My family recently adopted a retired racing greyhound. As I was moving through the process of adopting this dog, I was struck by some of the similarities to adopting an older child. Of course, adopting a child is much more complicated, and there are numerous differences, but I did see a lot of wisdom in the adoption process put into place for bringing this dog into our home. So, I thought I would put together a series on this topic.

There are many retired racing greyhounds who need homes. The breeders no longer want the dogs after they lose their profitability on the racetrack, so greyhound rescues provide these dogs with homes until they can find a forever family. There are a limited number of facilities available to take these dogs, and there is a limited amount of funding available to feed and house them. The rescues do what they can to recruit parents to adopt these dogs while making do with limited resources to take care of the dogs.

Similarly, there are many children awaiting forever homes all over the world. In some countries, like the United States, they wait in foster homes. In other countries, the children live in orphanages. Because of a shortage of long-term foster care options, some children wind up moving through several short-term foster placements until a long-term placement can be worked out. Some orphanages are overcrowded, but they have to make do. What other alternative is there?

Just like in greyhound kennels, there is a limited amount of resources available to feed and shelter these children, so those taking care of the children must do the best they can with what they have available. In the case of my greyhound, this meant that he lost five pounds while waiting for a forever home, or 7% of his body mass. In the poorer countries, children can be malnourished because there is simply not enough food available to feel all of the children adequately.

Most people are saddened by these state of affairs in both the world of dogs and children waiting to be adopted, but only a small percentage choose to make room in their homes and lives for those waiting for forever families. For some, educating themselves about the special needs of those waiting for homes will open their hearts to bringing those who wait into their lives. For others, educating themselves drives home why this would not be a good match. Either way, education is key to making the best choice for your family.

Related Blogs:

• Older Child Adoption blog


• International Adoption blog