Jenny, Another Gorgeous Greyhound (Click to enlarge)
Yes, fleet of foot are the Greyhounds. That’s what many of us think of when we think of Greyhounds. Awwww, those cute little Greyhound puppies…wait…have you ever seen one? Unless you are involved in racing Greyhounds I’ll bet you’ve never seen a Greyhound puppy. Strange isn’t it? These beautiful animals are pretty much relegated to the race track until they are…disposed of…hopefully this disposal involves the Greyhound Pets of America.
If I sound a little jaded…I am. Disclaimer coming: I do not get any of my relative disdain from any of the members of the GPA as they will not speak negatively about the industry. They cannot. The reason for that is clear. If the industry (breeders) finds out that they are receiving bad press from the heroic efforts of the rescue groups, the breeders will simply not call them anymore to inform them of the availability of dogs to pick up. The breeders seem to view their invitations to the GPA to rescue injured or untalented racers as a favor. It’s cheaper and easier to put them down. Yep, I have a problem with that.
So I am speaking only for myself here. I would hope that there is some regulation left to focus on the practices of the Greyhound Racing Association of America. There won’t be, of course, until we educate ourselves to the inhumane practices that are sometimes employed in the disposal of these magnificent animals. It would also seem to me that supporting this industry is in itself inhumane (Don’t get me started on horse racing!). I know I will not go to a race even though I would love to see these dogs in action. If you love to see them in their glory look for the “Fun Runs” that different groups around the nation put on to allow rescued pet Greyhounds to do what it its they were born to do. It’s a joy to behold. The picture in the banner of this blog, a Saluki, I believe, was taken at one of these fun runs and that dog was having the time of her life.
We have had occasion to meet many of these animals through our work with the local rescue group, Greyhound Pets of America – Louisiana Chapter (GPA). Last year we volunteered our services to our local GPA. We photographed GPA member Greyhounds and the best of the photos made the 2009 calendar which was sold by the GPA – LA. Chap. as a fundraising effort. Sisters Pet Pics was so proud to be part of this, we hope they want to do it for the 2010 calendar! Jenny, pictured here, made the calendar for the month of July.
As always, please comment on my photo or this story or post a comment or photo of your own. Exif: 1/160/ f10, ISO 100.
Recent Comments