GreyHeart Greyhound Adoption of Michigan
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PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO LIMITED RESOURCES, WE LIMIT OUR ADOPTIONS TO 1 HOUR FROM THE METRO DETROIT AREA.

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Please read this FAQ section before filling out the application below.  It may answer questions or concerns you may have!
What is the adoption fee? Our adoption fee is $650 and includes initial vetting/vaccinations, spay/neuter, dental cleaning, martingale collar and leash and Pedigree. Pet registration with the NGA (National Greyhound Association) can be obtained for another $40 dollars thru the NGA. 

Why are they retired?
When a greyhound does not win, place, or show in a few consecutive races, the dog becomes a cost liability for its owner and trainer. Greyhound racing is a business and, like any other, costs are kept to a minimum.


How old are retired racing greyhounds? Typically 2-4 years of age. They run their maiden race at 18 months and are usually retired by the age of five but most don't make it that long. Occasionally, we have also received older females (7-8) that were used for breeding stock.

How long do greyhounds live? With proper nutrition, annual check-ups, regular dental cleanings and annual vaccinations, a greyhound can live to the ripe old age of 12-14 years, much longer than many other large breeds.

Are greyhounds good with children? Typically, greyhounds are considered a docile, friendly breed. However, it is our policy not to adopt to families with children under 7 years old. There are several reasons for this and our vast experience placing greyhounds supports our rationale. Young children have difficulty tempering their exuberance in showing their affection for pets and often neglect to respect the dog’s space. Likewise, parents of little ones most certainly have their hands full and attending to a pre-schooler and greyhound at the same time is a tall order. The safety of the child and dog are of utmost importance. Therefore, we would expect that your children be school age before you apply to adopt with GreyHeart. Furthermore, these families have an additional required reading: Child-Proofing Your Dog, by Brian Kilcommons.

Are greyhounds good with small pets? Most greyhounds are good with small pets. Because of their previous life at the kennel, greyhounds are naturally social with most other canines. Toy sized dogs and cats can be of concern - every greyhound's "prey instinct" varies and there is no way to be sure until the dog is tested. All pets should be introduced with a greyhound wearing a muzzle until you are very confident that all is safe.

Aren't retired racing greyhounds very "high strung?" Contrary to what many people believe, greyhounds are usually very laid back. They have spent their life in a kennel environment, being "turned out" in a pen six times a day and running a race every fourth day. They are used to laying around and that's what they usually do when adopted into a home.

Don't greyhounds need a lot of room to run? Again, because of the lifestyle they have grown accustomed to, they don't require lots of room to run. A standard-sized residential yard is ample for a greyhound to exercise in - the important thing is that the yard be enclosed with safe and secure fencing.

Are greyhounds mean because they were not raised in homes? No, these dogs aren't mean. If anything, some may be timid at first, but most are extremely affectionate and silly. Every dog is different but most adjust to their new environment and bond with their new owners readily and quickly. Most greyhounds will walk away from confrontation rather than be involved in it. Some greyhounds are territorial about their beds. This is because they aren't used to sharing their space with others. Therefore, some of them may grumble or even snap if someone or something tries to share its bed.

Will a greyhound stay in my yard and come when I call it? As much as we would all like to think that our greyhounds love us too dearly to run away...sometimes they will! Greyhounds are "sight hounds" by nature; they are stimulated by sight and that sense is very keen. They have been bred for centuries to chase. Given those two facts, it is unrealistic for us to think that we can break this instinct. Greyhounds love to run and need to have some boundaries in place. A new greyhound can be overwhelmed by the wide open space of a backyard and given the chance to take off, they probably will. Greyhounds have lived such an isolated life at the track that they don't know what cars are, or to look out for them on a street. We can never trust our dogs outside of a fence without a leash. Ask yourself "Is it worth risking their lives?"

How much do greyhounds eat? 3 - 4 cups a day for a typical female, 4 - 5 cups for a typical male.

Why do I sometimes see greyhounds wearing muzzles? Greyhounds wear muzzles when they race to protect one another from snapping. Running to win is the only purpose in life for a racing greyhound and they become very competitive at that time. Therefore, when we get our retired racers together for a fun-run, it's necessary to muzzle them when they are running. Muzzles are also recommended when introducing them to small animals for the first time.
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Are they hard to house break since they've been raised on a Farm. Because they have been "crate trained" at the track (they know not to soil their own beds) they are actually easier to house break than, say a puppy. Greyhounds are kept on a very strict schedule at the race track and are let out four times a day. Keeping them on a schedule is helpful in housebreaking, as is positive reinforcement. Keep a close eye on them at first and get them outside often. When they eliminate outside, give them lots of praise. If you run into trouble with housebreaking, a crate may be the necessary tool to use.
GreyHeart members are a great support system and will gladly help you through this with valuable advice and suggestions if needed.

Each dog is fully vetted, spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines. Recent dental cleaning. Possible discount for senior hounds.(8 years +)

You MUST read the material mentioned before we conduct our Interview !! 

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    Application for adoption / fostering               

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    ADOPTION PROMISES
    I agree to the promises (listed below) regarding adoption of a retired greyhound through GreyHeart.
    Promises:
    1. I agree and am aware of the importance of keeping your Greyhound on lead when not in an enclosed fenced area.

    2. I agree and am aware that Greyhounds must live inside the home and cannot be kept in an outdoor kennel/dog house. 

    3.I agree and am aware that identification must be on my Greyhound at all times.

    4. I agree and am aware that a Greyhound must NEVER be placed on a tie out chain. Being sight hounds and running up to 45 mph, this can literally break their necks.

    5. I agree and am aware if no fenced in yard is provided in your home, that your Greyhound must be leash walked no less than 4 times a day to relieve itself.

    6. I agree to keep all necessary vaccines/tests current each year and will keep my Greyhound on heartworm preventative.

    7. If for any reason I am unable to keep my Greyhound, I agree to return him/her to this adoption agency: GreyHeart Greyhound Adoption of Michigan.

    8. I certify that all information on this application is true and correct.

    9. I release permission to contact the veterinarian/personal references listed above.

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    FOSTER RESPONSIBILITIES
    I agree to the responsibilities (listed below) regarding providing a foster home for a rescued greyhound through GreyHeart.
    Responsibilities:
    -Provide a dog a safe and secure environment.
    -Use a crate for the dog whenever left unattended. GreyHeart will provide if necessary.
    -If a crate is not to be used, it must be approved by the foster coordinator or a board member.
    -Proper introduction of the dog to other animals. Use of a muzzle and a meeting on neutral territory, front yard, etc.
    -Fosters must use muzzles when appropriate. For example: Outdoors with unattended dogs and indoors with unattended dogs and small animals.
    -Provide transportation to and from the veterinarian of GreyHeart's choosing. GreyHeart will try to make this as convenient as possible.
    -GreyHeart provides all costs of vet fees, medication, etc. (not food)
    -Administer heartworm preventative immediately after vetting as directed by the vet and provide three months supply of the preventative to the new family when your foster dog is adopted. 
    .-If any incidents or emergencies occur, it is the responsibility of the foster to contact a board member immediately.
    -Fosters are required to obtain approval for emergency vet care from a board member. Obviously, caution and good judgment must be exercised.
    -GreyHeart agrees to pay up to 100% of all emergency vet care, providing all effort has been made to adhere to the above.
    -Bring the dog to meet 'n greets in your area for the public to see.
    -Allow potential adopters into your home to meet the dog. Advance notice will be provided.
    -We do not allow on the spot adoptions. Without approval from the board a twenty-four hour waiting period is required.
    -During the twenty-four hour period, no other applicants are to be introduced to the dog.
    -Complete the necessary contract and security agreement when the adoptive family picks up the dog. These documents and the adoption donation are to be forwarded to GreyHeart ASAP.
    -Follow up with the adoptive family within two weeks of the adoption and again after 60 days.
    -Maintain communication with the foster coordinator and advise of any issues that may arise.

    Foster Qualifications:
    -Knowledgeable about the greyhound breed.
    -One in-home interview if you have not adopted a dog through GreyHeart.
    -Approval of the board. 
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We look forward to hearing from you!


Telephone

(734) 783-9013

Email

[email protected]
  • Home
  • About us
  • Available Greyhounds
  • Adoption/Foster Application
  • Calendar of events
  • Forever Homes!
  • Rainbow Bridge Tribute Page
  • Event Photos
  • Greyheart Store
  • Donate to GreyHeart
  • Poems, Stories, and Other Fun Stuff
  • Newsletter!!
  • Contact us
  • NEW - NGA Pet Registration