They sit in crates row after row, some on top and some on the bottom. They watch you as you walk down the aisle, their eyes following your path. Sometimes you can hear a tail wag and thump against the floor of the crate but you know that this is not like walking into a racing kennel filled with young dogs. These are broods, older, more dignified and maybe a bit more cautious.

I found it unnerving to say the least. Where was all the barking, all the excitement? Then I got a lesson from one of the farm employees as to what their lives were like at this particular farm. Many of them had spent years on the racetrack and then because of their good blood lines and excellent race record were sent to the farm to become broods and, hopefully, pass on their good genes to new generations of greyhounds. Some had been injured as youngsters and retired early, some had never been to the track but there was still hope that their proven ancestors would contribute to more good pups.

They lived in a brood barn that looks much like a race kennel with the rows of double-tiered crates lining the walls. Four times a day they are turned out into the exercise yard for potty breaks and a bit of fun. It was there that I saw their personalities come out, some running like pups themselves, nipping at the girls next to them, some walking off by themselves to lay in the sun, some barking just being silly.

Each day they are checked to see if they are in season, copious records are kept, breeding is a science and expensive. If and when the time is right, the dog is shipped over to a veterinarian who specializes in breeding greyhounds. Most of the girls on this farm are sent to be implanted with frozen semen from a specially selected stud dog. And no, the stud and the brood never do get to meet in person!! The pellet of frozen semen is placed directly into the uterus via an incision in her belly; she is sewn up and goes back to the farm the next day, back to her crate in the barn.

When she is close to her due date (approximately 60 days after receiving the implant) she is moved into the whelping house to await the birth of her pups. Her "room" is about 6' X 6' and filled with lots of shredded paper. This is where she gives birth and raises her babies. After her babies are weaned and sent out into the puppy yard, she goes back to her crate until her owner wants her bred again and the cycle repeats itself.

But what happens to most of these broods when they don't produce any more pups or it is found that those she does produce are not good racers? I assume there are less options for these girls than there are for the graded off racer. BUT the best-kept secret in all of racingdom is that these girls are the very best companions imaginable!!! They are ready for a soft blanket and some fuzzy toys. They love to be loved and they can be so grown up and dignified one minute and so puppy-like the next. They have so much to give and so much to learn about the big world and all it has to offer. Haven't they have earned that opportunity?

We brought home four more broods today, one ten year old, two nine year olds and one seven year old. As we loaded them into the van, the lady on the farm who cares for them was heard to whisper to each of them, "See, I told you that you were going "home"." I could see the tears in her eyes along with the smile on her face. We pulled away with four little faces pressed against the back window and you could almost feel the concern and confusion flooding the van. By the time we got to the main road, all were facing forward, looking ahead. One of them came to the front of the van and rested her head on my shoulder for a little added comfort and reassurance. In a matter of minutes all four were lying down and dozing.

Once we reached home, we turned them all out in the yard so they could stretch their legs. And they ran and bounced and sniffed their way around the entire yard, every once in a while running back to us to share the fun. I don't know how long it had been since they had the freedom to run in a huge open space but they certainly had not forgotten that greyhounds love to run. And yet they quieted down to be bathed and have their ears cleaned and be checked for fleas' and ticks. Then they went inside to settle down for a rest because tonight they leave on the next leg of their journey which will take them that much closer to "home".

One of them goes directly into a permanent home where she will be reunited with her pup that turned 8 months old that very day. The other three go into foster care where all of their medical needs will be met and they will learn of the joys and warmth and love that home life brings.

I have always felt that the broods are the forgotten greyhounds. They put in a lifetime of racing and puppy producing and that is the end for them. These are not all very old dogs and most of them have years and years ahead of them that could be spent with a family that would love and care for them. And, oh how much they have to give in return! So I share this well kept secret with you and hope that you might find a bit of room in your home and your heart for one of these special girls.