Dog Races

[K9soul]

fuzziesngreys, I really appreciate your input here. You know I often think on these big issues, the truth lies somewhere in the middle, and that's what I tend to believe the most.

You said this:

My biggest thing against greyhound racing is that there are far to many being bred, there's just not enough good home available for them

I think that is a big part of what bothers me, and I also feel that is the case for a lot of AKC show breeding too. On the one hand, I certainly don't want to see any breeds stop existing, but on the other, the way it is now just anyone can go breed. I'd very much like to see some laws or restrictions put in place, such as a required license to breed to get that they must have inspections done and so on. I know it would be very complicated to put something like this in place, these are just musings and ideas on my part. I would love to see greyhounds run, such as a coursing event, but the races that are for the purpose of gambling, I don't have a desire to attend.

[RMGAJAN]

I'm another "newbie" here. Name is Jan, from Denver, Colorado. I adopted my first 2 greyhounds 11 years ago. Then helped start an adoption group, Rocky Mountain Greyhound Adoption. I started out anti-racing, and ended up converting after I actually met people involved in racing and saw race kennels and how the dogs are treated. I found out I was told a lot of outright lies about the poor treatment. And if anyone can watch greyhounds arrive at the track for races and not believe they love racing... I'm now a licensed kennel helper, and I own 1/2 interest in a racing litter.

For anyone in Colorado, or passing through Colorado, you have a standing invitation to visit our adoption kennel, which is on a greyhound farm. If you have time, I'd also be happy to go to the track with you and arrange for a paddock tour.

For those who can't make it, check out the webpage we did for our 10th year reunion event:


RMGA 10th Year Reunion

No lure, we didn't use the starting box, and those dogs had the best time back at "work."

[DogLover9501]

Im not sure whats so funny...I too am sickened by all of this, and very tired of it going on and on just because of one thing.

[K9soul]

That pitties finds it so amusing sure makes it seem like he/she is involved.

[micki76]

Originally posted by K9soul
That pitties finds it so amusing sure makes it seem like he/she is involved.

And that's a surprise?

[aly]

I am bowing out of this discussion. Several people offered educated opinions which I really appreciate, but a few people have really sunk to the lowest levels. This could have been a mature conversation, but I think the chance of that is ruined now. I am disgusted about it all as well.

[guster girl]

Originally posted by aly
I am bowing out of this discussion. Several people offered educated opinions which I really appreciate, but a few people have really sunk to the lowest levels. This could have been a mature conversation, but I think the chance of that is ruined now. I am disgusted about it all as well.

Agreed, I didn't get too involved in the first place, but, I read all the posts. I'm also keeping most of what I want to say, completely to myself.

[DogLover9501]

Originally posted by guster girl
Agreed, I didn't get too involved in the first place, but, I read all the posts. I'm also keeping most of what I want to say, completely to myself.

Ditto

[Cincy'sMom]

I am not sure wht I am responding, and I really have nothing meaningful to say, but here it goes anyway.

1. Yes, I have been to greyhounds races. I was in junior high and went while in Florida with my friend's family. This was about 15 or 16 years ago. I knew nothing of rescue groups, purebreds vs. mutts, puppy mills, or even how to train a dog. Yes, I had fun. I loved dogs and loved to see them run. That was as much as I knew at 12.

2. I know from therapy dog training that greyhounds are the only dogs NOT required to sit on command during the CGC/TDI test. I was told this is because retired racers are often never taught ti sit...they spend their lives laying or standing. I don't know know if this truely is the reason, but I have known 2 rescued greyhounds, recently off the track, that didn't know how to sit.

3. In any dogs sport, be it showing, racing, agility, flyball, whatever, you will have good owners and bad owners, good kennels and bad kennels. I hope and I want to believe that through education, things are getting better for racing animals. I don't think we can hope to stop it, only make it as humane for the animals as possible.

Personally, I can not see the aspect of getting a dog, working with it, and then giving it up. But that is me and my opinion. For the same reason, I could never breed a dog, or even train a dog to be a service dog, or even foster a dog. The bottom line reasoning for me is the same...when I put the time and effort into a dog, I want to be there for its whole life. I have bonded with that animal, and I don't want to give it up. In some aspects, that is me being selfish. In some cases, such as fostering, I am glad there are people who can do it. Don't know where we would be if there wasn't. But is it wrong to want every dog to a have a loving, stable forever home? Unrealistic, maybe? but wrong?

[Karen]

Pitties' needless, hurtful comments have been deleted. He is now banned.

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

Originally posted by Karen
Pitties' needless, hurtful comments have been deleted. He is now banned.

Thanks Karen

[Uabassoon]

Greys please don't twist my words around. I'm doing my best not to twist yours but instead respond with my own opinions.

No where did I say that no one should breed greyhounds, I stated that I loved the breed very much. I just don't agree with breeding to race (for human entertainment such as gambling)

I have no problem with hunting dogs, sled dogs, and police dogs. Those dogs live with their owners and work along side them. We have a few sleders on this board, when a dog retires it l lives out it's entire life with them. Yes I realize not all sleders are like this, and I don't approve and have problems with sleders that treat their dogs like property.

Good breeders will sell their pups to aproved homes then if the home doesn't work out they will take back the puppy because they realize that if they breed a dog it's a lifetime commitment. Please don't twist those words around either. I'm not saying all breeders, which is why I only believe in supporting good breeders. Part of that means that they are willing to make a lifetime commitment to the dog and if it doesn't get sold then it lives it's life with them.

I'n not saying that every single person who races a greyhound is horrible. I just think the business as a whole is bad and don't support it.

[dogs_4_me]

Originally posted by Karen
Pitties' needless, hurtful comments have been deleted. He is now banned.

Woo hoo thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[K9soul]

Originally posted by Karen
Pitties' needless, hurtful comments have been deleted. He is now banned.

Thank you so much Karen

I honestly think that even though there has been some intense conflict on all of this, I love that some of the greyhound people are coming over and introducing themselves and showing their babies

[Uabassoon]

For all those new members that joined us via greytalk please know that there are no hard feelings and we are not an argumentative board. We are just a group of passionate animal lovers. I hope you all stick around and enjoy other parts of the board. We all love pictures here and it would be wonderful to see some more pictures of your beautiful greyhounds.