Post by CampWhippet on Nov 11, 2005 20:39:17 GMT -5
Greyhound group celebrates 3rd birthday
Fernando Diaz
Staff Writer
(November 11, 2005) — FAIRPORT — Greyhound Adoption of Greater Rochester will celebrate its third birthday Sunday with a bash fit for all "45-mph couch potatoes" and their owners.
Since incorporating as a nonprofit organization, the Fairport-based group has found homes for 155 retired racing greyhounds.
Some of them have been second adoptions by a family and, in some cases, even a third.
Brenda Grammatico, who co-founded the group with Nan McLeary and Tyler Wood, has had six retired racers call her home theirs.
Currently Emma, Elliott and Frankie, all about 5 years old, share the Grammatico house, which doubles as the organization's headquarters.
"I always tell people there is something very special about greyhounds," said Grammatico, "They're looking for someone to bond with."
While greyhounds are known for their speed on the track, once they retire they love to lounge and it can get to the point where there is some question who the master is, Grammatico said.
"They definitely like to be pampered," she added.
Grammatico's group gets its greyhounds from tracks in Melbourne, Fla., and Dubuque, Iowa. The dogs are brought to Buffalo by haulers from the kennels and adopted by local families.
Exact figures on the number of greyhounds that need homes are disputed, but Grammatico's organization, and hundreds of others like it across the country, are dedicated to ensuring that many find a home.
Sunday's event will be an opportunity to bring together those owners, anyone interested in adopting and volunteers who provide foster homes for the dogs.
There will be cake for the humans and biscuits for the dogs, Grammatico said.
FDIAZ@DemocratandChronicle.com
Fernando Diaz
Staff Writer
(November 11, 2005) — FAIRPORT — Greyhound Adoption of Greater Rochester will celebrate its third birthday Sunday with a bash fit for all "45-mph couch potatoes" and their owners.
Since incorporating as a nonprofit organization, the Fairport-based group has found homes for 155 retired racing greyhounds.
Some of them have been second adoptions by a family and, in some cases, even a third.
Brenda Grammatico, who co-founded the group with Nan McLeary and Tyler Wood, has had six retired racers call her home theirs.
Currently Emma, Elliott and Frankie, all about 5 years old, share the Grammatico house, which doubles as the organization's headquarters.
"I always tell people there is something very special about greyhounds," said Grammatico, "They're looking for someone to bond with."
While greyhounds are known for their speed on the track, once they retire they love to lounge and it can get to the point where there is some question who the master is, Grammatico said.
"They definitely like to be pampered," she added.
Grammatico's group gets its greyhounds from tracks in Melbourne, Fla., and Dubuque, Iowa. The dogs are brought to Buffalo by haulers from the kennels and adopted by local families.
Exact figures on the number of greyhounds that need homes are disputed, but Grammatico's organization, and hundreds of others like it across the country, are dedicated to ensuring that many find a home.
Sunday's event will be an opportunity to bring together those owners, anyone interested in adopting and volunteers who provide foster homes for the dogs.
There will be cake for the humans and biscuits for the dogs, Grammatico said.
FDIAZ@DemocratandChronicle.com
