Greyhound Rescue Group Throws A Party

What does the world’s fastest dog breed have in common with thinly sliced, deep-fried potato snacks?

“Greyhounds are like potato chips,” said Ansonia resident and greyhound owner Chris Popowski. “You can’t have just one.”

Popowski and his two greyhounds, Ali and Tikka, were among dozens gathered at Osbornedale State Park Sunday for a picnic celebration honoring the 15 year anniversary of Pups Without Partners—a non-profit greyhound adoption agency based in West Haven.

Since it started in 1995, Pups Without Partners has helped find homes for thousands of retired racing greyhounds, said volunteer Eliza Nardone, who helped coordinate the event.

Nardone said a majority of the greyhounds they place come from tracks in Florida. They also receive greyhounds from nearby states like Massachusetts, where greyhound racing is now illegal, and various other racetracks that need to place retired dogs, she added.

“A vast majority of retired greyhounds are moved into adoption agencies,” said Nardone, who owns three greyhounds herself. “Some go out to breeders.”

Money raised from the picnic, which included a greyhound costume contest (won by Connecticut Post photographer Christian Abraham), vendors, raffles and a silent auction, will go back to support the agency, such as costs associated with caring for the dogs, Nardone said.

More than race dogs

Forty-five mile per hour couch potatoes is how several greyhound owners described their beloved pets.

“I think the biggest misconception people have about greyhounds is that they’re hyper,” said Popowski. “They’re not. They’re calm, mellow and low maintenance.”

Owner of 14 greyhounds, Lisa Packard from Amherst, Mass., said the breed’s personality is what attracted her to adopt.

“They are a beautiful breed: so docile and lovable,” Packard said. “They prefer to sleep, snuggle and do nothing most days.”

Packard, who adopted her first greyhound in 2002 and gradually adopted more, said her greyhounds are more than just house pets.

“For me, I was diagnosed with health problems. If not for the dogs, I probably would have said, ‘The heck with it,’” Packard said. “They have kept me going.”

Prospect resident Lindsay Sarmadi-fard, owner of three greyhounds and one foster greyhound, started adopting greyhounds in 2006.

“I was drawn to them after I read about their personality and temperament,” Sarmadi-fard said. “They are very friendly and people oriented. And, I like how they are couch potatoes.”

Sarmadi-fard said she was also drawn to the breed because she was interested in adopting rescued, adult dogs.

In comparison to other breeds, Sarmadi-fard, who also owns three non-greyhounds, said greyhounds are “definitely easier” to care for.

“Greyhounds get along with each other and do well in big packs, so it’s easy to bring one in,” she said. “And because they come to you as adults, there is less training to do.”

Adoption Process

To learn more about greyhounds and adoptions, visit Pups Without Partners online at www.pupswithoutpartners.org.