Ripley, 9, Haywood, 7 and Halo, 4, are a part of the family, but other dogs like them still need homes, he said.
As volunteers with the Greyhound Adoption of Greater Cincinnati, the Haans take dogs to meet people at pet stores and talk about the breed, which has a life span of about 12 years, but can’t race after four.
Ripley is a senior citizen, Sandee Coats-Haan said, but “he doesn’t know it. No one’s told him.”
Her three spend most of their time lounging or sleeping. They have times where they like to run in short bursts, so fences are a must to ensure they don’t chase other animals like squirrels. Each Greyhound has a pedigree that dates back hundreds of years, she said. Greyhounds are loyal, intelligent dogs that like affection.
“They have such a good disposition,” she said.
Around 5,000 Greyhounds are killed each year, GAGC President Brenda Pennix said.
The GAGC, which was founded in 2002, has 200 active members who gather for social outings with the dogs.
Adoptions cost around $225, though discounts are offered for older dogs.
Before adoption, the dogs are fostered by volunteers who help place them with a family.
Pennix, an office manager at Lakota Ridge Junior School who often recruits coworkers and friends to adopt, said she is known as the “crazy Greyhound lady.”
She has five dogs, Ellie-Mae, Fave, Mi Mi, Bernie and Tobee.
“They all have their personalities,” she said.
The motto of her organization, “Lost the Race, Won Our Heart,” holds true for each of her dogs.
“When I got my first Greyhound, I had such an attachment to him that I wanted to do something to save them,” she said. “They come with scratches and scars. They’ve had a rough life.”
But they also make great companions.
“There’s something about them,” she said.
For more information visit www.cincigreyhounds.org or call (513) 624-7040.
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