Friday, April 08, 2005

Friday Hound Blogging

Well it hasn't been the best of weeks for the overlords. In Texas the state just figured out that it wasn't making any money off racing. Only took 14 years, but hey, it is Texas after all. (note: stupid registration required). So does this mean Texas will be getting out of the dog racing business? When have you ever known a governmental body to walk away from a program just because it wasn't working?

In Massachusetts it looks like the folks aren't so convinced that more gambling will save the dying greyhound track there. Local greyhound track President Richard Dalton has estimated that adding slot machines to the track would boost employment from 350 to 1,350 workers. Most of the new jobs would be restaurant related. "You know dishwashers, bus boys, waitresses, all those glamorous low paying no benefits jobs every community is looking for."

Area resident Robert Barron thinks the city should focus on long-term plans to redevelop the track sites for uses that generate the maximum amount of property taxes and employ the largest possible workforce. "Tracks don't belong in up-and-coming towns. It's not in keeping with a modern city," he said, "I mean, most of the people who go to the track don't even have teeth. Is that the image we want for our community? I don't think so."

You might have a point Mr. Barron. And speaking of teeth, this week's hound has lost some of his, probably due to the mush of additives and 4D meat combined with the lack of dental care the dogs receive while they're running in circles for the overlords, but he can still give a go at a dog biscuit and it hasn't affected his ability to enjoy good scratch and a nice walk on a warm spring day. Meet Vacume:

Posted by Hello
Vacume is a typical laid back grey. A real gentleman and classic leaner. He loves his stuffies and always greets anyone coming into the house with one which he proudly drops at their feet. He is the classic "velcro" dog who attaches himself to the leg of whichever foster parent is moving about the house. And yes, his ears always stand up like that. 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.

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