By Kate Nanavati

An Italian greyhound. Photo credit: Vicki & Chuck Rogers via flickr.

First bred in Egypt around the year 3000 BCE, the greyhound is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. The noticeably slim features of the dog and its calm temperament have made it the ideal pet for many prominent leaders in the past, as the breed was known as a sign of aristocracy. Greyhounds are mentioned in the Bible and in Greek and Roman mythology. Even after thousands of years, these dogs still have a presence in modern society. 

Although my parents, Mark and Julie Nanavati, do not share many similarities with ancient aristocrats, they too chose a greyhound as their first pet in 2007. After longing for a dog, my mom finally convinced my dad to adopt a dog. My dad had never had a dog growing up, so for him, this was all fairly new. They started the search for a dog that fit my dad’s guidelines. My mom would take anything, as long as it was a dog. Something low-maintenance, already trained, able to be home alone during the work day. Obviously, a puppy was out of the question. 

While feeling a little discouraged by the daunting process, my dad stumbled upon a solution one day by coincidence. He saw a flier posted on the side of the road that read, “GREYHOUND ADOPTION.” This began his more extensive research into the breed. After reading websites, articles, and books, he proposed his plan to my mom. Immediately, she ecstatically welcomed his idea, and that same night they sent their application in for adopting a greyhound through the James River Greyhounds organization. Once their application was accepted, they underwent multiple steps in the following weeks to ensure their knowledge and that their home was suitable for a greyhound. They met a large semi-truck off of I-95 on a Saturday morning and greeted a large male greyhound that was now their own. He had jet-black fur, with a vivid white spot covering his chest. They named him Buck.

Buck. Photo credit: Mark Nanavati.

Based in Richmond, James River Greyhounds adopts retired greyhounds and then finds homes for them in our community. They have been adopting retired racing greyhounds in the central Virginia area since 1989. In the early 2000s, the organization split from the Greyhound Pets of America-Richmond chapter and independently formed James River Greyhounds. Throughout the years, this non-profit has found homes for more than 1750 greyhounds. They strive to fulfill the need for a home for the dogs by educating and advocating to the community about the demand for adoption and the truly wonderful experience it is to own a greyhound.

Greyhound racing was first introduced to America in 1919, and the first track was established in Emeryville, California by sportsman and promoter Owen Patrick Smith. He created an oval track with a mechanical bunny lure to get the dogs running. His invention proved successful, and by 1930, there were 67 dog tracks across the US. However, none of these tracks were legal. During this time, there was a negative connotation associated with dog racing, as illegal betting was very common in relation to racing. This and other illegal behaviors did not stop the new attraction from being considered in front of the US Supreme Court. In 1927, they concluded that dog tracks should not be qualified under state statutes, unlike horse racing tracks. However, states were allowed to individually make the decision to legalize dog racing. Most states decided to follow the new trend, and in 1931 Florida became the first state to legalize greyhound racing. During the 1970s and 80s, dog racing’s popularity reached its peak, with tracks in 19 states. 

Throughout its history, greyhound racing has consistently been criticized for alleged mistreatment of the dogs at the track. Greyhounds’ naturally skinny frame was a concern that people, falsely, linked to under-feeding. During the peak of dog racing’s popularity in the 20th century, many sources closely investigated tracks and the treatment of the breed after retirement. These concerns were posted in magazines and aired on live TV. In 1958, an article was published by a men’s magazine called Argosy which criticized racing and the dogs’ limited life span. It quoted a kennel breeder’s thought process at the time. He described to the magazine that there were three types of greyhounds in a litter: those who race, those who breed, and those who are destroyed. When breeders did not think certain dogs were adequate for racing, they were killed. The topic of humane treatment was raised, as these reports gained attention in the media. The first major televised report was done by notorious journalist Geraldo Rivera on his first-hand account of his observation of the training and racing of Kansas greyhounds. Airing on ABC in 1978, it also heightened people’s concerns for racing and the treatment of the dogs. 

In 2002, The New York Times reported on Robert Rhodes, a security guard at a Florida dog track, who was given thousands of unwanted greyhounds and paid to kill and bury them at his Alabama farm. If the dogs weren’t killed, they would be sent to labs to be used as test subjects for experimental surgeries and other tests. After many similar discoveries, these two dark practices were outlawed. These past inhumane actions created an incorrect misconception surrounding greyhound racing today. 

In an interview with The Match, president of James River Greyhounds Mark Lane cleared up these thoughts. He highlighted the importance of making sure that the past doesn’t get confused with the present. Lane stated, “These racers are treated much better than most of the [pets] that I know. Their meals consist of raw meat, cooked macaroni, carrots, beans, and many healthy additives for a meal fit for a true athlete.” He said that greyhounds have been treated sensibly while racing. The old, harmful habits that once were used have created a lasting, false reputation for greyhound racing. Today, now that killing and experimenting on the breed is illegal, the racing process for the dogs and life after has become polished. While at the track, the dogs are always at their top level of performance, and their owners want to keep them like this, indicating that they are treated and fed to be successful athletes, and not abused. Additionally, Lane discussed that the healthy behaviors of the dogs reflect their sound treatment. After coming off the track, the dogs have pleasant mannerisms as pets. This again reflects their acceptable treatment when racing.

The future of greyhound adoption is uncertain, because many states are outlawing racing. After years of changing state laws and declining popularity, today Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas, Texas, Wisconsin, and West Virginia are the only states that have not outlawed greyhound racing. Only two active greyhound tracks remain, both in West Virginia. This presents challenges for greyhound adoption. Lane emphasized that his organization has not been hindered in its ability to continue its work. He remarked, “We have been able to continue our strong relationships with the racing greyhound owners, breeders, trainers, and kennel hands at the two remaining racing greyhound tracks in West Virginia. JRG is one of only a few remaining active adoption groups for the National Greyhound Association (NGA) racing greyhounds.” Lane added that JRG is and will continue to be a pro-racing organization, because greyhound adoption depends on it. “If racing ends, the racing greyhound breed will be extinct. There will be no racing greyhound breed; yes, the show greyhound breed will still be around, but the regulations associated with monitoring breeding and ensuring a very sound breed being produced will go away.” The organization is determined to stay steady during this time of an unsure future for greyhound adoption. Other organizations have started to rely on other countries for adoption. They have begun to assist tracks from Ireland and Australia in finding homes for their retirees.

My family has been associated with JRG throughout most of this change. In 2003, my parents brought home Buck when he was six years old. He had spent his entire life at a track in Florida, so all aspects of his new life were completely unfamiliar. Right away, my parents had to start getting him adjusted to the new environment. They showed him things he’d never seen before, like glass doors and stairs. They proceeded to teach him not to run through the glass and how to go up and down the steps. At first, Buck was a very shy and anxious dog during the first few weeks. My parents discovered this when they came home from work one day, and Buck had completely bitten through his metal crate and broken a tooth. They realized this dramatic change in his lifestyle had created severe separation anxiety from his old life. As time passed, his personality started to show. My mom described his personality as calm and stoic. Although he was 70 pounds and stood at three feet on all four legs, he slept in my parent’s bed each night. 

I remember Buck very slightly, as I was only two years old when he died. About six years ago, we adopted two greyhound sisters from the same organization as Buck. We named them Dixie and Dakota. They were much smaller than Buck, and at first, mirrored his behavior. We went through the same process of getting them adjusted. Once comfortable with us and our home, their personalities developed. Dixie is the dominant sister. She growled at Dakota when getting too close to her food and always made sure to be ahead of Dakota on walks. Although Dakota was quieter, this did not stop her from constantly begging for food. She would stand by the kitchen counter for many minutes just for the slim chance of getting a bite of our food. 

Dixie and Dakota. Photo credit: Charlie Nanavati.

Whether it’s an ear scratch or a spoonful of peanut butter, they became content in their new home. From going from a life of constant exhaustion and chaos to a quiet life full of attention and sleep, they seem to enjoy the little things just a little bit more than other dog breeds. When walking our dogs or attending a sports game, it was very common for people to stop and ask to pet them. Many people have heard or seen greyhounds in the media, but seeing them in person spikes their curiosity about the breed. Because I have grown up owning these distinguishable dogs, I have a sense of appreciation when I see other owners of the rare breed. It has become a common ground that I am now able to use to relate to others and their similar experiences. Today we own one female greyhound named Dixie. In the past and present, the breed’s mostly uneventful and tranquil characteristics have been a signifier of all of our greyhounds’ identities. They have made the most ideal pets for our family, and I will continue to advocate for the breed and the future of adoption.

Featured image photo credit: Rainer Hungershausen.