This time of year, we’re bombarded by images of pets shivering in the snow, left outside to fend for themselves. These lonely souls touch our hearts and we want to help them feel less alone.

But dogs are lonely all year long, and in many different situations. Retired racing Greyhounds, in particular, are often overlooked because of their large size or perceived unsuitability as a family pet. Young, healthy dogs with wonderful personalities are passed over every day.

Our partners in Ireland and Australia are flooded with Greyhounds leaving the track. These dogs are ready for homes right away, but wait months for space at a rehoming center, then wait even longer to be chosen. There are just too many Greyhounds for them all to be adopted locally.

The retired racers are cared for while they wait, but many other sighthounds don’t have this luxury.

The hunting season in Spain ended on February first and hunters now are deciding which of their Galgos they will keep. Those dogs that don’t make the cut will be disposed of: killed outright, dropped into wells to starve, dumped in the countryside with crippling injuries, or worse. The fortunate few will stay alive until they can be rescued off the streets, or will be left at crowded local shelters.

The brutality these hunting dogs face is unimaginable; yet, when adopted, they are sweet, gentle, and loving.   

Fast Friends is ready to help retired racers in Australia and Ireland, hunting Galgos in Spain, and other sighthounds in similar situations, but we need your help.

Before a dog can come to Fast Friends, they need vaccines, health checks, and plane tickets. They need transportation to and from the airport, special travel kennels, and customs brokers. It all adds up to much more than the adoption fee, and the dogs need you to make the trip happen.

How you can help

International rescue is expensive, but these dogs have no chance of becoming pets in their home countries. They deserve to live out their lives with families who love and cherish them.

Please consider a gift to help these deserving dogs have their chance to find love and belonging. Together, we are the gateway for these dogs, bringing them from a life on the streets or waiting in shelters to a new life with a family who will treasure them. With your help, we can make a difference, one dog at a time.

Make your gift today using the form below so this live-changing work can continue!

If you’d prefer, you can also make your gift

– through PayPal
– through Venmo (@fastfriends in the app)
– by calling 603-355-1556 with your credit card
– by sending a check or money order to:
Fast Friends, PO Box 10093, Swanzey, NH 03446