‘ANIMAL PLANET’ HONORS GREYHOUND ADOPTION VOLUNTEER

A leading greyhound adoption advocate has been honored by Animal Planet, the cable TV network devoted to animals, as HERO OF THE YEAR. 

Eileen McCaughern of Bethany, CT, was recognized for her "extraordinary service for the welfare of animals."  The award was announced on December 11 as part of Animal Planet’s "Heroes Week."

Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet Media, said that McCaughern and other award winners have "vastly improved the lives of countless dogs and cats through their selfless and compassionate devotion."

Founder of Retired Greyhounds as Pets (REGAP) of Connecticut, Inc. and the country’s first matching funds greyhound retirement home, Eileen has dedicated the past 35 years to rescuing more than 5,000 retired canine athletes. She works a full-time job and two part-time jobs in order to defray the costs associated with rescuing greyhounds. Eileen recently opened a kennel with funding secured from the American Greyhound Council, state grants, local businesses, and generous individuals. 

"Greyhounds are so special and so deserving of enjoying their retirement as pets in wonderful homes after their racing careers have ended," says Eileen. "This honor will bring even more visibility to retired greyhounds, helping them find adoptive homes. Being Animal Planet’s 2008 Hero of the Year is truly an incredible honor, and I am so proud it has been bestowed on me and the greyhounds."

As HERO OF THE YEAR, Eileen will receive a $10,000 donation to her charity, REGAP of Connecticut, and a trip for two to her choice destination that supports an animal welfare cause.