Greyhound Adoption Kennel to host 25th Anniversary Picnic
The Greyhound Adoption Kennel in North Fort Myers will host a special celebration Saturday, Nov. 6 – the 25th anniversary for the organization.
The Greyhound Adoption Kennel is a nonprofit group that places greyhounds in homes locally and across the country. It is set up so donations are tax deductible for those who, even if they cannot adopt, can make donations to transport, feed and house the animals until they are adopted.
Donna Forster started the organization 25 years ago.
“I started this when I was 22, when I got my first greyhound. Since then I’ve tried to find as many loving homes for them as I could,” she said.
Her organization got a big influx of the dogs when the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track closed May 31 for the summer.
“We ended up with a total of 32 greyhounds while they closed for the summer season,” Forster said.
Though racing will resume at the track, these dogs will not go back.
On Nov. 6, there will be a picnic from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Lee County Posse Arena. It will be a celebration and a chance for people to meet adoptable dogs.
“The public is invited to bring dogs, but greyhound dogs only, please,” she said. “But, you don’t have to have a greyhound to come. I’m hoping for a good time to be had by all.”
Local individuals and businesses will be helping with the event.
“We’re very proud to have Hooters and Pizza T Rific as our food vendors,” Forster said. “We also have many raffle sponsors, minimum 20 at this time.
“We will be showing dogs available for adoption, and be happy to answer any question about them,” she said.
Forster talked about the nature of greyhounds.
“They take retirement seriously,” she said. “They sleep 70 percent of the time, rarely bark, and many are good with cats and small dogs. We pride ourselves with matching the right greyhound with the right family.”
There are no paid employees at the kennel, located in a quiet spot on several acres at the far east end of North Fort Myers. It has shady trees, a big kennel and places for the dogs to stay while awaiting adoption.
Forster opens the doors each weekend, Saturday-Sunday, at the kennel from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. During the week by appointment.
The kennel is now housing dozens of dogs to be matched with perspective adoptive families.
It is also in need of small to medium size stuffed animals for the greyhounds. For those planning on throwing any out, please donate the toys to the Greyhound Adoption Kennel.
They can really use them right now, organizers said.
The kennel is located at 11551 Deal Road, near the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers.
The event site is the Lee County Posse Arena, at 17401 Palm Creek Drive, North Fort Myers, about two miles east of Interstate 75, Exit 143.
The website is: www.greyhoundadoptionkennel.com.
To be part of a future adoption or to make a tax-deductible donation, attend the weekend open houses or call Forster for more information at 731-3187. Checks can be sent to Greyhound Adoption Kennel, 11551 Deal Road, North Fort Myers, FL 33917.