Friday Hound Blogging

Man, you think Alberto Gonzales had a bad week, you should be an overlord. It's bad enough that no one wants to watch you exploit the dogs anymore, but now people are trying to force you to get a job where you actually have to work.

Wagering is down at Gulf Greyhound Park in what appears to be at least the fifth straight year of tough times at the track, but park officials said the numbers don’t tell the whole story. "Well, actually they do tell the whole story," said general manager Sally Briggs. "But we got a committee working on coming up with some other reasons."

Revenues dropped from $22.8 million in 2003 to $17.7 million in 2006, and the track has posted net losses of $25.7 million in the past four years, according to the Texas Racing Commission. It may not sound like much for a track that’s open year-round, but park officials said the cancellations happened on major race days: the Kentucky Derby, Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day and midsummer nights, when attendance usually peaks. "Those are our big days," Briggs said. "On those days we can get eight, ten people out here. That's twice as many as we get on normal racing days.

Well, you really can't count that truck load of illegal immigrants brought in to mow the lawn and weed, but we're in no mood to quibble, especially when it looks like your future has a Walmart in it.

About 30 greyhound owners and supporters rallied at the Statehouse before walking to the attorney general's office to submit a petition that would put the question of whether to outlaw greyhound racing on the 2008 ballot.

An outright ban on racing could force the closure of the tracks, costing track employees their jobs and the state a significant source of revenue. "If by significant you mean almost enough to pay for the extra cost of overseeing the tracks," said an aide to the governor.

Kimberly Haberlin, a spokeswoman for the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Relations under which the Massachusetts Racing Commission operates, declined to comment on the latest effort to ban greyhound racing. "She's over signing the petition," said an aide.

Officials at both Raynham and Wonderland parks did not return calls for comment because their phones had been disconnected for nonpayment.

Bummer. How will they know when to come in for their job interviews at MacDonalds. Any ideas Floyd?

Floyd is very puppy like and friendly. He’s a good dog. He has an odd sounding bark when he finds something outside. He barks at his foster mom when she’s outside watering, not realizing that it’s her. Floyd would do well with a working family home with well-mannered older children, 12 and up. He likes the company of other dogs but would be fine as the 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.