Friday Hound Blogging

Ah, a brand new year, fresh, hopeful, brimming with potential and possibility. Even the overlords, who are usually more concerned with the mundane, like screens on the windows of the trailer, or indoor plumbing, are swept up in the moment and dare to dream. Perhaps the increased amount of lead coming into this country in the form of toys from China will sufficiently lower the national IQ and people will once again return to the dog tracks. Perhaps the people that voted twice for George Bush will look for another pastime now that his terms draws to a close. We must prepare! The cry goes out. We must have hope!

Of course, life is not so easily swayed by the dreams of even the most delusional of third grade dropouts.

A contract dispute between Camptown Greyhound Park and the Kansas Lottery has halted construction of the Frontenac racetrack, which plans to operate slot machines along with dog racing. Kevin Allis, general manager of Camptown, said, "We are optimistic that a deal is going to get done," he said. "We're not giving up yet. After all, the magic eight ball we use for our business plan said 'Outlook good.'"

Lottery spokeswoman Sally Lunsford said she couldn't discuss specifics of ongoing contract negotiations, but added, "We don't consider the negotiations have broken down. There just seems to be a misunderstanding. Our plans call for a mini mall. I'm not sure where they got the idea we were going to reopen the dog track. Maybe they saw the plans for the pet shop or something."

Allis said the track would lose about $1.5 million a year to run dog racing, but that amount would be offset by the slot revenues. "The future looks bright," he added. "Well, if you don't include the dogs."

Yeah. Bright futures are busting out all over. Just ask the folks in Florida.

The Corpus Christi Greyhound Race Track, which opened its doors nearly 20 years ago, is now in its final hours of operation. "It's the overall expense of running the track," said Rick Pimentel, who is the general manager. "Operating cost. With you not making what you're not making in handel, you can't cover your expenses as well. See, it's high finance stuff. You wouldn't understand. Say could you lend me a fiver until Saturday?"

Sorry, we don't carry cash. What about you Oasis?

Oasis is a friendly girl. She is playful and attentive and she responds well to commands. She is a quick learner and she loves to be around people. She is a Second Chance at Life Dog from the Coldwater Prison Program. Oasis would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 10 and up. She is good with other dogs and would probably be fine as an only dog. 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.

And if you 'd like to know more about the good work the Second Chance for Life program is doing for the dogs, and the prisoners, go here.

Mr. Shortpants update: Mr. Shortpants has found his way to his foster home in southeast Michigan where he will have a full medical examination, teeth cleaning, neutering (well, adoption isn't perfect, but it's better than the alternative) and begin the search for his permanent couch.