John the Greyhound takes a nap. John was one of the 50-60 greyhounds rescued from a Mobile, Ala., racetrack. (Photos provided)

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Between 50 and 60 greyhounds are looking for temporary homes after a racetrack kennel was shut down last week in Mobile, Ala.

Stephanie Jones of American Greyhound rescue puts out the call for area residents to take the dogs into their homes and “teach them how to be dogs.” Jones added that the dogs spent most of their lives in kennels, coming out long enough to race, then going right back in.

Because of this, many of the dogs exhibit a few trait oddities, such as walking into glass doors or staring confused at their reflections. Some of the dogs are afraid of things like hardwood flooring, which they would not have encountered in the racetrack kennels. It will be up to individuals in each foster home to help the dogs acclimate to being part of a family.

“Greyhounds in general are loving and affectionate dogs that thrive on human companionship,” Jones said. “They are relatively clean dogs with minimal shedding. (They are) often referred to as the 45 mile-per-hour couch potato, as they are lazy dogs who prefer to sleep a lot.”

Sporting a brindle coat, “Sneaky” is one of the many greyhounds who has been adopted through American Greyhound rescue.

Because greyhounds can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour in just three strides — making them second only to cheetahs for speed — these sleek racing dogs need to be kept on leashes at all times or in fenced-in back yards.

Aside from that, Jones said, all the foster home has to do is feed and take care of the dogs. American Greyhound will cover all vet bills, expenses relating to any special needs the dog may have and a crate for the dog to sleep in. Foster homes only keep the dogs until they are adopted.

Jones specified that while there are many reputable racetracks that employ humane practices in caring for their dogs, many others do not.

“Often, we receive dogs who are malnourished and in need of veterinary care,” she said. “As a foster family, you provide love, some food to get meat on their bones, a warm house and, above all, teach these gentle souls how to be a dog.”

Though based in Valparaiso, American Greyhound works with pet fosters throughout Warsaw, Goshen, Elkhart and other local areas.

Those interested in learning more about fostering greyhounds can click here.