In the beginning...

We are Mike and Linda Stone, MeLan Whippets, south of Chicago, Illinois.  We are members of the Midwest Whippet Racing Association and Kankakee River Valley Kennel Club.


We got our first whippet in 1997, after losing our greyhound.  I loved the greys but wanted something small enough to hold.  We had just gotten our first computer and I decided to see if other breeds had rescue organizations, the way the greyhounds did.  Wow, that was an education!  

If you're looking for a dog to add to your family, try doing an internet search for the national breed club (example: American Whippet Club) of the breed you're interested in.  It's a great place to start!  You'll be dealing with people who are knowledgeable about the breed and can direct you to a reputable breeder.  And just about every breed club has a rescue organization which helps place dogs of all ages who need a new home for one reason or another.   PLEASE do not buy a dog from a pet store or someone you find online who sells many different breeds, often advertising that they accept credit cards and will ship anywhere.  You don't want to deal with someone for whom dogs are a "business," with profit as the bottom line. 


A good breeder knows the history, correct appearance and function of their breed, as well as any problems to watch for.  They do health testing on their dogs before they're bred and will support you and answer your questions after you bring your new guy home.  In most cases you will pay no more for this kind of professional commitment than you would pay in a store. 
 
Feel free to e-mail me if you would like help finding a dog, whether it's a whippet or not.  

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