WOODINVILLE, Wash. - Despite their impressive power and blazing speed, Jason and Rocket were washouts on the race track.
They and plenty of over-the-hill greyhounds end up useless to the track operators and then become homeless. When their running days are over they need a place to stay.
That place is Greyhound Pets Inc. of Woodinville. Here, the temperature is constant and the radio is always on.
Country music seems to put the dogs at ease and blocks out outside noise.
"We wanted to make it as energy efficient long term, have as many runs as possible for available dogs," said kennel coordinator Moira Corrigan.
They started with the heating system and decided to go geothermal. It cost more to put in the system and its nearly two miles of underground pipes that capture the heat of the earth and circulated it through the kennel. But they expect it will pay for itself in lower energy costs within the next five or six years.
They tried to brighten up the experience for the rescued pups by dotting the roof with skylights and ended up saving a bundle on lighting costs. And when they decided to install an entire septic system to handle the doggie doo, they ended up saving money in garbage disposal fees. All they have to do is spray down the kennel slips and all that unwanted stuff goes down a drain right into the septic. That kept a stream of potentially harmful poop from flowing into the surrounding environment.
They also used time-tested methods for circulating clean air through the kennel area that does not require fans or forced air.
The group that takes in 150 to 200 racing dogs each year is protecting their budget, the environment and their greyhounds all at the same time.
Greyhound Pets is always looking for good homes for its retired racers dozens of new dogs are coming. Get more information on their Web site,
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