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Oklahoma produces outstanding racers and has many exceptional schooling farms where young pups are sent from other states to be trained for racing careers. Some greyhounds do not make it to the track because of slow speed, lack of focus or lack of desire to chase. Others are retired racers that have returned to the farm for their next career - raising a new generation of racers. Halfway Home Greyhound Adoption is a unique adoption team formed in the spring of 2002 to facilitate these dogs that do not have access to track adoption programs in finding their forever homes. We are a small group of dedicated volunteers motivated by our love of the breed and respect for the farms' commitment to the dogs. In the five years since our inception we have built relationships with breeders, owners and trainers throughout our state. Due to their positive support, greyhounds are being held by the farms until their turn to race into a loving home. We have helped adoption groups get established in other states by gifting them profiled, vetted dogs whose adoption fees provide seed money for the group. During the last year, we have worked with different groups to send many Oklahoma and Kansas dogs to the Northwest United States and Canada. Our close working relationship with breeding and training farms in Oklahoma has given us special insight to the problems in the racing industry. We testify from first-hand knowledge to the lengths these hard-working people are willing to go to help place their beloved dogs into homes. To Mike, DQ & Sharon & Tina, Jan & Bonnie, Dawn & John, Pam & Bobby, Kenny & Janet, Galen & Marie, Mitch, Sammy J, Judd, Artis, Brandon, Keeley, Wes & Les, Mary Jane, Mick, Billy, Gerald, Bonnie & Don, Heather, Kevin, Craig, Bryan, John, Ronnie, Steve, Fred & Wanda, Larry, Randy, Lori & Steve, Wanda and all the rest who have helped us accomplish what sometimes seems the impossible - you are our inspiration. Thank you from the bottom of each greyhound's heart and ours. Gary Guccione and the NGA, the AGC and Larry Birnbaum and Race for Adoption are also hugely supportive partners in our efforts. As of October 2007, combined we have moved over 2,100 greyhounds into adoption! |