SPOKANE, Wash.— After Florida announced a ban on greyhound racing, about 8,000 dogs are in need of new homes.
To prevent the dogs from staying in shelters, a local adoption organization is bringing several of them to Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.
It’s not often you see greyhounds in these areas. They’re bred for dog racing, typically in the southern states.
“We’re trying to raise awareness, because we’re just going to have more dogs in, and we need to find homes for them,” said Tim Devine, president of Greater Northwest Greyhound Pets of America.
Once the dogs arrive from Florida, volunteers with the organization will have to get them vetted and ready for adoption.
Devine said he is expecting the dogs to arrive Friday.
“We need more foster homes. We need more people interested in adopting them,” he said.
Devine has been working with greyhounds for about 10 years.
Although he’s an unpaid volunteer, he has spent a lot of time working to make sure the dogs currently at the organization find good homes.
In the past few weeks, he’s worked about 40 hours but said he enjoys every hour he gets with the dogs.
“It’s honestly been very close to a second part time job for me, but I love them,” he said. “They’re so much fun. They’re such sweet dogs, and that’s how you get paid. It’s the love you get in return for taking care of them.”
Carolyn Herrity and Katie Carnell are also volunteers. They said it’s a rewarding experience being able to work with the animals every day.
“It’s so fun to get them from the (racing) tracks, because they’re coming from these amazing careers as these amazing athletes,” Herrity said.
“I had never met a greyhound before I got my first one, and I love their personalities,” Carnell said. “They’re so mild and kind. You get to see them transition into becoming actual dogs and part of your family.”
If you are interested in adopting one of the greyhounds, you can find the adoption requirements and start the process by going to www.gnwgreyhounds.org.