Greyhounds are an ancient breed, originating thousands of years ago in the Middle East.  They are "sighthounds."  With their keen eyesight, they could spot prey at great distances, and with their incredible speed, easily overtake.  Highly prized, in some countries they were owned only by royalty.  Images in Egyptian tombs portray a dog remarkably similar to today's Greyhound, to Sophie.

Greyhounds entered the United States in the 1800's.  Their first duties here were to hunt jackrabbits in the Midwest.  I suppose it was inevitable that the farmers started racing their Greyhounds-- "my dog is faster than your dog."

Sophie's personal story begins in today's big-business racing industry.  Born on a Greyhound "farm,"  she and her littermates grew up running together and training for the track.  As a young dog, she was sent to Seabrook, NH, for more training and racing.  Before she was two years old, it was obvious that she had no interest in racing, and she was delivered to Greyhound Adoption Service in Salisbury, MA.

The second (and better) part of Sophie's career was that she found a home.  Unfortunately, her first family divorced a few years later and couldn't keep her.  To their credit, they returned her to the adoption group.

The third (and best) phase of Sophie's life is now.  She has a home, her own fenced yard, the run of the house, and many new Caring Canine friends.  Although she still enjoys running, now it's just for fun.  She's happy walking and sniffing through the neighborhood, socializing as she goes.  Of course, she makes time to exercise her real talent -- napping.

Sophie joined Caring Canines in the spring of 2004.  She now has a terrific career as a visiting therapy dog and much-loved companion.

To learn more about retired racing greyhounds and greyhound adoption in Massachusetts, click on image below.

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