3 November, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
For most of my over one half century of life, I\u2019ve had the privilege of loving, living, and working with dogs. They are the joy of my existence. Maybe you feel the same way too. There are few things more beautiful than watching a dog do what he was born to do- whether that be a police or tracking dog assisting in a search, a terrier doing earth work, a border collie working sheep, or a racing greyhound chasing the lure.\u00a0 Even as recently as last year I would have been just incredulous to think that a person such as myself would ever have to suddenly become political for the first time in her life, write a blog, and speak out about the things that I have learned about racing and greyhounds.\u00a0 Ballot Question 3 has effectively put an end to my complacency.\u00a0 I have become angry listening to the lies and half-truths spewed by the proponents of this appalling piece of legislation.\u00a0 The public needs to know that this is just the beginning.\u00a0 If the animal rights extremists behind Question 3 are successful tomorrow someday our very choices to live with companion dogs will be threatened.<\/p>\n
We might start with the very name of their group; why is it not the Committee to Protect Greyhounds? Could it be that there is a much larger agenda at stake here?\u00a0\u00a0 Shall we discuss the groups\u2019 links to PETA or their failure to defend Florida greyhounds in any way by working on Florida SB 590, which would have established minimal care and inspection standards in the least regulated state in the Union?\u00a0\u00a0 I will hope that the reader\u00a0might consider seeking out more information for themselves to fully understand these issues.<\/p>\n
Why does the Committee not extend its concerns to horse racing?\u00a0\u00a0 Whips on their backs, metal bits in their mouths, jockeys controlling their movement- far more inhumane on a daily basis.\u00a0\u00a0 No reporting is required, and a recent report states that over 3000 horses were euthanized\u00a0as a result of\u00a0racing injuries in the US in the past five years.\u00a0 Don\u2019t the zealots care about that?\u00a0\u00a0 Of course not- the horse industry is very well bankrolled and the zealots know they do not stand any chance against it.\u00a0\u00a0 So instead, they have chosen to target a tiny (by comparison) industry which has played by the rules (even the ones G2k added) for over 70 years because greyhound racing is an easy mark: the people work long hours and do not have time to reply along with the facts that the dogs are easier for the public to identify with and have been darned good money-makers for the groups\u2019 personal coffers.<\/p>\n
There has never been one single report of greyhound abuse by track personnel of any level since greyhound racing began in this state in 1935.\u00a0 Why does the Committee not include lure coursing in the Question?\u00a0\u00a0 Lure coursing is far more dangerous with its sharp course turns, animals not fully conditioned (they mostly run only on weekends), and lack of veterinary on-site care.\u00a0\u00a0 Protecting greyhounds?\u00a0\u00a0 Then please do it all the way.\u00a0\u00a0 Let\u2019s ban dog parks and backyards too- greyhounds get hurt there as well.\u00a0\u00a0 The Committee is going after greyhound parimutuel racing only to support their well known sub-agenda of gambling abolition.<\/p>\n
Tomorrow at the polls I will see the dogs and the good people who work so hard with them in my mind all day.\u00a0\u00a0 I fervently hope the people of our Commonwealth will use both wisdom and judgement while voting down Question 3.\u00a0\u00a0 Greyhound parimutuel racing has been a proud, tax-paying industry in this state since 1935.\u00a0\u00a0 The industry has obeyed the laws, filed the reports, and done what has been asked of it.\u00a0 If greyhound racing is going to die let it be on its own.\u00a0\u00a0 Don\u2019t let these animal rights radical groups legislate out a sport that only they themselves do not like.\u00a0\u00a0 The next dog sport and dogs they will go after may well be your own.<\/p>\n
Please educate yourself and vote NO on Question 3<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Crate\u00a0Expectations<\/a><\/h2>\n19 October, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
Meet my friend Martin<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.greyhoundinfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/martin1.jpg\" "\\"martin1\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nHe\u2019s as sweet as he looks.
\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.greyhoundinfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/martin2.jpg\" "\\"martin2\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nMartin is tall for a greyhound, measuring 31.5 inches at the withers (shoulder blades).\u00a0 He\u2019s tired in this picture as he\u2019d just finished racing.<\/p>\n
Massachusetts law 205 CMR 12.04: The Humane Handling, Care, Treatment, And Transportation Of Racing Greyhounds states:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe shape and size of the enclosure shall afford ample space for the greyhounds to comfortably turn around, stand erect, sit or lie down without obstruction, interference, or impediment by the presence of food and water bowls.\u00a0 Minimum dimensions shall be 32 inches wide, 42 inches deep and 34 inches high.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.greyhoundinfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/martin51.jpg\" "\\"martin51\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.greyhoundinfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/martin3b.jpg\" "\\"martin3b\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe number 79 on his name\u00a0tape refers to his racing set weight; the 38 his crate number.\u00a0 Shortly after this picture was taken, Martin rolled onto his side, stretched out his legs and fell asleep as only a greyhound can.\u00a0 So much for the claim:<\/p>\n
\u201cAt local racetracks, thousands of greyhounds endure lives of confinement, kept for 20 or more hours each day in cages barely large enough to stand up or turn around in. \u201c<\/p>\n
These pictures were taken at 4:30pm.\u00a0 Martin and all the other hounds had already been out for an hour at 6:00am and 9:30am. He missed the noon\u00a0session as he was up at the track.\u00a0\u00a0After\u00a0racing that day he had 5:30pm hour turn-out and late turn-out still to come.\u00a0 Twenty hours in a crate oops cage?\u00a0 I don\u2019t think so.<\/p>\n
Addendum: The Spin Begins
\n<\/strong>
\nSay <\/strong>what you will, Mr. Theil.\u00a0 Again, you have taken copyrighted pictures without permission and used them to\u00a0present your spin on things.\u00a0 At least use the entire blog post (again without permission) in your essay instead of editing it.\u00a0 As you well know, I am neither the racing industry, the race tracks, nor the No on 3 campaign so do not accuse them.\u00a0 I am just a private citizen who loves dogs, nothing more.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0This is my blog and these are my opinions.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Puzzling\u00a0Evidence<\/a><\/h2>\n14 October, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
After two most interesting public debates<\/a><\/strong> the zealots have added another page of their own special brand of fuzzy facts to their website.\u00a0 Warning: their spin may make you dizzy.<\/p>\nTHEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:
\n\u201cMassachusetts greyhound racing achieves 100% adoption rate\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n
\nTHEIR FACTS:
\n<\/em><\/strong>According to the State Racing Commission, the actual adoption rate is only 31%\u00a0<\/em><\/div>\nReally?\u00a0 And that\u2019s because many greyhounds move on to other tracks and some return to the farms to be bred.\u00a0 31% of the dogs are retired and made available to adoption and 100% OF THE DOGS MADE AVAILABLE TO ADOPTION ARE ADOPTED OUT.<\/p>\n
\nTHEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:
\n\u201cFrom 2002 to 2007, 465,176 greyhounds raced at Massachusetts tracks.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nTHEIR FACTS:
\n<\/strong>This is completely false. To arrive at this inflated figure, opponents of Question 3 are counting the same dogs over and over again dozens of times.<\/em><\/p>\nNo kidding\u2026 \u00a0THAT\u2019S BECAUSE THE SAME DOGS RACE OVER AND OVER AGAIN!\u00a0 Sheesh.
\nThe 465,176 figure IS correct- there were that many individual dog performances in the time period alluded to.\u00a0 You forgot the total injury rate over the period which was 0.15% of these 465,176 performances.<\/p>\n
\nTHEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:<\/em>
\n\u201cMassachusetts dog tracks have \u201cat least 1000 full and part time workers.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/div>\nTHEIR FACTS:
\n<\/strong><\/em>According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, all racetracks in the state only employ a combined total of <\/em>707<\/em>. This includes dog tracks, horse tracks and even <\/em>auto speedways<\/em><\/p>\nRaynham employs 833, Wonderland 305.\u00a0 Your figure is from September of 2007; you have not factored in ancillary services or the fact that Wonderland had closed for the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe racing commission report shows that at Raynham there are 833 jobs and at Wonderland 305. Here\u2019s what [supporters of the ban are] doing, they\u2019re parsing the tax numbers, looking only at W-2s, and what they don\u2019t deal with is the huge chunk of people who get issued 1099s.\u201d\u00a0 -Glenn Totten<\/p>\n
\nTHEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:
\n\u201cThe backers of Question 3 are part of a fundraising machine that moves from state to state, puts initiatives and referenda on the ballot, enlists local support and raises money.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n
\nTHEIR FACTS:
\n<\/strong>Question 3 is sponsored by mainstream animal protection groups like the MSPCA, the second oldest humane society in our nation\u2019s history. It is supported by every major animal shelter, dozens of lawmakers, and more than sixty local veterinarians<\/em><\/div>\nLet\u2019s not forget HSUS who is a mainstream animal rights group headed by the self-same Wayne Pacelle who has said: \u201cWe have no problems with the extinction of domestic animals\u2026\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 I note you don\u2019t mention his group here\u2026 and they\u2019ve given you enormous amounts of money for your campaign.\u00a0 How many dogs does \u201cevery major animal shelter\u201d euthanize each year when their time is up?\u00a0\u00a0 The MSPCA must kill a lot as they even have their own crematorium in Methuen.\u00a0 The main group behind this ballot question is a 501(4)c \u201cadvocacy\u201d group- fundraisers and talkers- nothing more, certainly no funds given or volunteer efforts perfomed for greyhound adoption.<\/p>\n
You also forgot to mention your recent brainwashing of the Massachusetts Council of Churches.\u00a0 In 2000, Father Michael Guarino, a staunch advocate of greyhound adoption spoke out on behalf of greyhounds and you mobilized your minions to terrorize the Archdiocese. Guess it\u2019s okay for you to exploit the religious if it suits your agenda.<\/p>\n
\n<\/em>THEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:
\n\u201cSupporters of Question 3 \u201chave no legal requirement to explain to the state where money comes from or where it goes.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nTHEIR FACTS:
\n<\/strong>This is completely false. The Committee to Protect Dogs files detailed reports<\/em> with the state documenting every single contribution and expenditure. These reports are posted on line by the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance
\n<\/em>
\n<\/em><\/div>\nUh huh. What are your REAL salaries?\u00a0\u00a0All those in-kinds to your friends too\u2026 John Parker on Greyhound-L keeps asking you this question and you have never once answered it; you either evade or vanish.<\/div>\n
\n
\nTHEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:<\/strong>
\n\u201cFrom 2000 to 2007, \u201cMassachusetts\u2019 tracks contributed $1.34 million for greyhound adoption.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n
\nTHEIR FACTS:
\n<\/strong>This money comes from a tax on gamblers that previously went to the state. These tax dollars were redirected to adoption efforts in 2002 after the passage of a bill that was sponsored by Yes on 3 supporters<\/em><\/div>\nLet\u2019s use the \u201cCommittee\u2019s\u201d logic method just for fun. The tax DOES come from the tracks because if the bettors had not bet the animals at the tracks, there would have been no tax to collect!\u00a0 It is still 1.34 million dollars going straight to greyhound adoption.\u00a0 The \u201cCommittee\u201d itself along with any of its spurious groups has never contributed a penny as we well know.\u00a0 Thank goodness for the bettors as there are adoption agencies in this state in great need of these funds.<\/p>\n
\n<\/em>THEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:
\n\u201cThe size of the crates used in Massachusetts racing kennels was set with the assistance of Grey2k and the MSPCA\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/div>\nTHEIR FACTS:
\n<\/strong><\/em>This is completely false. The<\/em> cages used at commercial racetracks in Massachusetts are five times smaller than the runs used for similarly sized dogs at the MSPCA-Angell Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nYou must mean those soaking wet cement and cinder-blocked walls booths? The ones in which a greyhound could not see his or\u00a0her neighbor much less get comfortable? The cement is cold all the time and the surface and dampness is terrible for their feet and skin.
\nDogs are in THOSE 24\/7\u2026
\nOne of the larger adoption groups in this state has those; the dogs push the edge of their blankets out into the wet gutters hoping another dog on the opposite side of the wall will pull at it- that way they know they are not alone. From birth through track life, greyhounds spend their lives together in groups and love every moment. In the kennels they frequently rest back to back by preference. They can always hear and see the other dogs around them and spend time outside socializing, playing, or napping in the sun with their friends and people. Instead you\u2019d rather see them in those isolation cubicles?<\/p>\n
\nTHEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:
\n\u201cThe cages at commercial racetracks are comparable to crates \u201csold at PETCO for dogs like Great Danes and St. Bernards.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n
\nTHEIR FACTS:
\n<\/strong>The cages used at Massachusetts racetracks are not sold by PETCO or other pet supply stores. Instead, they are produced by companies that specialize in commercial cages, such as G&T Crates<\/em>, which manufactured at least some of the cages being used at Raynham Park.<\/em><\/em><\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/div>\nYikes! Is this really all you can come up with for a \u201cfalse claim\u201d? The crates at the tracks are LARGER than the crates at the stores. A Varikennel 500 has 16+ cubic feet of useable space (inside dimensions). A track G & T has 26+ cubic feet of useable space (inside dimensions as well). I note you don\u2019t try your usual \u201csmaller cage\/ confinement\u201d argument here for a change; that\u2019s refreshing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Just The Facts,\u00a0Ma\u2019am<\/a><\/h2>\n25 September, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
In a recently released highly-touted video pseudo-expose\u2032,\u00a0 the animal rights extremists displayed footage of alleged mass maimings occurring during racing at Massachusetts tracks.\u00a0 Yes, injuries can and do occur but according to the Massachusetts State Racing Commission\u2019s official records \u00a0(in the six years\u00a0in which these records were kept from 2002 to 2007) \u00a0in 465,176 individual greyhound starts at Massachusetts tracks the official injury rate was far less than 1 percent : 0.15% to be exact. Unfortunately, such facts do not\u00a0keep the extremists\u2019 constant fund-grubbing efforts going as they do not milk the public\u2019s emotions.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s have a look at the dogs exploited in the video, shall we?\u00a0 Please forgive formatting.<\/p>\n
Cawa Harli<\/strong>
\nfell\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12\/13\/07
\nnext raced\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a03\/14\/08
\nAugust Extremist Report: laceration inside right rear\/ soft wrap
\n2-3 weeks recovery recommended\u00a0\u00a0 (trainer rested her longer)
\nHarli last raced 9\/22\/08 at Twin Rivers in Rhode Island<\/p>\nStarz Voice<\/strong>
\ninjured\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6\/25\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report: severe elbow fractures- euthanized<\/p>\nPhyllissassygirl<\/strong>
\ninjured\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9\/27\/07
\nnext race\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a010\/3\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report:\u00a0 No injury report filed so not noted
\nLast raced 9\/23\/08 at Palm Beach<\/p>\nWW\u2019s Brave Honor
\n<\/strong>\u00a0fell\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a06\/8\/07 judged okay 6\/15\/07
\nnext race\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6\/18\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report: No injury report filed so not noted
\nLast raced 8\/28\/08 at Wonderland (now closed for the season)<\/p>\nStarz Checkers<\/strong>
\ntwo falls:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 fell first turn 11\/10\/07
\nnext race\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11\/14\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report: No injury report filed so not noted
\n12\/19\/07 hit rail, fell first turn
\nnext race\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12\/30\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report:\u00a0 No injury report filed so not noted
\nLast raced 9\/22\/08 at Raynham<\/p>\nFuzzy\u2019s Spider<\/strong>
\ninjured\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11\/14\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report: fracture right tibia, prognosis career-ending
\nSpider has retired and right now has a litter of eight puppies<\/p>\nCayman Count<\/strong>
\ninjured\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10\/14\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report: right radius\/ ulna fractures, prognosis 1 year to career-ending<\/p>\nAs you can see, excepting Starz Voice whose injuries were sadly irreparable, most of the dogs from the video returned in very short order to racing and are racing still; two have been retired.\u00a0 The dogs seem to have been chosen for their dramatic falls- although other animals may have received injuries in races in the time periods listed, they evidently did not fall impressively enough to\u00a0qualify for\u00a0the video.\u00a0 The slow-motion scenes\u00a0make it look like a massacre has taken place but this is just not the case.\u00a0 Amusingly, they left the audio portions\u00a0intact to make this slo-mo hogwash even more surreal.<\/p>\n
Oh- some news to share!\u00a0 The Massachusetts Animal Interest Coalition now has its website up at:
\nClick Here For The Truth<\/a><\/p>\nYou can find their campaign funds report at:
\nhttp:\/\/www.efs.cpf.state.ma.us\/DisplayReport.aspx?reportId=85138<\/a><\/p>\nand may enjoy comparing it with the extremists\u2019 funds report at:
\nhttp:\/\/www.efs.cpf.state.ma.us\/SearchReportResults.aspx?cpfId=95329<\/a><\/p>\n<\/h2>\nVote No On Question\u00a03<\/a><\/h2>\n16 September, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
Who I am is not important; I\u2019m someone just like you. What makes me different from many is that I have sought to understand the facts about greyhound\u00a0racing in Massachusetts and will herein try to separate the truth from the anti-racing zealots\u2019 propaganda.\u00a0 I am but one small voice- but a voice nonetheless. And here I will have my say.<\/p>\n
As you may know, greyhound racing in this state is\u00a0the topic of\u00a0a ballot question in the upcoming November elections.\u00a0 Several groups that purport to have the best interests of the racing greyhound at heart have banded together\u00a0in an attempt to end the proud 73 year history of Massachusetts greyhound racing.\u00a0 In actuality, they have their own best interests at heart: animal rights extremism which may well someday affect your very choice to live with a companion dog.\u00a0 Greyhounds, for these people are just the beginning.\u00a0 But these are topics to delve into another day.<\/p>\n
Today, I am tired of hearing false adoption statistics for retired greyhounds in Massachusetts.\u00a0 Let\u2019s start here: racing greyhounds do not need \u201crescue\u201d as they are well cared for and happy to race. When the time comes, they RETIRE<\/p>\n
\u201cThe commission shall maintain accurate records and statistics regarding the disposition of all greyhounds that have participated in dog racing, including schooling races, in the commonwealth\u201d (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 128C: Section 7)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nWhen a greyhound retires to adoption, returns to its home farm for breeding, or is moved to another track extensive information must be supplied to the state.\u00a0\u00a0The zealots would like you to believe that they \u201cdisappear\u201d but that is simply not true.\u00a0 And how many greyhounds retired in Massachusetts are adopted out?\u00a0 100%\u00a0\u00a0 Can that be said of the dogs languishing at the MSPCA (a big supporter of the ban on racing) or in local pounds who are euthanized in huge numbers daily just because \u201ctheir time is up\u201d?\u00a0 Nationwide, greyhound adoption this year\u00a0has had 93% success placing animals retiring into homes.\u00a0 We in Massachusetts lead the way, and that is something to be very proud of.<\/p>\n
Why is our rate so high?\u00a0 Our laws are strict and there is good cooperation between the track kennels and the adoption groups to facilitate the care and placement of retired greyhounds.\u00a0 There are no \u201ckill dates\u201d as there are at the pounds; occasionally, greyhounds may\u00a0wait many years for the right home but none are euthanized.\u00a0 Let us also not forget that Grey2K, now a part of the \u201cCommittee\u201d which sponsors the anti-racing bill along with HSUS and the MSPCA has never given any money or any support whatsoever (not even a can of food) to any adoption group in this state (or any state!) or any greyhound in need.\u00a0 They have, however, finally adopted one- it\u2019s good exploitation oops public relations after all\u2026<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
You might enjoy these videos:
\nVideo 1<\/strong><\/a>
\nVideo 2<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/h2>\nHound\u00a0Music<\/a><\/h2>\n3 June, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
There is a haunting beauty in the tonal quality and\u00a0repertoire of the greyhound voice.\u00a0 From the song of a lone hound\u00a0breaking the momentary silence with a howl\u00a0somewhere within the compound in the early evening to the rising chorus of hundreds of voices at dawn as the kennels start their day, there is always a bit of music in the air.\u00a0 As I stand in our turn-out pen with our dogs I listen and marvel. Greyhounds, like most dogs, use their voices to communicate how they feel.\u00a0 In the morning, they sing of the joy of going out to play and taking care of their business.\u00a0 They bark, roodle, and tell the latest gossip to their friends.\u00a0\u00a0 Later, at feeding time, the sounds change to happy yipping which tails off as each dog receives their bowl.<\/p>\n
Bliss<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0believes that everyone should always know how she is feeling about any given topic- especially if she knows that she will race that day\u2026\u00a0\u00a0 On days when she is scheduled, we bench her for the usual full grooming and physical exam.\u00a0 The moment she finishes gobbling down the milkbone she\u2019s been given for being so good (as always!) on the bench the singing starts.\u00a0 She will spend her morning\u00a0using her amazing coloratura (methinks bragging) that she is going racing- this continues until she hops into the truck, her tail wagging\u00a0in anticipation.<\/p>\nIf a leash is so much as moved on the leash hook in any kennel in the compound, the roar becomes absolutely deafening as they all want to go up to the track to race.\u00a0 While the kennels are preparing to leave for the afternoon card the music echoes between the buildings: All is well!\u00a0 I want to go!\u00a0 Let\u2019s go now!\u00a0 What about me?\u00a0 Hey!\u00a0 Are we going?\u00a0 Let\u2019s go!\u00a0 Now!\u00a0 Hurry up!\u00a0 Up at the ginny pit each time the doors are opened by the leadouts to bring the racers for the next race out the hound music billows out behind them, happy and excited.\u00a0 I really enjoy the \u201cgonna race now\u201d chorus that emanates from the starting box before the lure starts.\u00a0 Each group in the boxes has a different thematic pattern, but all sing of the same messages- the joy of the chase and the sheer thrill of being born a greyhound.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Weekend<\/a><\/h2>\n1 June, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
Weekends are an exhausting time for the trainers and kennel workers at Raynham<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0as the track offers two racing sessions (cards) on Friday and Saturday evenings in addition to the normal afternoon racing.\u00a0 The schedule for the dogs changes little except for those who will race in the evenings.\u00a0 Evening racers are benched in the morning and are fed a \u201cmeatball\u201d- a 1\/4 ration of their daily food to tide them over until after racing that night.\u00a0 Weigh-in for the evening dogs begins at 6:30pm and racing starts at 7:30pm, often lasting till 11:00pm.\u00a0 The workers put in 18 hour days (at least!) on Fridays and Saturdays, and by Sunday everyone is dragging- but still wearily smiling.\u00a0 Henry finds a table in front of the simulcast monitors, watches his racers, and tries valiantly not to nod off.\u00a0\u00a0 He never gives in to it as he frequently runs to the cool-down room in the paddock to see how his dogs are feeling before Katie takes them back to the kennel for a rest.<\/p>\nThe weekend was the hardest part of Kennel Week for me- by Saturday afternoon my head was swimming and by Sunday I had seemingly forgotten most of the English language\u2026\u00a0 There are not enough words to describe my respect for the people that do this work week in and week out.\u00a0 The job is six to seven days a week and 16-18 hours a day of physical labor on one\u2019s feet; you must truly love the dogs and be dedicated to the work to endure.\u00a0 The people from all the kennels at Raynham are a very special group.\u00a0 Most could be working an easier job somewhere else but all have chosen to work hard for the dogs that they love and believe in.\u00a0 You are all amazing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Beef: It\u2019s What\u2019s For\u00a0Dinner<\/a><\/h2>\n31 May, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
Ask ten trainers what they feed their dogs and you will get ten\u00a0separate recipes.\u00a0 Each trainer has widely differing (and frequently strong!) opinions on\u00a0which ingredients are most important for their athletes.\u00a0 But most US trainers will agree that the basic components\u00a0of a good diet are a high quality kibble and meat.\u00a0 There has been much controversy about the meat that racing greyhounds are fed.\u00a0 The USDA has strict rules\u00a0guiding the\u00a0grading of\u00a0slaughtered animals- and the designation 4-D (dead, diseased, dying, or disabled) is given to meat not used for human consumption but appropriate for other uses.\u00a0 4-D is a utility grade per the USDA and there are two grades still below it: cutter and canner.\u00a0 If you\u2019ve eaten hot dogs or ground beef, you\u2019ve ingested meat from these lower two grades.\u00a0 Denatured charcoal is added at the packing plant to the meat the greyhounds eat to\u00a0make its taste unpalatable to humans; it is\u00a0labelled clearly on the boxes that the meat blocks come in.\u00a0 Is there anything wrong with this meat?\u00a0 Not at all!\u00a0 It is quickly frozen into 30 pound blocks at the plant and when thawed looks exactly as red and smells as fresh as beef cubes you might use to make a stew at home.\u00a0 Bacterial contamination is rare secondary to the methods of rendering and packing.<\/p>\n
Ranging between 7%\u00a0(for racing dogs) and 15% (for brood mothers) fat content, 4-D beef forms a integral part of the diet that racing dogs typically eat- and they love it.\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s pretty much the same beef that raw diet aficionados\u00a0feed at home and is a major component of all commercially-prepared dog foods in this country.\u00a0 If you might like to read more about this, please visit this link<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0at the Greyhound Racing Association of America website or this<\/strong><\/a> essay by Dr. Randy Wysong.\u00a0 Each day at the kennel, the 68 dogs consume 90 pounds of meat.\u00a0 They all have bright shiny coats, excellent muscling, clean teeth, fresh breath, and small stools as their bodies use the food so well.\u00a0 Henry also purchases another by-product monthly: large very meaty bones with lots of cartilage points\u00a0which the dogs love to chew down to tiny stumps; plenty of fun, good nutrition, and tartarless teeth are the results.\u00a0 The dogs never need dental cleanings when they enter retirement.\u00a0 Note to self: start giving more bones at home\u2026<\/p>\nA Day In The Life Of A Racing\u00a0Kennel<\/a><\/h2>\n30 May, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
The long hoped for news has come- Kennel Week starts today!\u00a0\u00a0 I fly out of bed when the alarm sounds, run downstairs to jumpstart the neurotransmitters with a cup (vat) of coffee, and dive into a pair of dungarees and a hooded sweatshirt.\u00a0 Note to the fashion-conscious: hooded sweatshirts are your friend at the track\u2026\u00a0\u00a0 Grumbling at the morning traffic I finally pull into the compound- the last thing I would want to be today is late!\u00a0\u00a0 I sling my totebag filled with The Necessities Of Life onto the\u00a0top of a stack of joint compound sized buckets and wave good morning to Henry, who is intent upon the never-ending stack of dog paperwork on his desk.\u00a0 The dogs bark their good-natured greetings as I walk about visiting them.<\/p>\n
The schedule in a racing kennel is of great importance.\u00a0 Dogs being creatures of habit are most happy if they know what to expect and when to expect it.\u00a0 Deviations from the schedule could possibly induce anxiety, stress, and incontinence in some dogs, so the daily routine is closely adhered to.\u00a0 There is a wonderfully\u00a0gentle rhythm to the day once one gets used to it.<\/p>\n
0600-0700\u00a0 Morning Turnout
\nAll the dogs go out in groups separated by sex to relieve themselves, play, or nap in the early sun.\u00a0 They wear plastic kennel muzzles with their names on them; as greyhounds have thin skin and minimal fat on their bodies, cuts and scrapes from another dog\u2019s teeth or nails can occur very easily during play.\u00a0 They can pant, sniff around, and drink water easily with the muzzles on.\u00a0 Or, if you\u2019re Beta<\/strong><\/a>, they make a very handy toy to remove, fling, and incite riot with- she\u2019s so darned smart!\u00a0 Turnout groups at Ryan Racing average 13-17 as Henry\u2019s kennel has four turnout pens.\u00a0 We let out two pens at a time (one all male, one all female) then I am assigned waste management chores (!!) and get to be in the\u00a0happy position of\u00a0being the person in the pen who gets to hug all the dogs.\u00a0 It\u2019s great!\u00a0 Once the girls (or boys) are done from either side they are let back into the kennel and those who will race today or tomorrow will be weighed so that their feed portions might be adjusted as needed.\u00a0 The boys are then moved over to the area that the girls just vacated as there are a lot of wonderfully perfumey (to a male) smells over there to investigate.\u00a0 This inspires a second round of pooping and peeing within minutes; I race around to collect the um, results.\u00a0 Henry is inside the kennel changing any wet beds and replacing\/ fluffing the paper on which the dogs rest.\u00a0\u00a0 This white paper comes in bales about 6\u2032 high by 2\u2032 deep; it is shredded into long strips and is comfortable and absorbent.\u00a0 The crates are filled to the ceiling with the paper- one of my favorite things is to watch the girls jump up into their crates head first into the mountain of paper then shake it all around to make themselves a cozy nest to rest in.\u00a0 The stew in the kitchen area cooks and we check the meat removed from the freezer the day before to make sure it has thawed.<\/p>\n0700-0900
\nDogs who are entered in races today are benched (see previous post) and fitted for racing muzzles.\u00a0 We also bench dogs that seem to have muscle soreness or need a quick check.\u00a0 Some are rubbed down with a very thick blue linament which smells nicely of wintergreen and helps with healing- they love this and run back to their crates for their cookies.\u00a0 I laugh after we bench my\u00a0beloved Chandra<\/strong><\/a>; she\u2019s an all-white dog who is now a turquoise dog after the massage!\u00a0 The color is non-toxic and will rub off on her bedding, but her back and shoulder muscles are soothed by the rub.<\/p>\nIf the weather is\u00a0nice and the dogs need it, we load the 6-hole dog truck and drive over to the sprint path behind the track.\u00a0 This is a sand floored ~600 foot long fenced-in area about 15 feet across.\u00a0 It is a great place to help a dog get back into racing condition- one to three dogs will be let loose as the trainer sees fit and allowed to run freely and play for a bit.\u00a0 The trainer can evaluate the dog\u2019s movement and watch for any signs of soreness.\u00a0 Two mornings a week, the track offers unofficial schooling on the track itself which is great fun for all.\u00a0 Each kennel brings up dogs that need training.\u00a0 The trainer chooses (based upon the dog\u2019s need) to let them run from the starting box, handslip (run without the starting box), and the distances and number of dogs to run at a time.\u00a0 Henry will have a maximum of three at a time so that he can closely watch each dog.\u00a0 The area near the track is filled with dogs and kennel personnel; people talk and laugh while patting their dogs.\u00a0 Tails are wagging everywhere as the dogs await their chance to run.<\/p>\n
0900-1000
\nTurnout begins again and last an hour as do most.\u00a0 The dogs swarm for hugs, play a bit, then lie down in their favorite spots.\u00a0 Taos<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0checks to be sure that no frogs have entered HER pen (woe to the amphibian that tries\u2026) .\u00a0 On the other side of the kennel, Winter<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and Happy<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0teach Isis<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0how a proper young greyhound lady should behave.\u00a0 Avalon<\/strong><\/a> and Tobias<\/strong><\/a> stake out their sunspots while\u00a0Kang<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0acts as social director for the rest of the boys\u2026<\/p>\n1000-1100
\nThe dogs (except racers) are fed; a quart pail of water is hung from a double-end bolt snap in the crates of all the dogs not racing today.\u00a0 Those who are racing will be fed their full meals and given their pails several hours afterwards along with receiving extra turnouts.\u00a0 Henry strongly believes in the\u00a0water pails\u00a0rather than communal water buckets in the turnout pens; he feels that the dogs have access to clean, fresh water all day this way, contamination by sandy kennel muzzles is prevented, and he can monitor things\u00a0to ensure that each dog is drinking and urinating well.\u00a0 Hydration status in a greyhound is very important; like us, they do not feel at their best when the least bit dehydrated.\u00a0 Conversely, if a dog begins to consume lots of water suddenly it may be a sign that there is something going on which might need attending to.<\/p>\n
Floors are swept, mopped, and disinfected.\u00a0 The feed tub and stainless steel feed pans are scrubbed and dried.\u00a0 All surfaces are wiped clean then disinfectant spray is applied.\u00a0 Meat for tomorrow is brought in from the freezer to thaw and meals for those racing later are prepared and placed on top of the dog\u2019s crate.<\/p>\n
1130
\nWe have loaded the truck with the dogs who will race today and have driven up to walk to the area in the track paddock known as the ginny pit to have our dogs officially weighed in.\u00a0 This occurs in a large room with crates along the walls on three sides, each labelled with the numbers of both the race and the dog\u2019s starting box.\u00a0 Dogs must be within 1.5 pounds above or below their set (proper racing) weights, otherwise they are scratched (dismissed from racing) for the day.\u00a0 At exactly 1130, the racing officials enter the room, stand at a computer connected to the scale, and begin recording the weights as each dog stands on the scale.\u00a0 An official checks ear tattoo numbers and carries a box filled with Bertillon cards.\u00a0 These cards carry the dog\u2019s specific registry information and a diagram of the dog\u2019s body markings (white toes, black dots on ear, etc.)\u00a0 Once weighed in, the dog is placed into the correct crate by the leadouts to await racing.\u00a0 The racing muzzle and leash are hung outside the crate.\u00a0 Per Massachusetts law, the temperature in the room is maintained at a level between 65\u2032-75\u2032F year around for the dogs\u2019 comfort and safety.\u00a0 Also per law, one must be licensed to even step into the room; this includes kennel help.\u00a0 After all dogs have been weighed in, the room is off-limits to all except officials and leadouts; we will not be able to have any direct contact with our dogs until after each dog finishes racing.<\/p>\n
1130-1230
\nHenry heads back to the kennel for the third turnout of the day.\u00a0 I stay at the track to help Katie Melo, our second trainer prepare to receive the dogs after each race.\u00a0 It\u2019s time to eat some lunch and pore over the program of races today.<\/p>\n
1230- End of Racing Card
\nRacing!\u00a0 The sheer beauty\u00a0of eight hounds doing what they were bred to do and love to do most\u2026 \u00a0If you have never been to a track,\u00a0I hope you might consider a visit.\u00a0 Raynham<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is a nice place to watch races-greyhound greats like Swedish Episode<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and Ethereal Force<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0raced here.\u00a0 If you listen closely enough, you can almost hear the ghostly sound of their feet pounding up the stretch still.\u00a0 I love standing at the rail to watch the dogs racing thunder up and past in a blur of color and pure athleticism.<\/p>\nAs each race ends, the dogs are brought by the leadouts into the cool-down room.\u00a0 This is a huge rectangular room in the paddock where the dogs will be allowed to sip water and be walked in a large oval around the room to facilitate the cooling down of their muscles.\u00a0 Like the ginny pit, the room is climate controlled per state law.\u00a0 We wait by numbered posts for our racers.\u00a0 Their racing silks (jackets) are removed and we lead them over to our wash stations.\u00a0 A pediatric bulb syringe full of cool clean water is immediately used to flush each eye of debris kicked up during the race.\u00a0 The sand and silt of the track, being coarse (better traction and safety), can be very irritating\u00a0to the eyes and corneal abrasions are prevented with adequate flushing.\u00a0 The dog will sip some water (not a lot\u00a0as it may lead to cramping), then walk with one of us a bit.\u00a0 Occasionally the state officials may request and take the dog to a special sand floored room to obtain a urine specimen.\u00a0 These are analyzed for prohibited substances (such as caffeine, worming meds, etc.).\u00a0 No one at Raynham can remember the last time any dog tested positive, and many people have been there for years.\u00a0 Next,\u00a0the dogs\u00a0are brought over to the bank of hoses and feet, legs, and undercarriage are cleansed.\u00a0 Feet are always throughly checked and scrubbed gently with a brush.\u00a0\u00a0After the racing muzzle is scrubbed in hot soapy water and rinsed walking continues.\u00a0 The dog is taken outside to empty bowels or bladder as need be then walked more if necessary until fully cooled.\u00a0 Once this is done, we take the dog back to the truck and lift them in as they are tired.\u00a0 Lest you think that they spend their whole afternoon in the truck, let me assure you that that is not true.\u00a0 One or two dogs will finish racing then the truck will be driven back to the kennel (about a mile away) to have a quick turnout then go in to have some rest.\u00a0 The dog trucks in the back parking lot are in constant motion as tired racers\u00a0head back for\u00a0their naps.<\/p>\n
Three afternoons a week\u00a0official schooling is held after racing is over.\u00a0 The dogs weigh in after the 13th race (if there are fourteen) and wait with their kennel people to be called.\u00a0 These races are watched by the judges- if a dog is new to the track he must school to prove he is fit, a dog that may have taken a spill during a race will be judged for soundness-\u00a0there are many reasons why they are officially schooled.\u00a0 These races will go on their permanent record.<\/p>\n
End of Racing- ?
\nA quick turnout occurs now; early racers are fed, given water pails, and encouraged to rest.<\/p>\n
1845-1945
\nA full hour turnout begins.\u00a0 Most of the dogs, tired from the day sprawl in the warm sand or play quietly.\u00a0 Beds are again checked for dampness and changed if needed.\u00a0 Water pails are removed for the night, scrubbed with soap, and left to dry.<\/p>\n
2200-2300
\nHenry may come back to again do a turnout.\u00a0 Massachusetts state law mandates five turnouts a day, most kennels do at least that if not more.\u00a0\u00a0In comparison\u00a0to the average dog in the average household, racing greyhounds spend much more time outside each day and and have had the company of their people for most of each and every day, unless they are in the ginny pit waiting to race.\u00a0 It has been a 17+ hour day for Henry- and this is the norm, not the exception at the tracks.\u00a0 Wearily, we say good night to the dogs.\u00a0 Carmella<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and Henry play their nightly bedtime game with a marshmallow (she\u2019s nuts for them).\u00a0 We head home for a few hours only to start anew at 0600.\u00a0 I\u2019m so tired that I think I forget where I live\u2026 but it\u2019s been a wonderful day.<\/p>\nHey Lady- You Got A License For Those\u00a0Hounds?<\/a><\/h2>\n2 April, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
In order to work even as a kennel helper at a greyhound track occupational licensure<\/strong><\/a> is required by state law.\u00a0 Leadouts (those that walk the dogs to the starting box and retrieve them at the end of the race) , assistant trainers (kennel help), trainers, and owners of racing dogs must be licensed and issued identification cards by the states they work or race dogs in.\u00a0\u00a0 Massachusetts has some of the strictest laws in the nation for the proper care<\/strong><\/a>, racing<\/strong><\/a>, licensure, and retirement<\/strong><\/a> of the racing greyhound despite what some may wish you to believe.\u00a0 Amongst other things, required dimensions for crates are clearly delineated, the number of turnouts (dogs\u2019 outdoor exercise periods) per day are specified, and\u00a0surprise thorough kennel inspections may happen at any time- the State Police accompany the inspectors and the penalties are severe for infractions.\u00a0 Racing in the Commonwealth at both Raynham<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and Wonderland<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is highly regulated and the laws ensure the good care of the dogs.<\/p>\nHenry and I navigate the maze of hallways and stairs leading up above the clubhouse to the Judges\u2019 Office.\u00a0 Set at the highest vantage point above the track, the office is normally off-limits to all, except for a certain amount of time before daily racing begins and after it ends.\u00a0 It is during this period that the judges allow licensure testing.\u00a0 We\u2019ve come to apply for my assistant trainer\u2019s license.\u00a0 Inside the small room, the judge hands me the test I must pass with at a score of at least 70% and sends me into an adjoining room to work on it.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been studying the Mass and Racing Commission laws for some time and work my way through the questions.\u00a0 I\u2019m a wreck.\u00a0 The judge takes my application form, my test, and the application fee that Henry insisted upon paying for himself (even after multiple arguments\u2026).\u00a0 She reviews everything, grades the test, and pronounces me licensed!\u00a0 I don\u2019t even remember walking all the way back downstairs as I was dumbfounded.\u00a0 The State will perform a background check on me as a routine part of the licensure process.We stop at the racing office to have a photo (eeeks!) ID made before heading to watch Henry\u2019s racers.\u00a0This is probably been one of the best birthdays I\u2019ve ever had (and I\u2019ve had MANY).\u00a0 Thank you Henry for teaching me and believing in me enough to fund my application; I hope to someday make you proud.<\/p>\n
The Day\u00a0Begins<\/a><\/h2>\n23 March, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
The long rays of the early Spring sun cast a slightly golden glow onto the morning air.\u00a0\u00a0 Henry has brought six dogs up to the track to sprint for exercise.\u00a0 Three at a time, we loose them from their leashes and they choose to run together, galloping around the large oval chasing each other in play.\u00a0 They romp to the tote board on the back stretch and then two decide to run back to us, tails wagging and eyes sparkling.\u00a0 Powell\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0thinks he\u2019d like to explore a little more; Henry reaches into his coat pocket for a squawker-\u00a0he hears it and comes running back for pats and praise.\u00a0 The track surface at this time of day is open and soft; later before racing starts it will be dragged once again and compacted.\u00a0 We bring the dogs back to the truck as there are other kennels awaiting their turn to let their dogs freely exercise.<\/p>\nBack at the kennel, Henry checks the stew\u2019s progress (today\u2019s feature: bell peppers, lentils, chicken, and a little pasta) then starts benching the dogs who will race or school today.\u00a0 The bench is a wooden two step platform on which the trainer examines, grooms, massages, or treats the dogs.\u00a0 They love it and most, once they know what to do will step up onto it as they know good things always happen there.\u00a0 The first step is low and easy to step onto and the second is about a foot higher.\u00a0 It is here that the dog places the front paws and is comfortable whilst being assessed- the trainer does not have to bend down as much as a result to give care.\u00a0\u00a0 Their ears, eyes, and teeth are examined and cleaned as needed.\u00a0 Toenails are checked and trimmed as there is a correct length for a racing dog\u2019s nails.\u00a0 The skin, haircoat, and musculature are inspected; the trainer will find any possible soreness or sign if he or she is thorough and believe me, Henry is.\u00a0 Next, he grooms the coat with a shedding blade and each dog is fitted for a racing muzzle to be put on later today.\u00a0\u00a0 As each dog finishes benching they play on the floor, jumping back onto the bench for more or running over to the scale as they know that if they are weighed that they might be racing that day.\u00a0 It\u2019s cheerful pandemonium in here- the dogs all around us bark because they want to be benched, the \u201cbenchee\u201d prances over to Henry to get a marshmallow peep (it\u2019s Easter and they love them) then runs back to their crate very happily.\u00a0 The racing muzzle is hung outside the crate on a peg with the dog\u2019s regular turnout muzzle and we go on to other preparations.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.greyhoundinfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/SteveSarrasbenchinggreyhound.jpg\" "\\"SteveSarrasbenchinggreyhound\\"")
<\/a>
\nSteve Sarras benching a greyhound; photo from the Expo<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0website.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s great to be here today.\u00a0 I\u2019ve really missed the dogs and Henry and have at least a thousand new questions to ask him, five hundred of which he has already patiently answered already this morning\u2026<\/p>\n
Watching and\u00a0Waiting<\/a><\/h2>\n15 March, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
Gah! I am suffering seriously from Henry and Hounds withdrawal\u2026 There has been no word still on the dates for Kennel Week, so here I am watching the Raynham livecast<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0on this murky afternoon- it\u2019s fun to watch and follow the progress of Henry\u2019s dogs.\u00a0 My buddy Limen<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0will be in the 11th race soon\u2026\u00a0 he wags his tail as the track judge checks his muzzle and stretch vest.<\/p>\nI\u2019ve decided use the time waiting for The Big News to re-educate myself about our breed and the history of greyhound racing in America. Following are some suggested books to enjoy in case you too would like to explore more deeply.<\/p>\n
The Road from Emeryville, available directly from the NGA<\/strong><\/a> is an inexpensive paperback full of history, photos, and interesting details about the sport.\u00a0 It\u2019s a quick read, yet loaded with information organized by decade.<\/p>\nThe Care of The Racing and Retired Greyhound (AKA The Bible) should be a part of all greyhound lovers\u2019 libraries. This exhaustive manual newly revised to include sections on geriatrics and other topics pertinent to adopted hounds can be obtained from both the NGA<\/strong><\/a> and GEM<\/strong><\/a>. Amongst others, there are chapters covering anatomy, treatment of medical problems, medications, pediatrics and excellent illustrative photos throughout the book.\u00a0 Dr. Linda Blythe (one of the authors) will join us at the Expo for a book signing- it will be an honor to meet her.<\/p>\nKeefer: The Peoples\u2019 Choice by Leslie Wooten is one of my personal favorites. It is a wonderfully written biography of Keefer<\/strong><\/a>, a racing greyhound who through the ups and downs of his career became a huge crowd favorite and a true greyhound celebrity. Ms. Wooten writes with deep sensitivity and obvious love and respect for her subject. I cannot recommend this one strongly enough. If you\u2019d like a copy, the <\/strong>NGA<\/strong><\/a> and Amazon<\/strong><\/a> both carry the book.<\/p>\nLastly, want to learn more about racing life and your dog\u2019s past? The Born to Run<\/strong><\/a> videos are available on the internet and are a great start.<\/p>\nThe New\u00a0World<\/a><\/h2>\n17 February, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
10 Feb 08 Sunday<\/p>\n
The icy wind blows the cirrus clouds into delicate feathers as I stumble down the driveway to the car. Armed with a very large cup of coffee,\u00a0I make the ten minute drive to the track. I am not a morning person\u2026 Henry has invited me over today even though the kennel helper week has not yet begun to meet the dogs and see his kennel. For this I would get up at 3:00 AM with a smile on my face if I had to. But it\u2019s 8:00, and I remind myself that he\u2019s already been hard at work for two hours after leaving the kennel for home at midnight once all the dogs were\u00a0settled in after the evening racing.<\/p>\n
As I have not been issued the proper identification badge yet, Henry meets me in the track parking lot and I follow his car past the security booth into the kennel compound. Rows of long white buildings border the roads, each numbered and housing two racing kennels. We come to a stop at his building and park; the green and yellow greyhound sign cut-out on the chainlink door says Ryan Racing. Walking past\u00a0two very clean\u00a0turnout pens and an enormous freezer, we go in. The kennel is immaculate- white walls brighten the two large rooms which are lined with banks of large crates and 68 greyhounds bark happily in greeting to Henry and This New Person. I check my pulse to see if I have actually died and gone to heaven. Reassuring myself that I still inhabit this planet, I walk across the clean poured cement floor to start visiting the dogs. There isn\u2019t even a shred of bedding paper on the floor much less a scuff mark. One might think that there would be an odor present with this many dogs housed, but the only thing I can smell is the chicken cooking in the stew for the dogs that Henry started when he came in this morning.<\/p>\n
I will not detail all we do today but suffice it to say we do everything from feeding to physical care to racing. Instead, I will wait to tell you more about many things once the Kennel Week starts. Today I got to spend a wonderful amount of time getting to know the dogs and had the very special chance to follow Henry around (um, make that sprint as that man is fast) and see racing life from a trainer\u2019s perspective. Incredible AND exhausting! One brief vignette: one of his dogs won his B race, Henry was quietly pleased. However, one of his younger girls in a CJ race (the step at Raynham after Maiden) figured out how to navigate the traffic and passed several dogs at the far turn and into the stretch to finish far better than she had started. He couldn\u2019t wipe the smile off his face- he was so pleased that she used her head and showed a lot of heart in doing this.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s now 4:00pm and we return to the kennel so that Henry can get the dogs ready who will be in schooling races later today. We take our leave in the road in front of the kennel and I drive home, turning the events of the day over in my mind. Now we must wait to hear from Gary Temple the Raynham assistant general manager and Linda Jensen about the dates for Kennel Week. It cannot come soon enough, methinks- I look forward to time with the dogs and Henry again and am so thankful for this experience thus far.<\/p>\n
First Things\u00a0First<\/a><\/h2>\n14 February, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
5 Feb 08 Tuesday
\n<\/span>
\nTuesday is a \u201cdark\u201d day atRaynham<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (no racing is held) and it\u2019s living up to its name.\u00a0 I stand in the empty and unlit track lobby looking out onto the silt, sand, and clay track as the rain falls and imagine some of my dogs and many of\u00a0yours during their racing days here.\u00a0\u00a0 In my mind I hear the excited, happy barking\u00a0that begins when the lure starts then see them flying out of the boxes and down the track in joyous pursuit.\u00a0 <\/span>Why am I here today?\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\nThe place is closed- but it isn\u2019t.
\nI\u2019ve been offered a very special chance to work for a week here as a kennel helper, and I can\u2019t wait.\u00a0 Today, I will meet Linda Jensen who will introduce me to Henry Chin, owner and trainer of Ryan Racing.\u00a0 Henry, brave soul that he is, has agreed to take on yours truly as a volunteer, let me hug his dogs, teach me how things are done properly, answer my endless questions, and help me understand every aspect of kennel work and the care of racing greyhounds.\u00a0 <\/span>We sit down to lunch in the Grille Room.\u00a0 Many people in the greyhound industry come from generations of dogmen.\u00a0 Not so Henry.\u00a0 He tells us that he came to the races many, many years ago for the first time with some friends.\u00a0 He loved watching the dogs but most of all, he really wanted to know where they went when they were done for the day.\u00a0\u00a0 He had to find out:\u00a0\u00a0working in his family\u2019s\u00a0 restaurant, he saved up enough money to go to a \u201cgreyhound school\u201d\u00a0 in Taunton that trained students as greyhound trainers.\u00a0 His face lights up as he tells of his education there- he still keeps the big notebook he compiled in class with him in the kennel all these years later.<\/span><\/p>\nLinda had told me that the dogmen tend to be shy people.\u00a0 But here was this man who could not stop smiling as he animatedly told us about his dogs.\u00a0 He did not speak of their wins or track records- he spoke of their personalities and temperaments, of how each learns differently, of who likes what, and how he learns to read what they are trying to say, be it a change of tailset or\u00a0the droop of an ear.\u00a0 He loves his dogs and works endlessly to keep them happy and healthy- it is the joy of his life.\u00a0 I am the\u00a0happiest volunteer in the universe and have learned more in three hours with Henry and Linda than I have in years.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nDowning<\/a><\/h2>\n13 February, 08 <\/small><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.greyhoundinfo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/downing-_2sepia.jpg\" "\\"downing-_2sepia\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nHe\u2019s here for inspiration
\nLearn more about him<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nThis blog is copyrighted by Taragreyhound and as such may not be used or excerpted in\u00a0ANY form without the expressed permission of the writer<\/p>\n
\u00a9 Taragreyhound 2008<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Note from the webmaster: I recently received permission to copy the blog of Tara-Greyhound. Tara-greyhound worked for a short time as a kennel helper in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Her last blog entry was on November 3, 2008. This was … Continue reading
He\u2019s as sweet as he looks. Martin is tall for a greyhound, measuring 31.5 inches at the withers (shoulder blades).\u00a0 He\u2019s tired in this picture as he\u2019d just finished racing.<\/p>\n Massachusetts law 205 CMR 12.04: The Humane Handling, Care, Treatment, And Transportation Of Racing Greyhounds states:<\/p>\n \u201cThe shape and size of the enclosure shall afford ample space for the greyhounds to comfortably turn around, stand erect, sit or lie down without obstruction, interference, or impediment by the presence of food and water bowls.\u00a0 Minimum dimensions shall be 32 inches wide, 42 inches deep and 34 inches high.\u201d<\/p>\n The number 79 on his name\u00a0tape refers to his racing set weight; the 38 his crate number.\u00a0 Shortly after this picture was taken, Martin rolled onto his side, stretched out his legs and fell asleep as only a greyhound can.\u00a0 So much for the claim:<\/p>\n \u201cAt local racetracks, thousands of greyhounds endure lives of confinement, kept for 20 or more hours each day in cages barely large enough to stand up or turn around in. \u201c<\/p>\n These pictures were taken at 4:30pm.\u00a0 Martin and all the other hounds had already been out for an hour at 6:00am and 9:30am. He missed the noon\u00a0session as he was up at the track.\u00a0\u00a0After\u00a0racing that day he had 5:30pm hour turn-out and late turn-out still to come.\u00a0 Twenty hours in a crate oops cage?\u00a0 I don\u2019t think so.<\/p>\n Addendum: The Spin Begins <\/p>\n After two most interesting public debates<\/a><\/strong> the zealots have added another page of their own special brand of fuzzy facts to their website.\u00a0 Warning: their spin may make you dizzy.<\/p>\n Really?\u00a0 And that\u2019s because many greyhounds move on to other tracks and some return to the farms to be bred.\u00a0 31% of the dogs are retired and made available to adoption and 100% OF THE DOGS MADE AVAILABLE TO ADOPTION ARE ADOPTED OUT.<\/p>\n THEIR FACTS: No kidding\u2026 \u00a0THAT\u2019S BECAUSE THE SAME DOGS RACE OVER AND OVER AGAIN!\u00a0 Sheesh. THEIR FACTS: Raynham employs 833, Wonderland 305.\u00a0 Your figure is from September of 2007; you have not factored in ancillary services or the fact that Wonderland had closed for the season.<\/p>\n \u201cThe racing commission report shows that at Raynham there are 833 jobs and at Wonderland 305. Here\u2019s what [supporters of the ban are] doing, they\u2019re parsing the tax numbers, looking only at W-2s, and what they don\u2019t deal with is the huge chunk of people who get issued 1099s.\u201d\u00a0 -Glenn Totten<\/p>\n Let\u2019s not forget HSUS who is a mainstream animal rights group headed by the self-same Wayne Pacelle who has said: \u201cWe have no problems with the extinction of domestic animals\u2026\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 I note you don\u2019t mention his group here\u2026 and they\u2019ve given you enormous amounts of money for your campaign.\u00a0 How many dogs does \u201cevery major animal shelter\u201d euthanize each year when their time is up?\u00a0\u00a0 The MSPCA must kill a lot as they even have their own crematorium in Methuen.\u00a0 The main group behind this ballot question is a 501(4)c \u201cadvocacy\u201d group- fundraisers and talkers- nothing more, certainly no funds given or volunteer efforts perfomed for greyhound adoption.<\/p>\n You also forgot to mention your recent brainwashing of the Massachusetts Council of Churches.\u00a0 In 2000, Father Michael Guarino, a staunch advocate of greyhound adoption spoke out on behalf of greyhounds and you mobilized your minions to terrorize the Archdiocese. Guess it\u2019s okay for you to exploit the religious if it suits your agenda.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s use the \u201cCommittee\u2019s\u201d logic method just for fun. The tax DOES come from the tracks because if the bettors had not bet the animals at the tracks, there would have been no tax to collect!\u00a0 It is still 1.34 million dollars going straight to greyhound adoption.\u00a0 The \u201cCommittee\u201d itself along with any of its spurious groups has never contributed a penny as we well know.\u00a0 Thank goodness for the bettors as there are adoption agencies in this state in great need of these funds.<\/p>\n THEIR FACTS: You must mean those soaking wet cement and cinder-blocked walls booths? The ones in which a greyhound could not see his or\u00a0her neighbor much less get comfortable? The cement is cold all the time and the surface and dampness is terrible for their feet and skin. Yikes! Is this really all you can come up with for a \u201cfalse claim\u201d? The crates at the tracks are LARGER than the crates at the stores. A Varikennel 500 has 16+ cubic feet of useable space (inside dimensions). A track G & T has 26+ cubic feet of useable space (inside dimensions as well). I note you don\u2019t try your usual \u201csmaller cage\/ confinement\u201d argument here for a change; that\u2019s refreshing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In a recently released highly-touted video pseudo-expose\u2032,\u00a0 the animal rights extremists displayed footage of alleged mass maimings occurring during racing at Massachusetts tracks.\u00a0 Yes, injuries can and do occur but according to the Massachusetts State Racing Commission\u2019s official records \u00a0(in the six years\u00a0in which these records were kept from 2002 to 2007) \u00a0in 465,176 individual greyhound starts at Massachusetts tracks the official injury rate was far less than 1 percent : 0.15% to be exact. Unfortunately, such facts do not\u00a0keep the extremists\u2019 constant fund-grubbing efforts going as they do not milk the public\u2019s emotions.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s have a look at the dogs exploited in the video, shall we?\u00a0 Please forgive formatting.<\/p>\n Cawa Harli<\/strong> Starz Voice<\/strong> Phyllissassygirl<\/strong> WW\u2019s Brave Honor Starz Checkers<\/strong> Fuzzy\u2019s Spider<\/strong> Cayman Count<\/strong> As you can see, excepting Starz Voice whose injuries were sadly irreparable, most of the dogs from the video returned in very short order to racing and are racing still; two have been retired.\u00a0 The dogs seem to have been chosen for their dramatic falls- although other animals may have received injuries in races in the time periods listed, they evidently did not fall impressively enough to\u00a0qualify for\u00a0the video.\u00a0 The slow-motion scenes\u00a0make it look like a massacre has taken place but this is just not the case.\u00a0 Amusingly, they left the audio portions\u00a0intact to make this slo-mo hogwash even more surreal.<\/p>\n Oh- some news to share!\u00a0 The Massachusetts Animal Interest Coalition now has its website up at: You can find their campaign funds report at: and may enjoy comparing it with the extremists\u2019 funds report at: Who I am is not important; I\u2019m someone just like you. What makes me different from many is that I have sought to understand the facts about greyhound\u00a0racing in Massachusetts and will herein try to separate the truth from the anti-racing zealots\u2019 propaganda.\u00a0 I am but one small voice- but a voice nonetheless. And here I will have my say.<\/p>\n As you may know, greyhound racing in this state is\u00a0the topic of\u00a0a ballot question in the upcoming November elections.\u00a0 Several groups that purport to have the best interests of the racing greyhound at heart have banded together\u00a0in an attempt to end the proud 73 year history of Massachusetts greyhound racing.\u00a0 In actuality, they have their own best interests at heart: animal rights extremism which may well someday affect your very choice to live with a companion dog.\u00a0 Greyhounds, for these people are just the beginning.\u00a0 But these are topics to delve into another day.<\/p>\n Today, I am tired of hearing false adoption statistics for retired greyhounds in Massachusetts.\u00a0 Let\u2019s start here: racing greyhounds do not need \u201crescue\u201d as they are well cared for and happy to race. When the time comes, they RETIRE<\/p>\n \u201cThe commission shall maintain accurate records and statistics regarding the disposition of all greyhounds that have participated in dog racing, including schooling races, in the commonwealth\u201d (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 128C: Section 7)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n When a greyhound retires to adoption, returns to its home farm for breeding, or is moved to another track extensive information must be supplied to the state.\u00a0\u00a0The zealots would like you to believe that they \u201cdisappear\u201d but that is simply not true.\u00a0 And how many greyhounds retired in Massachusetts are adopted out?\u00a0 100%\u00a0\u00a0 Can that be said of the dogs languishing at the MSPCA (a big supporter of the ban on racing) or in local pounds who are euthanized in huge numbers daily just because \u201ctheir time is up\u201d?\u00a0 Nationwide, greyhound adoption this year\u00a0has had 93% success placing animals retiring into homes.\u00a0 We in Massachusetts lead the way, and that is something to be very proud of.<\/p>\n Why is our rate so high?\u00a0 Our laws are strict and there is good cooperation between the track kennels and the adoption groups to facilitate the care and placement of retired greyhounds.\u00a0 There are no \u201ckill dates\u201d as there are at the pounds; occasionally, greyhounds may\u00a0wait many years for the right home but none are euthanized.\u00a0 Let us also not forget that Grey2K, now a part of the \u201cCommittee\u201d which sponsors the anti-racing bill along with HSUS and the MSPCA has never given any money or any support whatsoever (not even a can of food) to any adoption group in this state (or any state!) or any greyhound in need.\u00a0 They have, however, finally adopted one- it\u2019s good exploitation oops public relations after all\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You might enjoy these videos: There is a haunting beauty in the tonal quality and\u00a0repertoire of the greyhound voice.\u00a0 From the song of a lone hound\u00a0breaking the momentary silence with a howl\u00a0somewhere within the compound in the early evening to the rising chorus of hundreds of voices at dawn as the kennels start their day, there is always a bit of music in the air.\u00a0 As I stand in our turn-out pen with our dogs I listen and marvel. Greyhounds, like most dogs, use their voices to communicate how they feel.\u00a0 In the morning, they sing of the joy of going out to play and taking care of their business.\u00a0 They bark, roodle, and tell the latest gossip to their friends.\u00a0\u00a0 Later, at feeding time, the sounds change to happy yipping which tails off as each dog receives their bowl.<\/p>\n Bliss<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0believes that everyone should always know how she is feeling about any given topic- especially if she knows that she will race that day\u2026\u00a0\u00a0 On days when she is scheduled, we bench her for the usual full grooming and physical exam.\u00a0 The moment she finishes gobbling down the milkbone she\u2019s been given for being so good (as always!) on the bench the singing starts.\u00a0 She will spend her morning\u00a0using her amazing coloratura (methinks bragging) that she is going racing- this continues until she hops into the truck, her tail wagging\u00a0in anticipation.<\/p>\n If a leash is so much as moved on the leash hook in any kennel in the compound, the roar becomes absolutely deafening as they all want to go up to the track to race.\u00a0 While the kennels are preparing to leave for the afternoon card the music echoes between the buildings: All is well!\u00a0 I want to go!\u00a0 Let\u2019s go now!\u00a0 What about me?\u00a0 Hey!\u00a0 Are we going?\u00a0 Let\u2019s go!\u00a0 Now!\u00a0 Hurry up!\u00a0 Up at the ginny pit each time the doors are opened by the leadouts to bring the racers for the next race out the hound music billows out behind them, happy and excited.\u00a0 I really enjoy the \u201cgonna race now\u201d chorus that emanates from the starting box before the lure starts.\u00a0 Each group in the boxes has a different thematic pattern, but all sing of the same messages- the joy of the chase and the sheer thrill of being born a greyhound.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Weekends are an exhausting time for the trainers and kennel workers at Raynham<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0as the track offers two racing sessions (cards) on Friday and Saturday evenings in addition to the normal afternoon racing.\u00a0 The schedule for the dogs changes little except for those who will race in the evenings.\u00a0 Evening racers are benched in the morning and are fed a \u201cmeatball\u201d- a 1\/4 ration of their daily food to tide them over until after racing that night.\u00a0 Weigh-in for the evening dogs begins at 6:30pm and racing starts at 7:30pm, often lasting till 11:00pm.\u00a0 The workers put in 18 hour days (at least!) on Fridays and Saturdays, and by Sunday everyone is dragging- but still wearily smiling.\u00a0 Henry finds a table in front of the simulcast monitors, watches his racers, and tries valiantly not to nod off.\u00a0\u00a0 He never gives in to it as he frequently runs to the cool-down room in the paddock to see how his dogs are feeling before Katie takes them back to the kennel for a rest.<\/p>\n The weekend was the hardest part of Kennel Week for me- by Saturday afternoon my head was swimming and by Sunday I had seemingly forgotten most of the English language\u2026\u00a0 There are not enough words to describe my respect for the people that do this work week in and week out.\u00a0 The job is six to seven days a week and 16-18 hours a day of physical labor on one\u2019s feet; you must truly love the dogs and be dedicated to the work to endure.\u00a0 The people from all the kennels at Raynham are a very special group.\u00a0 Most could be working an easier job somewhere else but all have chosen to work hard for the dogs that they love and believe in.\u00a0 You are all amazing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ask ten trainers what they feed their dogs and you will get ten\u00a0separate recipes.\u00a0 Each trainer has widely differing (and frequently strong!) opinions on\u00a0which ingredients are most important for their athletes.\u00a0 But most US trainers will agree that the basic components\u00a0of a good diet are a high quality kibble and meat.\u00a0 There has been much controversy about the meat that racing greyhounds are fed.\u00a0 The USDA has strict rules\u00a0guiding the\u00a0grading of\u00a0slaughtered animals- and the designation 4-D (dead, diseased, dying, or disabled) is given to meat not used for human consumption but appropriate for other uses.\u00a0 4-D is a utility grade per the USDA and there are two grades still below it: cutter and canner.\u00a0 If you\u2019ve eaten hot dogs or ground beef, you\u2019ve ingested meat from these lower two grades.\u00a0 Denatured charcoal is added at the packing plant to the meat the greyhounds eat to\u00a0make its taste unpalatable to humans; it is\u00a0labelled clearly on the boxes that the meat blocks come in.\u00a0 Is there anything wrong with this meat?\u00a0 Not at all!\u00a0 It is quickly frozen into 30 pound blocks at the plant and when thawed looks exactly as red and smells as fresh as beef cubes you might use to make a stew at home.\u00a0 Bacterial contamination is rare secondary to the methods of rendering and packing.<\/p>\n Ranging between 7%\u00a0(for racing dogs) and 15% (for brood mothers) fat content, 4-D beef forms a integral part of the diet that racing dogs typically eat- and they love it.\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s pretty much the same beef that raw diet aficionados\u00a0feed at home and is a major component of all commercially-prepared dog foods in this country.\u00a0 If you might like to read more about this, please visit this link<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0at the Greyhound Racing Association of America website or this<\/strong><\/a> essay by Dr. Randy Wysong.\u00a0 Each day at the kennel, the 68 dogs consume 90 pounds of meat.\u00a0 They all have bright shiny coats, excellent muscling, clean teeth, fresh breath, and small stools as their bodies use the food so well.\u00a0 Henry also purchases another by-product monthly: large very meaty bones with lots of cartilage points\u00a0which the dogs love to chew down to tiny stumps; plenty of fun, good nutrition, and tartarless teeth are the results.\u00a0 The dogs never need dental cleanings when they enter retirement.\u00a0 Note to self: start giving more bones at home\u2026<\/p>\n The long hoped for news has come- Kennel Week starts today!\u00a0\u00a0 I fly out of bed when the alarm sounds, run downstairs to jumpstart the neurotransmitters with a cup (vat) of coffee, and dive into a pair of dungarees and a hooded sweatshirt.\u00a0 Note to the fashion-conscious: hooded sweatshirts are your friend at the track\u2026\u00a0\u00a0 Grumbling at the morning traffic I finally pull into the compound- the last thing I would want to be today is late!\u00a0\u00a0 I sling my totebag filled with The Necessities Of Life onto the\u00a0top of a stack of joint compound sized buckets and wave good morning to Henry, who is intent upon the never-ending stack of dog paperwork on his desk.\u00a0 The dogs bark their good-natured greetings as I walk about visiting them.<\/p>\n The schedule in a racing kennel is of great importance.\u00a0 Dogs being creatures of habit are most happy if they know what to expect and when to expect it.\u00a0 Deviations from the schedule could possibly induce anxiety, stress, and incontinence in some dogs, so the daily routine is closely adhered to.\u00a0 There is a wonderfully\u00a0gentle rhythm to the day once one gets used to it.<\/p>\n 0600-0700\u00a0 Morning Turnout 0700-0900 If the weather is\u00a0nice and the dogs need it, we load the 6-hole dog truck and drive over to the sprint path behind the track.\u00a0 This is a sand floored ~600 foot long fenced-in area about 15 feet across.\u00a0 It is a great place to help a dog get back into racing condition- one to three dogs will be let loose as the trainer sees fit and allowed to run freely and play for a bit.\u00a0 The trainer can evaluate the dog\u2019s movement and watch for any signs of soreness.\u00a0 Two mornings a week, the track offers unofficial schooling on the track itself which is great fun for all.\u00a0 Each kennel brings up dogs that need training.\u00a0 The trainer chooses (based upon the dog\u2019s need) to let them run from the starting box, handslip (run without the starting box), and the distances and number of dogs to run at a time.\u00a0 Henry will have a maximum of three at a time so that he can closely watch each dog.\u00a0 The area near the track is filled with dogs and kennel personnel; people talk and laugh while patting their dogs.\u00a0 Tails are wagging everywhere as the dogs await their chance to run.<\/p>\n 0900-1000 1000-1100 Floors are swept, mopped, and disinfected.\u00a0 The feed tub and stainless steel feed pans are scrubbed and dried.\u00a0 All surfaces are wiped clean then disinfectant spray is applied.\u00a0 Meat for tomorrow is brought in from the freezer to thaw and meals for those racing later are prepared and placed on top of the dog\u2019s crate.<\/p>\n 1130 1130-1230 1230- End of Racing Card As each race ends, the dogs are brought by the leadouts into the cool-down room.\u00a0 This is a huge rectangular room in the paddock where the dogs will be allowed to sip water and be walked in a large oval around the room to facilitate the cooling down of their muscles.\u00a0 Like the ginny pit, the room is climate controlled per state law.\u00a0 We wait by numbered posts for our racers.\u00a0 Their racing silks (jackets) are removed and we lead them over to our wash stations.\u00a0 A pediatric bulb syringe full of cool clean water is immediately used to flush each eye of debris kicked up during the race.\u00a0 The sand and silt of the track, being coarse (better traction and safety), can be very irritating\u00a0to the eyes and corneal abrasions are prevented with adequate flushing.\u00a0 The dog will sip some water (not a lot\u00a0as it may lead to cramping), then walk with one of us a bit.\u00a0 Occasionally the state officials may request and take the dog to a special sand floored room to obtain a urine specimen.\u00a0 These are analyzed for prohibited substances (such as caffeine, worming meds, etc.).\u00a0 No one at Raynham can remember the last time any dog tested positive, and many people have been there for years.\u00a0 Next,\u00a0the dogs\u00a0are brought over to the bank of hoses and feet, legs, and undercarriage are cleansed.\u00a0 Feet are always throughly checked and scrubbed gently with a brush.\u00a0\u00a0After the racing muzzle is scrubbed in hot soapy water and rinsed walking continues.\u00a0 The dog is taken outside to empty bowels or bladder as need be then walked more if necessary until fully cooled.\u00a0 Once this is done, we take the dog back to the truck and lift them in as they are tired.\u00a0 Lest you think that they spend their whole afternoon in the truck, let me assure you that that is not true.\u00a0 One or two dogs will finish racing then the truck will be driven back to the kennel (about a mile away) to have a quick turnout then go in to have some rest.\u00a0 The dog trucks in the back parking lot are in constant motion as tired racers\u00a0head back for\u00a0their naps.<\/p>\n Three afternoons a week\u00a0official schooling is held after racing is over.\u00a0 The dogs weigh in after the 13th race (if there are fourteen) and wait with their kennel people to be called.\u00a0 These races are watched by the judges- if a dog is new to the track he must school to prove he is fit, a dog that may have taken a spill during a race will be judged for soundness-\u00a0there are many reasons why they are officially schooled.\u00a0 These races will go on their permanent record.<\/p>\n End of Racing- ? 1845-1945 2200-2300 In order to work even as a kennel helper at a greyhound track occupational licensure<\/strong><\/a> is required by state law.\u00a0 Leadouts (those that walk the dogs to the starting box and retrieve them at the end of the race) , assistant trainers (kennel help), trainers, and owners of racing dogs must be licensed and issued identification cards by the states they work or race dogs in.\u00a0\u00a0 Massachusetts has some of the strictest laws in the nation for the proper care<\/strong><\/a>, racing<\/strong><\/a>, licensure, and retirement<\/strong><\/a> of the racing greyhound despite what some may wish you to believe.\u00a0 Amongst other things, required dimensions for crates are clearly delineated, the number of turnouts (dogs\u2019 outdoor exercise periods) per day are specified, and\u00a0surprise thorough kennel inspections may happen at any time- the State Police accompany the inspectors and the penalties are severe for infractions.\u00a0 Racing in the Commonwealth at both Raynham<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and Wonderland<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is highly regulated and the laws ensure the good care of the dogs.<\/p>\n Henry and I navigate the maze of hallways and stairs leading up above the clubhouse to the Judges\u2019 Office.\u00a0 Set at the highest vantage point above the track, the office is normally off-limits to all, except for a certain amount of time before daily racing begins and after it ends.\u00a0 It is during this period that the judges allow licensure testing.\u00a0 We\u2019ve come to apply for my assistant trainer\u2019s license.\u00a0 Inside the small room, the judge hands me the test I must pass with at a score of at least 70% and sends me into an adjoining room to work on it.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been studying the Mass and Racing Commission laws for some time and work my way through the questions.\u00a0 I\u2019m a wreck.\u00a0 The judge takes my application form, my test, and the application fee that Henry insisted upon paying for himself (even after multiple arguments\u2026).\u00a0 She reviews everything, grades the test, and pronounces me licensed!\u00a0 I don\u2019t even remember walking all the way back downstairs as I was dumbfounded.\u00a0 The State will perform a background check on me as a routine part of the licensure process.We stop at the racing office to have a photo (eeeks!) ID made before heading to watch Henry\u2019s racers.\u00a0This is probably been one of the best birthdays I\u2019ve ever had (and I\u2019ve had MANY).\u00a0 Thank you Henry for teaching me and believing in me enough to fund my application; I hope to someday make you proud.<\/p>\n The long rays of the early Spring sun cast a slightly golden glow onto the morning air.\u00a0\u00a0 Henry has brought six dogs up to the track to sprint for exercise.\u00a0 Three at a time, we loose them from their leashes and they choose to run together, galloping around the large oval chasing each other in play.\u00a0 They romp to the tote board on the back stretch and then two decide to run back to us, tails wagging and eyes sparkling.\u00a0 Powell\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0thinks he\u2019d like to explore a little more; Henry reaches into his coat pocket for a squawker-\u00a0he hears it and comes running back for pats and praise.\u00a0 The track surface at this time of day is open and soft; later before racing starts it will be dragged once again and compacted.\u00a0 We bring the dogs back to the truck as there are other kennels awaiting their turn to let their dogs freely exercise.<\/p>\n Back at the kennel, Henry checks the stew\u2019s progress (today\u2019s feature: bell peppers, lentils, chicken, and a little pasta) then starts benching the dogs who will race or school today.\u00a0 The bench is a wooden two step platform on which the trainer examines, grooms, massages, or treats the dogs.\u00a0 They love it and most, once they know what to do will step up onto it as they know good things always happen there.\u00a0 The first step is low and easy to step onto and the second is about a foot higher.\u00a0 It is here that the dog places the front paws and is comfortable whilst being assessed- the trainer does not have to bend down as much as a result to give care.\u00a0\u00a0 Their ears, eyes, and teeth are examined and cleaned as needed.\u00a0 Toenails are checked and trimmed as there is a correct length for a racing dog\u2019s nails.\u00a0 The skin, haircoat, and musculature are inspected; the trainer will find any possible soreness or sign if he or she is thorough and believe me, Henry is.\u00a0 Next, he grooms the coat with a shedding blade and each dog is fitted for a racing muzzle to be put on later today.\u00a0\u00a0 As each dog finishes benching they play on the floor, jumping back onto the bench for more or running over to the scale as they know that if they are weighed that they might be racing that day.\u00a0 It\u2019s cheerful pandemonium in here- the dogs all around us bark because they want to be benched, the \u201cbenchee\u201d prances over to Henry to get a marshmallow peep (it\u2019s Easter and they love them) then runs back to their crate very happily.\u00a0 The racing muzzle is hung outside the crate on a peg with the dog\u2019s regular turnout muzzle and we go on to other preparations.<\/p>\n It\u2019s great to be here today.\u00a0 I\u2019ve really missed the dogs and Henry and have at least a thousand new questions to ask him, five hundred of which he has already patiently answered already this morning\u2026<\/p>\n Gah! I am suffering seriously from Henry and Hounds withdrawal\u2026 There has been no word still on the dates for Kennel Week, so here I am watching the Raynham livecast<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0on this murky afternoon- it\u2019s fun to watch and follow the progress of Henry\u2019s dogs.\u00a0 My buddy Limen<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0will be in the 11th race soon\u2026\u00a0 he wags his tail as the track judge checks his muzzle and stretch vest.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve decided use the time waiting for The Big News to re-educate myself about our breed and the history of greyhound racing in America. Following are some suggested books to enjoy in case you too would like to explore more deeply.<\/p>\n The Road from Emeryville, available directly from the NGA<\/strong><\/a> is an inexpensive paperback full of history, photos, and interesting details about the sport.\u00a0 It\u2019s a quick read, yet loaded with information organized by decade.<\/p>\n The Care of The Racing and Retired Greyhound (AKA The Bible) should be a part of all greyhound lovers\u2019 libraries. This exhaustive manual newly revised to include sections on geriatrics and other topics pertinent to adopted hounds can be obtained from both the NGA<\/strong><\/a> and GEM<\/strong><\/a>. Amongst others, there are chapters covering anatomy, treatment of medical problems, medications, pediatrics and excellent illustrative photos throughout the book.\u00a0 Dr. Linda Blythe (one of the authors) will join us at the Expo for a book signing- it will be an honor to meet her.<\/p>\n Keefer: The Peoples\u2019 Choice by Leslie Wooten is one of my personal favorites. It is a wonderfully written biography of Keefer<\/strong><\/a>, a racing greyhound who through the ups and downs of his career became a huge crowd favorite and a true greyhound celebrity. Ms. Wooten writes with deep sensitivity and obvious love and respect for her subject. I cannot recommend this one strongly enough. If you\u2019d like a copy, the <\/strong>NGA<\/strong><\/a> and Amazon<\/strong><\/a> both carry the book.<\/p>\n Lastly, want to learn more about racing life and your dog\u2019s past? The Born to Run<\/strong><\/a> videos are available on the internet and are a great start.<\/p>\n 10 Feb 08 Sunday<\/p>\n The icy wind blows the cirrus clouds into delicate feathers as I stumble down the driveway to the car. Armed with a very large cup of coffee,\u00a0I make the ten minute drive to the track. I am not a morning person\u2026 Henry has invited me over today even though the kennel helper week has not yet begun to meet the dogs and see his kennel. For this I would get up at 3:00 AM with a smile on my face if I had to. But it\u2019s 8:00, and I remind myself that he\u2019s already been hard at work for two hours after leaving the kennel for home at midnight once all the dogs were\u00a0settled in after the evening racing.<\/p>\n As I have not been issued the proper identification badge yet, Henry meets me in the track parking lot and I follow his car past the security booth into the kennel compound. Rows of long white buildings border the roads, each numbered and housing two racing kennels. We come to a stop at his building and park; the green and yellow greyhound sign cut-out on the chainlink door says Ryan Racing. Walking past\u00a0two very clean\u00a0turnout pens and an enormous freezer, we go in. The kennel is immaculate- white walls brighten the two large rooms which are lined with banks of large crates and 68 greyhounds bark happily in greeting to Henry and This New Person. I check my pulse to see if I have actually died and gone to heaven. Reassuring myself that I still inhabit this planet, I walk across the clean poured cement floor to start visiting the dogs. There isn\u2019t even a shred of bedding paper on the floor much less a scuff mark. One might think that there would be an odor present with this many dogs housed, but the only thing I can smell is the chicken cooking in the stew for the dogs that Henry started when he came in this morning.<\/p>\n I will not detail all we do today but suffice it to say we do everything from feeding to physical care to racing. Instead, I will wait to tell you more about many things once the Kennel Week starts. Today I got to spend a wonderful amount of time getting to know the dogs and had the very special chance to follow Henry around (um, make that sprint as that man is fast) and see racing life from a trainer\u2019s perspective. Incredible AND exhausting! One brief vignette: one of his dogs won his B race, Henry was quietly pleased. However, one of his younger girls in a CJ race (the step at Raynham after Maiden) figured out how to navigate the traffic and passed several dogs at the far turn and into the stretch to finish far better than she had started. He couldn\u2019t wipe the smile off his face- he was so pleased that she used her head and showed a lot of heart in doing this.<\/p>\n It\u2019s now 4:00pm and we return to the kennel so that Henry can get the dogs ready who will be in schooling races later today. We take our leave in the road in front of the kennel and I drive home, turning the events of the day over in my mind. Now we must wait to hear from Gary Temple the Raynham assistant general manager and Linda Jensen about the dates for Kennel Week. It cannot come soon enough, methinks- I look forward to time with the dogs and Henry again and am so thankful for this experience thus far.<\/p>\n 5 Feb 08 Tuesday The place is closed- but it isn\u2019t. Linda had told me that the dogmen tend to be shy people.\u00a0 But here was this man who could not stop smiling as he animatedly told us about his dogs.\u00a0 He did not speak of their wins or track records- he spoke of their personalities and temperaments, of how each learns differently, of who likes what, and how he learns to read what they are trying to say, be it a change of tailset or\u00a0the droop of an ear.\u00a0 He loves his dogs and works endlessly to keep them happy and healthy- it is the joy of his life.\u00a0 I am the\u00a0happiest volunteer in the universe and have learned more in three hours with Henry and Linda than I have in years.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 13 February, 08 <\/small><\/p>\n He\u2019s here for inspiration This blog is copyrighted by Taragreyhound and as such may not be used or excerpted in\u00a0ANY form without the expressed permission of the writer<\/p>\n \u00a9 Taragreyhound 2008<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Note from the webmaster: I recently received permission to copy the blog of Tara-Greyhound. Tara-greyhound worked for a short time as a kennel helper in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Her last blog entry was on November 3, 2008. This was … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>
\nSay <\/strong>what you will, Mr. Theil.\u00a0 Again, you have taken copyrighted pictures without permission and used them to\u00a0present your spin on things.\u00a0 At least use the entire blog post (again without permission) in your essay instead of editing it.\u00a0 As you well know, I am neither the racing industry, the race tracks, nor the No on 3 campaign so do not accuse them.\u00a0 I am just a private citizen who loves dogs, nothing more.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0This is my blog and these are my opinions.<\/p>\nPuzzling\u00a0Evidence<\/a><\/h2>\n
14 October, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
\n\u201cMassachusetts greyhound racing achieves 100% adoption rate\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n
\nTHEIR FACTS:
\n<\/em><\/strong>According to the State Racing Commission, the actual adoption rate is only 31%\u00a0<\/em><\/div>\n
\nTHEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:
\n\u201cFrom 2002 to 2007, 465,176 greyhounds raced at Massachusetts tracks.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>This is completely false. To arrive at this inflated figure, opponents of Question 3 are counting the same dogs over and over again dozens of times.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe 465,176 figure IS correct- there were that many individual dog performances in the time period alluded to.\u00a0 You forgot the total injury rate over the period which was 0.15% of these 465,176 performances.<\/p>\n
\nTHEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:<\/em>
\n\u201cMassachusetts dog tracks have \u201cat least 1000 full and part time workers.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/div>\n
\n<\/strong><\/em>According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, all racetracks in the state only employ a combined total of <\/em>707<\/em>. This includes dog tracks, horse tracks and even <\/em>auto speedways<\/em><\/p>\n
\nTHEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:
\n\u201cThe backers of Question 3 are part of a fundraising machine that moves from state to state, puts initiatives and referenda on the ballot, enlists local support and raises money.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n
\nTHEIR FACTS:
\n<\/strong>Question 3 is sponsored by mainstream animal protection groups like the MSPCA, the second oldest humane society in our nation\u2019s history. It is supported by every major animal shelter, dozens of lawmakers, and more than sixty local veterinarians<\/em><\/div>\n
\n<\/em>THEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:
\n\u201cSupporters of Question 3 \u201chave no legal requirement to explain to the state where money comes from or where it goes.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>This is completely false. The Committee to Protect Dogs files detailed reports<\/em> with the state documenting every single contribution and expenditure. These reports are posted on line by the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance
\n<\/em>
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
\n
\nTHEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:<\/strong>
\n\u201cFrom 2000 to 2007, \u201cMassachusetts\u2019 tracks contributed $1.34 million for greyhound adoption.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n
\nTHEIR FACTS:
\n<\/strong>This money comes from a tax on gamblers that previously went to the state. These tax dollars were redirected to adoption efforts in 2002 after the passage of a bill that was sponsored by Yes on 3 supporters<\/em><\/div>\n
\n<\/em>THEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:
\n\u201cThe size of the crates used in Massachusetts racing kennels was set with the assistance of Grey2k and the MSPCA\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/div>\n
\n<\/strong><\/em>This is completely false. The<\/em> cages used at commercial racetracks in Massachusetts are five times smaller than the runs used for similarly sized dogs at the MSPCA-Angell Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\nDogs are in THOSE 24\/7\u2026
\nOne of the larger adoption groups in this state has those; the dogs push the edge of their blankets out into the wet gutters hoping another dog on the opposite side of the wall will pull at it- that way they know they are not alone. From birth through track life, greyhounds spend their lives together in groups and love every moment. In the kennels they frequently rest back to back by preference. They can always hear and see the other dogs around them and spend time outside socializing, playing, or napping in the sun with their friends and people. Instead you\u2019d rather see them in those isolation cubicles?<\/p>\n
\nTHEY CLAIM THIS IS FALSE:
\n\u201cThe cages at commercial racetracks are comparable to crates \u201csold at PETCO for dogs like Great Danes and St. Bernards.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n
\nTHEIR FACTS:
\n<\/strong>The cages used at Massachusetts racetracks are not sold by PETCO or other pet supply stores. Instead, they are produced by companies that specialize in commercial cages, such as G&T Crates<\/em>, which manufactured at least some of the cages being used at Raynham Park.<\/em><\/em><\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/div>\nJust The Facts,\u00a0Ma\u2019am<\/a><\/h2>\n
25 September, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
\nfell\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12\/13\/07
\nnext raced\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a03\/14\/08
\nAugust Extremist Report: laceration inside right rear\/ soft wrap
\n2-3 weeks recovery recommended\u00a0\u00a0 (trainer rested her longer)
\nHarli last raced 9\/22\/08 at Twin Rivers in Rhode Island<\/p>\n
\ninjured\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6\/25\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report: severe elbow fractures- euthanized<\/p>\n
\ninjured\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9\/27\/07
\nnext race\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a010\/3\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report:\u00a0 No injury report filed so not noted
\nLast raced 9\/23\/08 at Palm Beach<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>\u00a0fell\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a06\/8\/07 judged okay 6\/15\/07
\nnext race\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6\/18\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report: No injury report filed so not noted
\nLast raced 8\/28\/08 at Wonderland (now closed for the season)<\/p>\n
\ntwo falls:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 fell first turn 11\/10\/07
\nnext race\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11\/14\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report: No injury report filed so not noted
\n12\/19\/07 hit rail, fell first turn
\nnext race\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12\/30\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report:\u00a0 No injury report filed so not noted
\nLast raced 9\/22\/08 at Raynham<\/p>\n
\ninjured\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11\/14\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report: fracture right tibia, prognosis career-ending
\nSpider has retired and right now has a litter of eight puppies<\/p>\n
\ninjured\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10\/14\/07
\nAugust Extremist Report: right radius\/ ulna fractures, prognosis 1 year to career-ending<\/p>\n
\nClick Here For The Truth<\/a><\/p>\n
\nhttp:\/\/www.efs.cpf.state.ma.us\/DisplayReport.aspx?reportId=85138<\/a><\/p>\n
\nhttp:\/\/www.efs.cpf.state.ma.us\/SearchReportResults.aspx?cpfId=95329<\/a><\/p>\n<\/h2>\n
Vote No On Question\u00a03<\/a><\/h2>\n
16 September, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
\nVideo 1<\/strong><\/a>
\nVideo 2<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/h2>\n
Hound\u00a0Music<\/a><\/h2>\n
3 June, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
The\u00a0Weekend<\/a><\/h2>\n
1 June, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
Beef: It\u2019s What\u2019s For\u00a0Dinner<\/a><\/h2>\n
31 May, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
A Day In The Life Of A Racing\u00a0Kennel<\/a><\/h2>\n
30 May, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
\nAll the dogs go out in groups separated by sex to relieve themselves, play, or nap in the early sun.\u00a0 They wear plastic kennel muzzles with their names on them; as greyhounds have thin skin and minimal fat on their bodies, cuts and scrapes from another dog\u2019s teeth or nails can occur very easily during play.\u00a0 They can pant, sniff around, and drink water easily with the muzzles on.\u00a0 Or, if you\u2019re Beta<\/strong><\/a>, they make a very handy toy to remove, fling, and incite riot with- she\u2019s so darned smart!\u00a0 Turnout groups at Ryan Racing average 13-17 as Henry\u2019s kennel has four turnout pens.\u00a0 We let out two pens at a time (one all male, one all female) then I am assigned waste management chores (!!) and get to be in the\u00a0happy position of\u00a0being the person in the pen who gets to hug all the dogs.\u00a0 It\u2019s great!\u00a0 Once the girls (or boys) are done from either side they are let back into the kennel and those who will race today or tomorrow will be weighed so that their feed portions might be adjusted as needed.\u00a0 The boys are then moved over to the area that the girls just vacated as there are a lot of wonderfully perfumey (to a male) smells over there to investigate.\u00a0 This inspires a second round of pooping and peeing within minutes; I race around to collect the um, results.\u00a0 Henry is inside the kennel changing any wet beds and replacing\/ fluffing the paper on which the dogs rest.\u00a0\u00a0 This white paper comes in bales about 6\u2032 high by 2\u2032 deep; it is shredded into long strips and is comfortable and absorbent.\u00a0 The crates are filled to the ceiling with the paper- one of my favorite things is to watch the girls jump up into their crates head first into the mountain of paper then shake it all around to make themselves a cozy nest to rest in.\u00a0 The stew in the kitchen area cooks and we check the meat removed from the freezer the day before to make sure it has thawed.<\/p>\n
\nDogs who are entered in races today are benched (see previous post) and fitted for racing muzzles.\u00a0 We also bench dogs that seem to have muscle soreness or need a quick check.\u00a0 Some are rubbed down with a very thick blue linament which smells nicely of wintergreen and helps with healing- they love this and run back to their crates for their cookies.\u00a0 I laugh after we bench my\u00a0beloved Chandra<\/strong><\/a>; she\u2019s an all-white dog who is now a turquoise dog after the massage!\u00a0 The color is non-toxic and will rub off on her bedding, but her back and shoulder muscles are soothed by the rub.<\/p>\n
\nTurnout begins again and last an hour as do most.\u00a0 The dogs swarm for hugs, play a bit, then lie down in their favorite spots.\u00a0 Taos<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0checks to be sure that no frogs have entered HER pen (woe to the amphibian that tries\u2026) .\u00a0 On the other side of the kennel, Winter<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and Happy<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0teach Isis<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0how a proper young greyhound lady should behave.\u00a0 Avalon<\/strong><\/a> and Tobias<\/strong><\/a> stake out their sunspots while\u00a0Kang<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0acts as social director for the rest of the boys\u2026<\/p>\n
\nThe dogs (except racers) are fed; a quart pail of water is hung from a double-end bolt snap in the crates of all the dogs not racing today.\u00a0 Those who are racing will be fed their full meals and given their pails several hours afterwards along with receiving extra turnouts.\u00a0 Henry strongly believes in the\u00a0water pails\u00a0rather than communal water buckets in the turnout pens; he feels that the dogs have access to clean, fresh water all day this way, contamination by sandy kennel muzzles is prevented, and he can monitor things\u00a0to ensure that each dog is drinking and urinating well.\u00a0 Hydration status in a greyhound is very important; like us, they do not feel at their best when the least bit dehydrated.\u00a0 Conversely, if a dog begins to consume lots of water suddenly it may be a sign that there is something going on which might need attending to.<\/p>\n
\nWe have loaded the truck with the dogs who will race today and have driven up to walk to the area in the track paddock known as the ginny pit to have our dogs officially weighed in.\u00a0 This occurs in a large room with crates along the walls on three sides, each labelled with the numbers of both the race and the dog\u2019s starting box.\u00a0 Dogs must be within 1.5 pounds above or below their set (proper racing) weights, otherwise they are scratched (dismissed from racing) for the day.\u00a0 At exactly 1130, the racing officials enter the room, stand at a computer connected to the scale, and begin recording the weights as each dog stands on the scale.\u00a0 An official checks ear tattoo numbers and carries a box filled with Bertillon cards.\u00a0 These cards carry the dog\u2019s specific registry information and a diagram of the dog\u2019s body markings (white toes, black dots on ear, etc.)\u00a0 Once weighed in, the dog is placed into the correct crate by the leadouts to await racing.\u00a0 The racing muzzle and leash are hung outside the crate.\u00a0 Per Massachusetts law, the temperature in the room is maintained at a level between 65\u2032-75\u2032F year around for the dogs\u2019 comfort and safety.\u00a0 Also per law, one must be licensed to even step into the room; this includes kennel help.\u00a0 After all dogs have been weighed in, the room is off-limits to all except officials and leadouts; we will not be able to have any direct contact with our dogs until after each dog finishes racing.<\/p>\n
\nHenry heads back to the kennel for the third turnout of the day.\u00a0 I stay at the track to help Katie Melo, our second trainer prepare to receive the dogs after each race.\u00a0 It\u2019s time to eat some lunch and pore over the program of races today.<\/p>\n
\nRacing!\u00a0 The sheer beauty\u00a0of eight hounds doing what they were bred to do and love to do most\u2026 \u00a0If you have never been to a track,\u00a0I hope you might consider a visit.\u00a0 Raynham<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is a nice place to watch races-greyhound greats like Swedish Episode<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and Ethereal Force<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0raced here.\u00a0 If you listen closely enough, you can almost hear the ghostly sound of their feet pounding up the stretch still.\u00a0 I love standing at the rail to watch the dogs racing thunder up and past in a blur of color and pure athleticism.<\/p>\n
\nA quick turnout occurs now; early racers are fed, given water pails, and encouraged to rest.<\/p>\n
\nA full hour turnout begins.\u00a0 Most of the dogs, tired from the day sprawl in the warm sand or play quietly.\u00a0 Beds are again checked for dampness and changed if needed.\u00a0 Water pails are removed for the night, scrubbed with soap, and left to dry.<\/p>\n
\nHenry may come back to again do a turnout.\u00a0 Massachusetts state law mandates five turnouts a day, most kennels do at least that if not more.\u00a0\u00a0In comparison\u00a0to the average dog in the average household, racing greyhounds spend much more time outside each day and and have had the company of their people for most of each and every day, unless they are in the ginny pit waiting to race.\u00a0 It has been a 17+ hour day for Henry- and this is the norm, not the exception at the tracks.\u00a0 Wearily, we say good night to the dogs.\u00a0 Carmella<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and Henry play their nightly bedtime game with a marshmallow (she\u2019s nuts for them).\u00a0 We head home for a few hours only to start anew at 0600.\u00a0 I\u2019m so tired that I think I forget where I live\u2026 but it\u2019s been a wonderful day.<\/p>\nHey Lady- You Got A License For Those\u00a0Hounds?<\/a><\/h2>\n
2 April, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
The Day\u00a0Begins<\/a><\/h2>\n
23 March, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
<\/a>
\nSteve Sarras benching a greyhound; photo from the Expo<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0website.<\/p>\nWatching and\u00a0Waiting<\/a><\/h2>\n
15 March, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
The New\u00a0World<\/a><\/h2>\n
17 February, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
First Things\u00a0First<\/a><\/h2>\n
14 February, 08 <\/small><\/h2>\n
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\nTuesday is a \u201cdark\u201d day atRaynham<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (no racing is held) and it\u2019s living up to its name.\u00a0 I stand in the empty and unlit track lobby looking out onto the silt, sand, and clay track as the rain falls and imagine some of my dogs and many of\u00a0yours during their racing days here.\u00a0\u00a0 In my mind I hear the excited, happy barking\u00a0that begins when the lure starts then see them flying out of the boxes and down the track in joyous pursuit.\u00a0 <\/span>Why am I here today?\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n
\nI\u2019ve been offered a very special chance to work for a week here as a kennel helper, and I can\u2019t wait.\u00a0 Today, I will meet Linda Jensen who will introduce me to Henry Chin, owner and trainer of Ryan Racing.\u00a0 Henry, brave soul that he is, has agreed to take on yours truly as a volunteer, let me hug his dogs, teach me how things are done properly, answer my endless questions, and help me understand every aspect of kennel work and the care of racing greyhounds.\u00a0 <\/span>We sit down to lunch in the Grille Room.\u00a0 Many people in the greyhound industry come from generations of dogmen.\u00a0 Not so Henry.\u00a0 He tells us that he came to the races many, many years ago for the first time with some friends.\u00a0 He loved watching the dogs but most of all, he really wanted to know where they went when they were done for the day.\u00a0\u00a0 He had to find out:\u00a0\u00a0working in his family\u2019s\u00a0 restaurant, he saved up enough money to go to a \u201cgreyhound school\u201d\u00a0 in Taunton that trained students as greyhound trainers.\u00a0 His face lights up as he tells of his education there- he still keeps the big notebook he compiled in class with him in the kennel all these years later.<\/span><\/p>\nDowning<\/a><\/h2>\n
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