Friday Hound Blogging

A greyhound race takes a little over thirty seconds, but the George Orwell Memorial Don't Look Over There Just Listen Photo Of The Day: lasts a long, long time (probably until the next election).



Now, this is interesting. Overlords have long said that if the state would just allow them to have casino style gambling and poker rooms at the tracks their slowly dying attempt at making a living off the backs of their dogs would be reborn.

At least twice a week, Glenn Oshima heads to the dog track for a chance at a payday. In a year and a half of going to the Daytona Beach Kennel Club, Oshima has never bet on the dogs. For him and many others these days, the real action is inside where he risks his money on Texas Hold 'Em poker.

"You mean they got dogs out there?" Oshima said. "What for?" Daytona's Kennel Club has become so successful drawing poker players that revenues from the card room are helping offset shrinking profits from greyhound racing.

"It's bringing people back to what was a dying business," said Pat Biddix, president and general manager of the Melbourne Greyhound Park.

OK, let's stop right there for a minute and think about this. People are coming to the tracks to play poker. Dogs don't play poker (except in velour paintings). People who play poker don't bet on dogs. So this is saving the dying racing industry how?

"Well what I meant was I still have a job," Biddix said. "Dogs, poker, heck whatever reason that'll get people out here with their social security checks is fine by me."

But what about the dogs Mr. Biddix? "Ah, dogs schmogs. Look whether the rubes want to lose their rent playing cards or betting on dogs, it's all money in my pocket. Racing's a dying industry anyway. Running poker rooms, now that's the future for folks with GED's and no people skills."

He could have a point. So this week's hound got out just in time, but he's got one more stop to make, and that could be your couch. Meet Okie Nitera:



Okie is a very happy dog. He is always wagging his tail and makes friendly contact with everyone he meets. He is a very silly and energetic boy who loves to play and explore. He seems to think the handsome greyhound in the mirror wants to be his friend so he paws at it; not knowing it’s he. After he eats his meals he likes to stay clean by rubbing his face on the rug or carpet area... Who can resist a self-cleaning guy? Okie is super sweet and is going to be a very special companion. For more information about this dog, and other rescued racing greyhounds looking for homes, go here. If you don't know about the plight of racing greyhounds go here.