About GPA Electric City
So, you want to know about our organization and greyhounds. Well, this is the right place. The GPA (Greyhound Pets of America) is a national organization of which we are a chapter. Greyhound Pets of America is a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation founded in 1987 for the purpose of rescuing ex-racing greyhounds. Since it opened its doors in 1987 has adopted over 80,000 greyhounds into loving homes. As of 2008, Greyhound Pets of America has 49 chapters and sub-chapters around the nation.
GPA works with the racing industry to encourage its involvement with adoption efforts. The American Greyhound Council, a racing industry-sponsored organization established for the welfare of the greyhounds, began funding a nation-wide 800-number service (800-366-1472) in June, 1990. It asked GPA, as the largest greyhound adoption organization, to administer this service. Since then, GPA has fielded thousands of inquiries about greyhound adoption and sent prospective adopters to the nearest adoption agency.
In South Carolina, there are three chapters: The Charleston Chapter, The Columbia Chapter and our chapter. The Electric City chapter began in 2008 and since it's founding, we have helped greyhounds adoptions and older greyhound owners in the upstate of South Carolina. Just like other chapters, we rely on assistance from the community and volunteers to keep our organization running. We are a very public organization and you can often catch us at petsmart or doing other activities and projects in our community.
About Greyhounds
During our events and when we are out in the public, we often get asked many questions about greyhounds. Below is a FAQ on the breed itself. Though it doesn't answer all questions, maybe it will help you to understand them a little bit more
Is that a Great Dane?
For some reason, people who are not familar with Great Danes and Greyhound always ask us this question. Both breeds are large dogs, but a great dane will usually outweigh a greyhound. Greyhounds on the otherhand would always beat a great dane in a race. Barring weight, You can always tell the different from the shape of the dog's head. A greyhound will have a slender head with a pointed snout. Great danes have a more rounded snoot. Just look at Scooby Doo.
Greyhounds - Where do they come from?
Our greyhounds come from tracks in Florida, mostly from Melbourne Greyhound Park. When they are retired from racing between the ages of two and five. Some dogs never race; these dogs are quite young, often less than two years of age, and thus are quite puppy-like! While in the adoption kennel, the dogs visit the veterinarian where they are examined, spayed/neutered, given dentals, vaccinated, heartworm tested and dewormed and are given other care as needed. The people at the adooption kennel continue to care for the dogs during their stay at the adoption kennel and also profile them to see if they are child-safe and small-animal safe, if they are quiet or outgoing, if energetic, or laid back. This is important as we try to match the dogs to each adopter’s lifestyles and wishes. Once the dogs are moved into our adoption program they are placed in foster homes where they learn all about home life.
Greyhounds - What are they like?
Greyhounds are typically a very calm breed. Due to their natural temperament and kennel environment most Greyhounds are sweet, calm, even-tempered, and loyal. They don't require a lot of exercise or a lot of room. Most Greyhounds will be happy if they can run in a fenced area for a few five minutes a day. Because they don't require a lot of room or exercise, this makes them good apartment pets. They are often compared to cats because they can curl up into a surprisingly small ball. Greyhounds are sighthounds, which means they respond better to sight cues than to voice commands. They don't bark often, or in some cases, they don't bark as much as other kinds of dogs. They do not have a lot of "dog" smell because they don't have a lot of body fat. Since they are lean and very thin-skinned, they don't tolerate extreme hot or cold. Thus, they are inside dogs.
- Greyhounds generally stand between 26 and 29 inches to the shoulder and can weigh between 50 and 100 lbs, depending on sex. The average greyhound weighs between 60 and 75 pounds, although many girls weigh in the 50 to 60 pound range.
- Greyhounds often live past 12 years old. A few have lived to 20.
- Greyhounds are generally retired from racing between two and five years of age. Most of the dogs that retire are closer to two. Some have never raced. The youngsters can be much more energetic and puppy-like than the older ones.
- Greyhounds do not necessarily need a home with a large place to run. Many prefer walks and being retired (i.e., lounging and being lazy).
- Greyhounds are not known for being watch dogs although many will let you know when someone has arrived.
- They have short hair with little to no undercoat and once they shed their winter coats they shed very little, making them tidy house pets.
- Most greyhounds are child or small animal friendly.
- Greyhounds are kennel-trained, meaning they do not eliminate in their kennels. The transition from kennel to home is generally an easy transition. There may be an occasional accident, but much of this will have been dealt with in the foster home.