What is the answer?

 

I sit in amazement at the lack of desire to show the public that greyhound racing wants to repair any negative public perception issue as soon as it crops up. While we hear claims "lies" or "fake videos" or "corruption and payoffs", greyhound racing is silent when there is a serious issue. That said, can there be any surprise that 100% of the Arizona legislature passed a bill to ban pari-mutuel wagering on live greyhound racing in Arizona a few years back or that recently almost 70% of the citizens of Florida voted to ban pari-mutuel wagering on live greyhound racing in Florida.

One would think that would be a 5-alarm call to action to rectify any issue that reflects negatively on greyhound racing. Sadly, burying the collective greyhound racing heads in the sand seems to be the reaction to confronting the issues of negative public perception.

This month a track in Florida held a $100k race. In attendance were numerous individuals from the pro-racing adoption arena as well as photographers from the greyhound adoption world and even those on the front line of the lawsuit to overturn Florida Amendment 13.  All the reports via social media gave the impression the race went off without hitch and lauded the winning dog, kennel, and trainer but not a peep regarding any incidents during the race. Except...a post by a lobby organization which included a video not of the glory but of a disturbing accident in which a greyhound in this $100k race appears to bump another greyhound, then appears to blow its hock and then clearly gets tossed into the railing then tossed back into the track and overrun by another greyhound. 

If history should have taught greyhound racing anything it is that such an incident, especially one that has taken place during a race will be found and publicized, and what makes this newest incident, so glaring is that with so many pro-racing members in attendance and/or posting to social media about this $100k race there is no mention of this greyhound or the accident or the current condition of the greyhound. Sadly, however are many discussions by greyhound supporters on the need to purchase a track and magically reopen a live greyhound racing facility in states that no longer allow pari-mutuel wagering on live greyhound racing. 

If the greyhound racing industry wants the public to believe they care, the pr machine should have been fired up immediately and provided information regarding the condition and location of this greyhound that was possibly injured in such a highly promoted and publicized race. Without such announcements, the public will question what happened to this greyhound and will most likely think the worst. 

 

Without being proactive and honest, the public forms its own conclusions especially when the only mentions come from the anti-racing camp. Any lack of transparency will, in my opinion, make action for the bill in Washington DC to eliminate greyhound racing nationwide easier to pass. Senators and Representatives have previously voted to eliminate greyhound racing at state levels and now that such a bill is in DC, their views on greyhound racing will most likely stay the same.

 

I have been involved with greyhounds on many levels for almost 30 years. I have seen racing accidents where the greyhound was no worse for the experience, where the greyhound suffered a career ending injury and sadly where a greyhound lost its life. So, can anyone provide the answer to the question the public would like to know - what happened to and where is Thrill U?

What’s Important?

Keyboard warriors.

You know the type - those who think they know best, know everything, have mastered all things greyhound racing in 3 short years.  Those who have been on a tangent to rid the greyhound community of good homes for ex-racers based on the social media post of someone they have never met. The keyboard warriors feel being pro-racing makes them experts in all things greyhound racing and adoption since the dawn of time.

Not very long ago the racing industry and the adoption world respected each other's field and boundaries. Everyone focused on their expertise and met in the middle to work together - especially in the time of crisis - and knew the importance of a good home for each ex-racer.

Today's keyboard warriors pontificate that potential greyhound adopters should disclose their personal opinions regarding racing. Today's keyboard warrior’s witch-hunt any adopter who dares to use a word or phrase said warriors don't like. Today's keyboard warriors act as if they and only they are qualified to determine what adoption groups should receive dogs and what individuals should be allowed to adopt.

I for one firmly believe that if a group is placing ex-racing greyhounds into homes where the greyhound will be loved, respected and become a part of the family then guess what, that is WHAT’S IMPORTANT!

I for one firmly believe everyone has a right to their personal opinions on racing however a personal opinion on racing seldom has any bearing on the level of love, care and pride that an adopter gives their greyhound. Today's keyboard warriors often present themselves as never having had a misstep with any greyhound they have ever adopted nor are they able offer their brand of guidance without vilification to anyone who is of a different mindset.

I for one will not let a list dictate my goal of finding greyhounds loving homes, and in reality, the worst thing that happened to greyhound adoption was the creation of all these "approved" lists. When racing makes adoption lists and adoption makes racing stance their criteria for a good home while knowing some in racing have and will continue to send dogs to those that the keyboard warriors condemn, it is the ex-racing greyhound who will get lost in the equation.

That’s my opinion and that’s what is important to me…..the greyhounds.