Greyhounds Looking For Retirement Homes

They are fast, but gentle thoroughbreds looking for a spot on your couch.  They're not horses, but dogs. We're talking about greyhounds.  The News On 6's Rick Wells reports while greyhounds don't race in Oklahoma, many retire to the Sooner State.  And, some of those 45 mph couch potatoes need a good home.

Teddy Palmer is the founder of Halfway Home Greyhound Adoptions.  She is very proud of the new kennel built to house these retired racers waiting for homes.

She says having the facility has been good for the program.  They have an adequate place to keep them while they are waiting.

"In January we were very fortunate we did six local adoptions.  Well since the first of the year, we have moved 75 greyhounds into adoption groups or local adoptions," said Teddy Palmer.

Some of those adoption groups are as far away as California.  The kennel has a big play yard, so some of the dogs with spectacular racing careers, like the dog, Bet Your Ascot, can show off their skills.

"They were the dogs of nobility," said Teddy Palmer.

Until the 18th century she said you had to be royalty to own one.  Their first widespread use in the U.S. she said was to help control the jack rabbit population in Kansas.  The males weigh 75 to 85 pounds.  The females weigh 55 to 65 pounds.

They are sleek and fast.  They're sprinters, who can reach 45 miles per hour in about three steps.  That leads to the common misconception.  They are bred to race and their racing careers last in the neighborhood of five years.  In retirement, their favorite spot is the same as yours and mine:  the couch.