In its third year, Greyt Escape: Kennels to Kouches will be held at the scenic Oglebay Resort and Conference Center ,welcoming over 200 attendees and their greyhound companions to a weekend full of exciting events.
Greyt Escape was started after the Ohio State University Greyhound Wellness Conference concluded in 2012, but the greyhound adopters were not ready to lose this invaluable source of information and insight. They got the ball rolling to expand upon the format and increase the educational opportunity it provided attendees. It was only logical that Wheeling be chosen as the location to host this event as the organizers wished to show attendees more than just health and wellness, but to allow them to experience the racer’s life from birth on the farm to running on the track to the adoption program. We were welcomed with open arms at Wheeling Island Race Track and Casino, who hosted the entire event the previous two years. Not to mention how scenic Wheeling is! The rolling hills and winding roads make for a beautiful drive in and around town, and the residents seem to welcome our cohorts with open arms as many of us patronize various restaurants and stores in downtown Wheeling.
The event kicks off on Friday night with a gala dinner featuring keynote speaker Dr. Guillermo Couto and the Greyhound Health Initiative. Saturday will feature an open vending space and various forums, as well as Couto’s hosting a Wellness Conference and Lee Livingood speaking on Greyhound adoption, and behavior. Events continue Sunday at the Wheeling Island track featuring live racing, an open house at the Three Rivers-GPA (Wheeling) Adoption Center, and tours of local puppy farms.
Greyt Escape is an opportunity that many greyhound owners do not get the chance to explore. The organizers hope that those who experience this event not only enjoy themselves, but also take away a better understanding of their wonderful companions and their amazing past.
