A Greyhound's Journey: How Bethany's REGAP Saves Dogs Like Birdie

For greyhounds like Birdie, REGAP of Connecticut -- which hosts its annual PetsAffair fundraiser Saturday -- is more than just a second chance. Sometimes it's a third chance.

Birdie was already a senior when her owner passed away, putting her back in the hands of REGAP founder Eileen McCaughern, who had gotten her years ago from a greyhound track when she was just two (racing dogs' lifespans are often only between two and four years.) McCaughern found her a "forever home" with Cathie Hendersen, a greyhound lover in Orange, just a few weeks ago. She's one of McCaughern's most recent success stories.

Since 1973, McCaughern has rescued thousands of greyhounds through REGAP (Retired Greyhounds as Pets.) When she started, greyhounds were routinely destroyed by their owners. Since then, she's won recognition, including as Animal Planet's 2008 Hero of the Year after she saved her 15 greyhounds from her burning home. And today, REGAP organizations are commonplace.

"These guys race their hearts out for everybody," says McCaughern. "The state, the owners, the trainers. And what do they get in return? Nothing. So you gotta speak for them."

McCaughern's annual PetsAffair fundraiser is one of her biggest chances to speak for greyhounds. Since she cares for all the dogs herself -- and often receives "donated" dogs from race tracks and owners, who thankfully no longer euthanize dogs -- the organization needs all the help it can get.

"We're always in need of funding for vet costs alone," she says. "If we get someone in like birdie, they need that extra attention. Birdie had to have ten teeth extracted. Another dog had to had 28 out of 36 teeth pulled."

PetsAffair features a silent auction with donated items from Vazzy's in Shelton, a bake sale and a professional pet photographer -- plus plenty of easily adoptable greyhounds.

"It's a perfect opportunity to mingle with greyhounds and talk to people about the breed," says McCaughern. "We've got some nice dogs right now just waiting for their forever homes."

PetsAffair will take place, rain or shine, Saturday, September 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 105 Fairwood Road, Bethany.