Greyhound Friends for Life volunteers have been saving the lives of racing greyhounds and sighthound mixes for nearly 30 years. Since its formation in 1991, the group has placed well over 3000 greyhounds into loving homes.
During the 1980’s, Greyhound Friends for Life founder Susan Netboy and several other Bay Area people involved with sighthound breeds formed a loosely knit group designed to rescue and re-home sighthounds in need of intervention.
In 1989, when an insider disclosed to In Defense of Animals that racing greyhounds had been acquired by Letterman Army Institute of Research (LAIR) for a terminal research project, Susan’s help was enlisted to find a way to free the greyhounds. Demonstrations, media attention, the intervention of then congresswoman Barbara Boxer, and a well-publicized lawsuit finally gained the release of 19 greyhounds and cancelation of the entire research project which was to include the acquisition of 100 additional greyhounds.
The LAIR case led to Susan’s involvement in a dozen more cases of greyhounds in research and an increased knowledge of the internal workings of the racing industry which, in turn, led her to the realization that racing greyhounds were in desperate need of advocacy, as well as rescue.
In 1991, Susan founded Greyhound Friends for Life and the nationally-oriented Greyhound Protection League as programs of the Greyhound Welfare Foundation.
The group’s greatest strength has always been the hard work and dedication of its many volunteers. While Susan focused on national advocacy, Barbara Eineichner, Lita Nemeth, and Shana Laursen, in succession, provided foster facilities for the dogs; Barbara E. and Lita also acted as adoption coordinators. In 2006, Susan and the Board of the Greyhound Welfare Foundation asked Barbara Judson to take over as President of GFFL and to set it up as a separate organization.
In January, 2007, Greyhound Friends for Life obtained its own non-profit 501c3 designation (Tax ID 20-5323161) with many of the same volunteers who had supported the group from its inception – and, fortunately, with many new volunteers who will carry us through the years ahead.
Mission and Vision
Greyhound Friends for Life is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that provides greyhound and other sighthound rescue and adoption services, primarily in the northern and central regions of California. Greyhound Friends for Life is committed to responding promptly to all communications from adopters, potential adopters, and other members of the public. While finding qualified homes for as many greyhounds as possible is our goal, we will take the time to provide the best possible matches between our dogs and our potential adopters.
Greyhound Friends for Life undertakes various fundraising activities to garner public support for the program. These funds are used to defray the costs associated with the transport and medical care of the greyhounds prior to adoption that are not covered by the adoption fee, for food and medical care for greyhounds in long-term foster care, for greyhounds that require medical care or surgery beyond the routine procedures, and for publication of brochures, newsletters, other materials that promote greyhound adoption, and miscellaneous operating expenses.
Specialization
Other specialization
Adoption Policy
The Adoption Process
1. Application
Fill out the online application and click on the “Submit” button. (link of online form here)You can also print it and fax or mail it to GFFL.
Mail to: Greyhound Friends For Life
P.O. Box 549
Fulton, CA 95439-8861
Fax to: 707-791-7999
2. Interview
After we receive the application, a representative will call within 48 hours. The information from this interview will help us find a dog or dogs that we think will be a good match for you and your family. It is also an opportunity to ask questions about the breed, the organization, and what to expect when you bring a dog home.
3. Home Visit
If a greyhound seems to be the right breed for you, we will schedule a home visit. We will be looking at yard safety, potential hazards in the home and yard, fence height, etc. Our representatives are not there to judge your house-keeping skills – promise! GFFL places dogs with families who live in Northern CA.
4. Meeting the “Right” Greyhound
Once the home visit is completed and any issues are corrected, you will be invited to come to the adoption facility in Windsor or to meet with a dog in a foster home. It is in everyone’s best interest if the new dog and all other family members (including children, other dogs, cats, and other critters) all get along. It is also important to have a dog who is compatible with your lifestyle. GFFL does not necessarily “pick” the dog for you, but we will introduce you to a dog or dogs who will best fit your situation. This does mean that you may be denied the adoption of a particular dog if we think that there are potential compatibility issues.
5. Completing the Adoption
After a compatible dog is found, the adoption is finalized by completing an adoption contract. There is an adoption fee of $500.00 that partially covers the transport, neuter/spay, vaccinations, disease testing, worming, medications, and care of the dog until adoption.
Starting May 2023. The adoption fee for the US dogs will be $500 the dogs we bring in from overseas will be $700.
In the adoption contract, you agree, among other things, to the following:
• your dog will be an indoor household companion
• your dog will not be allowed off leash in an unfenced or otherwise unsecured area
• if, for any reason, you are no longer able/willing to keep your dog, the dog will be returned to GFFL and never given to another person or shelter
• if the dog has behavioral issues, you will contact GFFL for advice and recommendations for sighthound-savvy trainers.
6. Follow-up
A GFFL representative will call you during the first few weeks following adoption to see how the transition to a home is going and to see if there are any concerns or questions that need addressing. We will follow up periodically after the initial adjustment period. If you should have any questions, problems, or concerns regarding your adoption, please call or email us. We’re here to make the adoption as successful as we can.
https://www.greyhoundfriendsforlife.org/category/adopt/available_dogs/
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