Greyhound organizations around the country are coming together to publicize and facilitate adoptions for National Adopt a Greyhound Month. This effort is more important than ever as the number of homeless Greyhounds continues to dramatically increase owing to track closures as statewide racing bans take effect.

In 2009, nine racetracks closed in the United States alone, which translates to 24 tracks closed since 2004. As each track closes, hundreds of Greyhounds go up for adoption and require a massive volunteer base at Greyhound rescues to care for them as they wait for their forever home. There are about 300 Greyhound rescues across the country doing this kind of work.

It is estimated that every U.S. track requires about 1,000 Greyhounds to operate, so when tracks close thousands of new homes are needed. “There have been between 14,000 and 18,000 Greyhounds adopted from tracks thus far. Many unfortunately have been killed when they are no longer profitable or have been sold to labs for research,” explains Jackie Bowen of Greyheart Greyhound Rescue and Adoption of Michigan.

Often the public’s misconception about Greyhounds’ temperament makes them reluctant to adopt. Many believe they are very hyperactive and require lots of exercise. But the truth is that Greyhounds are sprinting animals; their races usually last only 30 to 35 seconds.

Bowen says, “The fact of the matter is that they are lovingly called 40-mph couch potatoes, because that is what they do for most of the day. They love their cozy beds and are the easiest dog in the world.” For more information and to adopt a Greyhound in your state, visit Adopt-A-Greyhound.org.