Mississauga, ON – The life of a racetrack greyhound can be sadly short.  By the age of four, most are ‘retired’ from racing and from there the future is uncertain.  The best racers are often used for breeding in living conditions that vary.  Some are abandoned and the fortunate ones are given to non-profit organizations such as Greyhounds in Need of Adoption (GINA).  Ivana Wells, a REALTOR® with Sutton Group – Quantum Realty Inc.*, volunteers with GINA helping to educate the public and fostering the newly arrived greyhounds.  Ivana’s home is usually the first one the dogs have ever experienced.  Three weeks of foster care helps them become accustomed to a loving domestic environment as their personalities are assessed to match each one to the most suitable owner.

In addition to fostering the rescued greyhounds, Ivana also donates a portion of her commissions to GINA and helps to educate people.  Ivana and other volunteers occasionally bring their greyhounds to shopping malls where they rent space and introduce this breed to the public.

Ivana developed an interest in greyhounds many years ago and began to learn about them.  “Greyhounds are very friendly and sociable dogs.  They are used to continuous contact with dogs and humans alike.  They are usually quiet and eager to please.  With this information, I found out how to get my first greyhound.  He came originally from Philadelphia.  He was 18-months-old and never entered into races—lucky him!  He was absolutely beautiful—white with black markings.  To my great surprise, within a month, he was totally accustomed to life as a pet.  He lived a rich life for almost 13 years and we still miss him a lot!  It took me two years to decide to get another greyhound and I discovered there were several rescue organizations in Canada.”

“After adopting my new ‘grey’ Tilly, I decided I really wanted to get involved in helping to rescue and find homes for more of these amazing dogs through GINA.”

Dogs rescued by GINA are tested for ticks, vaccinated, microchipped for identification and neutered/spayed.  The organization also provides valuable information to potential greyhound owners.  People may be surprised to learn that although greyhounds need regular exercise, these racers tire easily making them good urban dogs.  Their coat also requires little grooming.  One caution: rescued dogs are not used to young children.

Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company with more than 8,700 REALTORS® in over 200 offices nationwide.  To find out more about Sutton, visit www.sutton.com.  To learn more about Sutton Spirit, visit www.suttonspirit.com.

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Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd. Contact:

Gabriel Soh                  604-691-1610          stories@suttonspirit.com

Sutton Group – Quantum Realty Inc. * Contact:

Ivana Wells                  905-822-5000          ivanawells@gmail.com

* Independently owned and operated brokerage

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