Because Greyhound Racing has changed tremndously over the last 18 years we have applied and been approved through the State and IRS to change our name to Greyhound Retirement Foundation of Tennessee, Inc. and we can still be GRFT. Our non profit status has remained unchanged along with our EIN Number. It all began with a chance encounter. We each met and fell in love with the elegant greyhounds, it changed us, and we've changed others. That's all it takes to make a difference. "Build it and they will come". "Others will feel your passion and will help to make it happen." Greyhound Rescue Foundation of Tennessee became a reality in June 2000 with the passion to help make a difference with rehoming x-racing greyhounds. We are a 501 (c)3 non profit, all-volunteer greyhound adoption group. It is our belief that racing greyhounds should all have a chance to be placed into loving, responsible homes at the end of their careers. Our mission is to inform the public about the retired racers, show them to be the beautiful, gentle animals that they are, and make a difference in the lives of as many retired racers as possible. We believe that racing greyhounds deserve every chance to become a treasured family member at the end of their careers, and will strive to provide the best possible homes for them. We know we cannot help them all, only the ones we touch as in the “STARFISH STORY”. Our goals are to focus on what OUR group can do to make a difference, not with politics, not with anti-racing lobbying, not with competing with other groups but with devotion to promote adoption into loving forever homes. GRFT maintains a neutral stance on Greyhound racing. We are Pro Greyhound. We make every effort to work with both the racing industry and other adoption groups for the benefit of the retired racers. GRFT strives to focus our efforts on helping retired racers for a simple reason: Greyhounds make wonderful pets. The dogs are easygoing, happy and affectionate. They're smart, learn quickly and adapt easily. Unlike the image many people have, greyhounds are not hyper. As a matter of fact, they're often referred to as 45-mile-an-hour couch potatoes and they don't need big backyards or lots of exercise. GRFT has placed many greyhounds in apartments and condos, with everyone from singles to seniors, to families with and without kids and to families with other/different kinds of pets. If you are located beyond our area, we will refer you to a group closer to you that can help you and offer better support due to your location. We feel each qualified loving home needs a chance to let a greyhound race into their home and heart and that will be one more deserving greyhound that finds a family of its own.
1. Gain knowledge about Greyhounds. 2. Call us for information. 3. Join us at one of our Meet and Greets and talk to a representative and meet the hounds. click here for scheduled Meet and Greets 4. Read an informative book about Greyhounds such as "Adopting the Racing Greyhound" by Cynthia A. Branigan and "Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies" by Lee Livinggood 5. Complete an adoption application. (can be obtained at one of our Meet and Greets or by email) As of January 1, 2007 a $20.00 non refundable Application fee will be required. The Adoption Fee is an additional $275.00 as of July 1, 2020. The Adoption Fee is to help cover expenses incurred. 6. After personal and Vet references are approved, a home visit will be required to ensure that the Greyhound and your family including any other pets you may have are compatible. 7. Once the home visit is concluded and if all goes well, and the GRFT Rep and you determine this is the right Greyhound for your family, you will sign a contract. The Adoption fee will be required at this time by check or cash and you will receive your life long companion.