Seek and Not Hide!

In a recent on line discussion with a friend & fellow greyhound adopter, I was intrigued to read to how her views and opinions changed over time regarding greyhound racing. She, like myself and many others, found ourselves adopting from groups whose stance was strongly anti racing. Some shared the group sentiment while others (myself included) merely wanted to give a forever home to a Greyhound and went to the adoption group that was closest to them. During my early day as an adoption volunteer I blindly blurted out chapter and verse of the adoption group's doctrine of greyhound racing hatred during meet & greets. So many did, so many still do. 

I vividly recall the day when I asked my adoption group "the" question regarding the number of racing greyhounds put down every year that I was instructed to tell........................

"How do we know these numbers are correct?"

The reply was what sent me on my quest to seek the truth.

Their answer? " Because this organization says so."

I then asked...

"And how do we know they are telling the truth and not massaging numbers to garner support for their cause?"

I wish I had a camera to capture the blank look of hate that I received in response to my second question. 

I’m a consultant and clients often ask me on site to give an opinion. While I could do this via remote access, I learned that in the greyhound world and consulting world, onsite experience AND onsite education is not only beneficial for my recommendations, but allows the client gets the best overall assessment.

Give the greyhounds the best you can. Go forth on a quest, A quest to seek out and learn the truth. Discover for yourself  if these so called advocates blasting the internet demanding you follow THEIR course are in a money game, a money game to bring in cash that ultimately pays their salaries, provide benefits, rental cars, vacations. Discover for yourself if they want to expose truth or simply want the contents of your wallet. Please do not follow me blindly either – begin your personal quest for the truth and seek to learn in person. Ask questions. Seek and you shall find. Then and only then, when those speaking and seeking the truth stand up with total knowledge will the greyhounds have true advocates speaking for them.

Rise Up!

A recent article  – which I have linked below as I feel all of you should read it when I’m done yapping - ends with a statement I want each of us to think about:

“Don’t expect them to back down. Just expect them to pick on smaller zoos and circuses, who aren’t as well positioned to defend themselves.”

I have always said that one fear certain "protectors" have is court and the truth about their actions & organizations being discovered. Perhaps it is time for the greyhound industry to stop being a punching bag and rise and position itself to defend itself! 

I'm done yapping 

Circus prevails in elephantine struggle by Jeff Stier:

http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/aspca-382414-ringling-elephants.html

Traveling With Pets - Tip #001

I've been known to travel a tad and when I am away from home, I enjoy staying in hotels that allow pets, I can get my "dog fix" when I'm away from my greyhounds but I like seeing happy dogs with happy owners as they enjoy a trip together.

HOWEVER...during a recent jaunt, after enduring ridiculously long security check in lines and several extremely loud and inebriated passengers on my flight, I was looking forward to a restful night once I checked into my hotel room. 

Ahhhh...quiet.

Ahhhh....fluffy pillows and a good night slee....

BARKBARKBARKBARKBARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(alarm clock said 10:30pm) 

BARKBARKBARKBARKBARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(alarm clock said 11:00pm) 

BARKBARKBARKBARKBARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(alarm clock said 11:17pm) 

The barking and clawing at the bottom of the dog crate continued until well after midnight, when the owners returned to the room.

Some advice from a dog-loving fellow traveler ~ if you care and love your pets please, please remember that a hotel room in not a familiar place for your pet, no matter how often you travel together. When you leave your pet in a hotel room alone, even if you feel a crate is a safer option than allowing free rein in the room, your pet is going to experience a level of stress.

If you travel with a pet, give consideration and remember that while your pet may comprehend what is happening, a vacation may not seem nor feel like a vacation to them. While they are fine while you are away for 8 hours + for work or while you are out to dinner with friends at home, remember for a pet, a hotel room is NOT home, especially when you are not there. 

A content pet in a hotel room makes the hotel relaxing for all the guests and continues to allow hotels to offer 'pet-friendly" accommodations.