Greyhound Friends offers greyhounds for adoption, runs thrift store

By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer

Louise Coleman, with Arrow, one of the greyhounds available for adoption at Greyhound Friends. Photo/Nancy Brumback

Business name: Greyhound Friends

Address: 167 Saddle Hill Road, Hopkinton

Executive director: Louise Coleman

Contact Information:  08-435-5969, www.greyhound.org

What is Greyhound Friends?

“Greyhound Friends began in 1983 and matches racing greyhounds with adoptive homes. We are an independent, nonprofit organization, allied with other greyhound groups around the country,” said Louise Coleman, executive director and founder.

Can people adopt a dog from you in Hopkinton?

“We have an adoption kennel here with up to 30 dogs at a time. The greyhounds come from Florida where there are 13 racetracks. There’s no greyhound racing in New England anymore. When greyhound racing stopped up here, some dogs were adopted but many were sent to Florida to race.

“The average age of the dogs is three. These are the dogs that just didn’t win. We have a few other kinds of dogs as well, beagles or basset hounds or greyhound crosses,” she said.

“We’re open for people to visit and adopt dogs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. It helps if people call in advance, and it’s better to come earlier in the day if possible. If you’re actually adopting a dog, it can take a little while, and I don’t like to hurry it.

“People can learn more about the adoption process and see the dogs we currently have in the kennel on our website, www.greyhound.org.”

You operate a second-hand store to benefit your work?

“Yes.  Second Chances is right in Natick Center at 6 West Central Street (Rt. 135). The shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, and is closed Sundays and Mondays. We specialize in old dishes, glassware, clothing, jewelry and small furniture.

“People donate items to us to sell, and we get a lot of very nice stuff. The proceeds help run the kennel. We’re a nonprofit organization, so the store helps and we also accept tax-deductible donations directly.”

Do you have an open house coming up?

“Our annual open house is here at the kennel Sept. 22 and 23 from noon to 4 p.m. It’s a good time for people who are thinking about adopting a dog to visit. They can talk to many people who have adopted greyhounds and bring them back to visit. We have all kinds of vendors with coats, collars, food and gifts for people and dogs. There’s no admission, though if people buy something, it helps us out.”

Do you have volunteer opportunities?

“People are welcome to volunteer here, caring for the dogs, taking them for a walk. Or they can help at the store.”

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Posted by Community Advocate Staff on Jul 6 2012. Filed under Business, Byline Stories, People and Places. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry