Mama and Daddy did something on Sunday that some of our readers may not like. We have debated rather or not to talk about it. What did they do? They went to a greyhound race track. We know that not everyone approves of racing. We understand that. We know that not all greyhounds are treated well and, of course, we do not like that at all. Mama also knows that some owners treat their dogs very well and they make sure they have homes when they retire. We don't want to start a debate on racing here. They wanted to see firsthand what it was like for me on race day since racing is MY history.
The first thing they noticed was that the parking lot was nearly empty. It was a HUGE parking lot and it was empty. They were able to park right up front.
The inside was empty. Mama was surprised. Dad told her that it shows greyhound racing is definitely dying. They were surprised this place was even open. There was like five people sitting outside.
Mama had hoped to see the greyhounds that were up for adoption, but she only saw one and he was in a locked office. She also thought they might have greyhound items to purchase, but there wasn't anything like that.
They sat outside to watch the races. If you sit inside, you can watch the dogs being weighed via TV screens before they come outside. Mama said there was one that reminded her of me because he wasn't paying attention and he was looking all around. Yep, that is me!
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| The track. |
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| The dogs being brought out. |
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| And, they are off! |
Mama said it was bittersweet to see the dogs racing. She knows we love to run, but after the race, we are sent back to the kennel and we just wait for the next race. She was also sad thinking that some of these dogs may not be adopted. She was glad she experienced it, but probably will not go again.
On a happier note, the folks ate a fun place before they went to the track. They ate Armadillo Eggs! Check out
Mama's blog to see her review.
Joey,
The Greyhound Who Is Happy To Be Retired
I know I got hit a bit when I posted on my blog about visiting the horse racing track in my area. But you know, I had fun going to the track, and most owners and trainers are decent. We did have greyhound racing until a few years ago when the track closed, but I never had a chance to go. Oregon dogs are now shipped to Texas or Florida to race for the most part, then shipped back to Oregon to be adopted.
ReplyDeleteYou have to see first hand. But it sounds like they can stay open for long with only a few people attending. I am glad your mom told me about it. I have never seen a race. And I must admit I don't know much about it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Goose
Armadillo eggs? Does that mean they have a rock hard shell, lol.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, we have heard there are some good owners and trainers out there, and so there should be after those dogs have made them a fortune.
Dip Bridge and Elliot x
We don't think you're bad for going at all! Mom and Dad have been to the track in Dubuque a lot of times as well as a few that closed in Wisconsin. They have even been in the racing and adoption kennels there, and the dogs are treated pretty well most of the time. Mom says she wishes she had a hot tub to relax in after she exercises! Anyway, we've had more good experiences with racing owners than bad, and the worst things that we've seen happen tonGreyhounds have been after they left the track. Sweetheart's story comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteBunny
I think it's great that you went. It's important to know everything about your dog, the good, the bad and the ugly. I have a beagle and I have done a ton of research on beagles that they use in lab testing. It's awful.
ReplyDeleteTrina