Good People in Greyhound Racing

By Diane Schadle

I'd like to post something positive about racing Greyhounds and the folks who take the time and patience to make them into the wonderful dogs that they are. I founded Keystone Greyhounds about 8 years ago. In the beginning, we didn't know any 'industry' folks, just got our dogs from GPA sources, not directly from owners/trainers/breeders. Through the years that has changed and I'm proud to say that most of our dogs now come from the tracks or farms. We have developed good working relationships with these folks and enjoy working with them. These folks have the best interest of their dogs at heart, believe me.

Football Phenom

Through the years I have met some outstanding people who are in the industry. I want to name just a few, so people know there are many GOOD people whose livlihood is racing Greyhounds.

Arlene and Greg Wooten, who introduced us to these wonderful dogs many years ago. It was the first of many racing kennels we were privy to see, and I was amazed at how calm and quiet and happy those dogs were.

Kristen Block, who generously donated a pup to us (Keystones Runner aka Boots) who will be running for our group, all proceeds going to Keystone. She also holds many dogs on her farm (at her expense) while they are waiting to come in to our adoption program.

Phil Harris, who trained our Boots and took the time to keep us updated on her progress.

Ron Otto, a trainer for Ward kennels, who takes the dogs to be vetted by Dr. Radcliffe at Wheeling for us, cat tests, and drives the dogs most of the way to us. Ron will hold dogs in his kennel until we have room for them.

Henry Howe, who sends us most of his retirees, and always makes a generous donation to accompany his dogs.

HWJ Inman

Dick Ciampa, an owner who gives us his retirees, and does the same.

Patti Cooley from Charter Kennels, who sends us great racers and also helps with the transport from Wheeling to Harrisburg. She always calls to see how her dogs are doing in foster homes.

David Blair, who gave us some wonderful puppies who would not have made it as racers.

DQ Williams, who opened his farm and his home to us when we were in Oklahoma.

Judy Mills, who has a farm in Abilene, where we are always welcome.....just ring the bell!

Brett and Donna Weeks who have been friends from the beginning, and have fostered for us many times, and taught us so much about the breed.

Bill and Cathie Lambert, who have sent us many wonderful dogs and allowed us to pre adopt two dogs through their Follow That Hound program.

Chris Grieb & Babydoll

Breeze, who I have never met but feel is a close friend. She works in the racing kennels and LOVES what she does.

Randy Finnegan, who has sent us a few 'prizes' including Impossible Dream and Iwantthattrophy.

Chris Grieb,who loves his Greyhounds.

There are many more, too many to mention. I've only listed a few. But the good folks in the industry are out there, they outnumber the ones who are not so caring of their dogs. We are proud to be working with people who do right by their dogs. We've developed a trust, so they will give us their dogs when they're ready to retire, knowing we respect the athletes that that are.

"The mission is the dogs, and nothing more."

Dianne Shadle
Keystone Greyhounds
www.Keystonegreys.org

A Bit About Keystone Greyhounds
Keystone Greyhounds is non-profit organization dedicated to finding responsible homes for retired racing Greyhounds. We are an all volunteer group based in South Central Pa. Our goal is to place the right hound in the right home and to promote public awareness about what excellent, loving pets these noble dogs make.

The primary purpose of Keystone Greyhounds is to find responsible loving homes for greyhounds, which fail to qualify or no longer qualify for the racetrack. KG acquaints the public with the desirability of greyhounds as pets and informs them of the availability of these dogs for adoption. We work with the greyhound industry to closely match the dogs to the adopter. Keystone Greyhounds provide pre and post adoption education and support each adoption fully. We also encourage adoption of senior and other special-needs dogs.

All donations made to Keystone Greyhounds are tax deductible. To become a member, volunteer or to contribute to Keystone Greyhounds, please contact any of the Keystone Adoption Representatives listed on the Contact Us Page.