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.
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.