RETIRED RACERS BRING NEW FREEDOM, PEACE TO VETERANS IN NEED

A South Florida greyhound adoption group has won recognition for developing a program that matches retired racing greyhounds with veterans experiencing PTSD, mobility issues and other special needs.

Hounds and Heroes, a program of Awesome Greyhound Adoptions, Inc., was honored in November with a $1,000 donation from LocalDines.com, an online restaurant promotion company that selects a different charity each month to receive the generous contribution.

Awesome Greyhound Adoptions launched the Hounds and Heroes program in 2011, working in partnership with Palm Beach Kennel Club (PBKC). Carolee Ellison, head trainer for the Hounds and Heroes program, said the greyhounds are perfect for these very special assignments because their calm disposition and gentle nature can help reduce anxiety and manage the stress associated with PTSD and mobility issues.

In addition, the greyhounds are specially trained to help their veterans get in and out of chairs, move comfortably in crowds and maintain balance while walking and climbing stairs. The dogs receive training for about four months before they are placed with their owners, and then the veterans and greyhounds receive another two months of training to learn how to work together.

A YouTube video highlighting the Hounds and Heroes program features two of the veterans who have adopted greyhound companions. Both describe their dogs as amazing, and report that the greyhounds have changed their lives greatly for the better.

We owe our veterans so much. On this Veterans Day, it’s great to know that retired racing greyhounds are helping us pay that debt. Congratulations to Palm Beach Kennel Club, Awesome Greyhound Adoptions, Inc., Hounds and Heroes and LocalDines.com for bringing us this awesome good news story.