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Episode 6 – Recorded September 24, 2020
“It’s kind of in between a kennel and a home…so you really have a feel that they’re at home…it’s not your typical kennel.”
Viara Gentchev
Show Notes
Viara Gentchev is a breeder and operator of a new retired racing Greyhound care center — a “halfway house” concept pioneered by Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI, formerly the Irish Greyhound Board) and the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT). Greyhound care centers are just one of the innovative ways that the IRGT helps transition retired racers from the track to a new life with a new family.
Viara works closely with Barry Coleman and Joanna Murray of GRI, the governing body of Irish Greyhound racing. Barry serves as GRI’s racing operations manager, and Joanna serves as GRI’s welfare officer. Together, they’re raising awareness of Greyhound adoption in Ireland, the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
Collectively, their mission is to change the perception of the Greyhound as a racer and pet in Ireland. Care centers are just one of the ways that GRI helps to educate the public about Greyhounds as pets. GRI also provides funding for and enforcement of the proper care of Greyhounds in the country.
In Greyhound Nation’s second roundtable discussion, host John Parker discusses Irish Greyhound rehoming with Barry, Joanna and Viara. How does it compare with adoption groups in the United States? What efforts are made to expose the public to retired racers? How is the IRGT partnering with Greyhounds Pets of America to bring Irish Greyhounds to the United States?
