Saturday could be last day of live dog racing in Colorado
By Aaron J. Lopez, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published June 23, 2008 at 10:15 p.m.
Joshua Duplechian / Special To The Rocky
Kennel operator Torri Morris will try to keep her Rocky Mountain Greyhound Adoption Center open despite the likely end of dog racing in Colorado.
Click to enlarge: A look at the annual pari-mutuel handle (amount wagered) in each of the past five years and the total tax revenue generated for Colorado's General Fund:
With live dog racing scheduled to end Saturday, several hundred greyhounds will have to be transferred to tracks outside of Colorado or adopted out as pets. Greyhounds are considered very social animals that make excellent companions. Anyone interested should contact Rocky Mountain Greyhound Adoption, a nonprofit agency located in Adams County. For more information, call 303-995-6929 or visit rmga.org.
$130,825 average daily handle for live greyhound racing in Colorado in 2007. That's down 52.4 percent from $274,620 in 1998.
Resembling helmets in a hockey dressing room, muzzles of assorted colors hang from kennel doors as 30 greyhounds enjoy nap time in their cozy surroundings.
Hummer, wearing a purple collar to match his purple-and-black muzzle, rests quietly in the "top bunk," while Reggie sleeps down below.
Neither dog reacts when TNT, a restless female, begins barking at her neighbor Delilah, but the outburst draws a quick response from kennel operator Torri Morris.
"TNT! No, no, no," Morris shouts, restoring order. "We have to be awesome this week. We have to win this week, so you all need to get your sleep."
In a few more days, such an admonition will not be necessary. The dogs that Morris has cared for with a mother's love will be gone from their native Colorado. Some will race in Kansas, while others will transfer to Oklahoma.
Barring an 11th hour agreement between the owners of Mile High Greyhound Park and the Colorado Greyhound Kennel Association, Saturday will mark the final day of the 2008 live racing season.
If and when the dogs return to run in Colorado is anyone's guess.
"I never thought I'd see the day they would go," said Morris, her voice choking with emotion. "You have to try to be upbeat when I'm in there talking to them. . . . It's just devastating."
Track officials are planning to open for racing again next April, but some kennel operators are preparing to close shop for good, while others are in the process of moving their dogs to others state.
Few are optimistic about returning in 2009.
"I'm prepared," said Linda Blanch, who is in the process of moving her kennel to Jacksonville, Fla., after 25 years in Colorado. "June 28 is my last day of racing in Colorado."
Running into trouble
How did it come to this?
Just a few months ago, Blanch, Morris and other kennel owners were looking forward to another strong year in Commerce City, home to the only remaining live dog track in Colorado.
While the industry has been on a decline for the past decade, business seemed stable. Payouts for winning races at Mile High were more than three times higher than at tracks in Kansas City, Phoenix and Tucson.
"We have made more money in the last year running dogs than we have in the last six or seven years," Blanch said.
Officials at Mile High Racing and Entertainment paint a different picture, saying a sagging economy, Denver's competitive marketplace and mountain gambling have taken their toll.
They point to the closing of Cloverleaf Kennel Club, which called off the dogs at the end of 2006. The Loveland track went under after 51 year of live racing.
After Cloverleaf closed, Mile High agreed to pick up its race dates in 2007, running through the winter. The schedule was a boon for kennel operators but apparently proved costly for the track.
Mile High general manager Bruce Seymore said the track lost $700,000 in 2007 after being profitable in 2006. Among the primary expenses was the estimated $25,000 to $40,000 per month cost to heat the track.
Unwilling to run through the winter of 2008-09, Mile High vacated its November, December, January and February dates. Kennel operators, facing four months without racing, hoped to find a compromise.
What ensued gives new meaning to the phrase "dead heat."
Labor of love
Morris married into the dog-racing business in 1986.
"I walked in and I was hooked," she said.
Twenty-two years later, the 46-year-old Lochbuie resident remains devoted to her greyhounds but finds herself on the verge of heartbreak. Morris expected a tearful goodbye this morning when her 30 racers were scheduled to be transported east.
Already required to keep an oxygen tank nearby while she works, Morris found herself overwhelmed by the scenario a week earlier.
"I actually had to stay home from the kennel because when I got up, I was so upset and I started throwing up all over the place," she said. "It's so stressful."
The racing kennel was more than a labor of love; it helped finance Rocky Mountain Greyhound Adoption, the nonprofit venture she started in 1994.
"If I can't make it financially without my race kennel, I'll probably have to find another job to make ends meet," Morris said. "We're going to try. We've made it through all other kinds of obstacles."
Track vs. owners
The relationship between kennel owners such as Morris and track operators is one of codependency. The track needs dogs to race and the dogs need a place to run.
As the racing season nears an end, the two sides remain engaged in a game of high-stakes "chicken."
On the ownership side is BLB Investors LLC, a Connecticut-based group that purchased Mile High Racing and Entertainment from Wembley Colorado in 2005. BLB, which also owns a dog track/slot-machine parlor in Rhode Island, has not endeared itself to Colorado kennel operators.
Eric Morgan, who represents the Colorado Greyhound Kennel Association, said BLB has shown little enthusiasm for keeping live racing alive beyond 2008.
In an effort to offset costs of winter racing, Morgan said CGKA members offered roughly $13,000-per-week in payout concessions. BLB would not budge, Morgan said, countering with an offer to run through Sept. 1 if kennel owners conceded about $16,250 per week.
"Clearly BLB has no intention of engaging in any serious or good-faith negotiations to save live racing," Morgan wrote in a June 5 letter to the Colorado Racing Commission.
"BLB's unwillingness to even discuss the possibility of racing over the winter months, regardless of concessions on our part . . . seem to indicate that BLB has concluded that its business model requires removing the CGKA and its members from the racing industry in Colorado."
Repeated efforts by the Rocky Mountain News to get a response to Morgan's statement from BLB executive vice president Bruce Fraser were unsuccessful.
Dollar dogs
CGKA vice president Gary Bryan is a retired schoolteacher who has been racing greyhounds for the past 24 years.
He estimates that three-fourths of the association's members are losing money. Many of them could not survive a four-month winter layoff because the cost to feed and care for the dogs can run between $2,000 and $3,500 per week.
During a May 28 telephone interview with the Rocky, Fraser said kennel owners could fill the winter void by racing in other states. Bryan called such a suggestion "unfeasible," citing the minimum $10,000 cost to move a kennel and the application process to join a track.
Blanch, who oversees about 65 dogs at her kennel near Fort Lupton, was persuaded by her 32-year-old daughter to continue racing in Jacksonville. The move will cost between $20,000 and $25,000.
"It's kind of mind-boggling to me," Blanch said. "This company (BLB) came in and bought a business just to tear it down, in my eyes. I don't understand why they would buy a facility with live dog racing just to get rid of them."
Canine cash
You don't have to be a dog owner or a racing fan to be affected by the demise of dog racing in Colorado.
Wearing their numbered bibs and racing muzzles, streaking greyhounds have generated more than $40 million in tax revenue for Colorado over the past 10 years.
In 2007, bettors wagered $33.9 million on live races at Mile High and another $31.4 million on races shown on live simulcasts from other tracks around the country. The resulting $65.3 million "handle" put $2.3 million into the state's coffers.
Under state law, the simulcasts cannot continue at Mile High without live racing, though horse races are still fair game. The out- of-state dog races also will go dark at Post Time Greyhound Park in Colorado Springs, Pueblo Greyhound Park and two Denver-area off-track betting sites owned by BLB.
The ramifications of the domino effect are clear.
"We need every dollar in that general fund that we can get," said state Rep. Don Marostica, R-Loveland. "The revenue is going to be really tight because the economy is tight. It would behoove us to keep (live dog racing) going any way we can."
Racing into trouble
Marostica remembers a time when dog racing was a thriving event, drawing crowds of 10,000 at tracks all along the Front Range.
As a college student at Colorado State in the late-1960s, he worked as a parking attendant at Cloverleaf Kennel Club.
"There were so few folks visiting, they couldn't make it work (at Cloverleaf) anymore," Marostica said.
Some of the blame falls on the legislature.
Since 2002, the dog-racing industry has felt "double taxed." Not only does the state receive 4.5 cents on every dollar wagered on live and simulcast racing but the industry also must finance the Division of Racing Events, a regulatory body that operates under the Department of Revenue.
In 2007, it cost about $2 million to "cash fund" the division, according to Morgan.
Morgan tried to seek tax relief for kennel owners and track operators during the 2008 legislative session, but little progress was made, setting up a disaster scenario heading into the summer racing season.
"This double taxation thing is a real culprit," Bryan said. "We've gone in and tried to change it. (Morgan) thinks there's a good shot at getting it changed next year."
By then, of course, it could be too late.
Ulterior motive
As Morgan suggested in his letter to the state racing commission, there is a belief among kennel owners that BLB is determined to see live racing come to an end in Colorado - at the expense of taxpayers, track employees and kennel owners.
It would save money on track maintenance, spare BLB from having to work with kennel operators and raise the possibility of a "racino" featuring simulcast racing and either slot machines or video-lottery terminals.
Slots or video gaming would have to be approved though a state ballot initiative. Voters rejected a similar plan promoted by previous track owners, Wembley Colorado, in 2003.
"I know their motivation. It's called slots," said one kennel owner, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation by BLB. "They had it all ready to go for this (legislative) session."
Though the dogs will be gone Saturday, BLB still will simulcast horse racing at Mile High while running its summer schedule at Arapahoe Park.
Blanch, meanwhile, will be getting her dogs acclimated to the Florida heat and Morris will be trying to keep her adoption agency afloat in rural Adams County.
Colorado's dog days of summer - not to mention, spring, fall and winter - might never be the same.
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June 23, 2008
11:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
flydude writes:
BLB isn't the slightest bit interested in keeping greyhound or horse racing going in Colorado. It's painfully obvious.
June 24, 2008
4:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
LOUIE writes:
Dogs, horses, boxing, so many sources of luxury revenue, and Colorado is becoming progressively boring. Hell, as an resident in Colorado, I can't even enjoy a cigar as the economy rolls downhill. Soon, for sale signs in the casino towns. Colorado, it's time you stopped in to see what condition your condition is in... or listen to the platitudes of your politicians who assure us all they are leading us to prosperity!
June 24, 2008
7:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
DahmersCookbook writes:
They should turn the land into A soccer field to welcome the illegals.
June 24, 2008
8:11 a.m.
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samsmargolis writes:
Good riddance....
June 24, 2008
9:18 a.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
I for one think it's a travesty. I learned how to gamble there. I couldn't have been more than 7 or 8 yers old learning how to read the odds board, decyphering the past race info from the programs, & placing educated bets. Say what you like about a kid placing bets, but it's now a life long passion that has brought me much joy over the years. Just like golf (another gambling game) & beer & TV & loose women. They're all things I will doing for the rest of my life. I'll miss the place.
June 24, 2008
9:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
gr8fuldude writes:
Mark - There's help if you want it:
www.gamblersanonymous.org
June 24, 2008
9:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
LucySallustig writes:
Get a clue people! Learn the facts: These dogs are caged in tiny crates for 20+ hours per day and treated very inhumanely during their racing days. Once they can no longer race and earn their captors money, many are shot to death "behind the barn." As a Greyhound mother of three (formerly abused and now gratefully spoiled Greys!), you should really find more productive and humane hobbies! Closing down these tracks is a God send... one state at a time.
June 24, 2008
10:10 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
While this story cited one operator who founded a rescue organization for retired race dogs, it's not a given that these dogs won't be "eliminated" once they can no longer race. In fact, I'm afraid that's more often the case than not.
The situation got really bad in Florida, where on one farm, law enforcement found the grisly remains of scores of "retired" racing dogs who had been shot to death.
June 24, 2008
10:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
RMGAJAN writes:
Seasonal racing is bad for Colorado and bad for the dogs. As it is now, greyhound adoption groups in Colorado have no idea how many dogs will need placement after Saturday, nor do we know how long the track will be willing to hold them at the kennel compound. Seasonal racing means we have this crisis on a yearly basis. After the previous and current owners of the Mile High, Pueblo and Colorado Springs tracks have systematically dismantled the racing circuits in Colorado and helped destroy racing, I would like to see them leave Colorado. Their only interest is the minimum amount of racing to be allowed to keep their OTB licenses to make money off the citizens in Colorado, yet hurting so many of our citizens with their destruction. No to seasonal racing, no to any change in the legislature that would allow them to simulcast without live racing. And a big SHAME ON THE STATE LEGISLATURE for doing nothing over the past several years to head off this disaster.
And LucySallustig, you are so sadly misinformed about the greyhound breeders in Colorado, it’s pathetic. We had one of the best systems in the country here in Colorado, kennels that would hold their dogs for months until they could go into adoption. Year round racing so there would not be a major crisis as we have now. Now the “good guys” are getting the short end of the stick.
June 24, 2008
10:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
RMGAJAN writes:
This is not Florida. Our situation is much different. While there are a number of contract kennels in the kennel compound, there are also a number of Colorado breeders who run their dogs from their own farms. The dogs that need to be placed first will be the ones in the kennel compound. Traditionally, the tracks will hold dogs after a closing, they are not so stupid as to not realize the bad press it would generate. BLB is an unknown quantity, and as of now, can’t say as I, personally, have been impressed, but I can’t see them shooting themselves in the foot, either. In times of crisis, the American Greyhound Council in Kansas will assist in relocating greyhounds to other states, if adoption groups can be found to take the dogs. The greyhound adoption community is very tightknit, and will insure these dogs are adopted.
There are four adoption groups in Colorado: Rocky Mountain Greyhound Adoption, Colorado Greyhound Adoption; Friends of Retired Greyhounds (F.O.R. Greyhounds), and Recycled Racers (the track group). All of us could use help.
June 24, 2008
10:36 a.m.
Suggest removal
rorim1 writes:
Also, for anyone interested in adopting, there are 4 other Greyhound Adoption Groups in Colorado. We are all trying to do the same thing....find homes for the displaced dogs.
In addition to RMGA, which is listed in this article, you can also contact:
Colorado Greyhound Adoption (metro area) www.coloradogreyhoundadoption.org
Recycled Racers (metro area)
www.recycledracers.org
Friends of Retired Greyhounds (Ft Collins and Northern Colorado)
www.forgreyhounds.org
Almost Home for Hounds
www.almosthomeforhounds.org
June 24, 2008
1:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
LucySallustig writes:
RMGAJAN: Enough of your diatribe... spoken like someone who's very well connected to the abuse and has likely made a pretty penny off the blood, sweat and tears (literally) of these poor, gentle and defenseless creatures. (And thus, you lose your credibility.) I guess next you'll try to tell me that the breeders and track owners do it because they love Greyhounds (and not for the money)! My advice... get "edge-a-ma-cated" and get a real job that doesn't involve torture. My dogs have the scars, healed bones, decayed teeth and missing ear parts to prove the abuse and neglect. And they were all adopted in Colorado. I'm glad you can account for all of the dogs in the kennels. Sadly, there are many dogs on the roster counts that simply "disappear" and never make it to the kennels. Greyhound racing should be outlawed PERIOD... in Colorado, as well as Florida and everywhere else. The reference to breeders being "the good guys" is completely ridiculous. I don't consider myself an overly religious person, but I'm quite certain there's a "special place" being held for people like you in the afterlife. Shame on YOU!!!
June 24, 2008
1:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
puttsfordough writes:
The problem is with the arrogant BLB, they could care less about racing in Colorado, all they want is the ability to run the OTB's, that way they don't need to maintain any tracks but still reap the rewards of simulcast wagering. Bruce Frazer is their "yes" man for Colorado, a Vegas cast off who should be selling used cars. He could care less about greyhound and horse owners. The only way to equalize the playing field is not to restrict the amount of OTB's, since BLB controls all the OTB's other than Red and Jerry's. If the Legislature would allow businesses/bars to compete for licences rather than let BLB control them you still could wager on horses and dogs and BLB wouldn't reap all the rewards and the revenues for the state would still flow in.
The other fool in this dilemna is the State Legislature, knowingly letting this happen. Double taxing and not keeping the reins on Mile High and BLB let the system run amok. Why is it so important to have to run the horses and dogs in this state to be able to wager on them? The needed revenues would actually increase by allowing simulcast wagering 7 days a week. The same bettors would still bet, even if they weren't local tracks. I say eliminate all in state racing and let BLB have to compete with other OTB's for the bettors......I say good riddance to BLB, local investors should look into running the facility and let them worry about their albatross properties in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. By the way, Cloverleaf closed down because the land after 61 years was far more valuable that running the track. The old adage, buy low and sell high, and they sold real high.
June 24, 2008
2:07 p.m.
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dgarci1 writes:
Arvadra Mark, I too was a young boy who learned the ways of the track. It's a good way to spend an afternoon or evening. I'm not that much of a gambler but I always had fun. As an animal lover I hate to hear how these dogs are treated. The adoption thing is a great idea that helps the problem but does not solve it. However, people, I caution you in how you look at this entire dynamic. There is two systems within this situation. You have dog racing and then you have the treatment of animals. Dog racing is nothing but good. The dog breed is built for speed/running. The betting brings entertainment and money to the state. This is all good. Behind that lies the treatment of the animal which obviousely isn't monitored very well. Seems as if that system needs to develop a way of monitoring each animal's well being. This should be the responsibility of the state. Animal lovers should not confuse racing with the treatment of animals. Two different things.
June 24, 2008
5:07 p.m.
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LucySallustig writes:
dgarci1: I’m sure it helps you to think of racing and the treatment of Greys as separate issues, especially since you’ve supported racing in the past, but you’re pretty naïve on the subject. These dogs are bred for one reason and one reason only; racing (equals money). Have you ever seen a Greyhound puppy? Most of us haven’t, since puppies take one of two paths… “training” or extermination... depending on whether they’re deemed race-worthy. You’ll also never see Greys in regular shelters because no one outside the racing industry breeds them. If you ever saw the statistics on racing injuries and the subsequent “disappearance” of injured dogs, you’d be horrified. The conditions in which the dogs are kept are heartbreaking. If there was no racing (and money), there’d be no reason to over breed the dogs and imprison them in cages they can barely stand up in for years at a time until, of course, they can no longer win races. (Years ago, that sealed their fate, usually by the ripe old age of 3 or 4.) The kennels help with some of the “retired racers” problems, but there are still many, many abuses all along the way. My introduction to Greys was from a colleague who dissected one in college. (By the way, each student had their own Grey, they were so abundant.) She vowed she would adopt one in her lifetime to make amends, which she did. That was the first Greyhound I ever met. Redeem yourself... adopt one today!
June 24, 2008
7:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
RMGAJAN writes:
LucySallustig, sorry to disappoint you, I've never made a penny from racing and I've never placed a bet. Torri and I (with a 3rd partner) started Rocky Mountain Greyhound Adoption back in 1994. My start with greyhounds was strictly adoption, I learned a lot from seeing the farms and race kennels. Because we house both active racers and adoption dogs in our adoption kennel (well, we did) I became a licensed kennel helper a few years back. Strictly to legally be allowd in the part of the kennel which houses the race dogs. I know the people who race here in Colorado, and I would trust my personal pets with 99% of the breeders and kennel operators. Sorry you are so misinformed and bitter. You speak of dissection, but did you know the kennel operators were the ones who passed their own rule in Colorado stating no dogs could be sent for that purpose?
These dogs love to race, they love their "jobs," and yes, the breeders/trainers love these dogs. I'm tired of trying to educate people who derive their own personal worth from spreading misinformation and refuse to "get a clue."
June 24, 2008
9:46 p.m.
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nouse4u2 writes:
The greyhound racig will be greatly missed. I, along with thousands of other college students, worked my way through college and graduate school by working at Cloverleaf in the spring and Mile High in the Summer. I was privileged to witness the incredible athletic feats of such great greyhounds as Cherokee Go, Trifecta Mary, Buzwufti and Rebel Charlie, among thousands of others. Despite the admonitions of a few eccentric animal lovers who don't understand that greyhounds love to run, that it is their nature to compete, greyhound racing has brought both revenue to the state, happiness to the patrons and the animals and helped educate a number of prominent citizens and taxpayers. The problem with the sport relates primarily to the fact that the Racing Commission has been led by political hacks like Leo Cefkin and Irving Hook, instead of people with a knowledge of the business. The state has lost the revenue stream forever, since people who like to play the pups can do it through the internet in the luxury of their own homes. Colorado has been pennywise and pound foolish- almost as foolish as Lucy and the other PETA people who think they know what they are talking about, but are only deluding themselves.
June 24, 2008
10:04 p.m.
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jenv writes:
LucySallustig, I'm a adopter from RMGA. I'm in no way connected with greyhound racing. I just love greyhounds as pets and have been adopting from RMGA since we moved to Colorado 6 years ago. My husband and I have a small child and started adopting greys because they are the most gentle, loving big dogs I've ever experienced. We've been involved with denver area adoption meet and greets and adoption promotions. It became a great way for us to meet other people as we were new to Denver, just by socializing our dogs. The RMGA crew are top notch. Their application process even screens each adopter very throughly. I was even blown away they made me take a test after the short training session before our adoption was final. These women care much more about their dogs than some people care about their children I'm scared to say. Visit the RMGA.org site and attend a meet and greet. I think you may change your mind. We have several friends now who have greyhounds.
June 25, 2008
10:19 a.m.
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LucySallustig writes:
RMGAJAN: And I suppose you and your partners operated for free? You say you didn’t make money on the racing, but if the racing didn’t exist, would your adoption kennel have existed? Get serious. Obviously, my problem is not with the adoption kennels; they’re only a band-aid. They don’t begin to remedy the root of the problem. Like I said, now you’ll just need to find a real job.
Nouse4u2: You don’t even deserve a response and my time. You’re simply a fool.
Jenv: Thanks for your comments. I have no doubt that you had a wonderful experience adopting through RMGA. I, too, have had great experiences and relationships with RR, CGA and GAP (now closed) and I’ve attended numerous Greyhound functions and meet-n-greets over the years. I am also a major donor to various Greyhound charities, including those trying to help cure prevalent Greyhound ailments, such as bone cancer and epilepsy. I have many Greyhound parents as friends and I will never have another breed of dog. The problem is not with the adoption kennels. Those dogs are the lucky ones that made it through. Your heart is in the right place, but you really need to dig deeper. Once you know the real deal, we could use people like you to help battle the racing industry and their dirty little secrets, nationwide. It’s so sad that these precious “gentle giants” were once considered royalty and now they’re just a commodity. My Greys are my children, too. If you’re not going to spoil them, you shouldn’t have (or breed) them.
June 25, 2008
10:59 a.m.
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nouse4u2 writes:
Lucy, if your greyhounds are your children, that would make you their beetch I do know how to spell but the web site won't allow the word- so much for the Rocky Mountain News standing up for the 1st Amendment. Based on your comments, its apparent you don't have much knowledge of the history of greyhounds. The mother of greyhounds was always historically referred to as the beetch. Then the politically correct women's libbers whined and complained and they changed the term. In your case, I think the old word is an appropriate description. You continue to adopt them and I will continue to bet on them wherever they are running in the world through the internet services that are available. Fortunately, there are more people like me in the world that understand that an animal is an animal- it can be a pet and should be treated humanely. However, they are not children and to treat or think of them as such is cruelty in another form. You enjoy them as pets, the rest of the world can enjoy them as athletes. Its just too bad Colorado loses the revenue stream.
June 25, 2008
11:35 a.m.
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LucySallustig writes:
nouse4u2: Great thing about fools like you... you save my time, since your own words broadcast to everyone how ignorant you are. Your username is so very appropriate... we've got "no use 4 u 2."
Proud Greyhound Beetch
June 25, 2008
1:32 p.m.
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RMGAJAN writes:
LucySallustig, I have no idea why you are so vitriolic, but you have my sympathy. Because I don't want the general public to be misinformed, no one in RMGA makes any money with regard to our adoption efforts. We are an all volunteer organization (as are all of the adoption groups in Colorado) and all have "real jobs" that have nothing to do with greyhound racing, and always have had. Personally, I have put several thousand dollars of my own money into adoption over the past 14 years, not because I want a gold star, but because I count these people my friends, and I love the greyhounds. Torri, our adoption coordinator who also has racers, started adopting out her ex-racers over 20 years ago. She helped Sandy Johnson start Recycled Racers. It was Torri's desire to adopt out ex-racers (oooh, a yukky racing person actually caring about placing the dogs. Hard to believe) that caused RMGA to come into existence. Individual racing owners helped build our adoption kennel, manpower and funds, as well as donations from the general public. Every penny that comes into RMGA goes to taking care of the dogs we adopt out.
Have we received financial support from racing? Yes, individual owners have made donations; the kennel operators at one time provided some funds for the care of their adoption dogs; we also receive a yearly grant from the American Greyhound Council. All of that goes to the dogs, too.
So, are you saying that it's a bad thing for kennel operators and breeders to put THEIR money where their mouths are, and provide support for greyhound adoption?
You may have attended "numerous Greyhound functions and meet-n-greets over the years" but you remain sadly ignorant. I was anti-racing, until I got "edge-a-ma-cated" by meeting the people involved, seeing the race kennels, seeing how the dogs are treated, watching training, watching schooling, watching the dogs as they are brought into the paddock on race days. After I saw the truth, I was very ashamed at believing the nonsense I had been told. As with any group of humans, there are good and bad, but I can honestly say the majority of the kennel operators in Colorado are some of the finest folks I know, and I am proud to call them my friends. Said it before, and I'll say it again, the kennel operators here in Colorado are the "good guys."
Looks like your "edge-a-ma-ca-tion" needs an upgrade. Good news, you can still "Redeem yourself."
June 25, 2008
3:52 p.m.
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LucySallustig writes:
RMGAJAN: Wow! You probably still believe in the Easter Bunny, too! Do you really think the breeders and trainers would advertise their abuses to you or anyone else? You probably don’t believe there’s domestic violence or child abuse in the world either. (By your way of thinking, how could it exist if you didn’t see it, yourself?) You know as well as I do that there are lots of dogs that never even make it to the adoption kennels. By the way, how do YOU (in your fantasyland or denial, I’m not sure which) surmise that my dogs got their scars and injuries prior to entering their adoption kennels? What about the tooth decay and bacterial infections they had in their stomachs when we adopted them? My vet had never seen the likes of it before! It took us months to get these dogs back into good shape, and they still live with the scars. But that’s okay… you protect your “friends” and the industry. While you may have inadvertently helped some Greys along the way, you know what they say… you are who you hang out with. Don’t cry for me... I’m very well connected to the truth and the real “good guys.” You’re just sad and I pity you. I’m going to try my best to not spend anymore of my billable hours reading your propaganda.
June 25, 2008
4:18 p.m.
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RMGAJAN writes:
LucySallustig: How many race kennels and/or breeding farms have you seen? How many pups have you watched grow up from whelp to retirement? How many of those evil people do you, personally, know? How many times have you been in the paddock of how many tracks to see what really happens? Have you watched the excitement of the dogs coming to the track, watched them literally dance with their trainers to the paddock? How many times have you watched the reaction of an adopted greyhound when they see their old trainer, and try to kiss their faces off? How many times have you watched a racing owner cry over an injured dog? How many times have you watched a racing owner cry over learning of the death of a dog that was adopted out years ago? How many times have you seen racing owners put literally thousands of dollars into an injured dog, knowing the dog will never race again?
Thought so. That's MY experience.
The old "scars" nonsense. Ever seen 9 month old greyhounds playing? Until you do, make no assumptions about scars.
Enough of you.
June 25, 2008
4:53 p.m.
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4theloveofdogs writes:
While we obviously have a difference of opinion when it comes to dog racing, gambling, adopting retired racers, dogs as children or just pets...we all have one thing in common--the love or appreciation/admiration/enjoyment of greyhounds. The time for this fight isn't now as we potentially have a LOT of dogs coming up for adoption after the track closes this Saturday. Is it possible for us to put our pride aside for now and work together to find these dogs a home? I would like to think we all have that goal in common. Spending time fighting, making accusations and being unwilling to hear different points of view doesn't get these dogs anywhere--and that's sad seeing as how we humans hold the key to their futures. It seems like those of us reacting to this article potentially have the means to help these Colorado greyhounds...whether it be providing a good home to foster a dog in need, providing a forever home for the perfect pet/4-legged child or having a bank account with a few extra dollars awaiting a good donation cause. In the end I just keep on reminding myself that we're trying to help the dogs being displaced this weekend. As for what happens to the state of dog racing in the states and around the world--let's attack that issue after we take care of these displaced dogs as our first order of business. I agree that dog racing is an important issue, and we all need a better education and willingness to entertain both sides of the debate.
My mom always told me to go into battle with my jar of honey to use first to sweeten up my opponents...save the vinegar for last.
June 25, 2008
4:53 p.m.
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LucySallustig writes:
RMGAJAN: FYI, I've had trainers in my home and adopted one of the most successful ex-racers in CO racing history. Agreed, that there are some good eggs, but the bigger picture of the industry is still oppressive. How many of the dogs that were unsuccessful racers have YOU seen? One of mine has (confirmed by the vet) burn scars. (The vet thinks from a cigar.) Any-hooo... now that we've had about enough of each other... my last words to you are... just go away and bury your head back in the sand... oh, and...
KISS MY BADONKADONK!!!
June 25, 2008
6:36 p.m.
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RMGAJAN writes:
4theloveofdogs, our first concern right now is the dogs.
Second will be convincing whoever we need to convince that seasonal racing is NOT appropriate.
LucySallustig, truly classy. Sure don't want to try and reason with that.
June 25, 2008
9:38 p.m.
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rfeat37559 writes:
LucySallustig your views of what goes on in a race kennel
or on a greyhound farm are so wrong. The persons you get your
information from are idiots. If you would like to visit a race kennel to see first hand what goes on I would be more than happy to let you be a guest in one for as long as you like. You might learn something that you didn't know. Greyhound puppies while growing up every now an than have arguements and ends up now and than with a peice of an ear getting bit much like kids getting in
arguements and ending with a shiner(blackeye). Get a Life.
June 25, 2008
10:03 p.m.
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nouse4u2 writes:
lucy doesn't want to let facts get in the way of her opinion
June 26, 2008
4:52 a.m.
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greyhound writes:
Lucy is obviously a member of Grey2K or the USHS or one of the other enviro-animal-terrorists organizations.
No fact, just conjecture on her part. I work from an adoption kennel at a greyhound park. We are not associated with the park but they give us an office, kennel and all utilities. Each racing event we have staff at the office and a hot line to the vet and each kennel operator. We have the owner's phone numbers and any injury that occurs or if a dog grades out or if the owner decides to retire the hound, we get a call and take care of all vet bills. We refuse no hound regardless and not one in our twenty years of operation has ever been put-down for any reason. Are all tracks the same, obviously not, but many are.
Lucy has the Grey2K mindset of that it is better to destroy racing and the greyts than to work with the owners and operators to ensure each greyt has a home when they finish their careers. Oh, we take puppies also and find homes for all.
June 26, 2008
8:25 a.m.
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LucySallustig writes:
To RMGAJAN and the others that have been brainwashed by the industry: Go get your self worth from somewhere other than riding on the backs of Greys... find another cult. You're clearly powerless nobodies in this struggle anyway.
4theloveofdogs: Thanks for being the voice of reason. You (and your Mom) are clearly the wisest of all.
June 26, 2008
8:46 a.m.
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animaltrainer writes:
Hate to burst your bubble, RMGAJAN, but an animal's reaction to its trainer/owner is not always an accurate indicator of how it has been treated by that individual. Pit bulls trained to fight are most definitely not coddled by their trainers, however, they almost without exception will demonstrate immense affection toward their handlers - wagging their tails and licking them in the faces upon greeting.
June 26, 2008
9:57 a.m.
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RMGAJAN writes:
animaltrainer, and how many greyhounds have you had the pleasure of observing? I remember so many dogs going to lick rfeat37559's father's face when they got to see him after they were adopted, and Old Bob would have tears running down his face. (Was so sad to hear Old Bob passed)
Can't tell you how many adopted greyhounds I've seen jump into an open hole on a kennel truck (the ones they transport the dogs to the track in) ready to go again. How many would from their wonderful adopters to go greet their old trainers.
The most amazing sight I've ever seen was the reaction of my first greyhound, a very shy "spook," who would come alive when we went to watch races at Cloverleaf. He loved going there.
We also had groups of our adopted dogs go to Cloverleaf and watch the races, after seeing them, if you still believed they were "abused and neglected" you truly need your head examined.
I realize you are very happy believing the lies you have been told, and I don't really care if you change your views. I don't want the general public believing the lies you have been told, tho. I did, until I decided it was time to find out for myself what the truth was.
June 26, 2008
11:55 a.m.
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LucySallustig writes:
RMGAJAN: Me thinks thou dost protest too much! Guilty conscience?
rfeat37559: I'd take you up on your offer if big lesbos didn't give me nightmares.
June 26, 2008
1:46 p.m.
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animaltrainer writes:
I speak from experience. In 22 years, I have trained racing greyhounds, bomb sniffing dogs, avalanche dogs. But the most experience I have is with racing greyhounds and the whirligig and jacking. I'm not here to support any "side" - I'm just trying to provide information from one who knows, as apparently, neither side in this debate has any concern for objectivity when it comes to this Colorado situation. I have an acquaintance who trains donkeys to dive from a platform at state fairs. I won't give you the gorey details on how they are forced to do this - especially in the beginning phases of training, but I will tell you these donkeys appear to love their trainers, regardless of the inhumane methods used to train them to do their tricks to please the crowds.
June 26, 2008
2:59 p.m.
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RMGAJAN writes:
animaltrainer, shame I don't believe you.
LucySallustig, thank you for acting a fool and letting everyone see your true "personality." Not too worried about anyone believing your blusterings any more.
June 26, 2008
3:52 p.m.
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LucySallustig writes:
nor yours... hssssssssssssssssssssssss
June 26, 2008
4:16 p.m.
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terrcass writes:
I have been volunteering at RMGA for the past two months with my two daughters ages 13 and 16. I knew NOTHING about Greyhounds except for what i had heard from others. After going to the kennel and seeing how clean well kept and LOVED the racers and the adoptable dogs are I was hooked. My daughters take the dogs out to a turn out pen and it is amazing to watch these dogs run with my girls. This is what they LOVE to do. Torrie, Judith and Jan love these dogs and i have never seen dogs love anyone more than Torrie!! Every Saturday people who have adopted dogs come to see Torrie and these dogs remember her and are SO excited to see her. It takes truly special people to do what they do every day, and I am sad because i know how much each dog that was sent away to race meant to them. We will continue to go every Saturday morning and help with these beautiful creatures.
June 26, 2008
4:54 p.m.
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hounds4ever writes:
I am a proud member of the RMGA "family". We have had 3 greyhounds all adopted from Torri, 2 of which Torri and Jan took in from other states and our newest that was raised by Torri. What a difference... Latte has great love for Torri, Judith and Jan she loves seeing them every Saturday when we go out to volunteer - that is not here say it is a fact. I find it amazing and offensive that anyone that has never seen or been to the kennel can question the love and devotion these ladies have given to so many greyhounds.
June 26, 2008
5:18 p.m.
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animaltrainer writes:
Whatever you choose to believe about racing greyhounds, there are good kennels and trainers and there are bad. I'm not sure what "shame" means from RMGAJAN, but I only can vouch for myself and my experience. What part do you not believe? The diving donkeys? Believe me, it's 100% true - been there, done that, but I'm not proud of it. Anyone with a brain can't honestly believe every or even most greyhounds are treated well in this business. I'm here to tell you they aren't. The RMGA kennel may be an exception to the rule, but for the most part, racing kennels are not what hounds4ever and terrcass have been exposed to. Obviously these people have a very limited exposure to the business, otherwise, they wouldn't be defending anything or anyone who does. My eyes have seen the worst of the worst. Maybe I need to get a little pep talk from some of the people here so I can pretend like they do that all greyhounds are treated like those at the RMGA kennel. Where is that kennel?
June 26, 2008
10:17 p.m.
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RMGAJAN writes:
animaltrainer, I'm sorry, but you really wouldn't be welcome at our kennel. I'll take my "limited experience" from the past 15 years working with the breeders and kennel operators in Colorado and try and figure out how we are going to get the "leftover" dogs adopted out now that the track has decided to move them to the Pueblo kennel compound while they wait for adoption groups. I've wasted enough time.
June 27, 2008
7:22 a.m.
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fastonez writes:
I have adopted 2 greyhounds from RMGA one was raised at the farm and one came to RMGA through another kennel. These dogs are wonderful. Not to mention one of the reasons I volunteer for RMGA is the care and love these dogs receive from Torri, Judith, Jan and everyone else that come to the kennel. I have also witnessed the race dogs and been to the track these dogs love what they do. I also had a bad impression of rumors before I got involved with RMGA. It seems to me that many on here fear what they do not know, base their info on rumors. The main thing here is to help place these dogs into loving homes at this moment. As for Sally whatever her name is ( because you are not worth remembering) you don't have to worry about lesbos they don't want you ( you would neither be woman or man enough) so you are safe. I sure don't want all your negativity rubbing off on any of the dogs at the kennel. Talk about nightmares the dogs would have to go into counseling if they met you. I cannot believe you actually have happy dogs at home. Take your head out of your butt and try being positive for a change you may like yourself when you do. The main thing here is not to bash everyone involved it is to HELP THE DOGS. But as I can see you never had that in sight from the start. It is easy for you to hide behind your so called user name and judge others where you would not have to face real people who really care about these dogs. So that being said come on everyone and lets get these dogs into good and loving homes.
June 27, 2008
8:42 a.m.
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Freddiehound writes:
LucySallustig: It worries me that you are out there doing public awareness events such as meet & greets for the groups that you claim to help.
I'm familiar with all of the groups and there is no way that your views presented on this page would be supported by any of the Greyhound Adoption organizations in the state. I'm glad you were able to adopt hounds and hopefully give them a good home, but the way you presented yourself on this dialog gives the public a poor image of a responsible owner.
The point of the article is to get public awareness about the need for adoptive homes for the dogs that will be displaced. That's what our focus needs to be on, not whether the kennel owners are "good" or "bad" -- although I've seen both and am happy to say there really aren't bad ones left in Colorado -- most kennel trainers love their dogs and cry when the dogs leave to get adopted.
We need to focus our energy on working together and finding these dogs a loving home of their own.
June 27, 2008
9:58 a.m.
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RMGAJAN writes:
Because I tend to be a little on the opinionated side (some would say I have had big mouth and a hard head) and because I have been involved in adoption for so many years, I have received a number of e-mails from adoption folks across the country who have raised another point that needs to be addressed. With all of the (false) accusations of abuse of the dogs, there is a real concern that the general public will believe ex-racing greyhounds are not fit to be family pets because they are too emotionally scarred.
Not true. Ex-racers are some of the most loving canine companions you will ever find. They come in a wide variety of personalities, and the right greyhound can be found for just about any human out there. They can live in condos or apartments, with cats and other small animals. They can do well with a single person, or a house full of kids. The right greyhound can be found for an older person who needs a good friend. Their personalities and dispositions are as varied as the humans they live with. If you are looking for a canine companion and haven't considered a greyhound, think about it. Contact one of the groups Rori listed above. Many people adopt a greyhound, not being sure what to expect, and find they are smitten with the breed and will never have any other breed of dog.
June 28, 2008
10:48 a.m.
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animaltrainer writes:
Better be careful, RMGAJAN, you could be setting yourself up for a liability lawsuit. Are you aware of the numerous lawsuits across the land involving retired racers that have caused death and serious injury to unsuspecting adopters and other animals? Better do your homework on this before you go recommending these dogs as pets for anyone who falls for your sales pitch. Folks need to be well prepared for some quirky behaviors resulting from these dogs' training and racing backgrounds.
June 28, 2008
12:17 p.m.
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Freddiehound writes:
Animaltrainer: You have got to be kidding, right? You can't honestly believe that retired racing greyhounds have caused death to adopters? Thank you for the huge laugh. Unless you think sleeping 18-20 hours a day is a "quirky behavior".
Knowing Jan, and heads of all the other adoption groups in Colorado -- you can't get a group of more involved and dedicated people to finding loving homes for retired racers.
Do your homework, research greyhounds on the web, join greyhound discussion groups, ask questions first hand if you are still hesitant over whether a hound is the right dog for you.
June 28, 2008
4:21 p.m.
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RMGAJAN writes:
animaltrainer, last time I heard anyone spewing the kind stuff you do, I later learned the person had been kicked out of racing and was doing a really good sour grapes number. Food for thought.
June 28, 2008
4:23 p.m.
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nouse4u2 writes:
about the only quirky behavior you should expect is every time you open the garage door they will bolt and run around the block and come back
June 30, 2008
10:32 a.m.
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fastonez writes:
animaltrainer You have got to be kidding me death to adopters. What kind of dreams you been having lately? I have yorkies that are meaner than my ADOPTED GREYS. My parrot rides on one of our greys back as we go walking and you are calling this a killer dog? BTW I did my homework for over 2 years before I adopted a greyhound. I did all kinds of searching, talking to different groups, owners and breeders. For the life of me NO ONE EVER MENTIONED adopter killed by greyhound, or savage greyhound attacks adoptive owner and all house hold pets, not even greyhound bites child. So this leaves me to ask you this question What have you done to a greyhound that ever caused it to attack you? Because you are the only one spewing nonsense.
June 30, 2008
10:55 a.m.
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animaltrainer writes:
Someone needs to do their homework for sure AND they need to read more carefully. I did not say greyhounds have killed people. They have disfigured more than a few and they have killed unsuspecting animals when their handlers dropped their guard. And to nouse4u2 - if you think most greyhounds are going to come back after bolting out a door, you need your head examined. Only if they are in familiar surroundings might they come back - otherwise, they will run til they drop or get hit by a car. You people are totally irresponsible if you aren't going to educate people who want to adopt these dogs about the unusual behaviors they should expect. People like you are good politicians - you say only what you think others want to hear and disregard the rest. You will eventually learn the hard way.
June 30, 2008
12:26 p.m.
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fastonez writes:
animaltrainer you need to read your previous post that says:lawsuits across the land involving retired racers that have caused death and serious injury to unsuspecting adopters and other animals?
and you tell us to do our homework, are you kidding me?
July 1, 2008
4:02 p.m.
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animaltrainer writes:
The post does not specify to which the death applies to - that was your own assumption.
July 3, 2008
9:39 p.m.
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dustyhills writes:
Your post clearly states and I quote, "Are you aware of the numerous lawsuits across the land involving retired racers that have caused death and serious injury to unsuspecting adopters and other animals?" You are very specific in stating that retired greyhounds have caused death and serious injury to unsuspecting adopters. I am not aware of the "numerous lawsuits" involving greyhounds. I doubt you can provide proof for this allegation, but if you can please provide it. If you cannot or will not, then your statements are meaningless and the liable statement you made to RMGAJAN may apply more to you.