Testimonials
Guinness
We adopted Guinness (race name MR Nate) from Hardee Hero Hounds in September of 2018, and he more than lives up to the words on his nametag, “Guinness: Good Dog!” He also answers to “The Best Boy.” He is funny and very loving, and that’s because he came from the caring environment at Hardee where he was able to really bond with his trainers! Two years later, they’d be proud to know that he still waits politely in his crate for dinner, still knows how to give kisses, and can still shake hands like a senator. And yes, hot dogs are still his favorite special treat! - Sarah and Chris (Richmond, VA)
Hawkeye
Graduate of HCCI Session 19 (March 2016) and CFRC Service Dog trained, graduated 2/14/2020. He loves to run and is the perfect gentleman, so he gets to go everywhere. - Billie M.
Jabari
Jabari is a PTSD service dog trained at CFRC for a veteran in Virginia. Gloriana M. (Woodbridge, VA)
Kiki
We adopted our wonderful greyhound, Kiki, on February 20, 2015, when she graduated as a Hardee Hound. Her racing name was DKC Key Stone but we changed it to Lady Keystone, or Kiki for short. I knew that I wanted to do Animal Assisted Therapy work, so I quickly got her certified with a local group and we started working in a program called Paws to Read, which helps children with learning disabilities learn to read. Kiki was a natural! She is so gentle and patient, and has a wonderful calming effect on kids who can tend to be a bit hyper-active. We made weekly visits to two elementary schools, where Kiki was a hit not only with the kids and their teachers but with all the staff. After all, who doesn’t need a little puppy love from time to time? We also were part of a larger group who made regular visits to an area hospital. Many people had never met a greyhound before and had lots of questions for us. We look forward to resuming our therapy work once conditions permit.
Kiki has brought more joy to my life than I ever imagined possible, and I credit the Greyhound Advancement Center and the program at Hardee for giving her the training that made it so easy for her to transition into her second career. - J.D. Tampa, FL
Rudy
I’ve had him since he was 1 1/2 years old. I think got him in Feb 2009. Rudy was certified as a therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International (TDI) and visited elementary schools, The Pines ALF, the Senior Center, and other places. It was super easy to do because Rudy is so gentle and eager to please. He has been nicknamed “the goodwill ambassador” by neighbors due to his genial approach to all. - Kathleen V.
Flynn and Fenway
Flynn was adopted two years ago through the Hardee Hound program. He learned so much while in the program. He learned all the commands that dogs need to become great companions. He went from being a racer to a retired happy couch potato. He now has a brother Fenway, whom we adopted through the CFRC program. Fenway was trained to be a service dog. He is a great companion. He has been a great comfort dog to me, especially after my aunt died unexpectedly at the beginning of the year. All of his training has paid off.
Both Flynn and Fenway have come along way with the Hardee/CFRC program. They are both smart and almost seem to have a sixth sense about things either before or right as things are going on in our lives.
Both programs are wonderful for the dogs as well as their owners. I recommend the program when people ask where we rescued them from. We sing nothing but high praises for the program. The old saying who rescued who is very true with these rescues.
- Jen and Mark T. (Fairfax, VA)
Herbie, Will, KC, Fiona, Blu
I am extremely fortunate that the first greyhound I adopted was already enrolled in the Greyhound Advancement Center. When I attended his graduation I was amazed at how many commands each of the dogs had learned. Even more astounding was to witness the effect the dogs had on their trainers. This program not only provides the owners with a well trained dog, but gives inmates the opportunity to grow as individuals and have the skill set to pursue a career once they are back in society. This program truly changes lives! I feel privileged and proud that all of my dogs have attended the Greyhound Advancement Center. - Laura S.
Tina
We love Tina. We think she’s happy at our home, her trainer said she didn’t play with toys and she’s already been playing. She is doing well with her commands and hasn’t had any accidents. Thank you Greyhound Advancement Center - Stephanie H.
Mandy
Amanda Seyfried, whelped November 6, 2011. The first time I saw Mandy I knew I wanted her! Mandy was a shy girl upon entering GAC for training. She would not race! She often would not walk on leash. She would freeze! Her trainer was patient and kind with her. He taught her to trust people. The following is from his notes: “Well, this is my first week with Mandy and I have to say it’s been a demanding one. Mandy is not a bad dog. She’s non-aggressive and very docile. She is very intelligent and shows outstanding attentiveness. Her problems are that she statues and that she has separation anxiety.” His suggestion for her adopter was “for the first few weeks in your home shower Mandy with your love and attention, try and be patient, and use treats.” I can honestly say she has been getting love, attention and treats since joining our family 12/7/2013. Not only is she a gentle soul she shares her home and beds with 2 chihuahuas, a Pekingese mix and one very senior min-pin! Her trainer has since been released. The following is from his journal: “Hopefully, one day I’ll see Mandy again and if I do I hope she’ll remember me because I will always remember the joy she brought to my life.” I am certain she would remember him. He still carries her photo in his wallet. Thank you GAC. - Sue H. Venice, FL
Chewie and Finnegan
We drove from Virginia to Florida during a hurricane to pick up Chewie. He is the best! The training he received allowed us to get him therapy dog certified and he has completed over 75 visits since. 6 months later, we adopted Finnegan and were able to attend graduation. It’s amazing to see the skills and life lessons the dogs teach the trainers, as they teach the dogs obedience commands. It’s truly a win-win situation. We recommend the program to everyone we know. - Becky and Kevin M. (Gainesville, VA)
Fuji and Rosie
My husband and I heard about the Hardee Hound program, wherein prison inmates work with greyhounds right off the track to accustom them to living with humans, and were curious. We researched the program and became convinced this was a win-win proposition for the dogs and the inmates: the dogs learn that humans are loving and kind, the inmates learn a skill that may serve them upon release. What we found blew us away! We have been so amazed at how easily our 2 new family members melted into our lives. We have had the privilege of being owned by our 2 greyhounds for 2.5 years now, and we love them more each day! Greyhounds are low energy, calm, loving dogs that are so thankful every day that they were rescued. We are so thankful to the Greyhound Advancement Center Program for creating this incredible partnership with the prisons and saving the retired racing greyhounds so that they may come into our homes and provide constant love and companionship. - Sue and Mark (Jeffersonton, VA)