As Greyhound Friends of North Carolina (GFNC) embarks on its 32nd year, we are filled with gratitude for all that we’ve accomplished together and excited for what the future holds. Since our founding in 1993, our dedicated volunteers have placed more than 6,800 retired racing greyhounds with loving families. While much has changed over the years, our mission remains the same; to find loving, forever homes for these wonderful dogs.
A Year in Review – 2024 Highlights
2024 was a year of significant milestones and meaningful connections within the GFNC family.
- Over 70 Greyhounds Adopted: We are proud to have found loving homes for more than 70 retired racing greyhounds throughout the year. Every adoption represents a success story and a new beginning for a deserving dog.
- 20th Annual Mountain Hounds Event: In May, we celebrated two decades of our beloved Mountain Hounds event in Gatlinburg, TN. The event brought together greyhound enthusiasts from all over, raising awareness and funds to continue our mission.
- The TGS Merge: In 2021, the Triangle Greyhound Society (TGS) merged with GFNC, creating a satellite location for greyhounds in the Raleigh area. In October 2024, a group of former TGS volunteers launched a new adoption group focusing on bringing greyhounds from England and Ireland. While we are sorry to see them leave, our two groups have had a history of working together that spans more than 25 years and we fully expect to see it continue when and where possible
- Retirement of MAC Dogs: November marked the retirement of the last of Patrick McMillion’s MAC greyhounds, with Mac’s Gobstopper closing his career in a spectacular fashion by winning his final race.
- Senior and Special Needs Greyhounds: Throughout the year, we provided care for several senior and special needs greyhounds, ensuring they received the attention and medical care they needed.
- Supporting Other Groups: We continue to collaborate with other greyhound groups, to help even more greyhounds find their forever homes.
Looking Ahead – 2025: A Year of New Opportunities
As we step into 2025, we are excited about the opportunities ahead for GFNC and the greyhounds we serve:
- Continuing our mission: We are partnering with a new owner in West Virginia and the track adoption kennel to bring more greyhounds to the Charlotte and Wilmington areas, increasing our ability to place more dogs in loving homes.
- 21st Annual Mountain Hounds Event: Plans are already underway for our 21st Annual Mountain Hounds Event, scheduled for May 29th – June 1st in Gatlinburg, TN. We can’t wait to see familiar faces and welcome new greyhound lovers to this special occasion.
- Approaching 7,000 Adoptions: We are on the cusp of reaching an incredible milestone – 7,000 greyhounds adopted! This achievement would not be possible without the support of our amazing volunteers, donors, and adopters.
Gratitude for Your Support
As 2024 draws to a close and 2025 begins, we want to express our deepest appreciation for your continued support. Your generous financial contributions and the countless hours our volunteers have dedicated make our work possible. Your commitment enables us to continue providing the care, medical attention, and love that our greyhounds need. We’ve been able to tackle unexpected medical expenses and continue to help more dogs find their forever homes thanks to your kindness.
On behalf of the entire Board and the GFNC family, we thank you for being part of our journey. As we look forward to 2025, we ask that you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help fund our ongoing efforts to place retired racing greyhounds into loving homes. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of these incredible dogs.
Here’s to another greyt year!
The Board of Directors
Greyhound Friends of North Carolina