The Stop Greyhound Cruelty Petition

Just a quick note today to pass on a message to everyone that cares about greyhounds for a member of the Facebook cause, Andy Falconer. Andy left a link at the cause page today for a petition to promote the abolition of greyhound cruelty, which desperately needs signatures.

You can find the petition here: STOP GREYHOUND CRUELTY.

Please sign, even if you do so anonymously, and pass on the link to your friends.

Another Dispicable Indictment Of The Greyhound Industry

Through the cause I run on Facebook and MySpace to Stop Greyhound Slaughter, I get to speak to a whole range of people and find out about the views they hold. Although there are one or two people that join the cause to ran and rave about how greyhound slaughter is just a figment of my imagination, the vast majority of people just want to help and one or two even have stories of their own to tell me.

I heard one such story a few days ago; a tale of greyhound rescue by a decent and incredible individual that was not affiliated with a greyhound rescue charity. We all know what amazing work greyhound rescues do but I also find it heartening to hear about regular people that literally save greyhounds from heartless and cruel people that are just out to make money. If these individuals did not make a stand then a few more beautiful greyhounds would be slaughtered every year. Here is the story in the lady's own words:

I wasn't aware of the killings that go on until a friend of mine joined a greyhound racing syndicate. The poor dog broke its foot on its first race which ended the dogs racing career (which I also think is cruel although that is a delicate subject). The members of the syndicate were uninterested in saving the dog and just wanted to put him down. My friend wouldnt allow it. He tried to get them to pull together to get the money for the £700 operation but they did not care, they just wanted to get another dog and try racing again. My friend, complete with a wife, two children and serious debt problems managed to find the money to save the dog and he now lives happily with his sister. A happy ending for this dog but there are plenty out there that are not so lucky.

Even syndicates of "normal" people are looking to dispose of these beautiful creatures when they are healthy and would make an excellent pet. It seems that they want the financial glory but not the financial burden that their insistance on racing greyhounds causes. Again, I know not all trainers/owners are the same and some care deeply for their greyhounds but the sheer number of dispicable things (I cannot bring myself to call them humans) is unbelievable. Enough is enough!

Beautiful Barron The Whippet Needs Your Help!

I received an email this morning from Greytexploitations about a lovely little male whippet that is in urgent need of care. He was a rescue and was in a terrible state when he was picked up. He only has a few months left to live so if anyone out there can give him a comfortable home and the love he deserves during his last few months then please get in touch with Greyhound Gap at the number outlined below. Here is a little more information about Barron:

Greyhound Gap - Barron only has a few months could you foster him? Bedlington x whippet boy.

A couple of weeks ago we received a phonecall from Catherine a friend. She had heard about a 12 year old bedlington whippet boy who was currently in the care of another rescue. He had two huge growths one on his chest and one on his leg and their vets had stated they couldnt be operated on. Catherine wanted to see if Gap would be willing to take him on, get a second opinion and give him the back up needed. Of course we would. He moved to Catherine the next night.

The lump on the leg was so huge that poor Barron couldnt get around properly or sit down comfortably but thankfully when he saw our vet they didnt feel there was any reason why it couldnt be removed especially as the boy was so uncomfortable. Barron had his operation and all was a success in fact the very next day he had to be stopped from bouncing around. However the vet felt that one of the lumps in particular looked decidedly nasty so was sent off for histology.

Sadly the result wasnt what we wanted to hear and the beautiful Barron has Sarcoma and treatment isnt an option. We were all mortified as this little man so loves to play and enjoy his walks and is just so full of life.

The vet feels at best that Barron has around 12mnths at the worst it could be as little as a few months. Catherine would love to keep him there but sadly although Barron is very tolerant of her male dogs they are not so tolerant of him especially the older yorkshire terrier boy. Barron is not cat friendly but is good with small dogs as you can tell.

Catherine currently works so Barron is fine left during the day, greets you really enthusiastically on your return, he travels well in the car. He sleeps well over night, walks like a dream on the lead and has been off the lead also but is a little deaf bless him so can wonder too far. Once he realises this though he heads back to you.

If you could find it in your heart to give Barron a special place to be for however long he has he will remain cared for medically by Greyhound Gap. We will continue to cover the cost of his veterinary treatment for the duration of his life.

If you can help please email me or call me on 01782 544728

Likewise if you feel you cant help Barron but would like to make a donation or help to sponsor his continued care please let me know or you can do it via the usual paypal chanel to greyhoundgap@yahoo.co.uk PLEASE MAKE A NOTE THAT ITS FOR BARRONS CARE. Thank you

Barron

Action For Greyhounds In The Credit Crunch

Hi all!

Sorry I've been away for so long and haven't been blogging as regularly here. I've had a lot of personal and health issues to deal with but I'm back now and will be posting regularly again now. I was going to start off with a stamp appeal round up because I've had a good response recently but I received this email a week or so ago and wanted to help publicise the AGF plight. They are losing money as a result of the credit crunch and are struggling to keep up with their financials in order to do the awesome work they have done for some time now. This was the email I received:

At this present time Action for Greyhounds UK (AFG), have:-

5 Greyhounds in foster homes
3 Greyhounds being boarded in kennels
1 Rottweiler being boarded in kennels.

3 of the above dogs need to be neutered.
1 Rottweiler needs a possible major hip operation.

AFG are NOT a re-homing or rescue centre or even have any kennels; AFG a campaigning group. However, if AFG had not stepped in to help these dogs it is very unlikely that they would be alive today.

It is costing AFG for private boarding over £170.00 per week, which is £737.00 per month. Add to this the cost of vaccinations, micro-chipping and food for the dogs being fostered - AFG need over £1,000 a month to cover the cost of keeping these dogs, until they can be either fostered or re-homed. This £1,000 does not include the cost of neutering 3 of the dogs.

Due to the extreme adverse weather conditions this winter, AFG have had to cancel numerous stalls and car boots, and basically, at this present time, it looks very unlikely that we can raise £1,000 per month.

AFG have never before asked for help in funding, and would prefer not to have to now, but due to the current situation, any donation no matter how small would be truly appreciated, forwarded please to the above PO Box address, with cheques made payable to "Action for Greyhounds UK".

We are also desperate for additional foster homes to relinquish this huge monthly cost of boarding kennels, and should anyone be in a position to take a dog(s) please contact Annie as above.

Please find the contact information below in case you may be able to help or know somebody else that may:

Action For Greyhounds UK
PO Box 3089, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 3YP, Tel: 01603 469864 - Mob: 07809 681691
Email info@actionforgreyhounds.co.uk - Website: www.actionforgreyhounds.co.uk

***Stay tuned for a stamp appeal and cause update in the next couple of days! Thanks all!