Groups Opposed ToThe Greyhound Racing Industry

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Originally posted by aly
No it isn't their fault. But they are mass-produced for racing. I'm not sure of the numbers bred compared to the numbers of Labs bred, but I'd imagine it is overwhelming. Sorry again if I brought up a point that has already been discussed. I'll be back later today!

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See my post above. It's not even close. Registered AKC Labs outnumber NGA and AKC greyhounds combined by more than 6 to 1. My guess is that the difference in the number of Labs without papers and the number of greyhounds unregistered is even greater.

Greyhounds are not "mass-produced." Greyhounds are bred for a specific business. They cannot be "overbred" because they are subject to the supply and demand requirements of the racing business. There are only so many tracks and so many kennels. Breeders who overbreed risk raising cost and labor-intensive dogs with no place to send them. Few people outside of the racing business can appreciate the time, expense and labor of raising a fully-trained dog to 18 months of age rather than 8 weeks of age for quick sale as a pet.

Nobody is going to pay $3500 for a race-ready 18 month-old greyhound as a pet. Nobody is going to risk raising puppies to 18 months of age when their investment is $3500 if there is little likelihood that that money will be recouped, either by selling the dog or from earnings at the track. There has not been a track closing or opening in several years and not coincidentally, there has been remarkable stability in the number of breedings over the same period. Supply and demand---anybody who stayed awake during Econ 101 understands that.

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Originally posted by dukedogsmom
Other purebreds and mixed breeds for the main part, weren't victims of someone's greed by making money off them. Then, when they can no longer produce that money, are thrown away and added to the already strained rescue groups. Owning an animal is for life, not until they can no longer race, show, whatever. I don't see how some of you can come here and try to defend yourselves when you're part of the problem. So, why don't you start enjoying yourself here at PT and start commenting on other people's pets instead of just this one part. That would make it much more enjoyable for everyone.

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I see the folks who were "sick of it" and making "my last post on this topic" seem willing to jump back in with an opinion. Welcome back.

I'm sorry, but greed has little to do with it. This is an expensive hobby for me---I'm losing money at it and I love it just the same. Just like people who have show dogs spend tens of thousands of dollars on dogs and RVs, I've spent a lot of money on greyhounds. They are my passion. I watched them whelp. I've picked them up and kissed them when they were seconds old. Whether my dogs or someone else's, I always whisper, "You will win the Hollywood World Classic" in their tiny ears after I kiss them. I figure if I kiss enough puppies I'm sure to be right eventually. I visit my pups every chance I get even though the farm is 2 hours away. I watch every race I can on Rosnet.

In the summer when I have lots of time off, I visit the track in FL and watch them race. I couldn't be more proud if these were my kids playing in the championship game. I love the look of utter contentment they have on their faces when they walk off the track whether they win or lose. That means more to me than the couple hundred bucks they might have won. These are running dogs. They are never happier than when they are running.

Don't lecture me about greed. If it were about money I obviously wouldn't be doing it. It's about something far more important than that---something you couldn't possibly fathom unless you spent 30 seconds in my shoes watching them run.

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I figure if I kiss enough puppies I'm sure to be right eventually.

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You've been reading too many fairy tales Martin.

Jay

Groups opposed to Greyhound Racing continued,


http://www.gcnm.org/


http://www.lcanimal.org/cmpgn/cmpgn_011.htm

Article from Dog Fancy "Born to run or bred to die"

http://www.adopt-a-greyhound.org/about/body_king.html

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Originally posted by 7up
You've been reading too many fairy tales Martin.

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The good news is I get to play with puppies whether one wins the World Classic or not. :)

Lizbud,

You picked some real losers there.

The woman who runs GCNM alienated her volunteers to such a degree with her hystrionics they broke off and formed a neutral adoption group.

The other is a Grey2K wannabe. The figures on their site have no basis in fact. Here's a gem:

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Thus only about 30% of the newborns will ever become racers; 20,000-28,000 surplus greyhounds are destroyed each year.

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How do they know this? How can more dogs be put down than whelped? If it weren't so malicious it would be funny. FYI, 80% of all pups win a Maiden race.

Check the date of the article from Dog Fancy, buried all the way down at the bottom in the fine print, 1991. That was mostly a hatchet job then and it is out of date now.

You can cut and paste all day, but you'll never uncover anything resembling the truth unless you get off your butt and away from the computer and see things for yourself.

Do you honestly believe this stuff?

Perhaps after reading the silly Dog Fancy article....some of you would like to read a true story, by a real trainer, about a real greyhound....the story takes place in Revere MA, circa 1982.....enjoy...

Master Chee

I don't quite recall the exact circumstances when I first noticed him. He never did anything in the kennel that would draw your attention to him. Just went about his business in the quiet and gentlemanly fashion that characterizes most of the heroes of his breed and of his sport.

He was a medium-sized, dark brindle fellow, who was very correctly conformed. He had a bit of refinement about his head, which was almost effeminate, but not quite. Maybe it was his eyes. He was nearly perfectly balanced---- neither too long, nor too tall, and not too fine, not too coarse. He was supple and lithe, not blocky and muscular.

He was reserved of nature, and never boisterous. He walked with a slightly stiff, side to side shuffle....and that, rather than the considerable graying of his muzzle, spoke eloquently to the ardor with which he had long been in relentless pursuit of the lures at Multnomah and Revere.

I had heard that he was kept in the home of his owner in Portland, where the locals had the option of doing such things, and could still race their dogs of their own accord. The legend had it that he used to ride around with his owner in the car, and was plied with the various entrapments of decadent modernity---- like hot dogs and ice cream--- and that he was otherwise treated like anything but a professional race dog. He was sent to us each season as the racing wound down in Oregon, and not always none-the-worse-for-wear. He ran hard every time he raced.

He had a balky right shoulder. He had a balky right hip. He liked to be as close to the rail as a greyhound could position himself, and he was a skillful enough and experienced enough a campaigner, to nearly always avoid the serious troubles that the sharp and trying first turn at Revere could often present.

He could leave the box as quickly as most other greyhounds, but against the iron of the current lot of sprinters, he would have some trouble keeping up with them as they rushed to the turn. He was perfectly suited, by nature and breeding, to be a 6 turn, 600 yard specialist, where the quick breakers, who are railers and who are courageous when running the turns, can break from the box and race right into one. But the 3/8ths course was particularly testing at Revere, and slightly longer than the standard 660 yards. I thought it was too much to ask of him at this point in his career.

With a little concentration on his particular areas of bother and concern, it was apparent, this year, as in those previous, despite his advanced age, that he would again be competing against the best greyhounds at the Wonderland oval----who in those days, were some of the best in the country.

The lament, among his intimates, was that he had never had a chance at a major stakes championship in his younger days, because there was always some nagging little injury that kept him from competing at the various times when opportunity presented itself.

Master Chee was as hard-trying a greyhound I ever knew. As reserved and polite a kennel-dweller and companion as he was, he was twice the huntsman, when the chase was on. The mere sight of the racetrack transformed him.

This was the last year that we were to share one another's company. I knew it, and I think maybe Chee knew it, too. And as we began what I figured was to be the final chapter of his career as a racer, he had his usual bad luck of the draw, failing to post inside the 5 hole for what seemed like an eternity of racing. As usual, he delivered a string of stirring, skillful, hard-knocking, hard luck and hard-earned placings and showings against the best greyhounds the Northeast had to offer, and who were mostly 2 and 3 years his junior.

Chee was a pleasure to be around. After a race, it seemed to me, he was always appreciative of my ministrations to him, considering his age and somewhat delicate condition…. and each time he ran, it seemed that it was his way of saying thanks..'you take care of me, and I'll take care of business".

Sometimes you just know what they are feeling for you, and I always knew that Chee and I connected on this level. He loved to run, and I loved to help him and then to watch him run. He certainly wasn't the fastest greyhound I ever handled, or even in the kennel at the time. But he was the most clever, and maybe the bravest.

As the autumn wore on and turned into the brittle winter, I became a bit concerned about Master Chee . He just couldn't buy a break and draw an inside box, from where he was particularly effective. He had raced admirably from the outside, from where it seemed the cruel fates had 'seeded' him forever. But he needed an inside post at this stage of the game, to be able to display his true talents, which though in decline, were still apparent, to anyone who had been paying attention.

Around this time, a greyhound named Rediscovery was burning up the track, and humbling even the fastest greyhounds on the grounds, overpowering them with an irresistible turn of foot on the backstretch, and from the midtrack line he preferred----which was the golden trip, on the rail-heavy Revere oval.

He had won 13 races in a row, breaking in at Las Vegas, and since shipping to New England, had taken 10 races out of 11. He was a flashy white greyhound, dappled with red brindle patches, and when you watched his races on the in-house monitors, running in full pursuit, he appeared to be a blur. He was that fast. Many were suggesting that he would be more than a match for the great OK Troy and Hondo Monopoly, who were also to be in the mix at Wonderland.

Master Chee--- finally, one day--- drew a 3 hole in the feature race. However, poor old Chee was to face the very same Rediscovery, who was breaking from the inside box----where he didn't actually want to be. Not that it made much difference. Rediscovery hadn't yet been hooked by anyone in his career.

That night, while walking the dogs up to weigh in, one of the other trainers, good naturedly, asked me..

"Who is that gray-faced dog, Dennis?..... Man.....how old is HE??"

I just mentioned that he was just some old dog from Portland, and let it go at that.

Truth was, Chee looked tremendous for his age, grey face and all. He was shining like an apple, and seemed to have eased out of his aches and pains during the last 2 months. He was all class and heart, even though he didn't necessarily suggest it as he ambled stiffly along, never seeming to notice the other greyhounds. He knew why he was there, though.

I don't remember much of what happened after that, on the night in question. But the feature race was to prove more than memorable to me, if to no one else. As they announced Master Chee as the number 3 greyhound, he went to the patrol judge with the same abundant grace and quiet dignity that he exhuded in the kennel, and I looked at him admiringly, and with a sense of awe, at how long and how well he had performed all his career.... and thought to myself how fortunate I was to have known him. I was so darn proud of him.

When the box sprang open, Master Chee had jumped first. He was looking to move to the rail, but Rediscovery had control of it, and was out-rushing Chee to the turn. I could see it then, in my imagination.....

......the white dog cuts Chee off, as he moves to the center of the track to take his preferred line on the turn, and Chee offstrides and falls behind.......it had been that sort of year for Chee.....but as they passed the wire for the first time, Rediscovery was already clear of Chee and displaying unbelievable brilliance in his move to the bend.

Chee took the rail as Rediscovery moved out to his lane at the point of the turn, and he ran the turn tight and fast, and actually picked up a length on the leader. Chee had pulled about even with the blur as they straightened out into the backstretch, but Rediscovery gruesomely poured the pressure on, and drew clear again by a length, before they even came to the toteboard.

Chee was moving well on the deep part of the track, but he was no match for the sensational white dog, as they passed the tote, and swung into the far turn. Still, he strode on, grimly, and they had separated themselves from the field.

Rediscovery was on the mid-track, and Chee was flanking him on the rail, saving precious ground, but laboring against the depth of it. As they entered the stretch, it was hard to tell who was actually in front, or by how much, from our head-on vantage point by the escape turn, at the end of the homestretch-----but it was apparent, by the deafening roar of the crowd, that Rediscovery had finally been hooked.

And as they raced through the grueling, long and tiring Wonderland homestretch, the venerable old warrior from the west, brittle and battle-scarred though he was, would not be broken. He dauntlessly gave Rediscovery all he could handle, and then some….and 50 yards from the wire, began to draw away, going on to win the race by a widening length.

He had a tired twinkle in his eye when they brought him off. He knew what he had done. I wrapped him in his warm blanket and gave him a head scratch and an 'attaboy, Chee', as his tail wagged a cursory acknowledgment.

The publicity guy at the track came up to me and started asking me all about Master Chee , and offered his appraisal that he ran a 'hell of a race', or something like that. The official took the urine sample, and Chee ambled off stiffly as usual, to get his post race drink and to have his feet washed.

As we made our way over to the trainer's room, I spotted Rediscovery, and his trainer......and I mentioned to him....

"Remember this guy you were asking about?....the one with the grey muzzle?"

As soon as he realized that he had been had, we both shared a good laugh. Chee was, after all, nearly 5 years old, ancient for a racing greyhound. I didn't see any need to mention that to my cohort.

When we got back to the kennel, I took Chee out to the turnout pens, to make sure he was all right. He came over and nuzzled my leg, and looked at me with those guileless, honest, liquid---almost effeminate----dark brown eyes of his, as if to say....'you didn't think that I was gonna let you down tonight, did you?'

We went inside, and I rubbed him with strong linament and put him to bed. And then I bent down and held his head in my hands, just looking, for a moment, at that noble, old grey muzzle, and truly trying to appreciate the wonder of what I had just beheld, and how lucky I was to have known one of the better greyhound angels.

Not too long afterwards, Chee was to return to Portland, and finish out his career there. I would never see him again. He had, as it turned out, saved his best performances for last, though. You see, in another feature race, soon after dismantling Rediscovery, old Master Chee----maybe as a going away present to me, I don't really know, but I like to think so-----did the same darn thing to the great Hondo Monopoly.

Well, the time always comes......and there is a time for goodbyes, and we said ours.......and Chee went home to Oregon. I took some comfort in figuring that when there were little Master Chees, I might be fortunate enough to handle one that was his spirit and his image.

One morning, a couple of weeks after Chee had departed, I was having my coffee, while some of the greyhounds were walking on the treadmill, and was only half-looking at the most recent copy of the Racing Record---which was a tabloid, weekly trade paper, featuring results, stories and race charts from every track across the country.

I noticed a picture of a stakes winner standing on the two-tiered dias, as they usually have them do for the winner's picture, for the owner's scrapbook..and though it was a small picture, the type below identified the principals.

'Pictured are.......from left to right...... the leadout....the patrol judge......and......the director of racing.....who presents the winning trophy to the owner of the Portland Inaugural Champion....... Master Chee'.

Copyright, 2003

I am curious to know from any folks who might still be reading this, if you had ever previously considered adopting a greyhound, what effect would all this new information have on your decision? Good, bad or no effect at all?

Jay

Sorry Rock, I didn't mean to step all over Master Chee like that. My question applied to everything writen before it.

Jay

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Originally posted by 7up
Sorry Rock, I didn't mean to step all over Master Chee like that. My question applied to everything writen before it.

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Perhaps your question makes more sense with the Master Chee story included.

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Originally posted by 7up
Sorry Rock, I didn't mean to step all over Master Chee like that. My question applied to everything writen before it.

Jay

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:)....no problem Jay....it was a good question.

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Originally posted by 7up
I am curious to know from any folks who might still be reading this, if you had ever previously considered adopting a greyhound, what effect would all this new information have on your decision? Good, bad or no effect at all?

Jay

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I'm not entering into this debate anymore myself but I'll answer this. For me it is unchanged, I have been interested and have wanted to adopt a greyhound for a long time, and still have a strong desire to. I very much hope that it will be possible for me in the next couple years.

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Originally posted by jcsperson
Lizbud,

You picked some real losers there.


Do you honestly believe this stuff?

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Oh, there are some real losers around here alright, and they've
all joined recently. Why don't you start a thread on reasons why
anyone here should take your word on the Greyhound racing
industry. You are all part of the problem.

Why don't you go ahead and start your own thread? What's the
matter, afraid no one else will join in ?

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Originally posted by lizbud
Oh, there are some real losers around here alright, and they've
all joined recently. Why don't you start a thread on reasons why
anyone here should take your word on the Greyhound racing
industry. You are all part of the problem.

Why don't you go ahead and start your own thread? What's the
matter, afraid no one else will join in ?

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Name-calling is a sure sign you have run out of meaningful things to say.

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to point out the extremist point of view of the members of your list. Any time a message can be as shrill and nonsensical as theirs there is almost certainly a point worth listening to from the other side. I never tire of showing the many fallacies in their claims.

So please let me apologies then. Didn't know that you had control over the tread because you started it. My bad (sarcasam ;) )

If someone starts a thread about feeding there dogs only popcorn and they feel it's right should no one correct them that there wrong? Should no one place information why it is incorrect to only feed your dog popcorn?

Or should we just let it go on and laugh to ourself?

I've said many times that each and everyone of us is entitled to our own oppinions and each and everyone of us is entitled to reply anyway they feel fit. That is without being down right nasty.

If you don't chose to hear another side of something then maybe you should just surround yourself with the people that will only tell you that you are correct and right and not place it on a message board where surely there will be others that disagree with what your saying.

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Originally posted by lizbud
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"I didn't think this whole racing thing would be brought up again but it looks as if some people would like to learn more and we are always willing to inform "

Heather & the hounds


And who might those people be ?

You are welcome to start a pro racing thread if you like, but that's
not the purpose of this one. Thanks.


btw, Just noticed today's birthdays. Happy Birthday jspence.:)

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OMG Is this STILL going on?!?!?

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Originally posted by lizbud
Oh, there are some real losers around here alright, and they've
all joined recently. Why don't you start a thread on reasons why
anyone here should take your word on the Greyhound racing
industry. You are all part of the problem.

Why don't you go ahead and start your own thread? What's the
matter, afraid no one else will join in ?

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Well thank you for such a warm welcome :D

who would "you all" might be?

You don't know us, you don't know what we do to improve greyhound racing.

NO we are not all part of the problem we are all part of improving greyhound racing.

Maybe to you the only way to improve greyhound racing is to make it go away.

As I"ve said before we are each entitled to our own oppinions.

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Originally posted by greysandmoregreys
Mayybe to you the only way to improve greyhound racing is to make it go away.
As I"ve said before we are each entitled to our own opinions.

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I wish these threads would go away. They're creating lots of negativity and not you, but some others, have been condescending to some of us here. Also, it appears they just joined to reply to the couple of greyhound threads and nothing else. That's not what this place is about, hence why I put what I did in my signature. It got old a long time ago. Let's move on.

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Originally posted by dukedogsmom
I wish these threads would go away. They're creating lots of negativity and not you, but some others, have been condescending to some of us here. Also, it appears they just joined to reply to the couple of greyhound threads and nothing else. It got old a long time ago. Let's move on.

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I agree! I am so sick and tired of these threads:rolleyes:

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Originally posted by 7up
I am curious to know from any folks who might still be reading this, if you had ever previously considered adopting a greyhound, what effect would all this new information have on your decision? Good, bad or no effect at all?

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I don't want to get into this big argument or whatever you want to call it, but I just wanted to reply to this. I have considered adopting a greyhound for a long time because i think they are very beautiful dogs who deserve a second chance in life, this thread has not changed my opinion what so ever about adopting one.

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Originally posted by dukedogsmom
I wish these threads would go away. They're creating lots of negativity and not you, but some others, have been condescending to some of us here. Also, it appears they just joined to reply to the couple of greyhound threads and nothing else. That's not what this place is about, hence why I put what I did in my signature. It got old a long time ago. Let's move on.

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dukedogsmom,

Thank you yet again for the warm welcome. I can't tell you how much it makes us feel appreciated.

Several of you have a lovely technique here on PT of becoming tired of threads when opinions contrary to yours are posted, especially those that are authoritative and well presented. You have not made one substantive contribution to this thread yet you have taken it upon yourself to denigrate it on more than one occasion.

As for condesecending, I recall your post to Cali:

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Obviously Cali has never seen a documentary on Greyhounds.

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You and several other PTers excoriated that young lady in the most vicious manner when very few of you had the slightest idea of what you were talking about. You just parroted the party line on greyhound racing when the grand sum of your actual experience with it seems to be a TV documentary and some extremist web sites. My guess is you have never been to a track, a kennel or a farm.

Your behavior towards her was shameful. As adults you should be embarassed for your conduct. She may have exaggerated slightly when she said she knew "hundreds" of people in the racing business, but she certainly has conversed with dozens of us on GT, including some of the biggest names in racing. You, meanwhile, appear to have discussed this only among yourselves and did not see fit to even search for another side of the story.

If there is anybody creating negativity here, it is those people, utterly ignorant of the issues, who have made it their business to slander with the broadest brush possible everyone in racing or even those who have a tolerant attitude of it.

You can't shout us down or roll your eyes and wish these threads away. The issues are important and some people want to read about them. You are free to ignore them---since it appears that you are not interested in hearing our side of the story I suggest that you don't read these threads.

IMO, this belongs in the Dog House, not Dog General.

*sigh*

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Originally posted by 7up
I am curious to know from any folks who might still be reading this, if you had ever previously considered adopting a greyhound, what effect would all this new information have on your decision? Good, bad or no effect at all?

Jay

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None of the racing information has an impact on whether I would adopt a greyhound. I know and love the breed and my views on that haven't changed. I would adopt from a rescue or shelter, wherever I found the right one. It wouldn't necessarily have to be a retired racer.

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Originally posted by micki76
IMO, this belongs in the Dog House, not Dog General.

*sigh*

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Right on cue Micki. Thanks for weighing in with your opinion.

As with dukedogsmom above, I'm sorry that this thread is boring you. Like the rest of your friendly crowd, you seemed more than willing to jump all over people who disagreed with you in the first greyhound thread. Were you one of those who posted anonymously on GT to attack that individual over there?

Remember this one?:

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You just have no clue. Grow up and realize that you DON'T know everything about every thing. Open yourself up to learning something once in a while instead of acting like your opinion and "experience" is the only thing that's real.

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I won't suggest that you need to grow up, but I do suggest you heed your own advice. Considering that your own background in greyhounds is as small as hers, your opinion and your "experience" count for no more or less than hers (at least she spent a great deal of time on GT and has listened to both sides of the issue). It's interesting how you would debate these issues with her but not with us. Perhaps you sense that you don't really know enough to debate.

My offer still stands. You have people with direct experience in greyhound racing right here on these boards. Instead of sighing and sniping at the thread, ask pointed questions of us. Seek explanations. What do you want to know or are you completely educated in greyhounds?

We are well aware that not everything is perfect in our sport. We are working very hard to get it where it needs to be. We are doing a much better job than any of you give us credit for.

Here is Rock's and my web site.
http://www.raceforadoption.com/

Our goal is to have 100 RFA dogs running at tracks across the country. The web site is very comprehensive and delves into a variety of aspects of greyhound raising, training, racing and retirement.

http://www.gra-america.org/ has a lot of useful information as well.

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Originally posted by jcsperson

Here is Rock's and my web site.
http://www.raceforadoption.com/

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The site is really nice, and, easy to navigate. I'm actually going back to sleep right now, but, I will read more later. I read all of the "farm life" section, though. And, all the photos are gorgeous. I love your picture in the behind the scenes section! that's awesome that you're a schoolteacher!

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Originally posted by guster girl
The site is really nice, and, easy to navigate. I'm actually going back to sleep right now, but, I will read more later. I read all of the "farm life" section, though. And, all the photos are gorgeous. I love your picture in the behind the scenes section! that's awesome that you're a schoolteacher!

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I'm glad that you like it. I wish I could say that Rock and I had a large hand in creating the site itself, but it was the work of several contributors. Speaking for myself, I am not nearly computer savvy enough to pull off something like that. Rock and I contributed some of the content, but it was mostly the work of those nice folks listed on the "Behind The Scenes" page.

I'm also on the staff of http://www.greyhound-data.com/ We just surpassed the milestone of 1,000,000 dogs in the Db. It's the largest breed Db in the world.

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Originally posted by micki76
IMO, this belongs in the Dog House, not Dog General.

*sigh*

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It's starting to look that way, eh?

Personally, I don't see what more has got to be said. You all gave your opinions and information, and now it's just turning into one big argument. I agree with the others who said "let the thread die". I haven't posted much on this thread, but I've been reading along with it ever since it started (same with the other one), and I'd really love if some of the greyhound people who have been continuing on about this would participate in other threads and share pictures, stories, etc. instead of just "hanging out" around here.

That said, I love greyhounds and hope to adopt one (or two) one day. :)

I don't see how it's become ugly on this thread at all. It looks better than most of the arguments that ensue around here, but, that's just me. I don't see how everything's been said, either. On either side. For any debate, not just greyhounds. But, if the creator wants to delete this, that's fine. Or if Karen or Paul think it needs to be moved, that's cool, too. If you want it to die out, you can do like a lot of people are obviously doing, and, not post on the thread.

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Originally posted by jcsperson


I'm also on the staff of http://www.greyhound-data.com/ We just surpassed the milestone of 1,000,000 dogs in the Db. It's the largest breed Db in the world.

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Wow, that's a lot of dogs! I went to the site for the adoptable puppies, oh man, I want one! What cute photos!

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Originally posted by aly
None of the racing information has an impact on whether I would adopt a greyhound. I know and love the breed and my views on that haven't changed. I would adopt from a rescue or shelter, wherever I found the right one. It wouldn't necessarily have to be a retired racer.

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If I can possibly be of assistance when that day comes let me know. I know a greyt number of people in both racing and adoption who can find just the dog for you.

You should be forewarned, however, that greyhounds are one of the most addicting substances on the face of the earth. Just one will make you a helpless addict with no known treatment or cure except for more greyhounds.

I hope you're up to it! :D

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Originally posted by guster girl
Wow, that's a lot of dogs!

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Well, they go back to the 1700s!

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Originally posted by lizbud
This list from the Greyhound Racing Association Of America.

FYI:



Organizations that Openly Oppose Greyhound Racing Financial


The following organizations openly oppose greyhound racing through the media-- and to the public:

GREY2KUSA

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA)

Greyhound Protection League

Greyhound Network News

Greyhound Action International

Idaho Citizens Against Greyhound Entertainment

Pennsylvania Citizens Against Greyhound Racing

Kids For Greyhounds

Greyhoundracingsucks.com

American-European Greyhound Alliance

Greyhound Central


ADOPTION GROUPS

That openly oppose greyhound racing

Parent Organization Group Name Representative Location
Greyheart Greyhound Rescue and Adoption of Michigan Carol Jensen MI
Greyhound Adoption of Ohio Linda Perko OH
Greyhound Adoptions of Florida, Inc. Bob & Marilyn Varnberg FL
Greyhound Companions of New Mexico Judy Kody Paulsen NM
Greyhound Welfare Foundation Greyhound Friends for Life Sue Tomasello CA
GREYHOUND FRIENDS Greyhound Friends of North Carolina Randy Barrow NC
GREYHOUND FRIENDS Greyhound Friends, Inc. Louise Coleman MA
Greyhound Gang Claudia Presto UT
Greyhound Guardians Lee & Larry Lavery IN
Greyhound Rescue of Idaho Virginia McKean ID
Greyhounds New Beginnings Harold Daniel Laird MI
GreysLand Greyhound Adoption, Inc. Robin Norton MA
Hav-A-Heart Greyhound Rescue & Adoption Jo Ann Jones MI
Michigan Greyhound Connection Susan Bilsky MI
REGAP Michigan REGAP Lenka Perron MI
NGAP National Greyhound Adoption Program, Inc. David Wolf PA
Operation Greyhound Bruna Palmatier CA
USA Defenders of Greyhounds Inc. Nancy Wallace/Hudspeth IL
USA Defenders of Greyhounds, Inc. Linda Brewster GA
USA Defenders of Greyhounds, Inc. Sally Allen IN





ADOPTION GROUPS

That associate with individuals and groups that openly oppose greyhound racing

Parent Organization Group Name Representative Location
2nd Chance Greyhounds John Burt UT
Adopt a Greyhound Atlanta, Inc. Carl Veiner GA
Adopt-A-Greyhound Leslie Trout WI
Arizona Greyhound Rescue AZ
Canine Causes Cindy Hall CA
Dog Rescue Ireland Bernie Wright IRELAND
Dogworks Canine Rescue Penny Noel CA
Fast Dogs-Fast Friends Debi Woodman AZ
Fast Friends Donna Paine NH
First State Greyhound Rescue PA
Friends of Greyhounds, Inc. Michelle Weaver FL
Golden State Greyhound Adoption Barbara Homer CA
Grateful Greyhounds Lisa Sallie NY
GREAT FL
Greater Raleigh Greyhound Rescue Group Dana R Jones, DVM NC
Greyhound Acres Rescue & Adoption Marc & Shaun NY
Greyhound Adoption and Rescue Janice Ziola NV
Greyhound Adoption California Scott & Ann Sanders CA
Greyhound Adoption Center Kathy Johnson CA
Greyhound Adoption Center Dana Provost NV
Greyhound Awareness League David Melville SCOTLAND
Greyhound Rescue of Idaho Greyhound Connection Heather Weir CO
GREYHOUND FRIENDS Greyhound Friends of New Jersey Barbara Wicklund NJ
GPA Greyhound Pets of America Ellen Schneiderman WI
Greyhound Rescue & Rehabilitation NY
Greyhound Rescue Adoption Team (GReAT) NY
Greyhound Rescue And Adoption Bob Abramson KY
Greyhound Rescue of Austin Marnie Reeder TX
Greyhound Rescue of N.E., Inc. MA
Greyhound Welfare Kopal Barnouin Jha MD
Greyhounds & Love, Inc. Terry Howard SC
Greyhounds as Companions Pat Colitsas NY
Greyhounds Galore Jackie Brantley GA
Greyhounds Only, Inc. Linda La Foone IL
Halfpint Haven Borzoi and Greyhound Adoptions, Inc. Lisa Simpson FL
REGAP Illinois REGAP Ellen Stokal IL
REGAP Kansas City REGAP Bill & Cher Oliver MO
Long Island Greyhound Transfer Inc. (L.I.G.H.T.) Craig Barrett CT
Long Island Greyhound Transfer, Inc. Julie Ferrara NY
National Greyhound Foundation, Inc. Beverly Sebastian FL
New Beginnings Greyhound Adoption FL
New Jersey Greyhound Adoption Program, Inc. Jennifer Sigler NJ
New Mexico Greyhound Connection Candy & Jerry Beck NM
Northern California Greyhound Adoption Program Jean Rice CA
Racing Dog Rescue Project FL
REGAP REGAP of Connecticut Eileen McCaughern CT
REGAP REGAP of Illinois, Inc IL
Retired Racers, Inc. Linda Brown CA
Second Chance for Greyhounds Helen Banks FL
Shamrock Greyhound Placement Jennifer Watkins KY
REGAP St. Louis REGAP MO
We Adopt Greyhounds Ellie Goldstein CT

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what an amazingly long list!

well without all those people, working their behinds off, many more dogs would be put down.

those groups work in the trenches, get dogs from teh tracks all the time, deal with industry people. they see the good and the bad. if all of those groups are still seeing enough bad things to continue to be anti-racing, there must be a reason for it.

if they had nothign but positive experiences with healthy dogs, they would have no reason to be anti racing. they see the good and the bad with their own eyes.

please dont let the proracing people here gloss over the negative aspects of the industry, its getting better but its not there yet. and just look at all of those non for prpoofit volunteer groups that have to come in and take care of the dogs after the industry doesnt need them anymore.

why is there not 100% adoption (far form it now) and 100% financial responsibility by the racing owners? its so very very very sad.

so three cheers for these groups, and all the groups out there, that work hard, often working other full time jobs and then running and volunteering for greyhound adoption, because they need to raise funds and do the work placing dogs that the industry isnt doing themselves.

btw this is a lovely community and im so sorry oyu ahve to deal with all of this.

also, thats about 70 groups right there that are AR or associated with AR groups.

if each group only placed 50 dogs per year (and many of them place WAY more than that) that is 3500 greyhounds they place each year.

just think if they didnt exist! all those poor dogs :(

Quote:

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Originally posted by jcsperson
Some folks are "pre-adopting" dogs from breeders and get to follow the dog's career at the track. Many breeders remain in touch with the adopters of their dogs. [/B]

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I'm a "pre-adopter"!!

Take a look at my "pre-adopted" greyhound's homepage:
Icee's Homepage

Ugh... did these threads HAVE to un-burried!!?!?!?:mad: :( :( :(

oh i am so sorry! someone forwarded me the link and i did not realize this was an old thread.

my apologies.

It's okay.
Just these threads have caused a lot of un-needed drama and grief for many on here.. A lot of us would just like to see everyone from GT to post in other threads and contribute to Pet Talk.. but with these threads popping up all the time, they tend to just stick around them. :(

Quote:

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Originally posted by Kfamr
It's okay.
Just these threads have caused a lot of un-needed drama and grief for many on here.. A lot of us would just like to see everyone from GT to post in other threads and contribute to Pet Talk.. but with these threads popping up all the time, they tend to just stick around them. :(

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makes perfect sense :)

this whole thread needs to be in the dog house!!!!!

I haven't said anything for a long time on these threads but I'm going to state my opinion on it now... I see nothing wrong if people want to keep discussing this as long as it's fairly civil and not nasty. I do think it should stay in threads specifically started to discuss it, I was saddened that Robyn's thread about Gibson turned into a debate thread on both sides.

When I lose interest in a thread, I just stop opening it. Obviously I opened this one again so apparently I still have some interest in what people are saying about it ;). I don't understand seeing a thread and opening it and responding just to say you don't want people to post to it anymore or that you don't want to see the thread anymore. And that isn't meant as an insult to anyone or aimed at anyone in particular, I've seen it happen a lot. I just honestly am puzzled by it. I can understand posting to a thread that wasn't meant to discuss it, but this thread and the other one, to me, seem meant to discuss it. I just feel we should let people discuss and talk about it if they like and if/when I get tired of it, I'll personally simply ignore the thread :)

*Edited to say: I would understand if Karen or Paul felt it should go to the Doghouse but that is their call, so far they seem to feel it's okay here. I personally don't mind but if a lot of people feel strongly that it should be moved, perhaps they should PM a request about it? I don't think it's fair to blame the people who want to post on it.