Hounds Home For The Holiday

Frequent readers of this blog know that life doesn't care how handsome and intelligent you are...er...we mean know that here at IM Central there is a long tradition that we remember from time to time called Hounds Home for the Holiday in which we try to unload an extra skinny dog or two on to someone's couch as the festive season approaches.

But first, a word from our sponsor:

The number of greyhounds registered in the racing industry has dropped from a high of 39,139 in 1993 to 20,227 in 2007. 2008 is on track to drop below 20,000, according to a National Greyhound Association registry. "The reason for that is simple education," says Tim Horan with the National Greyhound Association."We knew this would happen if more people learned to read. Not to mention better dental care."

"In Florida, the retirees and vacationers are going to the race track but they're not betting on the dogs, they're playing poker," Horan says. "See, it's that reading thing again."

Although the number of adopted greyhounds has steadily risen - about 26,500 were adopted in 2007, compared to about 20,000 in 2005, according to the NGA - some adoption groups are faltering with the weak economy as well. Several rescue farms near tracks have shut down, says Joan Buck, who oversees Queen City Greyhounds' local adoptions.

"We appreciate you guys taking out the trash for us," Horan said. "But it looks like you need a bigger bag. Joke. That was a joke."

People with souls tend not to find things like that funny, huh CC?

CC Dreaming is a really sweet little girl. Her trainer says that she is shy when first approached by strangers but once she has your trust she is a wonderful dog. She likes to play with toys and she will take one toy out of the toy box at a time and then she will go find another one. She really likes nyla-bones. She is a Second Chance at Life Dog from the Coldwater Prison Program. Dreaming 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 better with another dog to help build her confidence. 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 at Life program is doing for the dogs, and the prisoners, go here.