Rehomes Retired Racing Greyhounds
By Susan Spisak
The Maine Greyhound Placement Service (MGPS) is dedicated to finding homes for retired racing Greyhounds who can no longer compete. The humane, board-run organization was co-founded in 1993 by Scott Bruns and Mary Towle. They both loved the breed--that passion led to volunteering at a Greyhound shelter, and they eventually established their own adoption kennel in Bridgton. In 2003, they relocated MGPS to a larger kennel/adoption center at 231 Old Belgrade Rd in Augusta to accommodate more dogs.
MGPS is operated by volunteers and depends on fundraising for its operating expenses. President Dawn Curtis, who has been with MGPS for ten years in many capacities, said their mission is to find responsible and loving homes for retired racing Greyhounds, and noted they are not a rescue. The retired racers primarily come from a US network called National Greyhound Association or NGA Greyhounds. It's a great way to support the Greyhounds by having a place available for them when they are done racing. This year, they have rehomed fifty retired racers and plan to take in more.
MGPS also brings in Greyhounds from New Zealand, Australia, and in the past have brought in Greyhounds from Ireland and the UK. They do take returns as well: “MGPS is a judgement free nonprofit that will support any Greyhound that comes through the door for the entire life of that Greyhound. When their owner brings them back to MGPS, the Greyhound will be welcomed back and be given any medical or behavioral support needed to have them be cleared for their next home,” she said.
Donations are needed for a variety of things including medical care, spay/neuter/dentals, transportation, and property management. To transport those retired dogs to the state, MGPS has been renting U-Haul vans but quickly realized it was not cost effective. Now they are fundraising for a $19k minibus. Donations can be made through PayPal or by mailing a check to MGPS, 231 Old Belgrade Rd. Augusta, ME 04330.
Dawn said volunteers are needed. “We need volunteers to help care for the Greyhounds four times a day all year. We will find a place for every level of commitment and availability of a new volunteer.” If you would like to be an MGPS volunteer or volunteer “helper,” please text or call Dawn at 207-557-3166. There’s also an online application.
Additionally, MGPS has a need for fosters for a variety of reason, “Any foster is a huge help to the Greyhounds at MGPS.” Unsure about the breed and considering fostering or adopting? Know that these retired racers are intelligent adaptable dogs who fit into their new homes following a brief adjustment period. They’re eager to please, sweet, social, quiet, clean, gentle, and generally indoor pets. They don’t require a great deal of space to run, and inside the home they enjoy curling up on a soft blanket, bed, or couch. They do well with children and other pets, are hypoallergenic, and non-barkers. To see all their available dogs, and for the fostering and adoption app, visit greyhoundplacement.com/.
BILL
4 Years Old
Bill's racing name is CET Bill and he is a retired racing Greyhound from the US who is 72 pounds. Bill is a black male who is an amazing love bug and really LOVES people. Bill has been with us for a long time, and he has been shown at adoption appointments over and over and people pass him by for some reason that can't be figured out. Bill's family is out there somewhere! Bill does need a home without a cat, but does well on leash when outside around smaller animals. PLEASE apply and come to meet this amazing boy!
GATOR
4 Years Old
Gator, racing name Kentucky Gator, a brindle male who can live with cats with continued training. Gator was brought back to MGPS as he has a history of a broken leg that was repaired with hardware. Gator was in pain and was a bit cranky in the home. Since coming to MGPS, he has had x-rays, vet exam and started on pain medication that has made him feel 100% better and now is the most friendly, social, sweet, goofy boy! He loves to play bow at everyone but never jumps on people. Gator was in a home for about a year so he will easily adjust back into a home, does stairs, loves to go for rides and will talk back with you if you call out his name and play with you....not barking but talking!
FARRYN
6 Years Old
Farryn's racing name is Goldstar Farryn and is from New Zealand!! Farryn is a black female and looking for her family. She is so sweet and social in the kennel environment but when shown for an adoption appointment, pretends that she is shy. We joke that Farryn does not kiss on a first date and will need some time to warm up to you. Most of the time, people will choose the more social and outgoing Greyhounds from the start as they transition into the home quicker. From experience, once the shyer ones settle in, there is an amazing bond like no other! Please give Farryn a chance and spend some time with her to let her get to know you.