Friday Hound Blogging

Well, there is certainly no shortage of stupidity in the greyhound racing industry, but this sets a new standard.

A former employee of the Shoreline Star dog track faces cruelty to animal charges after tying a dog's tail to the starting chute before a race. The tail was torn off when the greyhound began running.

"I guess I was just stupid," worker Shaun Smith told a reporter.

You guess?

"Look, do you know how hard it is to get people to work for what we pay?" said a track spokesperson. "He could read the application and he didn't have a criminal record. He seemed like the perfect employee."

The dog's owner, Paul Guimond, told police that Silent Stalker, who had nine wins in his career, will likely never race again. "This really ticks me off," Guimond said. "I mean when they can't make me money any more sure, do what you want to them, but this dog was still a profit center."

Smith also faces charges of rigging a race. He told police he does not gamble and does not understand how to bet on the dogs. "You mean people bet money on this?" He said. "And you guys think I'm stupid."

Umm...you are stupid Shaun. No more thinking is necessary on that topic. Greyhounds reach speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour in a race, and because of their athletic ability they get those speeds in three bounds. So you see, Shaun, that's what's called explosive speed. So calling what you did stupid is an insult to stupid people all over the world.

Oh, enough about Shaun, let's meet this week's hound and his tail. Say hello to Minitonka:



Tonka is very lively and friendly. He is very curious and energetic. He likes to play and run in the yard. He is very affectionate and will approach for pets. He gets excited and barks when he sees the leash for a walk. Tonka loves to fetch and run. He is learning more commands. He is a very friendly boy. He loves to have his ears rubbed really hard and will give a playful moan. 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.