Who are we and What do we do?

We are a small 501-C not-for-profit organization, consisting of volunteers who find homes for retired racing greyhounds. The IRS has granted us tax-exempt status, so donations to Greyhounds As Companions, Inc. are tax deductible. Our Greyhounds come from different sources. Most of these dogs are from 2 to 3 years old, some not even 2. Some may be 4 and 5, and that indicates that they were successful for a time racing. We have taken senior female greyhounds from Florida breeding farms, which can be as old as 8 to 10. In 1999 we took a few dogs from Ireland, and now we have also taken some Spanish Greyhounds (Galgos) from Spain. Each dog is heartworm tested, spayed/neutered, has all shots brought up to date, has its teeth cleaned and nails clipped and then dogs stay with us for various periods of time so we can evaluate them. We also do heart worm testing and place dogs on preventative medication each month until adopted. Once we are sure the dog has reached the point when it should go to a new home, we match dogs to pre approved applicants and adoption takes place.

Our pre approval process is extensive. We make sure the dog will be adopted into a permanent, loving and responsible home. We thoroughly small animal test each greyhound and provide muzzles to those going into homes with cats. We ask applicants to come visit with their families and their current dogs to introduce the greyhound so we can determine if the dog likes the family and the pet(s). Usually a greyhound will pick out the family it wants to go home with. If we see a family wants a dog that does not interact with them we point it out and suggest looking further. We want the right home for each dog, not just a home. We have pre adoption applications, which starts the process. If there is a landlord we want to speak with it and we usually ask to have a vet as the reference if there have been other pets. Once the adoption takes place a contract is signed and it is agreed that the dog will be given the proper care and returned to us if for any reason it cannot be kept or is no longer wanted. We are strict because we have to be. We spend a lot of time with each placement and try hard to give it the best chance of working. We are happy to report that we have been successful using our methods.

From April 1994 to date, we have placed more than 500 dogs. We could not have done it without the help and support of many volunteers who contribute time, ideas, materials, etc. to Greyhounds As Companions. If you are thinking about adding a dog to your household, please give us a chance to tell you about our wonderful greyhounds. Give them a chance and they will win you over. A greyhound will change your life. Once you have adopted you will want to tell others how wonderful it is. All we ask is that you check us out. There is no pressure whatsoever placed upon you. We do not talk people into adopting greyhounds. For more information and appointments to visit dogs, call and leave a message on the machine. Generally there are dogs available to adopt.

Greyhounds as Companions, Inc., 1770 Delaware Tpke., Delmar, NY 12054