Program adopts more greyhounds to be trained
Published January 25, 2007 04:18 pm - The Indiana Chapter of the Second Chance at Life just adopted the second round of (17) retired racing greyhounds and brought up 17 more to be socialized and obedience trained by inmates in Indiana prisons. Since June we’ve adopted 30 retired racing greyhounds to loving, permanent homes.
Maleah Stringer: Program adopts more greyhounds to be trained

The Indiana Chapter of the Second Chance at Life just adopted the second round of (17) retired racing greyhounds and brought up 17 more to be socialized and obedience trained by inmates in Indiana prisons. Since June we’ve adopted 30 retired racing greyhounds to loving, permanent homes.

It’s been obvious how attached the inmates get to the dogs; I think the bonding begins as soon as we take them off the hauler and the inmates see them. I must say that this batch of dogs is particularly endearing. Of course I said that with the last group of dogs. And the ones before that. With every group of dogs I’ve fallen in love with at least one who I said if I didn’t find the perfect home I would take into my home. So far Bella is still my only greyhound. The trouble is that this time there are at least four dogs I’ve fallen in love with, so I’d better get an early start on finding them homes. But I imagine it’s only a matter of time before there’s one I just can’t bear to let go to someone else.
I’ve watched my macho male inmates get teary-eyed as their dogs leave. The women at Rockville don’t worry about being macho; they just unashamedly cry. Watching the inmates give up their dogs, dogs that they have unselfishly given their time, love and effort is the hardest part of the program for me. The inmates are only sad for themselves; they’ve met the new owners and are happy the dogs are going to good places. They quickly pour their affections on the "new" greyhounds.
When delivering the “new” dogs to Rockville, Missy, one of the “old” dogs, met us at the front gate with her handlers. Her owners came in with me and were excited to see their new “baby” and to finally be able to take her home. Missy had on a beautiful sweater that the women at Rockville had knitted for her; she looked stunning as only a greyhound can look. She was fine until she realized that these new people who she really kind of liked under normal circumstances were actually taking her AWAY with them. She kept looking back at her handlers. Crying. Missy was crying. Ah, Lord. The women and the dog were crying.
The women told her to be a good girl and that they loved her — then they turned their backs on her — occupying themselves with the three new dogs. And yes, I know Missy is fine, her new owners are wonderful people and will love her and be kind to her. But this parting broke my heart. I have since learned that Missy has a new best friend whom she sleeps and plays with — a little beagle.

After Missy was in the car and going to her new home, Wendy, her handler turned to me and said, “Why can’t the dogs just stay here? Why can’t they all just stay here?” I had enough sense not to answer that. The best I would’ve come up with was something brilliant like, well, because. Not much comfort to be had in that response. Especially since sometimes I’ve wondered the same thing myself.

I’ve never had any doubt that the animal-human bond exists but sometimes the sheer power of it, the soul searing commitment of it takes my breath away.

Footnote:

If you want to volunteer or adopt a greyhound from the 2nd Chance at Life Greyhound Prison Program call (765) 278-9435.