Oct 18, 2009 - 04:30 AM

By Parvaneh Pessian

WHITBY -- Dozens of greyhounds raced along the backdrop of Whitby's waterfront at Rotary Sunrise Park last Saturday as part of an initiative to raise public awareness about the dire need for adopting the unique dogs.

The event, called Grey Matters, was hosted by the Galloping Greyhounds Play Group, an Oshawa-based organization that allows retired racing greyhounds from the surrounding area to put their running skills to use in a safe environment.

"The purpose of it is really just to give ex-racers an opportunity to run for fun in a fenced area and also socialize because many of the dogs know each other having lived together in kennels in the United States," said group organizer Renee Cotton, who brought along her beloved greyhounds, Morgan and Marius.

Though not an adoption agency, the group does offer plenty of information and education for people interested in welcoming one into their home.

"They're just very dignified and gorgeous animals and also, it's their personalities -- they're just so sweet, they're very gentle and not high energy," said Ms. Cotton on what she considers the highlights of greyhounds when recommending them for adoption.

"Also, thousands of them are abused or killed every year in racing tracks in the States when they can't run anymore and make money so I think it behooves us to do something to save them."

There are currently about 40 members in the Galloping Greyhound Play Group from across the region and parts of the GTA who venture out to the Whitby park every Wednesday evening. As colder weather creeps in, the group's organizers are currently looking for a winter horse barn as a location for the greyhounds to continue running together.

"We want to be out there to educate the public, to act as a link for the community to the various adoption agencies and also allow new greyhound owners to come to us if they have any questions or concerns," said Shannon Newport, a Whitby resident who rescued a greyhound named Topper last December.

"They're just wonderful, gentle dogs and they're so affectionate and friendly with everyone that I would certainly recommend them to anyone who is interested in adopting a pet."

E-mail: renee_cotton@rogers.com

Visit: www.gallopinggreyhounds.com