(DEWEY BEACH, Del.) - Dog lovers are in for a nice treat. Groves of greyhounds and their owners are hitting Dewey Beach over the next four days for "Greyhounds Reach The Beach."
They're hoping to encourage greyhound adoptions and have some fun in the sun.
"It's so much fun to be able to enjoy a vacation with your greyhound or other dogs," said Rissa Miller, a greyhound owner.
Miller and many others would usually leave their dogs at home while on vacation. But event-goers said the twenty year old event is calling all greyhounds to soak up the sun with their owners.
"It's nice to vacation with your best friend," said an excited Janet Utter. "We're having some fun."
"Greyhounds Reach The Beach" isn't all fun and relaxation. The event has lost some steam over the years after, according to event-goers, the sponsor dropped out because the event was getting too large. You couldn't tell that was the issue Wednesday, as beach turnout was light. The event is now loosely coordinated through facebook and word of mouth. Though many people continue to come to promote greyhound adoption.
Teresa Glover, a librarian, said she adopted her greyhounds after several years of being raced in Florida.
"When you take them in, you know that they come from a rough place. Even at the best, life on the track is a hard life."
Greyhound racing is a multi-million dollar business. According to the largest greyhound protection organization, Grey2k, it brings in about $300,000,000 in bets yearly. Peta' website says hounds are raced until about four or five years old and then retired when the dogs lose their mojo.
Owners believe 'hounds' are a special breed.
"I love their sweet nature. I think they really know how to give love, express love," said Janet Utter. "They're happy, happy dogs."
"They're always sweet and gentle. People think greyhounds are high- strung, but it couldn't be further from true. Most of them really just want to sleep on the sofa," said miller.
The greyhounds will be wagging their tails all over Dewey Beach until October 12. There are a number of events planned for the dogs and their owners, including an ice cream social Friday night. Author Susan Morse will also be signing copies of her book, "The Dog Stays in the Picture", at Browse About Books in Rehoboth Beach Saturday afternoon.