Friday Hound Blogging

You know, if you were to take the time to look over our little bloggy oeuvre it would very soon occur to you that you need more to do...erm...we mean it would become obvious to you that we aren't what you might call the most religious people in the world. In fact, at certain points in our blogging career we have been referred to as irreligious. Or maybe that was irrelevant, we're a bit foggy. Anyway, the point is that yesterday we had a Road to Damascus moment and it became as clear to us as the ice in our glass of Stoli that there is in fact a god, and he (or she, or both we guess. Or neither. It is god after all) has a wicked, wicked sense of humor.

First a little background. Frequent reader(s) of this blog understand that entropy is the universe's ultimate trump card...uh...we mean will recognize the name George Carney, overlord extraordinaire and frequent subject of this blog. Mr. Carney is the overlord's overlord in Massachusetts, or was until he ran into one Christine Dorchak aka The Evil Sorceress Of Evil who cast her spell (which was evil btw) over the good people of Massachusetts and caused them to go zombie-like to the polls and vote to end greyhound racing in his state. The nerve, right? Well, that's not the half of it. Christine Dorchak aka The Evil Sorceress Of Evil is now loose upon the land and everywhere she goes, from Florida to Arizona it seems overlords are turning into frogs. Coincidence? We think not.

Now, here's the part where god comes in: George Carney created Christine Dorchak. That's right, if it wasn't for George Carney there would be no Christine Dorchak, there would be no Grey2K, there would be no vast underworld army of dark minions about the land doing her bidding. Flying monkeys would not suddenly appear at greyhound tracks and carry off the overlords' profit centers, never to be seen again. Oddly enough there would still be a Carey Theil, but that's a post for another blog.

See what we mean? That Yahweh, is he a scamp or what? Or maybe he's a she, or neither, or both look the point is this couldn't have just happened. And how do we know it happened? Christine told us.

I decided to become a lawyer. This would never have been possible unless good fortune had smiled on me. I was awarded a full scholarship to attend the New England School of Law in 2001. Since I had no money, this was the only way I could ever have succeeded. Ironically, my tuition was paid for by a local track owner who happened to be on the board of the school. (How grateful I was that he did not learn of this until the night before graduation!)

And who was that "local track owner?" You guessed it, George Carney. Want more proof? Check it:

That distinguished looking white haired gentleman in the center of the picture is none other than Mr. George Carney himself, and standing right in front of him is THE EVIL SORCERESS OF EVIL who  is no doubt smiling her evil smile.

Now, you might ask why Mr. Carney doesn't just burst into flames at that moment what with the Evil Sorceress of Evil being right there in all her evil glory and whatnot, and in response we say FOOLS! Why does a cat play with a mouse before devouring it? Why does a lion stalk the wildebeest for hours before leaping on it and ripping out its throat with one vicious bite from its razor teeth? Why does the eagle circle majestically over the stream while the salmon swims obliviously below, unaware of its impending doom?

Why did Christine Dorchak take her newly minted law degree (paid for so graciously by Mr. George Carney) and almost immediately

drafted the Greyhound Protection Act. This became the ballot language which prohibited dog racing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2008. The question passed and the greyhounds had won!

Because god knows how to make the ironicus most maximus, right  Freezing It Off?

He is a very sweet, gentle, happy boy. He loves attention. He loves to go for walks, run in the yard and play with toys. He also loves to play in the kiddie pool. He is housebroken and does not mind being in his crate. He would do best in a home with another dog to play with. He would do well in a home with older well-behaved children. 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.

Friday Hound Blogging

For years now the overlords have maintained that if they could just get the real story out about their heartless exploitation of innocent living creatures for profit...er...we mean about their sport; if they could just overcome the obvious media bias against them; if they could just get the truth out, the public impression of greyhound racing would be vastly different.

Case in point: Did you know that one time at an anti-racing rally one of the animal rights wackos dropped the leash of the greyhound that was with her? Why, at any of the couple of moments before she picked up the leash the dog could have wandered off through the crowd of people all around it who would not have noticed it was trailing a leash and picked it up and gone off to who knows where. Where was the media then, huh? Where were the reporters and tee vee people?

No, not a peep was heard. Instead let some guy kill 30 greyhounds through neglect and cruelty and the media are all over it. Let the word get out about the living conditions of dogs at the Tucson Greyhound Park and right away you have some nosy reporters poking around. Let another track close because no one comes to watch greyhounds risk life and limb so the overlords can make the trailer payment and the newspapers are on it like ugly on a bulldog.

It's pretty obvious what's going on here isn't it? Media bias pure and simple. Want more proof? Check this out:

It's hardly a surprise that Iowa lawmakers are looking at tossing the greyhounds to the dogs. After a start-up boom, Iowa greyhound racing has been a declining industry for years and is kept going by casino revenues.

Right there it is. Right in the first paragraph, "Iowa greyhound racing has been a declining industry for years." See, that's the kind of unsubstantiated rumor reported as fact that the overlords have been fighting against.

At Bluffs Run, for instance, the handle wagered on live dog races was $66.8 million as recently as 1991. That had fallen to a mere $4.3 million in 2010. In Dubuque, a $28.1 million handle in 1991 had declined to $1.6 million in 2010.

Oh sure, anybody can throw numbers around. The overlords can throw numbers around too. Did you know today’s greyhound tracks employ more than 14,000 people with an annual payroll of over $194 million? That's 194 MILLION DOLLARS, man. That's the same as the payroll of the New York Yankees! Well, in 2006, but let's not quibble. How you like overlords now animal rights wackos?

Nationally, the dog-racing scene is in nearly as bad shape. Dog racing was halved between 2002 and 2010, leaving only 23 tracks operating across the country. Jim Carney, a lobbyist for the company that operates Horseshoe, summed it up this way: "Dog racing is (as a) matter of fact dead."

Dead? How can you say dead, man? Sure we pay 14,000 people the same amount as the Yankees paid 25 players in 2006 but that's just because people want to see the Yankees.

Wait, that didn't come out right. Crap. Help us out here Boss.

Bogus Boss is an extremely shy and gentle boy. Since being placed in a quiet foster home he has starting coming out of his shell. He is beginning to enjoy playing with toys and do puppy-like things. He is playful in yard and with other dogs. If you are missing something around the house, you will want to check his bed as he has become a collector of objects. Bogus Boss does spook easily by loud noises and is very shy of new people. Due to his shyness, he had to be moved from the busy foster home with children to a home with a single elderly person.  Bogus Boss would do best in a home with either an elderly person or with a single person or couple with no children. He would do fine in a home with other dogs of any size or as a single dog. He will need to be placed in a home with a person of great patience to understand and work on his shyness. 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.

Friday Hound Blogging

Long time fans of FHB will remember one George Carney, a frequent visitor to these pages and head overlord at Raynham Taunton Greyhound Exploitation Park before the good people of Massachusetts informed him that productive labor was not just a good idea, it was the law.

Mr. Carney had long warned that passing the law would result in the Bay State falling into the ocean and drifting off to some desultory future, perhaps as a colony of France. Mr. Carney was also concerned about those workers at the track who relied on him for their low wage no benefit jobs, since once the option of being a participant in the legalized abuse of animals for profit  was gone, no career options would remain in the state, except maybe to run for Ted Kennedy's seat which meant you had to be able to read and stuff.

Well, never one to say I told you so, it looks like Mr. Carney was right because now, a mere five months into the ban on sucking your trailer payment off the backs of dogs, the area around the old dog track has become a veritable post apocalyptic horrorscape of broken dreams, lawlessness and--if you'l pardon the expression--dog eat dog competition.

Taunton-area politicians are exceedingly pleased with the bill that appears headed on path for the governor’s desk. The bill passed by House lawmakers was modeled in part by the legislation proposed annually for 10 years by Bridgewater state Rep. David Flynn. It was the first, however, to pass in the House of Representatives and appears, Flynn said, to have enough votes for approval in the Senate. "It looks very promising." The bill calls for two resort-style casinos and 3,000 slot machine parlors at the state's four racetracks.

See, this is what happens in a liberal nanny state where the government thinks it knows better than the people and legislates behavior. Jobs are lost, futures foreclosed and families shattered, right Mr. Carney?

Raynham Park owner George Carney was happy the odds improved for hosting a slot machine parlor. "Yes, I am," he said.

What a brave man. He's obviously smiling on the outside, but crying on the inside. Try to keep up that brave face Mr. Carney. You are the one beacon of hope in this dark night of government over-reaching. Your people look to you for inspiration even though all you can give them is your courage.

Carney is prepared to invest $15 million for a licensing fee and some $200 million in converting the old greyhound track into a slots parlor with room for retailers, entertainment venues and even a possible commuter rail station.

Oh. Well, that's good too.

Most importantly, state Senator Marc Pacheco said, the bill creates jobs and revenue to the state. "This is great news for our region, in particular." State Representative James Fagan said the gambling bill is an economic stimulus plan, creating 1,000 new jobs. “I think for Taunton there will be an immediate impact on jobs and revenue within a year of reopening the track as a gambling facility,” he said. “It can't help but help.”

Increased economic growth and job opportunities once you get rid of greyhound exploitation. Don't you just hate it when that happens Mindy?

Mindy is very playful and very friendly. She is a little timid when you approach her, but she is friendly if she approaches you. She follows her foster mom around the house. She is very affectionate. She will approach and stand by you for attention. She gives lots of kisses. She is right in the group when the family dog is being petted. She likes to play with toys. She will pull all the toys out and throws them in the air. She likes chasing balls and she will almost fetch. She is curious – she checks out open closet doors, picks up socks, etc. Mindy would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 7 and up. She would do best in a home that either has someone home more often or that has another dog for her to play with. 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.

Friday Hound Blogging

OK imagine you went over to a friend's house--or at least someone you thought was your friend. You knock on the door and a voice from inside says "Go away. I don't want you around here anymore." Well, you'd be a bit confused wouldn't you? We mean, for years this friend has not only let you in when you came over, but lent you money and just generally let you mooch off of him whenever you needed to.

So you hope this is some sort of joke, right? After all, it's not like you have a lot of friends to begin with, particularly friends who are willing to give you money and stuff so you assume it's just a misunderstanding, or your friend is playing a joke on you. "Hey, it's me," you say. "Your overlord friend. Wonder if you could front me a couple of bucks until payday?"

Then you hear another voice from inside, a voice that says "Whatever he's asking, I'll give you twice not to let him in." You hear mumbled conversation, then your friend says "Sorry. I don't live here anymore."

Now what do you do? Well, if you're an overlord in Iowa, you might want to think about relocating.

Harrah’s Entertainment sweetened the pot Wednesday in its bid to persuade Iowa lawmakers to end live greyhound racing in Council Bluffs. Harrah’s offered to pay the state $7 million a year for an “unlimited period of time” in order to halt the live meet at its Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs. The casino company had earlier proposed paying the state $7 million over seven years.

Hmmm...the state gets $7 mill a year in perpetuity to dump the overlords. What do the overlords get? "We'll help them get their GED's said Jim Carney, a Harrah’s lobbyist. "Well, those who have that capability anyway. The rest we'll enroll in a sheltered workshop."

Eh...we don't know. The GED thing sounds good, but the workshop? Making the overlords responsible for actually producing something is pretty far outside of their skill-set. What do you think Cart?

Cart is friendly, outgoing, and enjoys being around people. He is playful, but calms quickly. He loves meeting people and gets excited to greet them. He is very affectionate. He loves to be petted and will snuggle with you if you sit on the floor with him. He loves to play and toss his toys. He is starting to collect items around the house, a slipper, the kitchen throw rug, etc. He is a Second Chance at Life Dog from the Coldwater Prison Program.  Cart would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 5 and up. He is good with other dogs and would probably be happiest in a home with another dog to play with him. 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.

Lazlo Update: Lazlo found a permanent couch!

Friday Hound Blogging

Frequent reader(s) of this blog know that good times are just a tease to get you to let your guard down...er...we mean know that one of the most plaintive arguments the overlords make when faced with the prospect of having to go out and get real jobs is, well, that they will lose their jobs if people with souls force them to quit sucking their meager existence off the backs of innocent animals.

Close the track, the overlords say, and the land will become haunted by zombies picking over the remains of the two dollar rubes who missed the last bus home. Don't believe it? Just look what the good people of Massachusetts have done to themselves by putting the kibosh on animal exploitation.

Attorney Michael Morizio, representing park owner George Carney, said the $200 million renovation project includes removing the entire right side of the main building, where simulcast betting now takes place, and enlarging the building to accommodate slot machines, if they are approved by the state.

Well, it's not like you weren't warned people of Massachusetts. We mean Mr.  Carney told you again and again if you threw his low wage no benefit workers out of a job you would devastate the economy of the entire east coast, so you have no one to blame for his $200 million renovation but yourselves.

And five acres of the 100-acre property could be the site for a train station if the South Coast Rail line from Stoughton to Fall River and New Bedford is built.

Ouch. Mass transit bringing people right into the community to shop, visit and gamble. Bet you're rethinking that yes on Prop 3 vote now, huh?

Morizio said new jobs created by that project would more than top the number of jobs lost at the track as a result of the statewide ban on dog racing. “We’ll be working with unions and labor. And it should create about 1,500 permanent jobs and 500 construction jobs,” he said. “The new building is also being designed to be very elegant and functional.”

Well, there you have it. More jobs than before the track closed. Hope all you animal rights do gooders are happy now. Wonder if they have trouble sleeping at night. What do you think Senna?

Senna is approachable, gentle, and calm. He is loving and affectionate. He gives nuzzles and little kisses. He is more animated than a typical greyhound. He will run and do “wind sprints” in the hallway when he is playing with his foster dad. He will sometimes bark at the “other dog” in the mirror. He is curious and likes to put his nose on everything. Senna would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 5 and up. He is good with other dogs of all sizes and is also fine as an only dog. He would probably do better in a single family home, since he will whine a bit when he is in the crate. 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.

Lazlo Update: Lazlo sleeps on the floor in the master bedroom. He likes to sleep near the family grey. The second night in the foster home, she stepped on him and he snapped at her – no injuries. He is not generally protective of his sleeping space.

Friday Hound Blogging

OK here's a little analogy. Let's say you're renting an apartment in an apartment building. Let's say you've lived there for a while and have gotten to know your neighbors pretty well. Now, let's say you come home one day and find the landlord in your living room. Said landlord tells you that your neighbors have all gotten together and promised to pay him twice what your rent is if he will just make you move away.

What would you think?

Well, that's just what has happened to the overlords.

Citing a study that shows waning public interest and the expensive cost for casinos to "subsidize greyhound racing", reports indicate that casino giant Harrah's is willing to pay the state of Iowa $70 million to free them from an agreement that requires a set number of annual race dates. "This greyhound stuff is giving gambling a bad name," said one Harrah's representative.

"It's an industry that does not have a lot of following," Representative Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City said.

How very tactful of you Representative Mascher. Do you agree Jim Carney, a lobbyist for Harrah's?

"Dog racing is fading nationally," Carney said. Consumer interest in betting on dogs has drastically dwindled as literacy rates rise and it's expensive for the casinos to subsidize the drunks, drug addicts and all around losers that are left in greyhound racing. The two dog tracks together suck about $12 million a year in profits from slots and other gaming to supplement the prize money, or purses, that dog owners and kennels win. Weekdays, few sober people are in the stands to watch dog racing, but crowds tend to be larger on the weekends because some of the people coming during the week passed out and never went home, said officials from both the greyhound and casino industries.

Ouch. Not exactly a ringing endorsement. 

State legislators now face a decision: Should they accept cash from the two casinos to let them off the hook for their obligation to subsidize dog racing? Or keep racing going for the sake of the economic boost from the small but thriving dog-breeding industry?

Decisions, decisions, decision. Truly a dilemma, but we're a little confused. You say the breeding industry is "thriving." Has that assessment already changed two paragraphs later in the same article when you write: "About a third of Iowa counties are home to registered greyhound farms, but the number of dog breeders is declining, according to the "Iowa Greyhound Study."

And earlier you say,  "Dog tracks have shut down in the past two years in several states, including Kansas, Wisconsin, Colorado, Arizona and New Hampshire."

So, tracks shutting down and dog breeders declining equals thriving? We can see why you're having trouble making this decision.

"It's unfair to yank the rug out from beneath the dog breeders without their input and agreement," Representative Rick Olson, D-Des Moines, said. "There needs to be some type of golden parachute for them at a minimum."

Golden parachute? More like a golden shower, huh  Sunshine?

Sunshine is easygoing and very mellow. She is very affectionate and will lean against you and cuddle. She is very sweet and lovable. She really loves her squeaky toys. She loves to play with them, especially when you are not looking. She also loves to run outside, but is very quiet inside. Sunshine would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children. 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.

Lazlo Update:  Lazlo wants attention from everyone who enters the home. He did okay with a visiting 8 year old child when they were outside.

Friday Hound Blogging

OK, so you're probably thinking yesterday's tea bagger attack on Washington was the day's big news. We can understand that what with the chants of Keep the government out of my Medicare, the attempts to say the Pledge of Allegiance and the confusion of the Constitution with the Declaration of Independence and all.

The informed electorate acting in concert to speak truth to power. The American Way.

The Auschwitz thing was a nice touch too.

So we can understand if you missed the real story of the day: The million overlord march on Madison.

Employees of Kenosha's Dairyland Greyhound Park are doing what they can to save the dog racing track from shutting down. In fact, they walked the halls of the state capitol in a rally of support for the facility. "And a bathroom," said one protester. "I really needed to find a bathroom."

Actually the impact of the event was somewhat blunted by the fact that about a half hour into the protest the overlords were told they were actually walking the halls of the Dane county courthouse directly across the street from the State Capitol Building. "Nobody told us Madison was the county seat as well as the state capitol." said one protester. "Can they do that?"

Just another level of government bureaucracy, Mr. overlord protester, sir. We're sure Obama is behind this somehow. The good news is the legislature isn't going to do you that much good anyway. You've got to go to the people with the power--the racing commission--just like the overlords in Massachusetts did.

A year to the day after Massachusetts voters approved a ban on dog racing by passing ballot Question 3, the Raynham dog track went before the state Racing Commission at Raynham Town Hall seeking a permit to run 269 races in 2010. "We're hoping they haven't been reading the papers," said one hopeful track representative. "Maybe they don't know about the vote yet."

After an abbreviated discussion, the board voted 2-1 to reject the application, citing incomplete paperwork and an unwillingness to go against the Jan. 1 law against greyhound racing.

D'oh! Another overlord strategy foiled by people who can read.

But what's this about incomplete paperwork? You'd think with their free ride on the backs of innocent animals on the line they could at least fill out the forms right. What's up with that?

Application fees totaling $3,600 and $250,000 in surety bonds, along with the track’s financial statements were left out of the application.

Well, in our defense we really don't have financial statements, being broke and all," Raynham Park General Manager Gary Temple said. The track’s filing was intentionally unfinished in order to save money “and hope something comes out of the courts.”

Let's see if we've got this. The strategy is to waste the racing commission's time while looking for a judge who was dropped on his head as a child. Multiple times. Does that about sum it up?

Despite a warning that the application would be denied, the racing commission allowed proponents and opponents to debate the request for holding races in 2010. "Nothing good on the tee vee that night," said one commissioner who asked not to be identified.

Temple said the effort was a final attempt to save the 300 remaining track employees, “the people that have worked seven days a week, every day of the year, to make our business operate.” When asked why employees weren't allowed time off, Temple replied "Who do you think we are, Wal-Mart?"

Track owner George Carney attended the meeting but chose to lock himself in the bathroom and refuse to come out and have Temple and his public relations people talk with the media. "Hope he took a sandwich in with him," one reporter said.

Well, there is a window in there and if he has his cell he can call for take out, right Braden?

Braden is very friendly and very curious, and he craves lots of attention. He likes to smell everything over and over again. He is affectionate. He will approach for pets and lean against his foster family. He is starting to play with toys and he loves to play with the family dog. When he is sleeping, he breathes out through his mouth and his lips slap together like a horse. Braden is a three-year old puppy. He gets very bouncy and excited when he sees the leash come out, but will ‘get back’ and settle down when asked to. He is a Second Chance at Life Dog from the Coldwater Prison Program. Braden would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 6 and up. He 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 at Life program is doing for the dogs, and the prisoners, go here.

Friday Hound Blogging

A few weeks ago we listened in as the residents of Raynham Taunton bemoaned the fact that, due to the passage of the law ending greyhound racing in Massachusetts in 2010, their fine upstanding community was about to descend into post apocalyptic chaos that would make Mad Max Beyond the Thunderdome look like Beverly Hills on a Sunday afternoon.

See, this is what happens when you take away the no skills, no benefits, minimum wage jobs that accompany animal exploitation. The very fabric of civilization is ripped, neighborliness devolves into an every man for himself anarchy that results in roving bands of criminals preying on the weak in a lawless, pitiless land of heartless cruelty in which the only dream is escape and the only hope a quick death.

Or maybe not.

Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park owner George Carney met with representatives of South Coast Rail to discuss the possibility of a train station and commercial and residential development at the park. "You can actually use land for activities that benefit the surrounding community," Carney said. "Who knew?"

Noting the town will lose $400,000 in annual revenue when the park shuts down, Carney said rezoning and developing the site to resemble a small village with a train station could mean “bringing $600,000 to $700,000 to the town in revenue within eight to 10 years.”

What? Greyhound exploitation is ended and things get better? How can this be Danby?

Danby is truly the stickiest Velcro dog that the foster home has ever met. He is very affectionate and cuddly. He stands next to his foster mom all the time and wants to be touching her all the time. His fur is like velvet. He is very energetic and playful. He loves squeaky toys. He lays on this back and wiggles and thrashes the blanket / bed to mess it up – becoming twisted in the blanket. Danby would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 6 and up. He 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.

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.

Friday Hound Blogging

Oh man, Barack Obama isn't even president yet and already his minions are gearing up to take your guns away, turn the country over to the terrorists and make your daughter marry a gay man. OK so we haven't thought that last one all the way trough yet, but one thing is for certain, high up on the list of targets are the overlords.

According to Carey Theil, executive director of the Committee to Protect Dogs, the Massachusetts based anti-dog-racing group will sit down soon to determine its agenda in New Hampshire's coming legislative session."We'll be getting together in the next couple of weeks with our board and our two New Hampshire board members to see what they want to do in New Hampshire," Theil said. "BWAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I'm coming for you Carney," she added.

Paul LeFlamme, a former Nashua state legislator, and Mike Trombly, a former deputy director of the New Hampshire Para-Mutuel Commission are the two Granite State residents on the board who would be integral in making the decision to take or not take action in state, Theil said.

"Must...obey...master," Trombly added. "End racing...Must end racing," said LeFlamme.

Uh oh. Looks like trouble for Mr. Carney huh Speedy?

Speedy is sweet and a little bit of a leaner. She comes up and puts her face in your lap for affection. She likes to be petted and will come and ask to be petted, she’s a very assertive. She’s got a helicopter tail. She will roo when she hears her foster mom come home; she’s very vocal in comical way. She’s a very pleasant dog. Speedy would do well with a working family home with well-mannered children, 10 and up. She would be fine as an only dog or with other average to larger size dogs. She needs a home with a fenced yard. 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.

Friday Hound Blogging

So, you think McCain and Palin are depressed today? Ha. Try being George Carney.

No more greyhound racing in Massachusetts. Voters Tuesday approved a ban on greyhound racing in the state -- eight years after a similar ballot question was defeated. The state's two greyhound tracks will now have to end dog racing by January 1 of 2010.The ban was approved with about 56 percent of the vote, to 44 percent opposed. "OK all you do gooders," Carney said. "You gonna pay my bills now? What am I supposed to do? I got no skills."

Turns out Mr. Carney isn't the only one concerned.

“I am very disappointed at how this turned out. It disturbs me,” said Fire Chief James T. Januse. “That dog track put a lot of kids through school and college. And a lot of them went to college and still went back to work there.

When asked why someone with a college education would work at a dog track Januse said," I didn't say they graduated. I just said they went there for a week or two."

The chief said he expects budget cuts when the ban goes into effect. “The town will lose about $400,000 in revenue, which is huge in a town this size,” he said. "And you know, once the track closes there isn't going to be another development there or anything. No other businesses will take advantage of the location or the market around here because once it's a dog track it can't be anything else. Just ask the people in Delvan."

“People in Raynham are going to find their taxes increased. They are losing a source of revenue, and it will never come back, just like in Kaukauna." Ronnie Zusman 20-year Raynham resident said.

Well, if worse comes to worst you can always move to Tucson. Oops. Guess not.

South Tucson voters approved an initiative Tuesday night to regulate the care and handling of dogs. South Tucson voters backed the Tucson Dog Protection Initiative 402 to 373. The initiative applies to all dogs, but targets those at Tucson Greyhound Park. "How are we supposed to make a living if we have to spend money on the dogs," said one track representative who asked not to be identified.

Hmmm...seems your elections were about hope too, huh Remy?

Remy is affectionate and loving. He follows you around and puts his head on your lap. Remy needs a family that has someone that is at home most of the day and he would do best with another dog in the home. He would do well with well-mannered children, 10 and up. He can be vocal when left alone, so would do best in a single family home. 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.

Friday Hound Blogging

Regular readers of this blog know that hope is a four letter word...er...we mean know about George Carney, overlord extraordinaire and frequent focus of our attention. It seems Mr. Carney's state, Massachusetts, has been less that appreciative for all the years of wholesome entertainment he has provided. In fact, they appear to be downright ungrateful.

Well, a fella can only take so much and now Mr. Carney has had enough.

With less than four weeks until election day, Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park owner George Carney is launching a counterattack against a state ballot question that would shut down his race track by January 2010. "Come out to the track some afternoon," Carney told reporters at a hastily called news conference. "Take a look at the kind of people who come to a greyhound race, and then ask yourself do you want those people wandering around your neighborhood with nothing to do?"

Carney's effort to defeat the so-called Greyhound Protection Act - Question 3 on the Nov. 4 ballot - is being led by media consultant Glenn Totten, who owns his own computer. When asked
why the late start for those who want to keep the dog tracks open, Totten said, "We assumed the question wouldn't get on the ballot." Asked if the narrow defeat of a similar proposal in 2000, the 150,000 signatures collected to get the measure on the ballot this year and the court decision weren't clues, Totten replied that he "didn't have cable at home so I miss a lot of the news."

Carney has said that his operation has 650 full- and part-time employees and that there are 1,000 jobs supported by dog tracks statewide. "And in this economy, where are these people going to find low wage no benefit jobs?" Carney said last week. "Especially given the fact that most of them don't have any skills."

Both sides are also debating the number of greyhounds that are adopted when they retire from racing. Carney recently paid for a newspaper ad that said 100 percent of the greyhounds that are adopted from his track are adopted. "I stand by my statement," Carney said.

The Committee to Protect Dogs recently released a statement that 800 dogs were injured at Massachusetts tracks since 2002, suffering broken legs, paralysis, and even cardiac arrest. Totten didn't dispute the committee's figures, but said the group doesn't provide the whole picture. "They don't tell you about the dogs that get hurt in the kennels, or in fights due to lack of supervision, or become ill because of poor sanitation and diet." At that point Mr. Careny stepped in a took the microphone explaining that Mr. Totten appeared to be somewhat unclear on the "concept of public relations."

Oh, we don't know. Maybe it's Mr. Careny that's unclear. What do you think Whistler?

Whistler is friendly and outgoing. He loves attention. He is pretty calm and pretty confident. He is very affectionate and loves cuddling and following his family around the house; he’s a shadow. He is a Second Chance at Life Dog from the Coldwater Prison Program. Whistler would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 5 and up. He is good with other average to larger size 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 at Life program is doing for the dogs, and the prisoners, go here.

Friday Hound Blogging

Frequent readers of this blog recognize the necessity of lowered expectations...er...we mean recognize the name George Carney. He's sort of the overlord's overlord, embodying all those attributes and characteristics we've come to expect from those who ride out their pointless lives on the backs of innocent animals.

Mr. Carney's goal of making it through his entire life without ever once contributing anything positive to the planet, civilization or any of the myriad elements that make up this plane of existence was recently dealt a small setback.

The state’s highest court has turned down a bid by Raynham dog track owner George Carney to remove a proposed ban on greyhound racing from the November ballot. In its ruling, the Supreme Judicial Court said voters had the right to eliminate animal racing involving betting, that racing was a statewide issue, and that abolishing racing did not result in an illegal taking of Carney’s property.

Well, for those who thought Mr. Carney was going to give up an entire life based around taking things from others, be they animals, or the rubes who bet on animals, we'd just like to say, What? You think this guy is suddenly going to become Mother Teresa or something?

Actually you'd be right because it turns out Mr. Carney has suddenly become very concerned about the people who work for him.

Now that Raynham Park owner George Carney has lost his court fight to block a dog racing ban his campaign will highlight the jobs that could be lost if the Raynham track and the state’s other dog track, Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere, are shut down. "Look these people don't have any skills. Most of them are substance abusers, but heck, greyhound racing is such a dead end, loser magnet of an industry, they're all I could get. Well, that and I don't pay a living wage."

He said he plans to wait until September to start an aggressive marketing campaign because he doesn’t expect voters will pay much attention to the issue before Labor Day. "I plan to take pictures of some of my employees, particularly the ones still on parole, and distribute them around the state with the caption "Do you want this guy wandering around your neighborhood with nothing to do?'"

Whoa. That could work. We've seen some of the people who work at the dog tracks. For a long time we thought not having all your teeth was a job requirement. It isn't really, is it Fern?

Fern is quiet, sweet and loving. She was trying to climb up the curio cabinet to get to the baby dolls in them. She’s very friendly; she’s a happy girl. She’s very laid back. She likes chew bones. Fern would be fine in a working family home with well-mannered children. She loves kids, loves people. She would be fine with kids 4 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.

Friday Hound Blogging

Boo Yah!! The overlords get all up in those animal rights whackos faces! How you like us now biotch?

Supporters of the Greyhound Protection Act were dealt a minor blow after a House of Representatives panel voted 9-1 against a proposal aimed at banning greyhound racing.

"Minor blow?" "Minor?" Was Hiroshima "minor?" Was Saddam dealt a "Minor blow?" Did the Penguins deal the Ottawa Senators a "minor blow?" Who are the Ottawa Senators anyway? Well, never mind. The point is the overlords have got all up on the anti-racing people and opened a big old can o' whupass.

The ballot vote could have been sidestepped if legislators supported the measure and voted it into law, Carey Theil, senior adviser to the Committee to Protect Dogs said. Now the group must collect 11,099 signatures, in addition to the more than 100,000 already gathered, to move the initiative to the November ballot.

Hmm...another 11,000 signatures after you've already collected over 100,000. OK, maybe that's not such a big deal. What do you think Mr. Carney?

George L. Carney Jr., owner of the Raynham Taunton Greyhound Park, contends the Greyhound Protection Act is unconstitutional because the ballot is restricted to questions that affect the entire state. Carney contends the ban is not a statewide measure as it applies only to his track in Raynham and Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere. "Look, most people with IQ's above that of fly paper have already decided exploiting animals for a few bucks is not a valid career path," Careny said. "Why pick on those of us who are mentally deficient, or have bad dental care?"

Right on Mr. C. Besides it's not like other states are trying to ban greyhound exploi...er...racing, right Susan Via, a former U.S. attorney?

A proposed ballot initiative for November could slow down racing at Tucson Greyhound Park.

Tucson Dog Protection, a newly formed animal welfare group that is critical of the racing industry's handling of greyhounds, is pushing a ballot measure to dramatically alter animal treatment.

Oh. Well, all righty then. At least the states are still willing to prop up the overlrods by letting them add slots because no one comes to see the dogs exploi...er...competing anymore, right Mr. Rooney?

As prospects for expanded gambling sputtered in the Florida Legislature, the owners of the Palm Beach Kennel Club said they'll contemplate a slots-free future for their 66-acre gambling complex at Belvedere Road and Congress Avenue.

Right. See what can happen when a forward looking legislature confronts a...wait a minute, what?

"In the coming months, my family will look at our property, assess the possibilities for its enhancement (both gaming and non-gaming) and see what we can do to maximize its potential," Patrick Rooney said. Everything from offices to homes to a flea market could be on the table, Rooney wrote in an e-mail. Umm...we didn't see greyhound track in there.

OK, so Florida isn't the most progressive state in the union anyway. Maybe Mr. Rooney should consider moving his operations to Kansas, right Mr. Ruffin?

The owner of Camptown Greyhound Park has ended negotiations with the Kansas Lottery that would reopen the racetrack with slot machines, the Lottery Commission said. Lottery Commission spokeswoman Sally Lunsford said Camptown owner Phil Ruffin left the bargaining table on Friday.

"Mr. Ruffin had to leave for an appointment with the personnel department at Walmart," a spokesperson for Camptown Greyhound Park told reporters.

Well, that's an ouch we'd imagine. Perhaps Mr. Ruffin should seek his fortune in Colorado. What do you think Mr. Seymour?

It appears that changes will happen at Mile High Greyhound Park this summer. In a worst-case scenario, those changes could be drastic. Speculation has been raised that the track in Commerce City might shut its doors permanently, perhaps as soon as July 1. At the very least, the track appears poised to significantly reduce its schedule.

Oh. Sorry we asked. So, is there any good news in greyhound exploi...uh...racing? Oh yeah, Moon got out. Yay Moon!

Moon is energetic and full of curiosity. He is happy, playful, and very affectionate. He is a Second Chance at Life Dog from the Coldwater Prison Program. Moon would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 10 and up. He 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.

Friday Hound Blogging

Long time readers of this blog have a high tolerance for disappointment...er...we mean have often been regaled with our reporting on the high degree of care given to the units by their overlords. See, when your trailer payment depends on the dogs being able to get out there and run day after day, you can't afford to scrimp on any aspect of their care.

Well, maybe just a little.

On his first visit to the greyhound kennel, the investigator reported an ''outrageous stench'' of urine so strong it sent a track judge reeling from the building. A second inspection, about two weeks later, found no improvement in the ''noxious'' stink. "Well, duh," said Isadore Havenick, a vice president of Miami-Dade's Flagler Dog Track. "They're not housebroken because they don't live in a house."

The filth, ticks and odor at the Orlando-area kennel amounted to animal abuse, state investigator Stephen Toner concluded. "Mr. Toner is obviously confused," Havenick told reporters. "He must think greyhounds are dogs or something and thus protected under cruelty statutes.

Yeah. Where does he get off messing with your meal ticket? It's not just about the dogs Mr. Animal Rights Whacko, it's also about the thousands and thousands and thousands of people who work in the industry.

Of course that's just an estimate.

The committee that penned the ballot initiative to end greyhound racing in the state by 2010 is contesting a statement by Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park owner George Carney regarding the number of employees that are supported by his operation and Wonderland in Revere. Carney was quoted as stating that between 6,000 and 8,000 workers would be affected if the two tracks closed. Christine Dorchak, cochairwoman of the Committee to Protect Dogs, called Carney's number grossly inflated. "We're very concerned that, after appearing in The Boston Globe, that number will be repeated over and over again," Dorchak said. "According to our sources, there are about 800 employees paid directly by the two tracks.

"Look, I'm a businessman, not a mathematician," Carney responded.

Right. Who's got time to count up employees when there's rubes to fleece. Besides, the dogs only spend eight hours or so in the kennels anyway.

Well, if by eight hours you mean 18 - 22.

Raynham Park general manager Gary Temple asserts that dogs at his track are confined for as little as 8-10 hours per day, and let out of their cages five times per day. In reality, thousands of dogs endure lives of nearly endless confinement at two racetracks in our state, kept in small cages barely large enough for them to stand up or turn around for 20 or more hours per day. Specifically, dogs are confined perpetually in stacked cages.

"I'm a general manager, not a clock watcher," Temple told reporters.

All righty then. About time for you to find a home, huh Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is a little timid with new people, but will warm up within a few minutes. He is very smart and learns quickly. He gets along well with other dogs and his foster family. He is very affectionate and will approach his family for pets and hugs. His tail is curly like a cork screw and when he is happy or playing his tail spins like a helicopter. He is very playful. He likes to gather his toys and take them to his crate. He loves to chew on bones.He is a Second Chance at Life Dog from the Coldwater Prison Program. He is a Second Chance at Life Dog from the Coldwater Prison Program. Guadalajara would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 10 and up. He is good with other dogs and would probably be fine as an only dog. He needs a single family home, because he tends to be vocal when his family arrives home. He would do best in a home with a 5 foot + fence, as he tends to stand up and look over the fence. 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.

Friday Hound Blogging

Dumm dee dumm doo doo...let's see...first NCAA tournament weekend coming. Stoli? Check. Ice? Check. Various mixes? Check. Bail bondsman's number? Check. Mrs. IM's request to leave the neighbors out of it this year? Hahahaha!! She cracks us up. Stoli? Check.

Oh, hi there. Didn't see you come in. Just getting ready for a little spectating here in the marbled halls of IM Central. Say, could you pass that tape measure over here please. Have to get the proper distance from the big screen plasma you know. What's that? You're here for Friday Hound Blogging? Wow. Friday already?

Well, you caught us a little off guard. Been a busy week you know, not having a primary and all. OK, no problem. We'll go visit Mr. Carney. He's always got something going on.

The owner of Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park, the most successful dog track in the state, because it's more successful than the other one has filed suit in the Supreme Judicial Court to prevent a ban on commercial dog racing from being placed on the November statewide ballot.

"My position is, we'll be doing everything we can to keep me from going to work at a real job," said Brockton businessman George Carney. "If we don't prevail in court, I plan to stuff beans up my nose and hold my breath until I pass out. They're not going to have an easy day with George."

Wow. Sounds like Mr. Carney shall defend his right to exploit dogs, whatever the cost may be, he shall exploit on the beaches, he shall exploit on the landing grounds, he shall exploit in the fields and in the streets, he shall exploit in the hills; he shall never enter the job force.

"Everybody is aware of how tough the economy is in Massachusetts," he said. "Do they want to put that many people out of low wage no benefit jobs?" he said.

He may have a point there. We can't imagine all the Walmarts in the state would be enough to take up that slack. Still, there's always a chance those folks could like, learn to read or something and improve their job prospects. Either that, or move to someplace where their skills are in demand. Alabama, say.

The dogs on the other hand, don't have many relocation options as they are caged 8-10 hours a day and sometimes 12-14 hours, depending on the dog. Greyhounds are repeatedly injured while competing, fed meat not suitable for human consumption, plus their retirement benefits are somewhat, shall we say, sparse.

In his court suit, Carney's attorney, Lee Kozol, contends that the ballot initiative doesn't meet state requirements for such questions because it would operate only in particular districts or localities. "They want to ban cruelty and exploitation only where it exists," Kozol said. "What about places where it doesn't? Why should they get off so easy? Why should my client suffer for leaching a living off the backs of these magnificent animals when other people who work an honest job and make an honest living go on with their lives unaffected?"

Ummm...yeah. Whatever. How you voting Tar?

Tar is really friendly, outgoing, and playful dog. He loves playing and running. He has a very gullible and happy spirit. He always seeks attention. He is a playful dog full of high spirits. He knows how to entertain himself. He loves playing in the snow. He is a Second Chance at Life Dog from the Coldwater Prison Program. Tar would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 12 and up. He 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.

Friday Hound Blogging

Hmmm...where have we heard this before? Oh yeah, here. Looks like Mr. Carney is having his own personal Groundhog's Day.

Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park owner George Carney has filed a lawsuit challenging an attempt to ban dog racing. "More than 100,00 people signed that petition," Carney said. "But they aren't the boss of me."

Carney’s suit alleges the ballot question is invalid because it is limited to stopping cruelty against greyhounds, it contains subjects that “won't help me make my trailer payments,” it constitutes an attempt to get me to work for a living, and because the question is not in proper form for submission to the people.

"The wording is too clear," said Carney's attorney Joel Kozol commenting on the last part. "I mean, you read that and you know right away that you're voting to end the senseless exploitation of innocent animals. We can't have that."

Backers of the effort include the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Harvard Law School Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, Humane Society of the United States, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, several state animal shelters, including the Taunton Animal Shelter, and several veterinarians. "You ever see a bigger bunch of animal rights whackos in your life?" Carney said. "I bet they've never even been to a racetrack."

Could be. Bet you wish they could say that about you, huh Buffy?

Buffy is curious of her surroundings. She likes to smell everything around her. She is calm and easygoing. She follows her family around the house. She also likes to follow the family grey around the home and does not want to miss out any action. She is a happy dog who wags her tail often. She seems to be a quick learner. She wants a lot of attention and will lean against you for pets. She also gives kisses. Buffy would do well in a working family home with another dog to keep her company or as an only dog in a family with someone home more often. She would do well with well-mannered children, 6 and up. 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.

Friday Hound Blogging

When last we left the overlords they were complaining that no one understood how good racing greyhounds had it in the kennel. As overlord George Carney, owner of Raynham Park said, "Greyhounds are born to run, and the race dogs are treated better than most house pets."

We're afraid that Fred and Janet Baylis would disagree with you Mr. Carney.

In the third race a greyhound called Icecream Charlie went tumbling over at the third bend and was lying motionless on the track. Officials said that the dog had broken his neck and had been put down.

When's the last time one of your pets broke its neck in a valiant attempt to earn your trailer payment?

Well, there's certainly no shortage of unfortunate events such as this, so the overlords are pretty well practiced at putting on the sorrowful face for the public, as Ricky Sheen, one of the commentors to the story does, right Ricky? " Is it a quiet news week or what? Yawn."

Umm...Ricky? Didn't you get the memo? Care about the dogs? Big investment? Tragic loss? Anything sounding familiar? Well, We're sure he got the memo. Probably just couldn't find anyone to read it to him. Let's see what commenter Ric Kingston has to say about the meaningless, preventable death of this poor, exploited, innocent animal: " i just laughed out loud."

Crap! Is anybody reading the memos? Haven't you people been coming to the meetings? How are we going to convince people we care about the units...er...dogs if you guys keep blowing our cover. You have something good to say about us don't you Bugsy?

Bugsy is friendly, lively, sweet, and affectionate. She likes to be near her family and will whine if they are not very close by. She chatters a lot with her teeth. She plays with toys. She loves to be outside. Bugsy would do best with someone who wants a playful active dog. A home with someone who will play fetch or anyone who wants to spend time with playful dog games to keep her from getting board. She would do well with another large-breed dog or as an only dog. She needs to be exercised regularly to keep strength in her hind end. She would be best with well-mannered older children, 12 and up. 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.

Mr Shortpants update: Mr. Short Pants AKA Tyler would do well in a working family home with well-mannered children, 10 and up. He is good with other dogs and would probably be fine as an only dog. Being a Second Chance dog, he worked toward his Second Chance Obedience Training certificate and received getting regular obedience training.

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.

Friday Hound Blogging

Man. It's got to be tough being an overlord. There's the continual buzzing in your head, the confusion over which shoe goes on which foot (well, for those who have shoes that is) and constantly forgetting which side of the door is the one that opens.

And if that's not bad enough, those pesky animal rights whackos just won't leave you alone.

The battle over greyhound racing is being joined again in Massachusetts, as a proposed ban makes its way toward a November ballot vote - a redux of 2000. "Well, I don't know anything about red dux," said George Carney, owner of Raynham Park. "But Greyhounds are born to run, and the race dogs are treated better than most house pets."

Yeah. People often tell us they kill their pets when they get tired of them.

Once again, Raynham Park is ground zero in the battle.The park, a sprawling racing and entertainment complex on Route 138 about a mile from Interstate 495, is the state's busiest and most successful racetrack.

Umm...there are only two tracks in Massachusetts.

The state's other dog track, Wonderland Park in Revere, operates only half the year.

The principal complaints against the local tracks are injuries to dogs during races and confinement of the dogs in kennels for long periods. At Raynham Park in 2006, there were 79 reported injuries, most commonly broken bones. Dogs sometimes collide with each other or hit the wall when going around the quarter-mile oval.

Supporters of dog racing point out that injuries are a part of every sport. And Carney emphasizes that at his track, "every dog is taken care of. Erm...that didn't come out right."

Raynham Selectman Donald L. MacKinnon said he disagrees with arguments of the dog racing opponents but thinks their odds of winning probably are improving. "If you put a thing on the ballot enough, it's going to happen," MacKinnon said. "Especially if it's the right thing to do."

Carney has vowed to fight the dog racing petition and is lobbying on Beacon Hill for slot machines. He also said he plans to submit a proposal for a casino. "Look, if I can't make money off of people who don't mind exploiting animals, I need to have a shot at those people who think they're one quarter slot machine away from being millionaires."

Carney said he probably will sue to try to keep it off the ballot. "The last thing greyhound racing needs is to be put to a vote," he said.

He's right about that. Too bad dogs can't vote, huh Dinky?

Dinky is adorable and will do full body wags when she greets people. When really happy, she will run and jump into your arms. She likes to bring all the stuffies into her crate to nuzzle. She gets very excited when she plays with her toys and will be a good dog for kids over 6. She loves to spend time in the yard exploring and hunting squirrels. She will pull herself into your lap for affection; she really wants to get right on your lap. Dinky would do best in a home with children over age 6, as she tends to be a bit bouncy. She would be fine as an only dog or with other large breed dogs. 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.

Mr Shortpants update: Mr. Short Pants AKA Tyler is really relaxed. He’s very good with the stairs now and he is a little more playful. Being a Second Chance dog, he worked toward his Second Chance Obedience Training certificate and received getting regular obedience training.

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.

(Not) Friday Hound Blogging

Going to be out and about tomorrow performing community service...erm...service to the community, so as not to disappoint our many skinny dog fans we bring you an FHB prequel.

Occasionally we have discoursed on the business acumen of the overlords. You see, it takes a special breed of person to see investment opportunity where others see innocent living creatures. Most business opportunities include analysis of risks and opportunities, potential for return on investment, planning, stuff like that. But for the overlords, the risk is on the greyhounds (Hey, how many CEO's are killed when the company's profits don't measure up) so this makes the exploitation business the classic win win scenario. Well, if you aren't a greyhound that is. And planning? Phffft. How many times have the overlords told us the units "love to run?" Greyhound racing. It's like a license to make money.

THE NSW Government has launched a $7.5 million financial assistance package for the horse and greyhound racing industries with $1 million going to the harness racing industry and $500,000 to greyhound racing, which has also lost revenue.

Oh. Well...uh...yeah...say, what about this: It's a temporary situation. All we have to do is get people interested in unit exploitation again and the money will start flying around like feces in a money cage. Right Mr Carney?

The owner of the Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park promised yesterday to make a strong bid to bring a resort casino to his 100-acre property and vowed to use local backers to make it happen.

Right. Pretty soon the rubes will be lining up at the betting windows again with their two dollars...wait...what did he say?

In an interview, Carney declined to say who he expects to recruit as local investors. But he said the park's location, near Interstate 495 and Route 24, is superior to the known competitors for a casino license in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Casino...hmm....OK we see your plan, you lure gamblers in with slots and stuff, then when they see how exciting and addictive it is to bet two dollars on the units, they give up the tables for the bleachers. Brilliant!

Spurred by the three-month success of high stakes poker, the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track's poker room will be getting bigger in October. "Our business has probably doubled," said card room manager Cindy Fra.

But, but, what about the dogs? Wasn't this supposed to be about helping the overlords maintain the high degree of care and training their investment required?

"Last fall, it was dead in here on Sunday afternoons," Fra said. "Not anymore. People can now come in, play cards and watch the games."

Jason Ellis, a 24-year-old poker player from Naples, said while the stakes still aren't as high as they are in Las Vegas, the play is on the same level. "I just wish they'd do something about that dog pound or whatever it is out back. All that barking interferes with my concentration."

Yeah...OK...we"ll get right on that. Hey, keep it down will you, Pepper? People are trying to gamble here.

Pepper is confident, outgoing, energetic, intelligent, playful, well-mannered, and very affectionate and lovable. She will approach you for pets and gives you the come hither look. She is very flexible and can curl up into a safety pin position. She enjoys playing with toys and will throw them in the air and chase them around the house. Although she is 8 years old, she doesn’t act like a senior. While she has the white muzzle, she acts more like an active 4 year old. Pepper would be good in a home with other dogs of all sizes or as an only dog. She would be good in a working family home with well-mannered children, 5 and up. She needs a home with a yard where she can run or with someone that will exercise her regularly. 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.