Second Chance Greyhounds Inc

We adopted our 1st greyhound in the mid 90's. Fletch had just come off the track and in spite of having to work through the phase of him having the "mind of a puppy and the biology of a pony" in terms of house training, he evolved into the best dog we ever had. A few years ago we found ourselves dog-less. I found the web site of Second Chance Greyhounds on the internet and was impressed with their prison training program AND the blogs describing the individual personalities of the dogs. Even though we are retired, we had very young grandchildren and needed a dog who would be good with kids. Among other attributes listed, Rocky's blog described him as liking "little humans". He was exactly as advertised in all respects. Even though we did not live in the Atlanta area, SCG was able to find a family to do our home study and 3 years ago, Rocky came nose to nose with our toddler grandson. They have been best buds ever since. We have 5 SCG families here in western North Carolina with a 6th soon to be added to our group. It has been a great way to meet some really nice folks. Almost everyone on the street wants to pet these gentle giants. My experience is that these dogs have wonderful and gentle personalities ( don't bark, don't dig, don't wake the neighbors!) and the fact that they come completely house broken and obedience trained is a HUGE plus! The prison program is a win/win for both dogs and humans. With dogs from this program, as the commercial says- all you add is love!

I adopted my first Greyhound from SCG this year and it's hard to imagine a life before I had this dog. Second Chance Greyhounds is a true testament to helping animals and people. The dogs that come out of this program are fantastic, well-mannered dogs that have already gone through the process of adaptation off the track. Not only do the dogs benefit from the training program, but the inmates do as well.

Patti and her team are wonderful and work hard to place the right dog with the right person. The transition of my dog into my home was completely seamless and her personality suits my lifestyle to a T. It was definitely worth the multiple phone calls and the home visit to ensure that these awesome dogs are getting the best life that they deserve.

We adopted our first greyhound, Daisy (Jiminy Michaela), through Second Chance Greyhounds in January 2012. We had researched many different breeds, and retired racing greyhounds seemed ideal for us, with their gentle, calm disposition, lack of shedding and doggy smell, acceptable exercise needs (less than we ever had thought!), and the most important: we'd be saving a life by adopting one of these lovely hounds. The benefit of getting a trained greyhound, instead of one straight off the tracks, greatly appealed to us as novice hound owners.

Daisy is shy and sweet, yet has a determined and playful character. She's now the boss of two larger male greyhounds that we have since adopted through SCG: Spirit, the loving one and Rolli, the goofy one. In adopting Daisy, we were more interested in saving a hound, and the involvement of prison inmates was a side benefit. But the more we have become involved, the more we understand the depth of value to this remarkable program. In a very short time, we became fully drawn into the mission of Second Chance Greyhounds and have been so rewarded by our involvement.

In addition to volunteering at meet and greets and helping with other projects as needed, I work on the new greyhounds' social "blogs" for the website. These are drawn from the inmates' weekly greyhound training and socialization reports. Reading inmate comments such as "she is my ray of light in this dark place" and "I'm so grateful to be a part of the program. To be able to provide love, trust, and training to these dogs on a daily basis has been my greatest achievement" has made me realize even more just how rich and beneficial this program is. For the hounds it's a place to help with transition, with a caring person/people who will provide the skills and love to help them through a significant adjustment from kennel and track life. For the inmate trainers, it's a gift of a wonderful, loving connection with these gentle hounds and a sense of purpose and responsibility in training and caring for them, which even has the potential for some to lead to a post-prison career opportunity as a vet tech - the prison runs vet tech classes. For the eventual forever family, there is not only the benefit of getting a greyhound already familiar with basic commands and with other people, but also the knowledge that others who need help in life have benefited as well.

Second Chance Greyhounds follows up post-adoption with "human training," with visits to the kennels, to the track and to a puppy farm, as well as organizing gatherings with the greyhounds. Information on greyhound health and other issues or news is shared constantly within the group and there is a forum for any questions or need for help. Sharing knowledge and providing ongoing personal support is central to the organization's success, and the wellbeing of the hounds is at the heart of what SCG does. We are a group of people with the good fortune to be part of a very inspirational program. I could not have been luckier than to find Second Chance Greyhounds and adopt these three loving hounds in the knowledge of how much good is being done in the whole process - it's changed my life.

There are other choices for greyhound adoption in the Atlanta area, and they all work hard to save retired racing greyhounds, but they can't match the reach of benefit achieved through this very special inmates and greyhounds prison partnership.

I volunteer for this organization as part of the adoption committee. The program, which places greyhounds fresh from the track into a prison training program, is a win-win-win for the greyhound, the trainer and the adoptive family. The greyhounds spend some time in a home like setting learning some helpful, basic commands which allows them to settle into their forever home more readily. It is a win for the inmate as they learn a skill that can be used once they move on from the prison and also have the wonderful experience of spending time with these gentle creatures who trust and love unconditionally. It is a win for the adoptive family as they bring home a greyhound that transitions more easily, knowing some commands to help them understand that they can trust their new companions to take care of them. I am also adopting one of our hounds this December and can't wait to have her come to live in our home. Great organization, wonderful team of volunteers, very active in terms of events and working hard to help these wonderful dogs.

I couldn't believe it when I got the email from Patti saying "Guess who's going to prison?!"
I met my Greyhound, Reggie, at the track and fell head over heels. When Patti learned he was being retired from racing, she called me immediately. The prison program that the Greys go through to learn basic commands and about "life after racing" is top notch. Support from SCG includes an adoption "buddy", group emails, and much more. This is truly a collaborative effort to place retired Greyhounds into loving, breed appropriate homes. Reggie is my big, goofy boy and he has brought such joy to my life.

I recently adopted from this organization. My hubby and I were always interested in adopting a retired greyhound, the time was never right. We have been without a dog for 6 years and were not even looking for a pet at the time. We happened to meet this group at a local community event.
We met some adopters and dogs and left.... But the organization just kept staying with us. We were so impressed with their prison partnership and allowing inmates to train the dogs.
We checked out their website and found our new little family member.
Their assesment of the dog was spot-on, they insure you have a counselor to help you through the process before and after you bring the dog home. This organization is tremondously invested in the dogs they adopt out and the owners that bring them home. I am beyond pleased.

My family adopted a greyhound through Second Chance in 2011, after the death of our whippet. Our Italian Greyhound just could not function as an only dog and we had always been interested in greyhounds. We live in south Georgia and a Second Chance greyhound was being fostered in a home near us. We met and fell in love with our beautiful Oakley and she has been a pleasure. She went through the prison program and is very well mannered and gets along great with our IG, even though there is a big size difference. She is very playful with her little brother but is gentle in their interactions. Even though we are 200 miles away from most of the other Second Chance family, I know we can call on them for any help needed with our Oakley. We have had a few meet and greets in our area and Oakley always loves spending time with the other greys. We hope to be involved with more grey activities in the future and always promote the Second Chance organization any chance we get. They are a great group of people who truly love and want the best for these wonderful dogs

Excellent organization!! This program is committed to making lifelong matches beteween greyhounds and people as well as providing information that educates adopters with thier new family members. The director, Patti, and other members are supportive, enthusiastic, and avaliable.

My wife and I considered adopting a Greyhound off and on for a couple of years. I checked online for rescue groups and read about Second Chance Greyhounds. Their partnership with the prison, their many activities, and the information they have available on their website convinced us this was the right group to deal with. Right from the very beginning of the process we have enjoyed the contact with the groups representatives. They understand and care about Greyhounds. The very best part of the whole process has been adding Josey to our family. We could not be happier or any more satisfied with her, or the group that helped prepare her for her new life. The ongoing support and Greyhound activities just add to the long list of reasons this group deserves recognition.

Second Chance Greyhounds is one of the most wonderful organizations that I have been involved in. Last May, at the Atlanta Steeplechase, a big, beautiful brindle greyhound stole my heart! I couldn't get my application in fast enough! This would be our second greyhound and would be added to our home currently with three Italian Greyhounds. The adoption process was a good experience with this group. I began to see that this was not your "typical" rescue group. Right from the start, I was impressed with the work that went into these dogs before they ever become available for adoption. They are placed in a women's prison in FL for an 8 week training program with prisoners that have been approved to train with SCG. They are trained to have the manners and commands that they will need in their new homes. It quickly became apparent to me that you not only were adopting a wonderful animal but it came with this amazing family! SCG doesn't just take the time to place the correct dog in the correct home but the relationship continues long after even the lifetime of your precious pet. There are so many opportunities to get together with fellow SCG adoptees through meet and greets and they organize "adoption booths" at many events around town that you can take your dog to and hang out to promote this wonderful organization! Patti organized a wonderful greyhound festival that we attended last weekend that was just a fun day for all of us to play with our dogs, meet other greyhound owners, shop, have fun contests and a silent auction. I can not say enough good things about the organization. It is top notch from beginning to end, Patti is really making a mark on this world with this wonderful organization and helping so many greyhounds find their forever family.

What a fantastic group of people! I love the partnership with the prison - I know both the dog and the inmate were positively affected. I adopted a wonderful trained dog who is a joy! I recommend greyhounds as a breed and SCG as an organization at every opportunity. They care so much about finding the right homes for each of these wonderful dogs. They are thorough and helpful every step of the way. Thank you Second Chance Greyhounds!!

I just want to say that I feel this is an awesome program. I am a volunteer at a womens Prison here in SC and I feel this is awesome for teaching the dogs to be socialized but mostly I feel this helps the inmates feel needed and gives them a chance to share their love.

I adopted my wonderful greyhound through another adoption group. I really wanted to become involved in fostering and since my group didn't need foster homes I looked for another. Second Chance Greyhounds has been a terrific group with which to be involved. Not only do they care deeply about the life for these graceful creatures once their life off the track is over they care just as deeply for those that volunteer and adopt. I look forward to continuing to work with them, helping to prepare our dogs for life as a pet and being surrounded by the support of such caring, fun-loving, dedicated people.

Decided to adopt from this group because of the partnership with the prison and what the experience must provide for the inmates. Was amazed by the support I got after adopting my dog. Now I have a greyhound that I ADORE! Many thanks for all the great people who contribute to Second Chance Greyhounds. Now I volunteer in the hopes that I can help someone else have the same incredible experience that I've had. Adopt a greyhound from SCG - you'll be so glad you did!

I adopted two wonderful greyhounds from this organization that have become great additions to our family. Second Chance Greyhounds goes the extra mile with reaching out and providing resources to assist in the transitional phase of the adoption. They have provided a great service and very valuable members for our family.

Working with Second Chance Greyhounds from Atlanta, was/has been a great experience. Whe we adopted from them, they made it quite easy for us, even though we live in Tennessee. We love our Lyric, and because of the positive experience have continues to work with the group. We also fostered a dog for the group and we are planning on joining in on other group activities. It is nice to be involved with such a positive minded group! Best part is they truly care about the greyhounds welfare, and don't seem to have any of the politics going on like so many other groups out there.

Our family was ready to expand and so I had begun looking for a dog. Because of our busy schedules, we needed a dog which would "slide" into our family style and adapt quickly. It seemed like an impossible requirement. One day I saw an ad about Second Chance Greyhounds. I went to their website and researched the breed. Back at the website I learned more about the greyhounds in Second Chance. I realized that one of these dogs was perfect for our family! I contacted the group and was suprised to learn how serious they were about making sure our family understood the needs of a greyhound and the commitment our family would be making. I felt really good about that!! This group puts a lot of love and effort into making sure the dogs will be protected and properly cared for before they allow someone to adopt them. Additionally, the group offers support throughout ownership. There are meetings, events, foster programs, sitters, play groups, somany things that are postive and supportive for the people and the dogs. After my first adoption, I later fostered another greyhound and later adopted her too. They are amazing dogs coming out of an amazing program!! Second Chance is WONDERFUL!!!

Adopted a greyhound from them. They did a terrific job with matching the perfect dog for our family's personality. We have had him for just over 2 months now and has been an awesome addition to our family. They have been very prompt at answering any questions we have had about our greyhound. Overall, a great agency

Second Chance Greyhounds does more than just rescue retired racing greyhounnds. Through a prison program it gives inmates vauable training, love and affection, purpose in life, hope for the future, a daily schedule to look forward to, using their brains for positive thoughts and actions and making them a good and productive person. This prison program is a win win for the inmate and the greyhounds being trained.

We've fostered with other Greyhound groups, and must say our experience with Second Chance Greyhounds has been nothing but positive. We regret that distance has been a hinderance to participating more in SCG's efforts, and we regret that our impact is less than we would like. Distance aside, it's always been evident that Patti Peterson is a personable and ambitious coordinator to a like-minded and dedicated group who completely shares her values. Patti and the others work non-stop and tirelessly with almost daily scheduled events - either in the form of fundraising, or promoting public awareness about retired racing Greyhounds. As always, the mission focuses on the dog's welfare as the primary priority. The time and money that goes into the re-homing of just one retired racer is enormous, and we consider SCG to be outstanding - one that provides an invaluable service to this noble breed.

I have adopted a greyhound through Second Chance Greyhounds Inc. i have found everyone in the organization helpful, supportive, informative and willing to do what it takes to make our adoption a success. Bev Barker did my phone interview and discussed which specific dog would meet my needs. During my home inspection, the volunteer gave me ideas how my home fitted the needs of the dog best- such as where crate placement would be best, feeding routines, potty areas outside and more. I quickly learned that I was approved for adoption of Bryn and started following the suggestions given to me by Patti on supplies needed before the dog arrived. This organization even assigned another adoptive owner to be my "greyt buddy"-- Holly contacts me frequently to see how things are going, to answer my endless questions and to offer support and encouragement. What I love most about this organization are two things-- dogs go through basic obedience training with a female prisoner (so they help people and animals) and this group does several activities together. In two weeks I am attending a day at the race track and kennels where our dogs ran-- seeing the kennels, talking with the owner and seeing exactly how my dog lived for most of her first four years. I cannot say enough good things about this organization and have already recommended them to two other interested greyhound owners.

I'd been interested in greyhounds for years and had attended events with other groups, but never felt it was the right fit. When I found Second Chance on the web I was immediately intrigued by the partnership with the prisons and the training that the dogs get before being adopted. I attended an event and was impressed by how helpful and welcoming everyone from the group was. I adopted a dog from the group a few months later. Every time I had a question they were generous with answering it and making me feel good about the situation. I've since become involved as a volunteer. My hope is that I can help others have the same great experience that I have had. I can't recommend Second Chance Greyhounds highly enough - the dogs are wonderful and so are the amazing people who give generously to the group and the pups.

Second Chance Greyhounds focuses on finding the right home for these retired greyhounds. They use the prison program to give both the dogs and inmates a new lease on life. I can't say enough about the great people associated with this organization and there focus on helping the greyhounds.

Second Chance Greyhounds is an amazing organization placing retired racers with families. The dogs go through a prison training program to learn basic obedience. Adopters find this valuable in bonding and transitioning their dog to pet life. The group does a great job helping adopters find the right fit for them.

I've adopted two wonderful hounds who happen to be brothers from Second Chance. We volunteer at as many Meet and Greet events as possible to let the public meet greyhounds and see their gentle nature.

SCG has many volunteer options available, such as fostering, public education, and fund raising.