A Big Thank You!

I would just like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of the people that work towards making the world a better place for the greyhound. Whether you are one of the people that rescues them, fights for justice on their behalf, helps with fundraising, donates or adopts one of them... you are all absolutely amazing!

This may come a little out of the blue, but the comment that was made over at Stop The Greyhound Slaughter yesterday was truly insulting to all of those people mentioned above. It serves a purpose though - to highlight the narrow-mindedness of some people and an unwillingness to examine the facts. This is what anyone fighting for the greyhound is up against, so please take a look and show your support. The post responding to the comment can be found HERE.

A Brief History Of The Greyhound

The Greyhound is an intelligent friend to man and has actually been around for thousands of years. They have been documented as existing for centuries and have been present all over the world, from Ancient Egypt to the Middle East initially and in a huge number of countries in more modern times.

These dogs have been featured in early Egyptian pottery and indeed the hieroglyphics left behind in various tombs. They were rumored to belong to many pharaohs and the Egyptian royalty, such as Cleopatra. The remains of these greyhounds were often mummified and buried in the tombs with the remains of their owners. Close analysis has demonstrated that the greyhounds of that era very closely resemble the greyhounds we know and love today.

Traveling a little farther forward in time to the Middle Ages, the greyhound was thought to have almost succumbed to extinction. Thankfully, clergymen of that era took the greyhound under their wings and decided to breed them. As a result, it was later decided that only those individuals of noble blood were worthy of owning the greyhound because they were so rare. They were treasured within the home to the extent that a law was implemented in 1014 to prohibit the unlawful slaughter of a greyhound. The punishment for committing this crime against the animal was death. As we all know, this directly contrasts the law today because no law actually protects these noble and loving creatures from the barbarous human nature that many of them suffer throughout their lives and ultimately may directly cause their deaths.

Greyhounds were bred mainly in England and Ireland at that point and were transported to America in the 18th Century. In the New World, they were used to rid farms of jackrabbits and the coyotes that were killing the farmers’ livestock at the time. They were also helpful in spotting Native Americans and were used to chase them because they were fast enough to keep up with the horses the Natives rode. Meanwhile, they still lived in the homes of royalty and nobles in England during the 19th Century. In fact, Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, owned one! Eos was a black and white greyhound that can still be found in many court portraits of the era today.

However, shortly after the turn of the 20th Century the greyhound seemed to fall from grace. Still revered by some, it was decided that the beautiful greyhound would be put to better use for man – making money. Owen Smith opened the first greyhound racing track in 1912. It located in Emeryville, California. It was the first track but it was not to be the last. Over the years, the many tracks that exist have become more and more popular. As a matter of fact, in 1992 there were 3.5 million people attending these races over the course of a year, but the figure had been much higher in 1980. The racing of these animals has lost much popularity still as other forms of gambling have come into play.

Today, we should remember the original functions of the greyhound and hold them in the same high esteem. Man has brought about the fall of this beautiful creature and it is about time that man made changes for the better, taking more care of one of the oldest creatures on Earth and the most loving. Human nature really can be barbaric so it is time we rectify the balance and take a leaf out of the greyhound’s book.

Who Else Wants To Know How To Help Their Local Greyhound Rescue?

Who wouldn’t love to have an adorable greyhound pup or help find him a home? Greyhound puppies and dogs are gorgeous animals that are loyal and loving pets. Many people are lucky to have such a great pet. However, some are unfortunately and often cruelly abandoned and end up at a shelter or rescue. If you are a lover of this particular four-legged friend, there are things that you can do to help. You can volunteer, sponsor activities, help those activities that are sponsored and even spread the word about the shelters’ services and the dogs within that need a home. With so much you can do, it’s time to be a part of the solution.

Volunteering can be a great way to help a greyhound feel loved. Just by being around with a positive, can-do attitude, you can make a difference. You can do so many things volunteering, such as help to find abandoned or abused dogs and transport them to local shelters. These dogs are very loving and loyal and just giving them the attention they deserve can make a world of difference, even if they don’t live in your home. You can help by writing letters to help the shelter get grants or educating people on greyhound abuse and neglect. Why not be a part of a greyhound rescue mission?

If you would like to go a step further, you can be generous enough to help sponsor an activity or two that will raise awareness of greyhound abuse. There are many events you can sponsor such as meet and greets, also known as tabling. This is where you help to find adopters for the greyhounds that want a home. Volunteers typically go to places like Petco and try to find potential parents or get donations to help with the expenses it takes to run a greyhound rescue shelter.

If you don’t have money or time to really put into hardcore volunteer work or sponsoring events, you can still be a great help by spreading the word. It is easy to tell people about the shelter and what they do to help rescue and protect greyhounds from abuse and neglect. If you do have a little free time you could even make some posters to put up in various places to spread the word about the shelter.

It can be a little work, but these greyhounds are definitely worth it. No animal deserves to be abused, especially not one as sweet natured as a greyhound. Do your part to help prevent abuse to these sweet animals. At the end of the day, you are protecting man’s best friend!

A Comment Shared...

The Stop The Greyhound Slaughter cause on Facebook seems to be extremely popular at the moment, which is a fantastic achievement for greyhounds everywhere. As one of the little known forms of animal abuse, which it is because it largely ignored when you compare it to dog fighting and the fur industry for example, it does not really enter the conscious of the majority of society. The plight of other animals that endure cruelty is no less important, but the abuses of greyhound racing largely go unheeded because of the money that it can make owners and its popularity as a "sport" amongst other reasons of course.

There was a comment in response to one of my posts on there recently and I felt the need to publish it on here. Heather's comment highlights just how loving and gentle a greyhound can be as a pet and why we all need to take action.

Here's Heather's comment in full, completely unedited:

"My sister recently just adopted a Greyhound. Shes the most delicate, gorgeous greyhound ever and i did i mention the biggest couch potato ever!!

Her raciing name was 'Ratface' my sister renames her Bindi. Took Bindi a few weeks to remember her new name. She fits in very well with my sisters young family. My sister has 2 small children of the age 4 and 5.

When ever i look into Bindi's eyes i can only just begin to imagine what it was like for her, all the training she enjured for her first 4 years of her life and now she is retired at the small age of 4. It just rediculous that people are using these animals in sport and when they are considered "no good or too old" there discarded of like a peice of rubbish someone throws out there window when there driving.

It makes me really angry."

Thanks Heather! If you have any causes, auctions, fundraisers, websites, comments, content or anything else that you want to share then please email me at savegreyhounds at googlemail.com. This is the place to be to help save the greyhound!

The Temperament And Nature Of The Greyhound

Thinking about a Greyhound adoption? If so, then you probably need to know all about the temperament and nature of a Greyhound that is a retired racer. Most Greyhound adoptions are retired racing dogs. They have actually spent most of their life living in a crate, or running the track and training. But you will glad to know that they are one of the breeds of dog that adjust rather easily too most any environment.

Your new Greyhound adoption will be a sensitive dog. They are very easy to startle and are not used to a lot of noise. However, they are known for getting along well with most ay other pet that you might have, as well as children.

If you have children, you will want to supervise them being around your new Greyhound adoption. Because while your new Greyhound is gentle and loving, he will only take so much torture by anyone before he defends himself.

The nature of your new Greyhound adoption is by no means aggressive. The Greyhound is not a guard or a watchdog.

Greyhounds love attention, and they deserve it. They learn fast, and are very smart dogs. They are also very fast. If your new Greyhound adoption ever gets away from you, and takes off running, you will not be able to catch him. You will need to be careful that he cannot get loose from a closed in secure yard, or a leash.

Greyhounds have a tendency to chase as well. Your new Greyhound adoption might take off chasing a cat, squirrel or anything else that catches his eye. They do not know to be cautious of traffic. So do everything possible to keep your new Greyhound adoption away from traffic.

Greyhounds love to sleep. If your Greyhound is asleep or lying down, let him be. Do not go to him, and let him come to you. Greyhounds sleep very deep, so if woken up, he may be startled. Your new Greyhound adoption may even “humph” at you as if being woken up annoys him. He will soon learn his environment though, and will adjust to it and all of the noises that come with it.

Greyhound adoptions are really very popular. They can be great family pets. However, you will need to go through the lengthy process to adopt one. But your new greyhound adoption will make it well worth it in the end.

10 Good Reasons To Adopt A Greyhound

If you are looking for a pet, and are considering a Greyhound adoption, you might be on the fence about adopting a retired racing dog as a family pet. If this is the case, we have compiled a list of 10 good reasons to adopt a greyhound just for you.

Going through the Greyhound adoption process is a commitment that you should be fully aware of. Greyhounds are great dogs, and they make great pets. Keep reading for more reason why you should check into the Greyhound adoptions.

1. Most Greyhound Adoptions Are Adult Dogs

Of course puppies are so cute and irresistible, but they take a lot more training and patience than an adult dog. When you look at a puppy, you have no idea how he is going to react as an adult.

2. Adult Greyhound Adoptions Mean Less Work Than a Puppy

Puppies go through phases. They chew on everything, they have to be house trained, and they whine. Adult dogs have all ready been through these phases and are pretty much what you see is what you get.

3. Greyhound Adoptions Are Excellent Sidekicks

Because most Greyhound adoptions are retired from racing, you are going to find that they are the best breeds of dog to share your home with. They are very easy to take care of, and they adjust very easily to change.

4. Adult Greyhound Adoptions Adjust Well

Not every family needs to go and adopt a Greyhound for their family pet. However, the adult Greyhound that you are considering for adoption will be able to adjust to most any environment where he is well cared for and gets a great amount of attention.

5. Most Greyhounds Are Sensitive and Peaceful Dogs

Just because Greyhounds are known for wearing a muzzle when racing, they are often thought to be hostile creatures. However, they are not. Your new Greyhound adoption is not a guard dog, but he is a sensitive, gentle, and peaceful dog that loves quiet environments.

6. Greyhound Adoption Means Less Exercise

Greyhounds are often thought of as “rowdy” because of the fact that they are bred to race and run. However, the Greyhound that races only runs one maybe two times a week and those are short runs. As long as you walk your Greyhound adoption once a day, and give him the chance to run in an enclosed area every once in a while, he will be just fine.

7. Greyhounds Are Clean Dogs

Greyhounds are extremely clean dogs. Because of their short coat, they are easy to keep clean and maintain. They barely shed and they also have a tendency to give themselves cat baths.

8. Greyhound Dogs Are Very Healthy

If your new Greyhound adoption is an ex-racer, then you have a very healthy dog on your hands. They are even known for living longer than other breeds of dogs.

9. Greyhound Adoptions Come in All Colors!

Whatever you need your Greyhound adoption to be, you will find it. There are so many different colors, temperaments, sizes, and personalities of Greyhounds to choose from.


10. You can’t Go Wrong With a Greyhound Adoption

Greyhounds are great dogs. If you are considering adopting one, go to your nearest Greyhound shelter and see what they have.

The Work of Greyhound Rescues

Greyhound rescue groups exist all over the world and can be found at the main greyhound rescue site Adopt A Greyhound. A simple Google search on “Greyhound Rescue” will bring up pages of results. These organizations are staffed and funded by volunteers who love animals and do not want to see these beautiful creatures destroyed after a short and often painful life of being used as racing dogs.

The greyhound rescue group that you select will have you fill out an application to ensure that a greyhound is the right dog for you and that you are the right person for a greyhound. Every rescue group maintains strict rules about how you must treat the dog you adopt, and these rules appear to be universal from one group to the next and one country to the next. Make sure you do your research and are aware of all these requirements before adopting a greyhound.

Depending on how long the dog has been with their greyhound rescue group, they will have learned some basic socialization and obedience skills and they will be housebroken.
Greyhound rescue volunteers house and care for the dogs in their home. This is essential because these racing dogs have never been in a home house break if needed and get an idea if they will be good with small children and other pets such cats. By having this familiarity with the personality of the greyhound, they can make sure that there is a good match between human and dog.

Greyhounds are an ancient breed that was revered by the Ancient Egyptians and Celts. They are sweet, intelligent and sensitive creatures and make wonderful pets. You could be saving a life by adopting one, since in the United States thousands of greyhounds are killed every year because they cannot run fast enough to win races and make money for their owners. Regulations in the UK and other countries on treatment of retired greyhounds are stronger than in the U.S. But greyhound rescue groups exist around the world because these retired runners need a family to love them.

Greyhound rescues are devoted to saving these lovely animals and give of their time and finances to make sure the cast off racers have a chance at a good life. The rescue group will charge an adoption fee to help defray the cost of the medical bills they have incurred making sure the dog is healthy and ready for adoption. Greyhound rescues house dogs from ages 2 to 5, and with good care a greyhound can have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

Some greyhound rescues are adamantly opposed to greyhound racing and others have a more neutral stand, so you can expect a variety of opinions on that front. But one thing is common among the greyhound rescue groups is that is they want to make sure they are giving their dog to the best home possible.

Beware: Read Only If You Truly Care!

Trying to raise awareness of the plight of the greyhound is like banging your head against a brick wall for the most part. There are so many people that do not want to listen because they would rather not know about it or cannot handle the images that are put into their heads as a direct result of reading what happens to these poor creatues. Or worse... they just do not care.

It is this last category of people that are the most worrying for people like me who wil continue to fight for the greyhound. Why do people not care what goes on? Why are they not bothered that greyhounds are routinely abandoned to fend for themselves having had their ears chopped off. All racing greyhounds have their owner/trainer's identity tattoos in their ears so that they can be identified. As with any tattoos, they are permanent so the only way to get rid of them is to literally chop off the ears. This is a common practice, so the animal is abandoned in pain and left to fend for his or herself. Bearing in mind, greyhounds are not bred to look after thamselves in the wild. Imagine how many of those poor creatures die alone and in pain.

That is just one example of the cruel and unjust treatment that they face every single day of their lives. I don't mind telling you that I am crying just writing about this. The thought of what they g through physically hurts me. So how can these people not care?

If you are one of those that feel the same pain I do and recognise the need for action now then please read on...

Whilst some greyhounds are rehomed, thousands every year are not so lucky, and are abused, abandoned, left to starve or killed. If you have 5 minutes to spare you can add your name to a petition on the Care2 website in order to show your support. The aim is to collect signatures and present the petition to various governments around the world to press for changes to the way the greyhound industry is regulated, and to highlight the need for change to end the suffering of these beautiful and gentle dogs.

There is a donation button on the right hand side of this screen as well. If you want to give something to help the greyhound rescues that need it most then please click and donate via Paypal. Every dollar helps.

There is also a cause on Facebook that is affiliated with this blog. I set it up towards the end of last year and we have over 600 members. If you are on Facebook then click on the link to go to the cause and join to show your support.

Also, if you do want to help this blog out then please contact me. I would welcome and contributions that express your views and opinions and you'd get credit of course! The more people involved the better! I welcome articles, photos, link exchanges and anything else tat may help spread the word.

A big thank you from the greyhounds!

Pedigree Adoption Drive

I received an email this morning from Pedigree, the dog food manufacturer. I'm signed up to the brand news and I don't usually pay any attention to their emails, but I did today for a general doggy reason.

Pedigree are launching a campaign to raise £500,000 for adoption awareness because so many dogs are currently being rescuued in the UK alone and it is getting more and more difficult to rehome them all. As a result, they are making donations on their food product sales between now and the end of March but you can do your bit by pruchasing one of the T Shirts that you can see above. The T Shirt is only £5 and so worth the money if you ask me! After all, you'll be helping to rehome dogs that have never had a chance in life before.

You can go to Pedigree Adoption Drive to have a look at the campaign for yourself! It is most definitely a good cause so take a look for yourself!

A Greyhound Tale: Speedy Sam

The tote board gave odds of 20:1 for “Speedy Sam”. Sadly for Sam, this wasn´t an accurate figure. In reality, the odds were stacked against him and he was faced with a gamble he just couldn´t win.

Four years old; in pain from his previous untreated injuries his racing days almost at an end, Sam trailed in behind the field. Sam had become a “dead cert” and the key word here was “dead”.

No longer fast enough to race against the younger, stronger, fitter dogs, and not wanted by his owner as a pet, Sam was put to sleep. And he was one of the lucky ones. He was killed humanely.

For most ex-racing greyhounds, the reality is :

*Too slow to race in the registered sector, the dogs are sold on to sometimes unscrupulous owners in the unregulated independent sector.

*Some greyhounds are kept in appalling conditions, and the dogs are only let out to race.

*Injured dogs may be given painkillers to mask the pain, and forced to run regardless.

*An injured dog is just one step away from abandonment or slaughter. Shooting, drowning and starvation are popular methods of disposal.

*Dogs are killed simply because they can no longer run fast enough.

*The life expectancy of a greyhound is less than any other breed. And belive me, they don´t die of natural causes.

*If a puppy does not show promise, it can be killed when it is as young as 12 weeks old.

What can you do to protest about these unjust odds, and help to turn every greyhound into a winner?

Gorgeous Greyhounds, Perfect Pets.

Have you ever considered making room in your home for one of the thousands of ex-racing dogs needlessly killed each year? Greyhounds make wonderful family pets, and despite a common misconception that they need a lot of exercise, they are actually the fastest “couch potatoes” on the planet!

Greyhounds are sprinters, so can run at speeds of up to 40 mph, but only in short bursts. And by the time you rescue one, chances are that it will have run it´s little legs off! This means that for the vast majority of greyhounds, the retirement plan is relax, eat, sleep, relax, sleep some more.... well, you get the picture.
Here are some reasons to bring a greyhound into your life:

· They are gentle and friendly dogs, with a placid nature. Although caution is needed with fast-moving small animals ( cats, squirrels..), many greyhounds are successfully rehomed with cats.
· Two short walks a day on the lead is all that your new “best friend” will need.
· They make ideal dogs for older people.
· Greyhounds don´t tend to bark much. Your neighbours will love them ( so will the burglars)
· Most greyhounds are good with children
· They have short, odourless coats, making the breed more suitable for people who are allergic to other dogs.
· If you rescue a greyhound it will repay you a thousand times over with love, loyalty and affection.

Even if you feel you can´t offer a home to a greyhound right now, there are other ways that you can help make a difference to the thousands of dogs who are mistreated, abandoned and brutally killed each year. And when you do have room in your life for one of these wonderful dogs, remember, somewhere out there is a greyhound with your name on it!