Greyhounds in need of permanent homes

Date: 5/3/2013

By Carley Dangona

carley@thereminder.com

AGAWAM — Residents Tony and Lisa Bryant of Feeding Hills will assist others in finding companionship, by pairing them with a greyhound friend to take home and make part of the family.

Greyhound Options (GO) will host its Spring Fling on May 5 from noon to 4 p.m. in Northwest Park located on Lang Road in Windsor, Conn.

The Bryants sit on the GO Board of Directors and are foster parents in addition to owning three greyhounds, Wista, Citrus and Pokey, of their own. They are currently sharing their home with Big Momma, a 5-year-old brindle-colored greyhound that will be available along with 13 other dogs for adoption at the event.

"I've always had a fascination with greyhounds," Lisa said. "My daughter and I saw GO at a meet and greet event at a local pet store [and decided they wanted to get involved]. We started fostering dogs for GO in 2007." She added that Tony took some convincing.

Tony admitted, "Initially, I didn't find greyhounds attractive. I thought they were too skinny. After visiting a few meet and great events, I saw how well greyhounds coexisted with other dogs, noticed the dogs weren't barking constantly and realized that they [just] wanted affection at that point I said, 'Let's do this.'"

The Bryants explained that the goal of a foster parent is to transition a greyhound from the track to home life. They said that most of the dogs have never seen stairs or sliding glass doors. Fosters also help the dogs adjust to eating a regular diet and sleeping on a different scheduled than they are used to following. They described the dogs as "very adaptable."

Tony said, "The greyhounds are well documented. Each of them has numbers tattooed in their ears that people can research at www.greyhound-data.com to view the dog's racing history and background information. All dogs are spayed or neutered before adoption."

He continued, "Greyhounds are the second fastest land mammal. They are now as 45-mile-an-hour couch potatoes. While they can travel fast, they love to sit and lounge with the family." Tony added that they love car rides.

For exercise, greyhounds don't have to go for a run. They love to go outside, but time in the backyard or a long walk is sufficient exercise for the breed. Because greyhounds are "sight-hounds" they must always be leashed when in public or on a walk because they will bolt after rodents or other animals upon first glimpse.

The Bryants described the dogs as loyal and laid back. They said that many of the greyhounds are pet-friendly and that grooming the dogs is "low maintenance."

The spring event will feature a Cinco de Mayo theme for greyhound lovers and potential adopters alike. There will be food, fun and games. The event will take place regardless of weather and is free of charge. A raffle and a silent auction will be conducted. Pre-registered dogs are eligible for tick testing. A Doggie Salon will also be available for nail trims.

GO is a nonprofit group based out of Ware and hosts regularly scheduled meet and greet events. GO is always looking for more foster parents and volunteers.

For more information about the organization, visit www.greyhoundoptions.org.