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The demise of U.S. greyhound racing is within sight
NBC ^ | 1/1/2021 | David K. Li

Posted on 01/01/2021 3:47:23 AM PST by sodpoodle

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To: 4Runner

My wife and I have a rescued greyhound. They make wonderful pets and in spite of what many think, they aren’t at all hyper, in fact quite the opposite. But if you have a large dog park or fenced in area, they are a wonder to watch run. And they have an art deco look about them.

Right now, and for the next few years before the sport disappears one can get a purebred rescue greyhound for the cost of a mutt from the local shelter (which around here seem to be mainly ‘the dog of peace’). There are local greyhound rescue groups around the country if you are interested in adopting one.

I’m afraid the demise of the industry is going to mean that the greyhound is going to disappear as a readily available pet.


41 posted on 01/01/2021 8:21:36 AM PST by hanamizu
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To: lucky american
Greyhounds are a special breed. [...] They love to run. It’s what they do.

I love my greyhound so much! I'm tempted to start breeding them. They need a good run at least every other day or your house will start to get a little shredded. The dog track rescues are a somewhat aloof at first, but most of them will discover the joy of dog very quickly. The only behavior issue is the tendency to run after things that trigger their prey drive, so beware. I took our Molly to the beach and she took off after a flight of pelicans, only stopping at the surf line 500 yards away.

And now she is nudging my elbow to remind me to get going...

See her Instagram page if you're curious...

42 posted on 01/01/2021 9:50:56 AM PST by no-s
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To: hanamizu
But if you have a large dog park or fenced in area, they are a wonder to watch run.

yep, it's a fabulous sight! I taught mine to chase down a frisbee and when she sees in in my hand she runs to me! If I throw it when she's running she'll accelerate like a fighter jet and shower me in a cloud of dirt!

43 posted on 01/01/2021 9:59:01 AM PST by no-s
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To: hanamizu
Back in the late 80's the wife and I were seriously trying to adopt a greyhound. We visited a breeder somewhere in Lakeland who was involved with the Tampa Greyhound racetrack. The dogs we met were race dogs ready to retire and they were stunning animals. We concluded the dogs were too large for our small yard and property as we wanted to get two so they would have dog companionship.

Fast forward 30 years several rescue dogs later we are the owners of an 80-lb Treeing Walker Coonhound and a 42 -lb Treeing Walker/Italian Greyhound mix, both rescues, both of which require 50 minute morning walks and major dog park visits to keep them socialized to other dogs and to allow them to express their dog pack interactions.

The smaller mix is a dominating alpha dog pack "leader" and goader of other unsuspecting dogs, has mesmerizing hazel eyes, the largest ears and tail you will ever see on a dog his size, uses his front paws to "box" with other dogs, and needs to be watched as he "plays" with others. Our larger Walker is much more laid back but will use his bulk to body slam other dogs and people as well if he thinks it is necessary.

We love our two hounds for their street smarts, athleticism, muscularity, fearlessness, beautiful tri-color coats and loyalty to us.

44 posted on 01/01/2021 10:17:47 AM PST by 4Runner
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To: no-s

The only behavior issue is the tendency to run after things that trigger their prey drive...


My wife let ours out into our tiny, fenced back yard only to realize it had a skunk in it. In maybe a second, the skunk was in our greyhound’s mouth. (Besides being fast, greyhounds are quick and agile). Amazingly, because of the way the skunk was in the Ginger’s mouth, she was untouched by the spray. Backyard smelled pretty bad for a day or so.

The skunk did not survive the encounter.


45 posted on 01/01/2021 10:19:21 AM PST by hanamizu
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To: hanamizu
In maybe a second, the skunk was in our greyhound’s mouth. (Besides being fast, greyhounds are quick and agile).

Yeah, it's amazing to watch, all over in a fraction of a second. The reason there are no doves in our back yard is because none can land without getting eaten. It's like they fly right into her mouth...

46 posted on 01/01/2021 10:24:53 AM PST by no-s
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To: lucky american

I once read the rules for getting a greyhound rescue - never, EVER outside off leash or they could be 40 miles away before you know it.


47 posted on 01/01/2021 11:00:05 AM PST by GnuThere
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To: 4Runner

“false stories in the controlled media of “abused greyhounds” for months prior to the election”

It’s the same story everywhere. Here in Pennsylvania they were able to convince the idiot voters that it was cruel to leave dogs outside in 32 degree days. One township was trying to pass a law that “dangerous” animals were anything with teeth.

The media constantly goes to PETA and HSUS (humane society of the united states- trades on the ignorance of the public, it has nothing to do with animal shelters) for quotes as if they weren’t pagan religious organizations with the goal of making animal ownership illegal.


48 posted on 01/01/2021 11:13:13 AM PST by Varda
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To: GnuThere

never, EVER outside off leash or they could be 40 miles away before you know it.


Not so much 40 miles away, but they can be going 40 miles an hour after just a few strides, if they’re motivated


49 posted on 01/01/2021 11:14:44 AM PST by hanamizu
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To: sodpoodle

I have no problem with the ending of this. Horse racing and circuses too.
Throw in marine parks like SeaWorld.

Zoos are a close second.

It’s animal exploitation for human entertainment. Play a video game or read a book instead.

I have participated in these things and am now not proud of it. I will NOT in the future.

I am NOT an “animal rights activist. Animals don’t have “legal rights” unless we give them rights. Hunting, protection laws etc.

I do love animals, usually more than most people. (even CATS)

Hunting is fine. I used to hunt. If you consume the kill or someone does or if you are part of wildlife management, I’m okay with that. Pure “trophy” hunting, I’m not okay with.

Torturing animals to run around a track, then throw them away, I also don’t support.

Cock fighting and dog fighting are an abomination!

Human fighting like boxing and MMA is a close second. Barbaric.


50 posted on 01/01/2021 1:23:48 PM PST by faucetman (Just the facts, ma'am, Just the facts )
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To: sodpoodle

Best song ever about Dog Racing

The Who - Dogs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URKoqVR4hmU


51 posted on 01/01/2021 1:28:10 PM PST by dfwgator (Endut! Hoch Hech!)
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