Rescuing and Rehoming Retired Racing Greyhounds

Tracy Keeling’s search for a pet led to a life-changing journey.

It was 2009 and Keeling’s apartment complex decided to allow dogs. As she looked for a four-legged companion, she stumbled upon Greyhound Pets of America’s (GPA) booth at a dog show.

That moment set in motion a lifetime commitment for Keeling, the associate director of admissions operations for MBA and MS Programs at the Carlson School.

GPA Minnesota is a Twin-Cities-based, volunteer-run greyhound adoption organization, dedicated to placing retired racing greyhounds in loving forever families.

After reading up on the breed’s unique characteristics and considering the lifestyle change, she welcomed her first greyhound, Buddy, into her life. The joy and fulfillment of this adoption journey didn’t stop there. Within a year and a half, they welcomed another greyhound, Pearl, into their family, proving that adopting greyhounds can be addictive—“like potato chips,” Keeling jokes.

Keeling’s passion for greyhounds didn’t stop at adopting. She soon became actively involved in GPA’s meet-and-greet events. Gradually, her commitment deepened and she became the organization’s president.

“This really was the perfect dog for me,” she says. “And I became incredibly passionate about GPA’s mission and helping lead the organization. I just want to make a positive impact on animal adoption and build a loving community for the dogs and their owners.”

As GPA’s involvement with international greyhound rescues grew, Keeling spearheaded efforts to bring in retired racing greyhounds from Ireland and Australia, ensuring more dogs found loving forever homes. Over the years, the organization has successfully rescued and rehomed countless dogs, contributing to the end of the unfortunate practice of euthanizing retired racing greyhounds.