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Texas
Greyhound Adoption Program
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How
to Adopt a TXGAP Greyhound
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| The
TXGAP Adoption Process: |
So,
you have decided to join the world of Greys and you
are ready to adopt! An adopted Greyhound will return
the love & affection you give him by 110%. Few things
in life are quite as satisfying as adopting one of these
wonderful Greyhounds. What should you do now? The following
information below will guide you through our adoption
process.
This
page is rather lengthy. Print out our printer friendly
version. . . Print
Before
Adoption:
Before
adoption, we recommend your purchase and read two books.
First, Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies,
written by Lee Livingood. This book is a no-nonsense
guide to the joys and pitfalls of adopting the retired
racing Greyhound. It is full of sensible tips and unique
aspects of owning a Greyhound as your forever pet. You
can visit Lee Livingood's web site at: Running
with the Big Dogs for more info about adopting a
Greyhound. Another book we recommend is Adopting
the Racing Greyhound, by Cynthia Branigan. Cynthia's
book is regarded as "The Bible" for anyone
considering ownership of a former racing dog.
Potential
Adopters must understand that Greyhounds need to be
house pets, since they have little natural protection
from the elements. Due to their breeding and training,
they must be leashed when not in an enclosed area.
Be
realistic about your lifestyle and what you're willing
and able to accommodate. Dogs are a huge commitment,
but well worth the effort! Many of us can't imagine
what our home was like before adopting a Greyhound.
To Greyhound owners, they are the perfect pet! And,
a potato chip dog... you can't have just one! Please
take the time to consider whether a Greyhound is right
for you (and your family) before you make a commitment
to adopt and to care for one.
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Our
adoption fee is $210.00 with an $105.00 deposit due with
the adoption application. The remainder is due when your
Greyhound is delivered. Both the adoption fee and the
deposit are non-refundable.
The
adoption fee includes:
- the
spaying or neutering
- microchip
- all
vaccinations (DHLPP, Rabies, Bordatella, and Corona
vaccinations)
- blood
testing
- testing
for heart worms
- dental
care (cleaning, polishing, and any extractions that
may have been necessary)
- trimming
nails
- HCGA
identification tag
- Collar
and lead
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The
Application Process:
1.
After reviewing the information on our web site, if you
are still interested in adopting a greyhound, complete
an adoption application. To get an application, you may
stop by one of our adoption clinics
or print our on-line application
(If you have Adobe Reader installed, the PDF application
will automatically open in your browser. If not, you can
download a free copy at Adobe.Com.)
2.
Bring your application to one of our adoption
clinics and speak with a TXGAP representative. With
TXGAP's help, you now are ready to choose the Greyhound
you want to adopt, or you may want to keep looking. You
can view the Greyhounds we have up for adoption before
coming to an adoption clinic or begin now using PetFinders.
3.
While selecting a Greyhound, keep these things in mind:
- Do
you have small pets? Does the Greyhound need to be small
animal and cat friendly?
- Do
you have children or grandchildren, or do you plan to
have children in the future?
- Does
a dog fit your lifestyle? How
many hours will my Greyhound be alone during the day?
Am I willing to crate my Greyhound?
- Who
will you keep your Greyhound while you vacation or travel
for business?
- Greyhounds
are house pets. Am I willing to keep my Greyhound indoors?
- Greyhounds
are sighthounds. Am I willing to keep my Greyhound on
a lead at all times when outdoors and not in an enclosed
area?
- Do
I want a watch dog? Greyhounds do not make good watch
dogs.
- Are
you committed to caring for your retired racer for ten
or more years? Are you prepared to care for your aging
racer?
- Can
you afford a dog?
- A
new dog, however wonderful he or she is, changes the
dynamic in a home.Retired Racers typically do not show
their true personalities for at least 6 months to one
year. Are you willing to work with your Greyhound and
train him or her to be the best they can be?
3.
When you have found the Greyhound of your dreams, after
working with an adoption counselor to help you select
a dog which will be suitable for your lifestyle and environment,
we will begin adoption procedures. First, you will be
interviewed by one or more TXGAP representatives. The
interview(s) will:
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Answer your questions about the needs of your future
pet. Please have your list of questions ready!
- Assure
TXGAP that you are serious about adding a Greyhound
to your family.
- Assure
that you will provide a safe and loving environment
for the Greyhound.
- Assure
that you understand adoption is a long-term commitment
and responsibility.
4. When your
application has been approved, one of our TXGAP representatives
will have you fill out a one-page form and will provide
you with a packet of information materials and coupons.
Congratulations! You're now the proud owner of a wonderful
Greyhound!
Depending
on the number of applications and the schedule of the
interviewers, the entire process could take up to one
week. It can be a very long week when you are anxiously
awaiting the time your new family member will arrive!
In special circumstances, we can try to expedite the process.
Our
adoption process, which requires you to view possible
adoptive dogs, fill out an application, a possible home
visit, and/or interviews, may seem like a lot of work.
But remember, you're planning a relationship that will
last 10-plus years. Isn't it worth taking the time to
make sure you're getting a dog that will be just right
for your family?
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How
to Get an TXGAP Adoption Application:
Come
by one of our adoption clinics
or print out our on-line application.
(If you have Adobe Reader installed, the PDF application
will automatically open in your browser. If not, you can
download a free copy at www.adobe.com.
You
may also call 830.303.2229 (metro-line) or fastfriends@txgap.org
if you have any questions or need help filling out your
application.
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After
Adoption:
Suggested
Purchases:
- A
soft, large dog bed
- Raised
feeder with two bowls
- A
wire crate large enough for a Greyhound to stand and
turn comfortably in
- Dry
dog food with 21% or less protein
- Name
& address tag
- Fluffy,
squeaky dog toys
- Dog
Biscuits
You
get a knowledgeable, friendly support network when you
adopt from us, and you join a family of Greyhound lovers
who delight in the joy experienced by new adopters. All
of us at TXGAP are happy to share with you what they know
about Greyhounds and about adjusting to their new life
as the family pet. A new dog, however wonderful he is,
changes the dynamic in the home. He alters to some degree
all of the human and animal relationships. This means
that you'll inevitably have questions and needs, especially
in the first few weeks. It's a great relief to know that
folks out there know what you're going through and are
ready to help and encourage you.
If
you do have any questions about your new family pet, please
e-mail HoundBuddy@txgap.org. Feel free to give
us a call too at 830.303.2229 (metro-line). Or, if you
are in the area of one of our adoption
clinics, stop by, we will be glad to visit with you
and answer your questions.
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Return
Policy:
Your
Greyhound always has a home should he or she not work,
or should your lifestyle change radically and you can
no longer keep a dog. We will always take the greyhound
back to find him or her a new, loving home. Return
Policy Agreement
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