greyhound Rescue, Inc. Even if you are away from home, pass out our brochure to anyone interested in adopting a Greyhound. We can refer them to a local adoption organization if they are out of our immediate adoption area. If you happen to have a picture of your Greyhound on your desk at work, keep a few business cards or brochures handy to distribute to anyone who stops to chat with you about your Greyhound. You also might discover that other co-workers have Greyhounds, too. Take your Greyhound with you wherever you go whenever possible. The more often they are seen, the more interest you can generate. Most people who have never been in the company of a real live Greyhound comment on how well behaved, gentle, and quiet they are. This will certainly dispel the misperception that Greyhounds are hyper and excitable. It also gives the public an opportunity to see firsthand what wonderful loving pets theyare.
Volunteer
We can always use your help -- we depend heavily on volunteers to help generate interest, to prepare our dogs for their new homes, and to generate donations and grants.
Attend meet & greets... foster a special needs dog... donate printing and copying... hang posters at pet shops, veterinarian offices, at work... wash dogs... help out with major hauls... write grant proposals... pass out literature... design promotional materials... Your spare time and your skills can make a difference! |
If you have a special skill or if you have lots of energy and desire, there are many ways you can help. Your efforts will be truly appreciated and you'll get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that you're helping more greyhounds find loving homes.
We really need help organizing Meet & Greets in Maryland! Can you spare just a few hours each month? Our Virginia events are tremendously successful and are very popular events. We need someone with a bit of energy to get the ball rolling in Maryland! Please give Denise a call if you can help! |
Donate
Your charitable contributions are greatly appreciated and will be put to great use. We are an all volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and your donations are fully tax deductible.
Here's a simple way to gauge how your contributions help: it costs us about $1.00 per day to care for each dog awaiting adoption. But that doesn't begin to tell the whole story...
We don't usually rely on donations to cover our normal day-to-day operations. We use donations in ways that will really make a difference for special needs dogs - to help cover the cost of veterinary care for dogs with broken legs and other serious conditions. We also use donations for critically needed improvements.
Donate Online!
Donations are made easy now! We accept donations using JustGive, Network for Good, and PayPal- it's simple and you'll be doing a wonderful thing!
Sat, May 03 |
Meet & Greet Winchester, VA |
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Directions |
11:00 to 1:00 pm PetCo 370 Gateway DR Winchester, VA 540-667-0562 |
| Sat, May 03 | Meet & Greet Glen Burnie, MD |
| 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Petsmart 24 Mountain RD Glen Burnie 410-766-7190 |
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Sat, May 03 |
Meet & Greet Woodbridge, VA |
Noon to 3:00 pm |
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Sat, May 03 |
Meet & Greet Sterling, VA |
Directions |
Noon to 3:00 pm Petsmart 46220 Potomac Run Plaza 703-444-6500 |
Sun, May 11 |
Meet & Greet Harrisonburg, VA |
Directions |
3:00 to 5:00 pm PetCo 253 Burgess Road 540-432-3830 |
Sat, May 17 |
Meet & Greet Manassas, VA |
Directions |
Noon to 3:00 pm Petsmart 10834 Sudley Manor Dr 702-444-6500 |
Sat, May 17 |
Meet & Greet Glen Burnie, MD |
Directions |
11:00 am to 2:00 pm |
Sun, May 18 |
Meet & Greet Hanover, MD |
Directions |
10:00 to 1:30 pm Petsmart |
We hold Meet and Greets at local pet stores. These events are an opportunity for you to see what great pets Greyhounds make. We usually have at least a few dogs (usually ten or more) for you to pet and plenty of volunteers to answer any questions you may have. These dogs have already been placed in permanent homes.
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Newsletter
Starting this year we will no longer mail paper copies of the newsletter to everyone. We will post it here on our website when it is completed. This will not only make it accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but will help save money that will be used for the hounds. Also, we will be able to use color pictures and more interesting graphics for your reading pleasure. Please check back as information will be posted as it becomes available.
Picnic
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The 2008 picnic will be held at Downs Park in Pasadena, Maryland on Sunday, September 21. The park is located right next to the Chesapeake Bay and has lots of walking trails, volleyball and basketball courts, picnic tables and grills, and a playground for the younger children. It even has a dog beach where your Greyhound could go swimming. For more information about the park go to the Downs Park web page.
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Don't worry about the parking fee, the dogs are picking that up for us so more folks can come out and enjoy the picnic. Please remember that this is a fund raising event for us. All the money you donate via raffles, auctions, games, and admission goes directly to the Greyhounds.
Check Us Out on Greyhound Racing Database
We have now listed all of our hounds on Greyhound Data to spread the word about our adoption group. Greyhound Data provides information about greyhounds from all over the world with pedigree information drawn from the last four centuries.
Wiggles, Wags and Whiskers No-Pull Harness
Offered by Greyhound Rescue, Inc.
Order a no-pull harness for your hard to walk hound, spooky hound, or hound with neck problems!
Do You Shop At Food Lion?
Register your MVP card so that a percentage of your purchase can be donated to help the hounds!
Tips to Keep Your Dog From Getting Lost!
We've been looking for more lost dogs lately. Although we are glad to help out and bring these dogs home when they get loose, the key is to avoid the situation altogether with appropriate prevention. Click here for tips to avoid alost dog.
Reminders To Avoid Lost Hounds
1. Check your fences to ensure they have withstood the wrath of winter and there aren't any holes, broken boards or gaps that could allow your hound to squeeze through to chase that cat that lives next door.
2. Do your gates close and latch? Do you have an extra latch clipped to your gate that would have to be removed in order to open that gate? If not, visit Home Depot today and pick up a $2.00 clip that can be attached to your gate and prevent accidental opening. Consider installing a spring-loaded automatic gate closing device to your gates. If you cannot see your gates from the inside of your house while your dogs are outside, padlock them.
3. Are there any holes under your fencing that your hounds could work on improving and allow them to slip under the fence? Get the holes filled in.
4. Are you careful to shut and secure your house doors as you leave so that your hounds cannot push the door open and follow?
5. If you have a hound that has to be pushed aside while you squeeze through the door opening to get outside, install a baby gate in the foyer, or at the stairs to keep your dog back away from the door. This allows you to come and go freely without worry and get those groceries in the door too. If your home is built so that these are not options for you, baby gate the hound in the kitchen or in another area of the house to prevent him or her from charging the door when you leave or come home.
6. Ok, you've taken all the appropriate precautions and somehow the dog has still escaped--DOES YOUR DOG HAVE A CURRENT GREYHOUND RESCUE, INC., DOG TAG WITH THE WV, MD AND VA PHONE NUMBERS? Does your dog have a tag with your name, phone number and/or address on it? Do you know how difficult it is to track down the owners of a dog without any tags, especially if someone who doesn't have a clue about Greyhounds finds this dog? Contact us if you need an updated three-number tag. Order a tag with your address and number for the dog to wear. Give your dog all the tools he or she should have or need to help them get back home quickly and safely should they escape. Consider micro-chipping your dogs. Make sure you keep a collar on your dog with current tags!
7. If you leave your hound with someone to watch, make sure they know who to call should the dog accidentally escape. Also affix a temporary tag to their collar with the dog sitter's phone number at a minimum. We have a wonderful network of Greyhound volunteers and groups that we can get the word out to when there is a loose dog but we need to be called FIRST.
8. If you are allowing your dog to run in a fenced-in field or area, check the gates to ensure they are secure before you let them off leash. If possible, post a person at the gates while the dog is running in the field as a back up measure.
9. Keep a leash on your dog at all times unless they are in an enclosed, fenced area that is well secured.
10. Make sure all of your immediate neighbors know that you have a Greyhound(s) and that if they see the dog out running unleashed without you--the dog has escaped and you need to be notified and helped.
11. Take a few close up pictures of your dogs--their face and a full body picture--to have on hand to use in case the need arises to launch a search campaign. These will be helpful to use on flyers to hand out to the neighborhood, mail carriers, UPS drivers, the police department, shelters, vet offices and others who are routinely driving through your area.
12. If your dog is loose, this is what we need from you to go into action:
Color, Sex and Name of Your Hound
The name of the street where he/she was last seen and closest major
intersection(s)
When your hound was last seen?
Was the dog wearing any identification? Color of collar
Is your hound friendly and outgoing or shy, spooky or timid?
Provide all contact information
13. Call the appropriate contact number in MD, VA or WV. If no answer at the MD or VA number, call the WV number--they know how to reach us!
Favorite Links
The Greyhound Project, Inc. Tons of information about greyhounds, plus an international directory of local adoption agencies. |
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Classy Canine Beautiful and functional handcrafted dogwear: decorative collars, fleece coats, raincoats and cool coats. Sara Ablard generously donates 10% of her proceeds to us. |
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Balance Photography Get gorgeous, glamourous photos of your greyhound! Balance Photography is a full service photo studio and donate a portion of every pet portrait shoot to Greyhound Rescue. Services available at your home, favorite park or look for specials at Greyhound events, like Spring and Fall Dewey. |
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Greyhounds Reach the Beach! Greyhounds Reach the Beach! is an annual gathering of thousands of greyhounds and their owners over Columbus Day weekend in Dewey Beach, Delaware. Join us at the largest gathering of greyhounds in the world! |
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Spring Dewey Greyhounds can't get enough of the Beach! |
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Greyhound-L Greyhound-L is a mailing list with over two thousand members. It's a great source of entertainment, information, friendship, and endless debates about racing. This site has instructions for signing on, plus information about various topics such as tick diseases and training. |
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Greyhound Shopping Mall Sarah Norton maintains this extensive listing of greyhound vendor links. |
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MetroPets Online MetroPets Online promotes the adoption of homeless animals and the well-being of companion animals in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. |
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PetsMart.com PetsMart has always been very generous in their support of Greyhound Rescue. Here's a chance to save some money and help us! . When you follow this link, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to Greyhound Rescue. |
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Greyhound Adoption Expo The Greyhound Expo is an experience that allows you to see what a dog track looks like and what goes on. |
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