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Post by CampWhippet on Jan 29, 2006 16:31:30 GMT -5
Dad2Paisley had a final thought in chat today: "I love watching the dogs race."
So regardless of your opinion of the industry, and whether you think it should be around tomorrow, do you enjoy watching greyhounds race at the track?
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Post by Sighthound Fan on Jan 29, 2006 17:04:48 GMT -5
No. It is encouraging the industry to just turn up at the track. Though I do love to watch Greys run, it is upsetting to see them running on a track and not out in the fields, then when something goes wrong and the dog gets hurt.....
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Post by patricia on Jan 29, 2006 17:10:29 GMT -5
Oh yes, I love to watch them race, and I love horse to watch the horses race, its very exciting to watch , even though I don't bet. They inspire me to do my cardio, and believe, I need all the inspiration I can get!! I love these animals and its truley amazing. I love to see a Cheetch run.
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Post by dad2paisley on Jan 29, 2006 17:26:38 GMT -5
I love to watch the races. I am in aw of there grace and speed.
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bonesandsox63
Grey Pup
shp(o~-250;; b~0;; i~0;; u~0;; s~0;; a~0;; t~Anti Racing;; )
Posts: 51
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Post by bonesandsox63 on Jan 30, 2006 3:18:40 GMT -5
Nope, hate watching forced to run round a man made track.
But I love watching them run, I am lucky, I have a 10 acre school playing field that I am allowed to use, and they run free on there. Its fully fenced, and they love just running round there for the sheer fun of it.
Shawn
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Post by tilliesmom on Jan 30, 2006 9:13:30 GMT -5
Nope...me either. Love to watch them run in my fenced back yard...then "retire" to the sofa in my family room.
I would rather see people with race silks on run around the track while the greyhounds place their bets on the humans!!
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galty
Jr Grey Pup
Posts: 196
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Post by galty on Jan 30, 2006 16:27:54 GMT -5
Amerish
Bought for £800 in the early 90, first trial at Canterbury a month under 2 years old, after her three trials she had a race and came last, next race was a four doger she won at 6/1 very lucky she was still very green, she then broke down(season) did not race for 3 months.
When she returned to racing started in an A7 which she won, her track craft inproving, next race A6 a bit harder she won and her track craft was a joy to watch in these races.
She was then in a A5 struggled a bit in this grade but her racing brain was something to watch as she learnt her craft, she ended up an A2 at Canterbury.
Trainer took her to an Open at Crayford she opened at 7/1 she broke last and went thew the field to win in a Photo.
Next she went to Oxford 8/1 prouring down with rain which she hated, broke first(first time ever) led all the way to the last bend two dogs over took her leading her to the line she kicked on and won the race.
She gave me immense joy to watch her run and I was heartbroken when she did a Gas musle in, more for her than me when I retired her at the age of 4 and brought her home.
At the age of 14 she developed bone cancer and I had her PTS but I still have the Vidios of her races and still can enjoy her SKILL.
When I retired her she was still aloud to run off lead but it was never the same...... for her she need to beat those other dogs.
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Post by CampWhippet on Jan 30, 2006 18:31:51 GMT -5
I'm AR and will be even when PR claims 100% adoption. The simple nature of the business means all too often the dogs suffer in pursuit of the bottomline. And when you consider many(if not most) people in the greyhound industry are LOSING money the dogs are really getting screwed by lack of decent medical care, food, and housing. I believe Grade D racers that lose their last race often have eaten their last meal - shame on those involved - and cheers as the next track announces it is closing. And nothing makes me sader to see a former grade A racer, one who worked so hard and made so much money for his owner and kennel, get shuffled back through the grades as his performance wanes. Seeing a once top tier racer reach 4-5 years old get put in a grade D race and get pounded by 2 year old dogs that will never be 1/4 the dog he was is the most heartless thing I can imagine. Those greedy owners simply have no class at all.
But I have to say watching Ozzie the Man win races on his way to the record books has been fun to watch and I look forward to watching Dave the Dog compete for the million.
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Post by dad2paisley on Jan 30, 2006 22:24:30 GMT -5
I have no problem with the dogs racing in a circle chasing the dog stuffed toy bone. Ours didn't really race well except for Suzy. She won her last race and then they retired her. She raced alot and did very well. She wasn't a champion racer but she had many wins.
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Post by brockgusdad on Jan 30, 2006 23:04:31 GMT -5
I have no problem with the dogs racing in a circle chasing the dog stuffed toy bone... Tom, I think that few have problems with this rather isolated statement. The problems arise when one considers the subsidiary aspects- the over-breeding; the confinement for 22+ hours in cages; the fate of those who are not successful, the eventual fate of even those who are successful; the glaring non-concern for the fate of the grey by many owners, which is then transferred to the rescue groups (who have not "profited" from the races). I admit that my views are prejudiced. I have yet however witnessed any reputable refutation to my questions. And, I am not satisfied with the "things are getting better" defense. |
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Post by dad2paisley on Jan 30, 2006 23:43:12 GMT -5
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Post by brockgusdad on Jan 31, 2006 0:17:06 GMT -5
Tom, I have travelled to several racing states and have visited tracks (both high and low end) and even many more rescue programs. The fact that I have visited more rescue programs than tracks speaks volumes. When I saw the outcasts, I had little empathy for the "industry." I have contributed hundreds of dollars toward the never-ending rehabilitation (where were the owners?) of injured greys, and will continue to do so. If I could relate the complete story of my current grey, Gus, you would indeed get a different picture. He was bred to be a racer. He was given to a person who was trusted. From there he was tied to a tree, with the intention of training him for live-lure racing, which of course is illegal. Fortunately, he broke away and wandered the streets of San Augustine, TX for over 9 months. I drove 3230 miles to "visit" and eventually to adopt him. I have arduously worked with him for over 5 months, just to get him to the point where he can walk and not be fightened by someone who might either throw rocks at him or shoot him (yes, he has the scars from an admitted gunshot wound by a woman who saw him rummaging through her garbage for food- to survive). Pardon my prejudice. |
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Post by caldog on Jan 31, 2006 8:50:49 GMT -5
Yes I love to watch the greys run, for the grace and beauty of it.
Steve
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Post by dad2paisley on Jan 31, 2006 13:04:53 GMT -5
Yes. If I was involved with the greyhounds, I would be there to help in anyway if any mishaps happen. Since, I would be the caretaker of these pups, I would work very closely with the owner, trainers, and the vet.
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Post by jettcricket on Jan 31, 2006 14:55:02 GMT -5
Yes. If I was involved with the greyhounds, I would be there to help in anyway if any mishaps happen. Since, I would be the caretaker of these pups, I would work very closely with the owner, trainers, and the vet. yes, but not every hound (in fact, i would guess most) aren't so fortunate to have somebody like you around that would be willing to help no matter what. besides, there are mishaps where the dog just can't be helped, such as being electocuted by a wire. is it really worth it? i know that accidents occur in all "sports", but the big difference is that a race car driver makes a coice to drive and put his/her life in danger. a dog doesn't. ....I have to agree with Robin. They rely on us for their safety and well being. |
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