Friday Hound Blogging

Frequent reader(s) of this blog are painfully aware of their parents lowered expectations...er...we mean are aware that we have on numerous occasions taken the overlords to task for their less than benevolent care of the units...um...dogs.

Well, according to the overlords we didn't know what we were talking about because these dogs represent massive investments of time money and resources. They are athletes ferchrssakes, would you treat Bret Farve like he was just another guy with a helmet on? This whole animal exploitation sport of greyhound racing is a scientific endeavor. Training, nutrition, and care are cutting edge.

OK, so having that all explained to us means that we now understand the deep theoretical underpinnings and scientific expertise these two professional trainers were exhibiting as they prepared their charges to compete.

Two workers at Mardi Gras Casino & Resort in Nitro have lost their state-issued licenses for abusing greyhounds in their care.

Now, right away we know that the author of this article is not well versed in the complicated and systematic handling of highly talented racing greyhounds and made an obvious mistake by characterizing the preparation program utilized by one of the trainers as "abuse."

Judges at the Nitro track terminated one worker's license for grabbing a greyhound by the neck and ear and throwing it in a truck after the dog slipped out of its collar and ran.

To the untrained and inexperienced eye, grabbing a dog by the neck and ear and throwing it in the truck might look like abuse, but, as any overlord will tell you, a dog who has slipped its collar will become very disoriented and confused, so assisting it into the familiar surroundings of the transportation limousine by means of what trainers call the reassuring bear hug, with flying finish is the most efficient and humane way to make sure the unit remains safe and secure. Besides, since greyhounds have two ears, it is natural to use one to assure the unit has the proper spin on landing.

The judges had suspended the worker's license in 2009 for a separate incident.

 Consistency is the heart of efficient training techniques.

Information about the other case wasn't released.

Oh. Well, we're sure whatever he did was consistent with best practice and adhered to the latest methods, right Clover?

Clover is a little shy at times, but wriggles all over when greeting you. One of her nick names is Piggly Wiggly. She will sometimes give a little bark to get your attention. She is very sweet. Clover would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 8 and up. She is good with other dogs and would also be good 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.