Florida couple finds homes for more than 7,000 greyhounds

Dennis and Claire Tyler are on a mission.

The Florida couple is determined to help greyhounds find new homes after the dogs' racing careers come to an end.

In the past 15 years, the Tylers, founders of Greyhound Pets of America Central Florida, have helped find homes for more than 7,000 greyhounds, often driving across the country to unite the dogs with their new adoptive families.

"It's so overcrowded with greyhounds now that we need to go to other areas of the country," Dennis said of Florida's high number of retired greyhounds.

The couple, both retired from the space industry, fell in love with the breed which they feel has been misunderstood by many potential adoptive families.

"It's a misunderstood breed. Everyone thinks they are hyper race dogs, when in fact they are 45-mile-an-hour couch potatoes," Dennis told Central Florida News 13.

The heroes have been selected as finalists in People Magazine's "PEOPLE Readers' choice Hero Campaign." If the Tylers win, they'll use the $10,000 in prize money to further support their greyhound-saving efforts.