Several years ago, Mike Ingram was at a street festival with his family when his daughter caught sight of a greyhound up for adoption. When she was 6, her parents told her that she could get a dog of her own: “She wanted nothing but a greyhound,” Ingram says, noting his daughter’s fascination with the breed.

He did some research and learned about a kennel in Oak Ridge run by Greyhound Friends of North Carolina. The Ingrams visited, chose their greyhound — the first of four — and never really left. Volunteering off and on for the past 12 years, Ingram says he and his wife enjoy spending their free time at the kennel, supporting the staff and caring for these dogs they’ve come to truly love.

Greyhounds are well-known as racing dogs, but unfortunately, their racing days are short-lived. Generally by the time they’re 5 years old, their career is over. Many are “put down” at the track when they lose their speed, but groups like Greyhound Friends of North Carolina step in to rescue the dogs, nurse them back to health if necessary, and find them homes.

Ingram’s affection for the breed is evident in the way he talks about them, but it’s even more apparent in the way he serves at the kennel. When his children were young, Ingram’s volunteering mostly involved going to festivals and meet-and-greet events. Now that their kids are in college, he and his wife, Patricia, spend many Saturdays in Oak Ridge. Patricia is an adoption counselor, matching potential owners with dogs that will fit their lifestyles. Mike is a man-of-all-work about the place, performing light maintenance, doing laundry, and helping with the midday turnout of the 45 greyhounds in residence — which involves taking the dogs out in small groups to run around and do … well, what dogs do. The volunteers play with the dogs, clean their crates and the grounds, and give them fresh water.

What does Ingram enjoy most about his work at the kennel — which he insists isn’t work at all? “Being with the dogs, knowing you’re helping to save their lives,” he says, “and placing them in homes, knowing what great pets they are.” 

• Greyhounds Friends of North Carolina 2908 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge; 
336-643-0233, greyhoundfriends.com.