Greyhound laying on a bed

The heartwarming journey of retired greyhounds now living the good life here in the Lowcountry

From the track to the couch

Story by Bailey Gilliam + Photography by Katie Bradham

Karen Shea with her greyhounds
Karen Shea demonstrates the proper leash hold with her two retired racing greyhounds, Hadley and Stony, a crucial skill for handling these sleek speedsters who can reach up to 45 miles per hour.

Greyhounds are renowned for their incredible speed and graceful appearance, traits that have made them stars of the racetrack for decades. Yet, as the landscape of greyhound racing shifts, so does the focus of many individuals who work to ensure these retired athletes find loving homes. A local pair of close friends, Karen Shea and Chris Schlentner, provide a comprehensive look at their journey in greyhound adoption and the broader greyhound adoption community.

Racing greyhound tattoos
All racing greyhounds are given tattoos in both ears for identification and protection. One ear represents the litter registration number, and one represents the birth order and birth year.

A shared passion

Shea and Schlentner, who have been working together for 12 years, got into greyhound adoption independently before moving to Hilton Head. Schlentner was active in the Chicago area, while Shea worked with dogs in Richmond, Virginia. Once they relocated to the Lowcountry, their passion for the breed led them to seek out local greyhound groups. However, they discovered that resources were scarce in the area, with only one group in Savannah being somewhat active. 

A serendipitous encounter marked the beginning of their collaborative efforts. Driving down U.S. 278, Shea spotted a car with a matching greyhound-themed license plate and followed the car until the couple and Shea’s eyes met at a stoplight. “I did this ‘roll your window down’ motion, and Chris’s husband was looking at me like I was some psycho,” Shea laughed. “And I said, ‘You have a greyhound? So do I – give me your number.’ We connected at that moment, and from there on, the two of us have been doing greyhound adoption together ever since.”

Karen Shea and Chris Schlentner
Greyhounds racing

Navigating an evolving landscape

Greyhound adoption has taken them through several groups and locations. Initially they worked with a group in Charleston, but as that organization’s activity waned, they shifted to the Crossroads group in northern South Carolina. When Florida residents voted to ban dog racing in 2021, the number of dogs needing homes plummeted. So the pair revived their connection with the nonprofit, James River Greyhounds, in Richmond, Virginia. 

Diamond and Abby, cherished by their mom Chris Schlentner, fully embrace the Lowcountry life. These greyhounds are more than just swift runners — they're also loving and loyal companions.
Diamond and Abby, cherished by their mom Chris Schlentner, fully embrace the Lowcountry life. These greyhounds are more than just swift runners — they’re also loving and loyal companions.

Re-homing, not rescuing

Shea and Schlentner emphasize a critical distinction in their work: they do not rescue greyhounds, they re-home retired racers. They carefully avoid using the term “rescue” because it implies a dire situation, whereas their role is more about transitioning greyhounds from a racing life to a pet life. They believe greyhounds are treated with great care and attention during their racing careers. These athletes are housed in specialized kennels where they receive regular veterinary check-ups, balanced diets and individualized care to maintain their health and performance. They are exercised and trained under the supervision of experienced handlers who ensure they are in optimal condition for racing. The environment is designed to meet their physical and emotional needs, providing ample space for rest and recovery between races. Racing greyhounds are typically handled with kindness and respect, which helps them remain affectionate and adaptable when transitioning to life as pets. “If you went up to Richmond right now and you met all those greyhounds, you would see how well they are fed and taken care of and in what great condition they’re in,” said Shea. “They’re fed well, they’re handled, they’re loved, and they get to race, which they love to do.”

Greyhound laying down on wood floor

A unique breed

Greyhounds typically retire from racing between the ages of 2 and 4. Despite their reputation for speed, these sighthounds are surprisingly low-maintenance in their pet life. They often sleep most of the day, but if one accidentally gets loose and sees something worth chasing, you’ll be hard-pressed to find them. That’s why you often see greyhounds sporting martingale collars. Because of their small heads, they can slip right out of traditional collars.

“We actually have a Facebook page, all of us in the greyhound community, called Greyhound Amber Alert,” Schlentner explained. “And the moment you find out your greyhound is lost, you put it on Greyhound Amber Alert. We’ve done that here twice, and people from all over South Carolina offered to come down and help us find the dogs. The greyhound community is so amazing. It’s just unbelievable.”

Despite their obvious agility, these sighthounds with exceptional vision, (270 degrees compared to a human’s 180 degrees), are surprisingly low-maintenance. They are known for their clean habits, minimal dander and relatively low odor, making them suitable for people with allergies. Their sleek fur requires infrequent grooming, often just three times a year. The breed’s intelligence and sensitivity make them excellent companions, though they might initially find some aspects of domestic life — like seeing windows or encountering other dog breeds — novel and exciting. Male greyhounds generally weigh between 70 to 85 pounds, while females are lighter, ranging from 58 to 65 pounds. They also have a unique blood type that makes them universal blood donors. “We carry cards in our wallet so that if we’re out of town and have to go to a veterinarian and they don’t know anything about greyhounds, we can show them that, ‘hey, no, that’s not abnormal for a greyhound,’” said Shea. “They’re just a unique breed.” 

Greyhound white and tan
Black greyhound

Adoptions worth every moment

The adoption process involves home visits to ensure a good match between the greyhound and the prospective owner. Shea and Schlentner, alongside their team, evaluate the home environment, routines and personalities of both the potential owner and the dog. This thorough process helps in pairing the right greyhound with the right home, catering to individual needs such as energy levels and compatibility with other pets. All dogs come fixed, are up-to-date on shots and dental and are registered with the National Greyhound Association (NGA), which is a different gene pool than the American Kennel Club (AKC). 

Shea and Schlentner remain focused on finding loving homes for these animals rather than diving into the politics of racing. “If I could tell you anything about what I want you to take away with greyhounds is that they are loving. They love their people, they’re affectionate, they’re intelligent, they’re gentle and, to me, the most fascinating thing is watching them transition from being an athlete to a family member,” said Schlentner. “It’s like a blossoming.”

For the numerous local greyhound meetups organized by James River Greyhounds, visit jamesrivergreyhounds.org.

Similar Posts