The lives of greyhounds racing for rescue
Imagine being born to the life of a racing greyhound. Born in a place of intensive production similar to a factory farm, it’s even called a “farm” only in this place the only crop that’s growing is you; the only reason for your existence is to make money for your owners.
Fast forward a few months and the running and chasing things with your inmates (okay, some are littermates) has been fun, except for the winter cold and the abrupt separation from your mother, after which you and your surviving siblings had your ears abruptly tattoo-stamped with numbers and letters.
Welcome to the world of the dog racing industry. Now run for your life little doggy
Greyhound racing is an industry. And, you’re a commodity.
Unlike the average dog in a home, a racing greyhound leads a life of uncertainty. Often shipped from track to track. You are treated more like cattle, than a dog. When not running or actually racing on the track, you are caged and although surrounded by other greyhounds you have little opportunity for outside world socialization or to play. For you and thousands of others, this life is all that you know. On average, by the time you are three-years-old, you are either making money for your owner or you’re slated for disposal.
That’s where Greyhound Adoption Center steps in.
You suddenly find yourself in loving hands. When you get the first warm bath of your life, the kerosene used as tick repellant at the track is washed away along with the need to run for your life. You are given a soft fleece bed, hand-made by a loving volunteer. You learn to eat healthy food instead of the raw slaughterhouse-rejected tainted meat. Your hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, tapeworm, and giardia are gone – eradicated, and if you arrived with broken bones or a broken spirit we’ll fix it for you. For you, little doggy, are on your way to a happy, long life. You will learn to trust, you’ll discover the joy of toys – dog toys – no kidding, they actually make toys just for dogs! And you will learn to be loved.
You are one of the lucky ones, but there’s something else, something you’d never expect, little doggy. Let’s whisper into your sweet fury, crumpled (tattooed) ear and let you in on a little secret –ready? No don’t lick my face -oh, okay then.
Here goes: You are going to change a person’s life and may well be the best and most loved dog ever for your special person.
Special person, if you are reading this, what are you waiting for?