Senior Superlatives

Older greyhounds offer an extraordinary adoption choice.

If you’re eager to adopt a dog, consider something completely different—a senior greyhound through the Greyhound Pets of America’s Senior Sanctuary of Florida.

A special breed: Senior greyhounds are those at least 7 years old (greyhounds have a life span of 12 to 14 years). After completing racing careers and/or stints at breeding farms, they need good homes. Or perhaps they were adopted at a younger age, but their owners have died or given them up for various reasons. That’s where Debby Moyer and her Central Florida-based organization come in. They place greyhounds in their golden years with foster or adoptive families.

Couch mates: Greyhounds are gentle, lovable, clean companions. “Some people think greyhounds are hyper,’’ says Moyer, who is sanctuary board treasurer. “They’re not at all hyper. They’re 40 mile-an-hour couch potatoes.’’ They were sprinters in their prime, not long-distance runners, so they don’t need more exercise than any other breed.

Voice of experience: Each year, 30 to 40 senior greyhounds find permanent homes (including many out of state) through Senior Sanctuary. Moyer owns three senior greyhounds herself and has fostered about 90 over the years. 

For more information: Go to the Senior Sanctuary site at gpaseniorsanctuary.org for information on adopting or fostering a senior greyhound. Want to meet one? Moyer and her group will be at the Central Florida Veg Fest (cfvegfest.org) on Oct. 25 at Orlando Festival Park. Or stop by Semoran Skateway in Casselberry, which Moyer owns. She’ll be glad to introduce you to her three pets.

Parting thought: “Some people ask ‘How can you adopt a dog that’s only got a few years left to live?’ ’’ Moyer says. “And I say ‘They’re going to be the best few years of their life.’ ’’