Greyhound Gang: How the Gang Works

How the Gang Works

It all starts when you decide to explore letting a greyhound into your heart and home. You contact the Greyhound Gang, read the Guide, and talk to Claudia and other GG adopters about your needs, desires and concerns.

Some of the 'Gang' in front of Petco
Some of the "Gang" in front of Petco

When it's determined that a greyhound is the right match for you, you fill out an application and send it to Claudia. Claudia reviews the application, calls you with any further questions, and calls your references. The Greyhound Adoption League (GAL) in Tucson, Arizona or Heather Weir of Loveland, Colorado, is then contacted. Discussions occur about what type of greyhound-to-people matches are needed, and arrangements are made for pick-up between either Tucson and Kanab, or Colorado and Kanab.

Passage of dogs from Tucson to Idaho with a stop-over in Kanab

When the dogs get to the Greyhound Gang, they then start experiencing real life. They are introduced to a 2 1/2 acre fenced yard, dashing around, sometimes through, cactus and sage. One by one, they are brought into the 1200 sq. foot home to explore the nooks and crannies. They are always most initially interested in the full length mirror, the TV screen (where they also see themselves), the dishwasher front -- where they also see themselves. Do you detect a trend here? Housebreaking starts at this time, with Claudia diligently following hounds around the house, watching for the telltale positioning of lifted leg. Ninety-five percent of the time, one reprimand is all that is needed to housebreak.

The dogs then live with Claudia and her greyhounds, Beauty and Winslow, from 2 weeks to 2-plus months, until they are comfortable in a home, and all medical needs are taken care of. Medical needs include -- but are not limited to -- birth control, dental work, all shots, rabies, all worming, bathing, skin disorders, ear cleaning, nail clipping, and fattening up. While living in southern Utah, the dogs also learn basic house manners, obedience and are tested with kids, cats, cars, horses, travel, etc. This helps in ensuring that a dog's personality fits the situation they are going to.

During this "guest" period, Claudia, Beauty, and Winslow are regaled with the antics of greyhounds learning about themselves and about this new life they've lucked into. There's always the jockeying for position on the couches and one small futon bed.

Lacey and Cherry relaxing on a couch

They also discover that food is always available in the food room. Aston's game was to go in, grab a mouthful, run out, spew out the mouthful, eat it, then run back into the room again to get more. Drinking water is also a hoot, though getting tiresome to clean up. When they first come to the Gang, they like to stick their snouts in the bowl, fling the water around, and somehow manage to drink a little.

Once the greyhounds feel at home, it's time to get them into their real homes. Adopters can drive to Kanab to get their greyhounds, or Claudia drives to the adopters -- whichever is most convenient. Each time, Claudia cries buckets.

When you adopt a dog from the Gang, you also adopt Claudia. Each one leaves with a piece of her heart, so she calls regularly, particularly in the beginning, to make sure everything is going well. She hopes that you'll send pictures, letters, and come visit any time! Claudia constantly reminds her adopters that she will take any dog back for any reason at any time -- no questions asked! (It's so hard to let them go, she's hoping she gets them all back!)

Adopters make a donation to the Gang when they adopt a dog. The average donation is around $200, and sometimes is paid in installments. This does not cover the costs of getting a greyhound ready for a home. Each greyhound Claudia rescues costs her an average of $400. Those with extreme medical needs, or who need to stay in her home for an extended time, cost in excess of that. You can see a full disclosure of the Gang's expenses in the Financials section.

If you are one of the smart and loving people out there who has decided to adopt a greyhound, then you know that you have done one of the greatest things you'll ever do in your life. If you've yet to do this smart and loving thing, then get that fence up and call the Greyhound Gang, or an organization close to you. You won't regret opening your heart and home to the greatest pet you'll ever get -- a retired racing greyhound.