Friday, November 28, 2008

Friday Hound Blogging

Well it's been a couple of weeks since the good people of Massachusetts decided that the overlords needed to redefine their skills ecosystem in light of the long game change factor so they don't become lost in the sauce, nor develop low decision latitude. Let's see how they're retasking their core competencies:

The shock is starting to wear off and supporters of the Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park are wandering in off the streets. An overflow crowd of about 300 backers of one of the town’s biggest employers jammed town hall and threatened to hold their breathes until they passed out.

Those who could speak in complete sentences criticized the campaign, sponsored by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal and other groups, for misleading voters about the treatment of greyhounds and their adoption. “That’s the furthest thing from the truth,” said Raynham resident Christopher Roberts, an announcer at the dog track. "Well, except for the part that's true."

The dogs will continue to race to tracks in one of 12 other states, Roberts said. “A thousand people will be out of work while 1,000 greyhounds are still going to race. I have no idea what that means since no one pays the units...er...dogs, but I'm good with slogans, huh?"

Daniel Currie, owner of Currie Glass on Broadway said local businesses will suffer. “The closing of the track is going to affect a lot more than 1,000 jobs.”

"Aw, dang. There goes my 1000 jobs 1000 dogs," Roberts exclaimed, then left the meeting muttering to himself.

Police Chief Louis Pacheco and Fire Chief James Januse said the track has made the town safer by paying for full-time police and fire details to patrol the track and the surrounding neighborhood. “It’s a lethal blow to the police department," Pacheco said. "Most of the crime in the area was out at the track. What are we supposed to do now? Assign armed officers to parking meter patrol?"

Many employees said claims made by backers of Question 3 about cruelty to animals were never supposed to have become common knowledge. “The only abuse I can see is 1,000 people out of work,” said Mike Curran, an overlord for 30 years at the dog track. "'Course I don't look real hard if you know what I mean."

At that point Roberts came back into the hall. "Did you say 1000?" he asked excitedly.

Don't worry overlords. Mr. Carney cares about you. You're just like family to him. He's invested many years and lots of money in your training. He won't let you suffer. Say, where is Mr. Carney anyway? Shouldn't he be here to support you in your hour of need? Have you seen him Jake? What's that you say? "How's it feel to get tossed on the trash heap when you can't bring money in for your masters anymore?"

Jake wags his tail a lot, even to people that he passes by in the park. He plays with a furry squeaky toy on his own. He’s very calm and quiet. He can be goofy. He will push the family dog away at times; when she is right there next to him, he will push her with his butt. He’s very sweet. Jake would do fine in a working family home with well-mannered children over the age of 9. He gets along with other dogs, but he would probably be fine an only dog. Jake can jump a standard fence, so he needs a home with a privacy fence or with a family who will always walk him on lead. 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.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

How are these remaining and "tossed" dogs going to be fed? Exercised? Let alone, find new and loving homes?
There was never a plan and only a rip-off system to perpetually terrorize the Greyhounds ( as expendable "garbage") and if need be, treat the human employees the same.
Did the workers ever believe their lives were worth more than the dogs? If they didn't, they were smart and got out. If they wanted to stay dumb and stay comfy, they are finally paying the price. Perhaps, now, if they ultimately understand they were just pawns in a quick game of dice, they will stand together and bring all these artificial, miserable " canine factories" to a halt. What better way to get even? And what better way to make amends.
Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

Happy Thanksgiving , IM.
You do such wonderful things for these dogs.