EDITION OF CINCO DE MAYO, 2022 [PetPowellPress] The 5th of May is a good day to celebrate being happy. If you don’t have a reason to be happy, please email us and for $10 a notion I’ll send you a reason to be happy. More in Contemplations. First we cite a change in the way some dogs are “handled.”
LET’S TALK GREYHOUNDS
AND A RACING FUTURE…
Our regular Dear Readers are aware of the determined Greyhound Adoption League of Texas — celebrated its 21st birthday on
May 1 — and it's enduring efforts to “save ‘em all.” And “all” includes retired and rejected racing dogs. And some that aren't either. We’ll get to them after we cite this latest newspaper story about the fate of Greyhound racing in our country.
Earlier in the week I came across a May 2 Associated Press feature datelined Dubuque, Iowa, and headlined, “GREYHOUND RACING NEARING ITS END IN THE US AFTER LONG SLIDE.”
AP Reporter Scott McFetridge launched his story with a look at the soon-to-close Dubuque track, but he also, while outlining the financial losses of dog-track betting in the U.S., touched on rescues and their work in saving the dogs as the industry dies. (HERE’S THE LINK.)
Consider these two paragraphs:
(1) “GREY2K, the Humane Society and other groups have long argued that Greyhound racing was cruel, including its longtime practice of killing dogs that weren’t deemed top racers, using drugs to enhance their performance, confining them for long periods and subjecting animals to the risk of injury on the racetrack.”
And (2) “Industry supporters note there now is a huge demand to adopt retired racers and deny that the other problems are widespread. They also contend that some don’t understand the love Greyhounds have for running.”
Well, the Greyhounds may love to run, but, heck, seems to readlarrypowell .com that “profit motive” might have a tendency to guide the fate of a “stable” of racing Greyhounds.
We’ve been watching GALT rescue Greyhounds for years. And, a while a whole lot of those dogs have histories as racers, there are many that live up to the breed's off-track reputation as "couch potatoes."
So, today, here are some of the GALT Greyhounds waiting for homes. You can see the dogs and ways to get involved with this organization and the Greyhounds by going to galtx.org.
That first Greyhound, the handsome Archi, (“formerly known” as Dabo Archilee) was born on Nov. 9, 2019, to sire Trent Lee and dam Deco Electra Jet. And he “has no races on record in Greyhound data,” GALT reports. His bio describes him as “a big, strikingly beautiful black satin tuxedo boy with a white neck and chest, white feet, and a white-tipped tail. Heads turn when Archi walks down the street!~” He still has his puppy side. And, as is the case with most Greyhounds with a racing background, he “shouldn’t live with kitties.”
This guy is Davey, said to be a “pussycat under his gruff exterior.” He’s described as a 3 1/2-year-old —birthday May 4, 2018. Sire Decon Glen Lee and dam is Flying Skillful. You’d think that would mean a possible racing history. Nope. The GALT bio says he “was never registered but was found as a stray in Chapel Hill where he wandered for about 3 weeks.” He wasn’t good in boarding, but he does bond with a human, i.e., according to GALT, ”a very patient human who can help him with home life and better acclimate with people. He really is that Greyhound anomaly of a guard dog — he wants to protect you from intruders, sometimes even your friends. He is slowly learning that being nice to people comes with great rewards and love.” And he does love going for a ride in a car. And there’s this tidbit: “He is the messiest eater and drinker and you will probably find kibble all over your house that accidentally fell out of his mouth. He can’t help being a little sloppy — it’s part of his charm.” [LARRY ASIDE: Sure makes this dog sound really “human,” doesn’t it!!!]
At GALTX.org you’ll find this girl Mavin, formerly Dancin’ Mavin. She’s 2 1/2, a “red female,” born on July 8, 2019, from the mating of Dacin Dakota and the dam SL. Joanna Mai.” Mavin never raced. GALT says Mavin just wants “to be loved and to be near her people.”
She doesn’t like being alone, but there is this winning description: “She hasn’t had any accidents in the house, is good overnight and isn’t an early riser.” [LARRY ASIDE: “Isn’t an early riser!” Didn’t that just perk up some human ears!!!]
And my heart is obligated to note that not all the dogs in the care of GALT are purebred
Greyhounds. But GALT does have a category called “Honorary Greyhounds” for dogs that might not be pure enough to show at Westminster. Then, there are these two that I have featured before over a period of more than a year.. They charmed me the first time I saw them and I’m sort of surprised nobody has adopted them. They are lovingly called “GALT’S ‘Greyhound Gremlins’.” You may recall, Dear Readers, that Nick and Nora (pointy ears) were puppies rescued in a cruelty seizure by the Paul’s Valley Animal Control in Oklahoma. They were starving babies and, consequently, mistaken for Greyhound puppies. They are Greyhounds because GALT has massive affection for pups in trouble. Nick and Nora are bonded and must be adopted together — just one adoption fee for two dogs with, as GALT’s bio reads, “such sweet and special souls.” See video of this pair at GALTx.org.
UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
& THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN;
APOLLO WAITS; PLUS OL' ROCKY!
We’re starting with Rocky, then moving on to two other big dogs, Andromeda and Apollo. Why Rocky first? Because he’s an
older dog with a rottenly sad story. (Not that the other two dog stories are so BLEEPIN’ cheerful, types Larry without ugly words.)
Our tipster, Mesquite shelter volunteer dog biographer Debra Chisholm writes, “This very sweet older gentleman is Rocky, a mixed breed (Dog Scanner app suggests possibly Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Anatolian Shepherd in the mix) that was surrendered to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 5/2. Reason for surrender was due to the health of the owner.” [LARRY ASIDE: This
appears to be a rotten situation for the human and the dog. I’m sure the human would want to know that someone has stepped up to love Rocky and keep him happy and adored.]
Debra says Rocky is 7, weighs 79 pounds and is neutered.
The human said he bought Rocky “from a breeder as a puppy and he has lived his life as an outside dog. Owner also reported that he is good with children, lived with other dogs and likes to play fetch.”
Debra added, “I noted that Rocky walked nicely on a leash and was not reactive to other dogs when led through the bay. He is well-mannered, calm and gentle and does not jump on you. He has a
mellow personality. During the photo shoot he stayed close to me. He is friendly and likes attention. This handsome boy with the sweet smile and soulful eyes has need for a new home and hopefully his new owner will allow him to live inside and to be a part of the family circle.”
Rocky is #50091139 at Mesquite, Use that ID when you contact the shelter at 972-216-6283 or email rescues@cityofmesquite.com. When you’re interested in an animal at the Mesquite shelter, always use the ID number when you call or email the shelter. As you will want to do with these next two big dogs.
[LARRY ASIDE: I look at these three dogs and I think “Save ‘em all and do it right now.”]
Did you read the 1969 Michael Crichton book The Andromeda Strain? See the ’71 movie? Well, never mind. Pay attention to the dog.
Apparently this “Andromeda strain” has to do with tension when a dog doesn’t fit into a household. She’s 18-month-old, spayed, 73-pound Andromeda who, according to Debra’s “Dog Scanner App,” comes from a mix that includes Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees..
But, here’s the rub in Debra's report: “Owner obtained her from another shelter, kept her for 2 months and then surrendered her to the Mesquite Animal Shelter on 4/26. This seems a case of unrealistic expectations and Andromeda needs a person or family that will be a better fit for her. She does appear to have been well-cared for. Owner said the dog lived both inside and
outside, that she was OK with children (all ages) as well as with other dogs. She has not acclimated very well to the shelter environment and is timid, shy and nervous. She walks nicely on a leash. She was a bit distant with me, but when one of the workers who has interacted with her came into the yard, she seemed happy to see her and was quite friendly. Andromeda may be a dog who will need a bit extra time to warm up to new people but then becomes comfortable and relaxed.” Andromeda is #50054669. Use her ID when calling the shelter at 972-216-6283 or emailing rescues@cityofmesquite.com.
That brings us to Apollo (#50080108), a 95-pound 2 1/2-year-old dog who arrived as a stray on April 29. Debra’s “Scanner” says he’s a mix that includes Rhodesian Ridgeback, English Foxhound and American Foxhound. She writes, “This boy has lots of personality! He wants to your friend and he stays close. There is nothing timid or shy about Apollo. He does jump up but not on you. Apollo does not appear to
know any commands He walks well on a leash and did not seem to have any aggression toward other dogs when walked through the bay. He is playful, has a sweet and loving nature and is quite friendly. He is confident and outgoing.
“He loves treats and when he realizes you have a supply, he follows very close! He is athletic and climbed on our play equipment. Apollo seems to have lived his life outside by his appearance. He has fur loss on his back along with scaly skin. He is being given meds for a skin infection (is not mange). There is so much to like about this fun-loving big guy so please help him out of the shelter.”
Use his ID when you use these contact points: rescues@city ofmesquite.com or call 972-216-6283,
Remember, see more of Mesquite’s adorably adoptable dogs and cats by clicking HERE.
There are cats of assorted ages. For example, this cat is Mr. Watson (#49966819), a 2-year-old “small” domestic shorthair mix who came in
on April 13. He’s in the — where else?! — “Cat Room” at the shelter. And currently in quarantine (he’s a baby, around 5 or 6 weeks old) is #50032792. He’s a pretty cute little dude. Yep, a boy, the shelter says. Right now he’s small. He came in on April 23. [LARRY ASIDE: As a veteran kitten handler, I’m prepared to declare that #50032792 looks like he’s a potential cuddler. Just needs that right human to give him a place to cuddle. We’re all full at our house, or I’d be in the car on the way to Mesquite when I finish typing this sentence.]
CONTEMPLATIONS
IDLE THOUGHTS AS A DOG SNORES
Yeah, Porche, my companion personality dog, is in the office snoring again from her spot on the floor. But, as you see here, Office Cat William Powell isn’t in his usual window bird-watching. He’s curled up on boxes I have artfully stacked in the corner of
the office and intend to empty and organize by the end of this year. Or the end of next year. No pressure — there’s no money in any of the boxes. Yes, I realize the upside down box reads, upside down, “This side up.” That puppy is a toy I’ve acquired through the years and I have no idea why. But I like it, so I’ve kept it. ….
Oh, yeah, I need to give you some reasons to be happy: Dogs and cats. Works for me. OK, two more? Raspberry jelly-filled donuts and an unexpected flash of a memory from a happy trip — let’s say, for example, our honeymoon which included a visit to the Grand Canyon. Bigger’n a Dallas
pothole. But one wonders, if all Dallas potholes and fissures were placed together, would they be larger than …oh, never mind that. Potholes are like days — just worry about ‘em one at a time. ...
OK, that’s the end of the line for today. Heck, in honor of the “end of the line,” here’s a song. It’s a sad one from Jimmie Rodgers (left), AKA “The Singing Brakeman” and “The Blue Yodeler.” Click HERE for Jimmie Rodgers’ 1929 hit Hobo Bill’s Last Ride. What's that? Some of you kids have no idea what a railroad hobo is? Er, was? Times — like musical styles — change.
—- Offer musical notes or rail tales by clicking on ‘comment’ below or by emailing dallrp@aol.com and put ‘HOP A FREIGHT AND HOLD ON’ in the subject line. —