06/11/2026
Part 1 - finding a breed that meant everything…
Part 1 of 2: Finding the Breed That Changed Everything — An Interview with Sharyn D.
Interviewer: How did greyhounds first come into your life?
Sharyn D.: Completely by accident — and thanks to a very sneaky therapist!
After I had a hip replacement, my therapist and I became friends. One day she casually announced, “I found a dog for you.” My husband immediately replied, “We can’t have a dog right now.”
Naturally, she invited us over for dinner the next evening.
After dinner she suggested we go for a walk, which somehow led us around the corner to a gated house. We knocked on the door, and through the glass was a black greyhound looking back at us. My husband peeked in and said, “He’d be okay.”
That was the beginning of everything.
The only problem? We were leaving for a 14-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. I spent the entire trip worrying someone else would adopt that sweet greyhound before we got home. Thankfully, he was still there waiting for us.
Years later, the woman admitted she had planned to keep him for us all along.
Funny enough, after adopting many more greyhounds from her and volunteering at Meet & Greets for years, I eventually took over her adoption group!
Interviewer: What was it about greyhounds specifically that captured your heart?
Sharyn D.: Oh, those eyes… those ears… that nose… and their loving personalities. Greyhounds just have a way of completely stealing your heart.
They’re gentle, affectionate, funny, and incredibly loyal. Once you live with one, it’s hard to imagine life without them.
Interviewer: What was the learning curve like when you first became involved in the greyhound world?
Sharyn D.: Honestly, it didn’t take very long because I wanted to learn everything I could. I talked to experienced people, read books about racing greyhounds and their care, and spent as much time around the dogs as possible.
The more I learned, the more fascinated I became with the breed and the community surrounding them.
Interviewer: As you learned more about racing and adoption, what surprised you the most?
Sharyn D.: Discovering how many things I had originally been told simply were not true.
The more I researched, read, and spoke directly with people involved in racing, the more I realized how important firsthand knowledge and education really are. Reading is fundamental, and so is listening to people who actually work with the dogs every day.
Interviewer: Was there a particular person or experience that influenced your perspective on greyhound racing?
Sharyn D.: Bob Crossland had a significant impact on my perspective and understanding of the racing side of the breed.
Interviewer: What do you think surprises people most when they meet a retired racing greyhound for the first time?
Sharyn D.: How friendly and calm they are.
People often expect these high-strung athletes, but retired racers are usually mellow, loving dogs who are perfectly content lounging around the house — until they spot a rabbit, of course!
Interviewer: Looking back, when did you truly feel part of the greyhound community?
Sharyn D.: Probably after attending several Meet & Greets and helping transport retired racing greyhound blood donors from Hemopet.
That was when I realized this wasn’t just about owning dogs anymore — it was about being part of a passionate and supportive community dedicated to the breed.
Stay tuned for Part 2!
