USA, FL: Adopting Retired Dogs Gives Them Second Chance at L

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Adopting Retired Dogs Gives Them Second Chance at Life

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The Backnicks own two greyhounds and foster one.

SCOTT WHEELER | THE LEDGER

By KRYSTAL MODIGELL
LEDGER CORRESPONDENT

Published: Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 12:01 a.m.

Jordena Backnick fell in love with the greyhound breed after learning about
their gentle nature and sweet personality.

"I couldn't imagine life without a greyhound," said Backnick, who adopted
her first dog in Ohio eight years ago said.

A greyhound, which can weigh 50 to 85 pounds, depending on gender, was most
comparable to the 10-year-old mixed breed Backnick and her husband had at
the time.

A rescue organization had contacted Backnick after she submitted an
application to adopt and she met Rex, a greyhound whose family could not
take care of him any longer.

"He was in a crate," she said. "I knelt down in front of the crate. Rex
walked out and over to me and rested the top of his head against my chest.
And I was hooked."

Even though it was love at first sight, Backnick did not know about the
greyhound racing industry or how involved she would become.

After moving to Florida in 2006, she met a volunteer for the Greyhound
Rescue and Adoptions of Tampa Bay, INC., or GREAT, in Winter Haven.

GREAT is a non-profit greyhound rescue and adoption organization in Central
Florida that finds homes for greyhounds that can no longer compete in
racing.

GREAT pays for all the needs of the greyhound while in a foster home. With
help from the community, they hope to eventually adopt the dog out to a
loving family.

The Backnicks began fostering and have since adopted three greyhounds, which
have a life span of 12 to 14 years. Now, Backnick, vice president of GREAT,
owns two greyhounds, Plum and Kona, and is fostering one, Eddy.

The Backnicks said they will continue to foster one dog at a time.

"It's one of the most rewarding, satisfying feelings you can feel, knowing
you got the dog off on the right foot and given them to a family that really
loves and cares for them as much as we did," she said.

Operating mainly in Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties, GREAT receives dogs
from breeding facilities, those who have not raced well or those who may be
hurt.

Every year, tens of thousands of dogs are bred for racing and thousands are
put to death if they do not perform well, according to the U.S. Humane
Society's website.

To give these dogs, which grow to an average 26 inches tall, a fresh start,
GREAT organizes meet and greets to raise awareness about this issue and let
the community interact with greyhounds in hopes of finding foster or
adoptive parents.

"The meet and greets are a way for the community to meet these dogs, to see
them in person, ask us questions and get literature," said Cynthia Rennick,
a member of GREAT.

Meet and greets take place in Polk County at the Pet Supermarkets in
Lakeland and Winter Haven.

Rennick, owner of three greyhounds, said there are a lot of misconceptions
associated with the breed, such as being hyper and mean. She said greyhounds
are calm, loving dogs that are happy being a part of a family.

"They're not interested really in running around your yard with the
children," she said. "They prefer sitting on the sofa with you watching TV."

Rennick advised that if someone is interested in adopting a greyhound to
research the breed.

"They may not be the best for children because they are not playful," she
said.

Dr. James Carrier, a veterinarian at Care Animal Clinic in Lakeland, has
owned greyhounds in the past and said they are not high-demanding animals.

"There's no perfect breed of dog, but the greyhounds aren't known for skin
problems, joint problems or ear problems," he said.

Greyhounds do not need to be brushed or washed often because they have short
hair. Owners should pay attention to their teeth and toenails, as these are
the biggest health issues for the dogs. High-quality food also will help.

Carrier said if the dogs are playing in the yard, "their skin is very, very
thin and they tend to get cuts pretty easily from bumping into things."

Other than that, all the dogs need are affection.

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SCOTT WHEELER | THE LEDGER

Plum, right, Kona, center, and Eddy take a walk with their human friends,
Ron and Jordena Backnick in Winter Haven. The Backnicks own Plum and Kona
and foster Eddy. Fostering a greyhound gets the dog in shape for a permanent
home.