The sleek, speedy greyhound needed a new home. Too often, it’s the stories of mistreatment and misery that catch attention from the dog racing circuit. When thousands of young dogs retire annually, some can end up unwanted, mistreated or put down.
But not Gabby.
“I don’t even really remember where it started,” said Jayme Lynch, who gave Gabby a new home in Brookfield seven years ago.
Lynch came across Greyhound Pets of Atlantic Canada, a group dedicated to rehoming racing dogs to families around the region.
“We filled out the application online, then we went down to visit and we just stayed with them,” she said. “We loved her.”
Gabby was one of many rehomed racing dogs at Pet Valu on Saturday, as the store partnered with the Atlantic group to showcase the work they’ve been doing in the province.
The group has agreements with four racetracks in Florida to rehome pets, and has found new families for nearly 10,000 dogs in the last 18 years. They have 30 retired racers delivered to their kennel in Musquodoboit Harbour every four to six weeks.
Brenda Rose has been handling all adoptions from Cape Breton to Truro for several years. She’s preparing now to hand over the reins in Colchester County to Lynch, who is looking forward to helping people find their Gabby.
“Sometimes we get all the dogs gone before you can blink. Other times they may sit in the kennel for maybe three weeks,” Rose said. “We got the last group of dogs nine days ago. They’re all gone already.”
Gabby was busy on Saturday catching up with her former racing pals. While some dogs played, most laid down in the shade and relaxed in good company.
“They’re sweet and they’re kind, and they’re really adaptable to our lives,” Lynch said. “They can sit in the house or go for walks, or go in the car. They’re just easy.”
Lynch said she isn’t sure how much work there will be to running the group locally, but she can’t wait to take over.
“It’s fun because we like to be with (the dogs),” she said. “We like to get together like this and hang out. There’s lot of cuddles.”
With that, Gabby went back to the shade to lay down with the other dogs.
“Sometimes Gabby just needs a little friend to cuddle with for a while.”
Anyone looking to adopt a retired racing dog can get in contact with Greyhound Pets of Atlantic Canada by visiting their website at www.gpac.ca or visiting their self-titled Facebook page.
