Alert: 2 Dog Track Closings!

[chams1]

Some of you may know that in addition to the plethera of repitles that we have, we also assist with retired greyhound rescue (and have had as many as 6 at one time). As of December 31st, the Dairyland Dog Track in Kenosha, Wisconsin will be officially closed. This leaves nearly 900 greyhounds homeless. About 500 of these racers will be moved to other tracks in other parts of the country, which leaves about 400 of them left to find new homes. Not only with the way the economy has left some households and with the brutal winter just getting started, they are going to be in dire straits.

This is just one track. I have recently learned that there is another track that has just announced its closing - Pheonix, AZ, which generally holds more dogs in its kennels.

Attached is a flyer with more information of how you can help, even if you cannot take one of these majestic creatures into your home. There are so many other ways to help with dog food, matching gifts, transportation, etc.! Or, feel free to PM me if you need more information or would like to know about the dogs themselves.

(well, apparently, I can't get the flyer to upload, but PM me if you would like me to send you this to your e-mail...... otherwise, feel free to visit www.greyhoundsonly.com for more information....)

 

[laurie]

What is going on with animals right now? It seems we have a lot in distress and needing help. First Texas now this. I will at least send money, and hope it helps.

 

[chams1]

Thanks a lot, Laurie!! You're a doll!

What most people don't realize is that many of these greyhounds are retired as early as 2 years old (they don't start racing until 18 months old) so many of them have such a long life ahead of them still. Even the ones who are champions are forced to retire at the age of 5.

There is also a misconception that these dogs are needy and are hyper. Nothing could be further from the truth. They are giant couch potatoes that sleep 20 hours of the day, do not need a fenced in yard, are very easy going, and don't need to run all the time. They are only forced to run because of their inherited talent. Oh, and they don't bark, either (although there is always the exception to the rule), they are hypo-allergenic and, when they do run, can reach a speed of 40 miles an hour in just 3 strides!

Here's a picture of one of ours. He will kiss you to death if you're not careful!

View attachment 17819

 

[lisa h]

I don't know the numbers, but I know some of the dogs from Wisconsin are coming up to Canada. We have a track rescue and he's a fabulous dog. For anyone who hasn't met one, once you do you will fall in love. We did!

 

[chams1]

Yes, the rescue groups have been trying to get them to wherever there is room. And it's even more frantic now with the annoucement of the Phoenix track closing.....

They ARE incredible dogs. They might even smile at you when they meet you (I'm not joking...)!

 

[AJA]

Hmmm, another ugly dachshund at my house? Whadda think Julie?

I am seeing the animal dumping with horses over here..what a nightmare and DON"T even think of getting me started on the dumping when it comes to Craigslist.

 

[Syn]

Would love to get a dog if it weren't for the $200 per animal fee (not including small animals thank goodness), since I am close to the track in Phoenix.. they used to have the track here in Apache Junction until relocating to the Phoenix track.

 

[chams1]

Hmmm, another ugly dachshund at my house? Whadda think Julie?

Oh, a greyhound would SO overshadow your dogs!! (and the playfulness of yours would probably drive it nuts! )

Would love to get a dog if it weren't for the $200 per animal fee (not including small animals thank goodness), since I am close to the track in Phoenix.. they used to have the track here in Apache Junction until relocating to the Phoenix track.

Just wanted to let me people know that the $200 fee (for some rescue groups it is slightly higher) is used as a stipend to help defray the vet costs of spay/neutering the dog, a dental cleaning, all necessary shots, kennel costs, etc. If one were to take their dog in to get all of these things done, it would far exceed $200. Many of the vets who perform these things are doing it for nothing. And, in some instances, for those dogs who are retired due to a broken leg or broken hoch (the main tendon in the back of their leg - kind of like an achilles tendon), which can happen during racing, they must also pay for the vet bill to repair the damage. This $200 is basically an all-encompassing adoption fee, which you will find at any humane society as well.

 

[Syn]

Oof! Sorry Julie I meant there is a $200 deposit required by the park we live in per dog/cat, I feel $200 would be well worth it if anyone decides to get a cutie 'lil greyhound.

 

[Vegas Chad]

Oh man, I would get one but Darci would kill me... She really would... However I am sure we can cut them off some PayPal bucks. Those are very nice looking dogs.

 

[chams1]

Oof! Sorry Julie I meant there is a $200 deposit required by the park we live in per dog/cat, I feel $200 would be well worth it if anyone decides to get a cutie 'lil greyhound.

Wow - a $200 deposit?? That's crazy. Well, I guess for apartment renters, it is pretty much the same thing (I'm guessing).

Oh man, I would get one but Darci would kill me... She really would... However I am sure we can cut them off some PayPal bucks. Those are very nice looking dogs.

No, Darci wouldn't kill you. Just tell her how sweet she is and then proceed to tell her that it is the world's largest species of chameleon (just discovered) and I'm sure she will oblige. And considering the number of other things that you have in your household, what's one more? I mean, they are big but can curl up into a little tiny ball! (I should know, I have 2 of them that sleep in our bed .... while they are warm during cold Chicago winters, it sucks when they decide to spread out!)

But regardless, thank you for any kind of donation!!! Anything is appreciated!!