greyhound racing

[Glenn]

Hi,

Sorry if this is a little weird for this forum but what do you guys think of greyhound racing.
Do you think its cruel?

I rescued 2 retired racers a year ago and now they are my pride and joy and I dont go anywhere without them. Something about the breed and racing really intrests me and it is something I would really like to learn about and get into. Hopefully be a trainer myself one day.

I just can make my mind up what I thinj about it. It seems a little cruel that the dogs dont have loving homes but they are fed and looked after better than some dogs ans after all running is what these dogs are born to do!!

[Mr Roo]

i expect your two retired racers are another 2 rejects from the racing industry along with the 20,000 others that never made it or as soon as they stopped making money were disposed of . Greyhound Gap exists to rescue some of these noble hounds that have run for their lives and lost, many have horrific injuries and are offered no treatment from vets and are told to be put to sleep as they are of no further use.
i dont think you will find any support on this forum for the racing industry, please just think of what could so easily had happened to your two lovely hounds had you not stepped in and rescued them, could you honestly look them in the eyes and say i'm getting rid of you now you dont earn your keep and make me money. please think again about being a trainer, just take pleasure in seeing your dogs run for their own enjoyment and fun.
regards
paul.

[Glenn]

So it is as bad as ppl say even with rgt and other organizations.

Looks like its long walks in the countryside for us 3 then. I wont bother wasting my time.

Thanks for your help and honesty

[andywillow]

Hopefully its a dying industry as more people are becoming aware of the cruelty and needless deaths every year of thousands of greyhounds. Even the ones who are well looked after still have to run on tracks that have tight bends and where many dogs run their last race due to injuries whilst running and falling. Most trainers wont bother paying out for a broken leg to be mended, its easier to shoot them and get a replacement.
I never knew of the cruelty until I got involved with rescue and after fostering many greyhounds for Gap, its heartbreaking to see how shut down the dogs are when first coming into a home and how some are literally frightened of their own shadow. One of my dogs was terrified of men and took years to get over his fears, he still has a few issues even now.
I agree with you, its lovely to see them run, but to run for pleasure and not for their lives. Enjoy your lovely hounds, they are 2 of the lucky ones who made it to rescue.

[dylansdad]

Hi Cooper

You've rescued 2 greyhounds - that's fantastic. Why not stick around on the forums - I'm you'll find plenty of help, support & friendship

[Glenn]

I think I might just do that. Was just thinking about posting again does anyone feed their greys natures own raw meat?

[andywillow]

May 14, 2013 13:39:50 GMT -5 Glenn said:

I think I might just do that. Was just thinking about posting again does anyone feed their greys natures own raw meat?

There are a few people on here who feed a raw diet, I'm not one of them so I'm no use

[Mr Roo]

Yes stick around we could do with a few more males on here, although the girls will take the mick a bit but we dont bite and all have a common interest
paul

[scoobysue66]

You can't buy the wag of your dogs tail.

I agree with all the above and hopefully one day greyhound racing will be outlawed. Enjoy watching your 2 greys running for pleasure rather than to make someone a quick buck.

[deborahburt]

What everyone else said.

Welcome,you couldn't find a nicer, more honest bunch than the Gappers.

[tinar]

Echo all the above,

I too have two retired racers, Sonia and Daley.

It's much better to see these fantastic elegant hounds 'Run for fun' one of life's real pleasures.

Unfortunately with the racing industry, the dogs are literally 'running for their lives', it's really sad.

My boy Daley is one of the luckiest, and happiest dogs I've ever known. Injured on the track he 'finished lame', but the trainer/owner/whatever did't get treatment for his hock injury, a break which tried to heal itself, but nearly killed him in the process. He was lucky not to lose his leg and his life. I'm lucky to have him.

I didn't know about the situation in the dog racing world until I joined here and started searching on the internet and found out how it really is. It's glossied up to look like it's fun for the dogs, but in reality it is all about and only about the money.

I'm so glad to hear that you have your retired racers, tell us a bit more about them and please please post pictures, we love pictures.

Tina

[Glenn]

Hi im only using my phone at the moment but when I get home from work I will put some pics up. I should have some good ones we have just been for a weekin Devon stayed on a farm with 7 fenced in fields they loved it.

They are called pebbles and egor. Egor is abit nuts he loves to jump and run in circles chasing his tail. He is also taking up football although he is having problems with passing haha.

Pebbles is so laid back and loving she will happily follow us everywhere or sit in bed and wait to be shouted. They are both so well behaved now although it hasnt always been the case it was more than worth the work we put in at first.

They are my pride and joy and its really nice tofind a website full of ppl who think the same!!!

[julies]

Hiya
I have a mixed views ... I do a lot with the RGT - I see good and bad in the industry and I see good and bad in rescues as well.

For me the industry should put more effort into the welfare of dogs racing and when they leave racing, the tracks surface and bends should be safer and there should be more severe punishment of the cruelty that goes on. There are very caring owners in racing - like the race horse industry, the trouble is there are so many greys bred.

I feed raw and my dogs thrive on it

Look forward to seeing pics of your hounds

Julie

[Glenn]

Hi,

Not sure if i am doing this right so I hope these show up OK.

Egor is the black one.  Pebbles is black and white

[andywillow]

Lovely pics, they are both gorgeous.