Anthony Bennett

They are lightning fast dogs that can go from zero to 70 kilometres per hour in just three strides, which is why they have been used in lure racing in North America since the late 1800s.

When it’s time for greyhounds to retire most responsible race owners are now looking to rescue foundations to find the dogs “greener pastures.”

That’s where Cochrane’s Anthony Bennett comes in. He has been involved with Chinook Winds Greyhound Rescue for the last 10 years in many roles ranging from a board member to a foster home, but it’s the love of the breed that keeps him interested.

“I like their temperaments,” said Bennett, as he went to pet his 14-year-old greyhound Heidi.

“I like the speed. To watch her hit full stride is just amazing.”

Bennett said he has recently taken a back seat in helping to place some of the 12 greyhounds that Chinook Winds receives from race owners across North America each month, but has probably helped find hundreds of greyhounds new homes over the years.

He said Chinook Winds is looking for three main things when placing a greyhound in a permanent home, besides the desire to love and cherish a new dog: winter clothing of coats and boots because greyhounds do not have an undercoat and are thin skinned, walking on a leash because greyhounds will chase movement and are obviously hard to catch, and there must be a fenced yard.

Cochrane’s Anthony Bennett stands with his adopted greyhound Heidi and a foster greyhound named Holiday. Photo by Jeremy Broadfield

Bennett said extended leashes are not good because the greyhounds will be at full speed by the time the leash is fully extended, which can be dangerous not only for the dog but also the walker.

The dogs must be walked though, and Chinook Winds tries to match personalities between the dogs and new owners so each of their needs are met.

Bennett said, for example, those looking for a running partner may get a dog the group knows will work.

But Bennett said they are an “easy care companion,” they like to sleep and hang out — they are retired after all.

“And they are not protective, and not particularly aggressive,” he said.

Racing greyhounds are used to kennels, as they have grown up in them their entire lives.

They are also used to having a lot of people around and being handled by many hands — being jacketed, fed, and led to the track.

That’s why Chinook Winds likes to break them into house living at foster homes, to teach them house manners before interviewing prospective owners. Bennett said because greyhounds are so smart they are easily house broken, and since they are hypoallergenic and have very fine hair it easy to clean up after them.

Bennett said he first became interested in the breed when he attended a parade and a couple of greyhounds were standing behind him.

One greyhound nuzzled into his hand and he thought “what a nice breed.” He contacted Chinook Winds on a Friday, and had a greyhound coming to him on Monday.

Today, he has even trained Heidi to race for fun, and takes his dogs to social gatherings with other owners. He is also a foster home, which the organization has across Western Canada.

He said the great things about Chinook Winds is they will ship the dogs and will take back or exchange a dog if they are not fitting in. He said it costs $375 to adopt.

“Which is cheap for a $10,000 dog,” said Bennett, adding they are also spayed or neutered and have their shots up to date.

To find out more, visit chinookwindsgreyhounds.org.

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