Minnesota Greyhound Lived Behind Kennel Bars For Four Years Between More Than 70 Races
After running 75 races and only knowing life in a kennel, a retired Minnesota Greyhound finally gets the chance to run just for fun—and surprises her new mom with her quirky, affectionate personality.
Life In The Fast Lane
For the first four years of her life, Cordelia the Greyhound only knew the inside of a kennel and the blur of the racetrack.
She was a competitive racing dog who ran approximately 75 races across tracks in Iowa and Florida.
It was a demanding lifestyle, and the sweet dog had never experienced the simple comforts of a normal home environment.
But when she reached four years old, her racing career came to an end due to her age, opening the door to a completely different world.
Finding Her Forever Human
That was when a woman named Ashley stepped into the picture to give the retired racer a second chance.
Ashley found Cordelia through the Northern Lights Greyhound Association, a rescue organization based in Minnesota.
Knowing that the dog had only ever lived in a kennel, Ashley was eager to show her what a loving home actually felt like.
The transition from a working dog to a beloved family pet was about to begin.
A Feline Personality
As Cordelia settled into her new life, Ashley quickly realized that her new dog had some wonderful quirks.
“She’s like a big cat, that’s the number one thing,” Ashley noted about the Greyhound’s unique demeanor.
When Cordelia gets really excited or happy, she becomes a little chatterbox.
She makes a unique sound that Ashley compares to a cat purring, a heartwarming sign that she is truly content.
Soaking Up The Affection
Despite her rigid early life, Cordelia was incredibly loving right from the start.
She craved physical touch and absolutely loved getting her ears and belly rubbed by her new mom.
To make sure she got maximum belly rubs, Cordelia would lay flat on her back with all of her long legs sticking straight up in the air.
It was a vulnerable, silly position that proved just how safe she felt in Ashley’s care.
A Mystery With Toys
While Cordelia mastered the art of cuddling, there was one normal dog activity she just couldn’t figure out.
“To this day, she still does not like playing with toys,” Ashley explained.
During their first few years together, Ashley continually introduced new toys, hoping something would spark her interest.
But the concept of playing with toys was simply something the former racer had never learned, and she remained happily uninterested.
Running For Joy
One of the most emotional parts of their journey together has been watching Cordelia run on her own terms.
Ashley often thinks about what the dog’s daily life was like in the kennel, and how she must have felt being put into those intense races.
Now, Cordelia only runs when she wants to, zooming around at her own pace just for the sheer joy of it.
“Being able to see her just zoom at her pace when she wants to is just the greatest blessing,” Ashley shared.
Turning Gray Together
Time has flown by since that fateful adoption day at the Northern Lights Greyhound Association.
Ashley adopted Cordelia when the dog was four, and they have now spent a beautiful decade together.
At 14 years old, Cordelia’s appearance has changed quite a bit from her racing days.
Her face, which used to be very dark, has softened into a beautiful, distinguished gray.
Defying All Expectations
Even as a senior dog, Cordelia continues to astound everyone around her with her zest for life.
Veterinarians often warn Ashley that at 12, 13, and 14 years old, a large dog should be slowing down.
Yet, Cordelia hasn’t shown those signs of stopping, maintaining a surprising amount of energy for her age.
After a rough start on the track, this resilient Greyhound is making sure she enjoys every single moment of her beautiful retirement.
