Adopting the Racing Greyhound (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Most dog-care books devoted a page, or at most two, to the history of the breed they are discussing..." (more)
Key Phrases: racing kennels, retired racers, adoption groups, American Kennel Club, Lord Orford, National Greyhound Association (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This revised and updated edition of the only book on "homing" the ex-racer tells prospective adopters everything they need to know to make adoption a success. In addition to practical information, such as care and feeding, readers learn the latest about the activities and competitions that are just for ex-racers and their owners. The Appendix lists all the agencies nationwide that adopt out Greyhounds, so an agency is sure to be nearby. For thousands of years Greyhounds have been bred to hunt and run at top speed. Because they are used to being with other dogs and people, they make perfect pets. Adopters can be assured their ex-racer will get along with adults and children and other household pets.

From the Back Cover

"The book that has had the single biggest impact on Greyhound adoption, Cynthia Branigan's Adopting the Racing Greyhound, has become required reading for many new Greyhound adopters around the world." — Joan Belle Isle, The Greyhound Project

If you are thinking about adopting a racing Greyhound or want to better understand the ex-racer you already have, then this is the perfect book for you. Everything you need to know about successfully "homing" an ex-racer can be found here—the only book of its kind on the subject. In no time, you will learn that although these remarkable dogs have been bred to hunt and run at top speed, they are used to being with other dogs and people. It's in their nature to get along with adults and children and, of course, other household pets. In addition to detailing the fascinating history of the Greyhound breed from ancient times to the present, Cynthia A. Branigan addresses such topics as preparing the home; feeding, grooming and training; equipment, medicines and health-care products; and activities & competitions just for ex-racers and their owners. In 1992, when Adopting the Racing Greyhound was first published, 40 agencies in the United States adopted out ex-racers. Now, thanks in no small part to this book, the number of agencies is nearing the 300 mark. The Appendix contains the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all the adoption groups in existence today, so you're sure to find one in your area.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Howell Books; 2nd edition (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087605193X
• ISBN-13: 978-0876051931
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #832,065 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Start Here, August 21, 2000

By	Ivy (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

If you're thinking about adopting a retired racing Greyhound,there are many great resources for you on the web and in hardcopy. This book is probably the best of them. It is inclusive and informative on virtually all topics of general interest to Greyhound owners, and is a good starting place for more specialized Greyhound-related topics. (In addition, any adoption group will be more inclined to regard you favorably if you've already read this book!)

Adopting the Racing Greyhound covers everything from track life to pet health. With this book in your hand and your mind, you can avoid some of the pitfalls of Greyhound ownership, and locate and develop the best relationship possible with your very own needlenose. There's simply no other resource available in any format that can provide such a good overview of Greyhounds in pet life.

This will not be the only book you'll need once you have your hound. (You may want to purchase, for example, Care of the Racing Greyhound by Blythe for medical topics, and Playtraining Your Dog by Burnham for training topics.) But it will teach you enough about hounds to decide if one is truly right for you, and it will help you get through the first days, weeks, and months of ownership, too.

In short, this book is a necessity for every Greyhound owner or owner wannabe... END

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Have For Any Greyhound Owner, August 28, 2000

By	"greysrgreat" (Lansdale, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This is, by far, the best book on greyhound adoption that I have read. Cynthia Branigan does an excellent job of translating her 10+ years of greyhound adoption experience into a manual that is clear, concise and very easy to read. She takes you through the adoption and adjustment process practically step-by-step, from choosing the right dog to helping both you and your new pet adjust to life away from the track. I especially appreciated the information concerning insecticides and anesthesia - I don't believe my veterinarian expected me to have as many questions on the subject as I did! I don't believe that Cynthia glosses over the racing industry or the abuses these wonderful dogs often face, as the purpose of this book is not an expose on the horrors of greyhound racing. (As anyone who is involved in greyhound adoption will tell you, you will learn about all of that soon enough the minute you take an interest in these dogs.) What this book WILL provide is the best information you will find on how to welcome these "greyt" dogs into your life. As a volunteer with Make Peace With Animals and the owner of three greyhounds, I highly recommend this book to anyone who currently owns or has considered adopting an ex-racer.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best info currently available!, June 9, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Florida) - See all my reviews

Adopting the Racing Geyhound has given the most comprehensive and complete(as well as compassionate)guide to determining whether a racing greyhound is right for you or you for them! An inexpensive investment to avoid heart ache and head ache or start you on an increadilble journey to happiness and wagging tails!! As a dedicated greyhound rescue volunteer, I have seen the positive results this book has had in guiding perspective adopters and owners.