Post by CampWhippet on Apr 11, 2006 17:15:55 GMT -5
Tails of Marin: Rescue a 60-pound couch potato
Carrie Harrington
EVERY YEAR, tens of thousands of "retired" greyhounds are discarded by racetracks when they no longer turn a profit. Sadly, many are put down, but the lucky ones find their way to rescue organizations that offer them for adoption to loving families.
This spring, the Northern California rescue organization, Greyhound Friends For Life, will present a trio of free events at the Marin Humane Society to promote greyhound adoptions and educate about the cruelties within the greyhound racing industry. The events include two "meet and greets" and an "All About Greyhounds" workshop.
Local Greyhound Friends For Life member Betsy McGee is hopeful that these coming events will produce more greyhound advocates in Marin, and maybe even a few adopters.
"These opportunities to educate can save lives," McGee says. "Most people aren't aware of the plight of racing greyhounds nor of what wonderful pets these dogs make."
Misconceptions about this breed abound. Because greyhounds are usually seen muzzled and sprinting around a racetrack, many people think of them as hyperactive and hard to control. But greyhounds are actually well-mannered. They generally don't pull on the leash or jump up on people. They're also sweet, sensitive and social. And, ironically, they don't require a lot of exercise. In fact, greyhounds are affectionately described as "couch potatoes."
"Living with greyhounds is a lot like living with cats," laughs McGee. "They display quick, comic bursts of energy when playing with their squeaky toys, and the rest of the time, they're couch potatoes, draping themselves elegantly around the house."
At one time, greyhounds were worshipped by royalty. Now, because of a profit-driven racing industry, they are often found confined to kennels housing hundreds of dogs, living in filthy conditions with minimal care. Many of them never know a kind word or a pat unless they are rescued.
Which is why rescue efforts are so important. Marin County resident Carol Hayes traces her interest in adopting a greyhound to an article she read three years ago about the racing industry. "I was deeply saddened to learn that after only a few years at the track, most greyhounds are killed," she says. "After searching for rescue groups online, I came across Greyhound Friends For Life, and that's where I found Lucy."
Hayes and her husband were careful to make sure that adopting a greyhound would be a good fit for their family, which includes two young children and another resident dog named Jake. "Our kids are crazy about Lucy, and Jake took to her immediately," Hayes says. "Lucy is truly our companion. She is curled up at my feet even as I speak."
Full story: www.marinij.com/lifestyles/ci_3688216
Carrie Harrington
EVERY YEAR, tens of thousands of "retired" greyhounds are discarded by racetracks when they no longer turn a profit. Sadly, many are put down, but the lucky ones find their way to rescue organizations that offer them for adoption to loving families.
This spring, the Northern California rescue organization, Greyhound Friends For Life, will present a trio of free events at the Marin Humane Society to promote greyhound adoptions and educate about the cruelties within the greyhound racing industry. The events include two "meet and greets" and an "All About Greyhounds" workshop.
Local Greyhound Friends For Life member Betsy McGee is hopeful that these coming events will produce more greyhound advocates in Marin, and maybe even a few adopters.
"These opportunities to educate can save lives," McGee says. "Most people aren't aware of the plight of racing greyhounds nor of what wonderful pets these dogs make."
Misconceptions about this breed abound. Because greyhounds are usually seen muzzled and sprinting around a racetrack, many people think of them as hyperactive and hard to control. But greyhounds are actually well-mannered. They generally don't pull on the leash or jump up on people. They're also sweet, sensitive and social. And, ironically, they don't require a lot of exercise. In fact, greyhounds are affectionately described as "couch potatoes."
"Living with greyhounds is a lot like living with cats," laughs McGee. "They display quick, comic bursts of energy when playing with their squeaky toys, and the rest of the time, they're couch potatoes, draping themselves elegantly around the house."
At one time, greyhounds were worshipped by royalty. Now, because of a profit-driven racing industry, they are often found confined to kennels housing hundreds of dogs, living in filthy conditions with minimal care. Many of them never know a kind word or a pat unless they are rescued.
Which is why rescue efforts are so important. Marin County resident Carol Hayes traces her interest in adopting a greyhound to an article she read three years ago about the racing industry. "I was deeply saddened to learn that after only a few years at the track, most greyhounds are killed," she says. "After searching for rescue groups online, I came across Greyhound Friends For Life, and that's where I found Lucy."
Hayes and her husband were careful to make sure that adopting a greyhound would be a good fit for their family, which includes two young children and another resident dog named Jake. "Our kids are crazy about Lucy, and Jake took to her immediately," Hayes says. "Lucy is truly our companion. She is curled up at my feet even as I speak."
Full story: www.marinij.com/lifestyles/ci_3688216
