How much do they cost?
The adoption fee is $350.00. Don’t be afraid of this answer. While the fee is primarily to offset our medical costs and costs for care, the adopter also receives 1 martingale collar with MGA ID tag, 1 leash and 1 muzzle. The dog comes with up-to-date rabies and DHLPP vaccinations, heartworm check, fecal check for other parasites, they have been started on heartworm medications, they have had a full dental, they have been spayed or neutered and started on a flea preventative. Most of all, they are receiving a purebred Greyhound.
Note: It is not expected that you know all of this information, just try to remember enough that the people to whom you are talking realize that they are receiving services that are not included in most adoptions and purchases from breeders of other types of dogs. Remember these dogs are purebred and if you were to purchase a purebred dog from a store or a breeder you might pay as little as $150, but in most cases more than $250 upwards to the $750 range. Also, that does not include vet costs.
How far away will your program adopt?
Our intention is to keep our adoptions within a 2 hour drive of the metropolitan Kansas City area. Because our volunteers are spread throughout Kansas City, we are fortunate to stretch our adoption area. We have adopted in Columbia, MO, Pittsburgh, KS, Lawrence, Topeka, KS and Wichita, KS and Omaha, NE. If we receive an application that is outside this area, we will refer the adoption to the next closest, responsible adoption agency.
Are they good with children?
More so than most breeds. Most are not as playful as puppies, of course, being mature dogs, but they are very tolerant of children and will usually walk away rather than growl or snap if children become overbearing. Even a gentle Greyhound has his limits. All small children should be supervised when a Greyhound or any other dog is present. Stress that the key to a successful relationship between dogs and children is supervision. MoKan Greyhound Adoption Policy-Many Greyhound adoption groups won’t adopt to families with children under the age of 5. MoKan Greyhound Adoption realizes that not all young children and parents of young children are created equally. Dedicated parents will supervise children and dogs together and take the steps necessary to ensure a happy relationship.
How old are Retired Racing Greyhounds?
Typically 2-4 years of age. They begin their racing career at 18 months and are usually retired by the age of 5 but most don’t make it that long. Occasionally, we have also received older females (7-8) that were used for breeding stock.
What is their life expectancy?
With proper care these dogs can reach a ripe old age of 12 to 14 years old or more.
How much do Greyhounds eat?
3-4 cups a day for a typical female, 4-5 cups for a typical male.
Are they housebroken?
Most are considered “crate trained” when they get to us but, since most of our dogs are in foster care prior to going into a home, they are either house trained or most of the way there. Other than a few exceptions, most of our Greyhounds prefer to keep a clean crate. Greyhounds in a racing kennel are used to being told when to go out. Establishing a good routine will help make the transition to housebreaking be a bit less stressful (for both the Greyhound and the adopter). Once they are walked or let out frequently to do their business in the appropriate places, the housebreaking process can become well established. Moving into a new home can create some housebreaking regression. This is one of the reasons we recommend crates to new adopters.
They need a large area to run, don’t they?
Greyhounds enjoy a moderate level of daily exercise. Remember they were sprinters not endurance runners. Greyhounds would rather go out for a while and then come back inside and do what they are famous for…being “couch potatoes”. MoKan Greyhound Adoption Policy-while many Greyhound adoption groups require that adopters have a fenced yard, MoKan Greyhound Adoption realizes that many very dedicated adopters will walk their dogs as necessary and make sure they get the exercise they need.
They were really mistreated weren’t they?
A good answer is that all of our dogs are completely checked by a veterinarian and are in good condition when they are placed in permanent homes.
Now that The Woodlands Racetrack is closed, where are you getting dogs? Are there still dogs in need of homes?
While it is getting harder to find Greyhounds, they are still available for adoption at this time.
Why do I sometimes see Greyhounds wearing muzzles?
Greyhounds wear muzzles when they race to aid in the outcome of a photo finish. Also a Greyhound's racing instinct is based on a well-developed prey drive and they become very competitive. Therefore, when we get our retired racers together for a fun-run or play group, it’s necessary to muzzle them when they are running and playing. Muzzles are also recommended when introducing them to small animals for the first time.
How are they with other pets?
Before placing a dog in a home with cats, we cat-test to see if he/she is a suitable choice. This does not mean that they are completely safe with a cat. Remember any animal (humans included) can reach a boiling point and when pushed could respond in the only way they know how. If a Greyhound is introduced correctly to other pets and all are given their space (especially when eating) there usually are not any problems. To avoid problems, it is best to get to know your animals. Then supervise their contact with each other until the Greyhound and the other animal(s) have gotten to know each other.
Will my vet know about Greyhounds?
The new owner may want to use the veterinarian that they are presently using, but they will need to check with their vet and make sure they are aware of the special needs of a Greyhound. Remember Greyhounds do not tolerate some medications well, like certain types of anesthesia and flea control methods among other things.
Can I go to the park and let my dog run?
Greyhounds should NEVER be let off lead unless they are in a confined area that is secure. These dogs are able to run up to 40 miles an hour. This is faster than you can run. In the time it would take you to get your keys, get in the car and try to go after your dog, it will be approximately ½ mile away. This means that they have crossed any number of streets and have not looked both ways when they did so. Draw your own conclusion. (Not to mention that if it is lucky enough not to be hit by a car, it usually cannot find its way home.)
These are some of the most frequently asked questions. This may not be all that you are asked but if you have done your homework you will be prepared for almost any question that may come up. When in doubt ask another, more experienced volunteer. There is nothing wrong with saying, “I don’t know, but I will be glad to get an answer for you”.
The very last question that is addressed here is:
What is the Adoption Process?
1. Adopters should decide if this is really a responsibility that they are willing to take on. These dogs become part of the family and should be treated as such.
2. The next two could be interchangeable. Have the potential adopter fill out the application. This means fill out the online form.
3. The adopter should do the required reading. We require that a newly adopting family read either Adopting the Racing Greyhound, by Cynthia Branigan or Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies, by Lee Livingood. If there are children 13 or under in the home, they are also required to read How to Live with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing Your Mind, by Colleen Pelar. Potential adopters must complete the required reading prior to the home visit as it will help lead the conversation.
4. A trained Adoption Representative will conduct a home visit. The home visit is for final education and to check for potential dangers to the dog. We are not looking for dust bunnies. Please visit the Adoption Representative-Home Visit section of this manual if you will be the one conducting the home visit
5. Final paperwork is done and the adoption fee is paid at the time the dog goes to his permanent home.