Pictured is one of Stephanie Jones’ rescued greyhounds, John.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Approximately 400 greyhounds will be displaced as of Aug. 19 due to the closing of a race track kennel in Mobile, Ala.

American Greyhound Rescue, Valparaiso, is looking for area residents who are willing to take the dogs into their homes and foster them. Since the rise in adoption of retired racing greyhounds, the breed has seen a resurgence in popularity as a family pet.

Though based in Valparaiso, American Greyhound works with pet fosters throughout Warsaw, Goshen, Elkhart and other local areas.

Stephanie Jones of American Greyhound rescue said these dogs spend most of their lives in kennels, coming out long enough to race, then going right back in. Former racing greyhounds have lived a regimented life. Becoming a pet is an entirely new experience for them as they learn “how to be a dog.” Most have not been exposed to things commonly found in a home and home surroundings. Many of the dogs are curious and somewhat frightened of things such as hardwood flooring, stairs, televisions and street noises which they would not have encountered in the race track kennels. With understanding and love they adjust quickly into loving and well-mannered pets.

In May 2016, Kosciusko County residents came through for another group of displaced greyhounds. American Greyhound was able to place 27 dogs in foster homes throughout northern Indiana at that time. Jones said this was due in large part to the response from the Kosciusko County area.

According to Jones, all a foster home has to do is feed and take care of the dogs. American Greyhound will cover all vet bills, expenses relating to any special needs the dog may have and a crate for the dog to sleep in. Foster homes only keep the dogs until they are adopted.

Although Jones currently has two greyhounds of her own, she admits she was less than enthusiastic when her husband initially talked her into rescuing one.

“My husband had always wanted a greyhound. From the time I met him, he talked non stop about rescuing one,” said Jones, “I really did not have an interest in greyhounds. I thought they were sort of strange looking – tiny heads, big eyes, giant chests, rat-like tails.”

Jones continued, “I knew they raced. I knew there was controversy over racing, but I didn’t know enough to form an opinion on racing. My husband found a greyhound on American Greyhound’s site.”

Jones explained that the adoption coordinator was not sure that particular greyhound would be a good match for their family. However, the coordinator suggested another dog, a greyhound named John.

Jones and her husband spoke with John’s foster family and decided his personality would be a perfect fit for their family.

“We instantly loved him,” said Jones, “John’s personality was unique. He was smart, goofy, playful and above all he was super loving. You could look into his eyes and feel what he was feeling. To this day, John follows us everywhere. The soul of a greyhound is truly unique. Their personalities are one of a kind. They feel what you’re feeling. I believe the life they had before plays a huge role in how grateful and happy they are as a companion animal.”

Anyone interested in fostering or adopting a greyhound can fill out an application online here or contact Stephanie Jones via phone (574) 453-1393 or email [email protected].

American Greyhound will be bringing greyhounds to the First Friday event in Warsaw Aug. 4 and to a meet & greet at Shopko in Syracuse from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5.