PORT MATILDA — Nittany Greyhounds has initiated a new program to ensure that more retired racing greyhounds get adopted into homes.
After the Florida greyhound racing tracks closed at the end of 2020, the supply of healthy, adoptable former racers plummeted, yet the number of people eager to adopt remained high.
Toni Duchi and other Nittany Greyhound board members realized this was an opportunity to really focus on the greyhounds that were more difficult to place, especially those hurt during training or racing.
The Injured Dogs Program was born.
“It’s always been part of our mission that Nittany Greyhounds will take the dogs that other organizations don’t want — the injured dogs, the senior dogs, the momma dogs who have finished their service,” said Duchi.
“We always found them homes.”
Duchi said Nittany Greyhounds made a formal commitment to focus on getting injured greyhounds the veterinary treatment and rehabilitation they need so they are ready for adoption.
“We established a relationship with a veterinarian near the racetrack in Wheeling, West Virginia, so we could take dogs that were hurt participating in racing and training. It can cost $2,000 to $3,000 to treat a leg injury, or more if surgery is needed,” Duchi said.
“To raise funds for veterinary costs, we’re participating in Centre Gives on May 10-11, and collecting shoes for our Shoe Drive Fundraiser through May 31.”
Dr. Sara Haus, a veterinarian at Centre Animal Hospital, started providing spaying, neutering and other veterinary care for Nittany Greyhounds. She enjoyed working with greyhounds so much that she adopted two of her own.
“I got to know the breed better when we started seeing increased numbers coming in with Nittany Greyhounds due to the sudden closure of the Florida tracks. I fell in love with their sweet and gentle yet goofy nature. They’re remarkably loving and personable,” said Duchi.
“Not a day goes by that mine don’t make me laugh with their silly antics. They are always ready and willing to give hugs as needed. They are graceful and majestic one minute and awkward goobers the next. What’s not to love.
“I really enjoy working with the hounds as they come in fresh off the track, in addition to seeing how their personalities emerge as they come back in, settled with their forever families,” she said.
Emily Yanchuck adopted Bixby, who had an injured leg.
“It had always been a dream of mine to adopt a greyhound, and I was so excited to have the opportunity to bring Bixby home with me. Adopting a retired greyhound, let alone one with a broken leg, can have its challenges — but it has been all worth it,” said Yanchuck.
“Watching him get used to the retired life, heal and finally run on his back leg had been such an amazing experience for me.”
Another injured greyhound, Charlie, had a forever home before he arrived at Nittany Greyhounds kennel. Erin Bindewald fell in love with him as she was transporting him from Pittsburgh to the kennel, and she adopted him.
Martha Steckel adopted Ziggy, a 10-year-old retired mamma greyhound.
“I love the brood mammas. Ziggy is my third momma hound and a great addition to our home. She’s 10 years old, full of life and oh, so sweet,” said Steckel.
“Ziggy came to us in January, quickly learning that belly rubs, treats plus playtime with the other hounds are her favorite things. Yes, broodies are the best.”
Nittany Greyhounds’ Shoe Drive drop-off locations include Tractor Supply Co., Pet Supplies Plus, Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Felicity’s Pet Supplies, Centre Boot Company and more. For more information, call (814) 933-6981 or visit www.nittanygreys.org.
