What better way to enhance the experience of sharing your life with a retired racing greyhound than to volunteer your time to help Greyhound Pets of America (GPA) Coastal Oregon Greyhounds spread the good news about adoption opportunities? 

Adoption of a greyhound from Coastal Oregon Greyhounds is not a requirement to become a volunteer.  You must, however, have first-hand experience with retired racers and your greyhound must be a good ambassador for the breed!  To ensure that our interaction with the public is as consistent and professional as possible, the following guidelines have been developed.  Refer to the Upcoming Events schedule and contact us at greyhound@oregonfast.net to express your interest in volunteering.

Coastal Oregon Greyhounds

Greyhound Pets of America Inc., established in 1987, is a California non-profit public benefit corporation and a 501 (C)(3) organization with tax deductibility for donations.  Coastal Oregon Greyhounds Inc., a chapter of GPA, has been established to promote adoption of retired racing greyhounds in the Coastal Oregon Coast and surrounding areas.

Racing Industry

COG respects the right of every volunteer to have a personal opinion of the racing industry, however as a COG representative, your responsibility is to communicate clearly that this organization is not anti-racing! If COG alienates the racing industry and the people who release the greyhounds for adoption, there will be no adoption opportunities.  In response to questions relative to abuse or the conditions of the racing kennels, turn your focus to explaining that while there are exceptions, the majority of the greyhounds receive good treatment and care during their racing careers.  As much as possible, move the discussion to life after retirement!

Greyhounds as Ambassadors

One of the most important factors to consider in your decision to introduce your greyhound to potential adopters is whether or not  he/she is a good ambassador for the breed.  Your greyhound must be comfortable with strangers, safe with small animals, tolerant of children and able to spend several hours in an unfamiliar environment without exhibiting high levels of stress.  This must be an enjoyable experience for everyone, especially the greyhounds.  Remember that your greyhound must have a Pennsylvania county dog license.  It is the law and you can be fined $300 if your dog is not wearing a license at all times.

Getting Started as a Volunteer

The first time you volunteer to participate in a “meet ‘n greet” or other event for COG, you will be joined by an experienced volunteer who will act as a mentor.  This will provide you with an opportunity to listen to how questions should be answered and what information is important to help in the decision making process for adoption.  If you are unsure about the answer to a question, ask for assistance rather than providing incorrect information.  As you become more experienced, there will be additional opportunities to volunteer, either alone or in cooperation with another volunteer.

Equipment

Each volunteer will be responsible for taking the required equipment to the “meet ‘n greet” location.  Typically, this will include a small folding table and a few chairs, a covering for the table, a COG adoption sign for prominent placement on the front of the table, COG brochures, a donation jar, a photo booklet and a greyhound reference publication.  All of these items are available from the COG officers.  You will also want to supply the greyhounds accompanying you with something soft to lay on, a water bowl and water.

Attire

Making a professional appearance is essential to establishing and maintaining credibility for COG.  COG logo apparel is available for purchase from the on-line store.  It is not required, but recommended for wear when representing COG.

Schedule

If you are unable to participate in the scheduled event, please call one of the COG coordinators as soon as possible so that other arrangements can be made. Many stores and event organizers limit the number of greyhounds and people able to participate or attend, so it is important to be respectful of their requirements.  When you are scheduled for a specific amount of time to be present at an event, it is expected that you will remain for the entire time.

Location, location, location

Please be considerate of the individuals who made this opportunity possible.  Do not  block the flow of traffic through doors and aisles, as well as near product displays when indoors. Remember that the table containing the information about greyhounds, as well as the dogs themselves, must be accessible.  It is recommended that you stand, rather than sit, close beside the table rather than behind it.  Because many people are only interested in petting the dogs or making a donation, please refrain from a selling approach. Limit discussion of your own greyhounds unless you are answering a specific question. Always take time to thank the individuals who made this opportunity possible before leaving!

Donations

Thank everyone who makes a donation to COG!  When asked how the money is spent, explain that it is used to subsidize operating expenses, including spaying, neutering, medical care and administrative costs. All donations are used for the welfare of the greyhounds!

Adoptions

Without exception, COG will not conduct on-site adoptions of any greyhound during a meet ‘n greet or other event.  Interested individuals are encouraged to complete an application and give it to a volunteer or mail, fax or submit it electronically to COG for review and screening. No commitments will made to place a specific greyhound with a specific individual and dogs cannot be “held” pending a decision on adoption.

Summary

Remember that your primary responsibility as a volunteer is to provide information about greyhounds and what is involved in adopting and providing a safe and loving home for a retired racer.  To be successful, the experience must be both educational and rewarding.