Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....

Power Napping

Along with his new mamma, Wolfgang is preparing for the Power Napping Competition in the next Olympics.

While I do not see the humor in it, every morning when the alarm goes off at around 7:30, Wolfie likes to prance and say "good morning" by whining and barking several times. Of course his Mamma responds with a high pitched excited "Good morning Wolfie", which only encourages him to carry on even more. It's cute any other time of day, but not before 9 AM from where I stand, or more accurately, from where I lay (trying to sleep!)

Companion Animal Portrait Artist

My wife is an avid reader of Celebrating Greyhounds magazine. Recently she was devouring the latest issue in which she found mentioned artist Kent Roberts. I wasn't too excited about being distracted from my current project to view another greyhound related website (an even that occurs all too often in our home and office).
I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised, as well as amazed. Check out his Pet Portraits.

This is one of Kent Roberts portraits that struck me the most. So many other pet portrait artists that I have seen can't seem to capture the eyes like Kent does. Others, and I'm thinking of one local "artist" in particular, look-- well they just look cartoonish really. Roberts charges (according to his website) $185.00 for an 11 by 14, which considering the quality of the work, is a very good deal. We are thinking about comissioning a portrait of our beloved Magic Zambia after the first of the year. If we do, we'll be sure to post it along with out impressions of communicating with the artist.

I'm ready for my close ups....

Wolfgang Update

Wolfie is settling in very nicely.
His ears and tail are both up most of the time.
He has come out of his shell, and plays and barks in his back yard. He has more confidence when he feels safe and secure.
His visit to the vet was very smooth and easy. He almost seemed to enjoy it believe it or not. he even laid down and sprawled out in the exam room waiting for the vet.
He still has trouble with the linoleum. Things take time.
He is a wonderful hound.
And he is making eye contact with us, which he did not do the first couple weeks.
How could anyone not love a face like that?

One Week In And All Is Well

It's been nine days. We've all learned a few things.
One of our friends gave us some guidance on helping a timid hound adjust to his new home. Thanks man.
My wife has been spending lots of time with Wolfie, sitting on the floor, petting him, talking to him, hand feeding him treats. She used to do that to me when we first met too, and things turned out OK with me. It's working wonders with our hound as well.
He still is a bit freaked out by the linoleum on the kitchen floor.
He had a visit from another greyhound on Sunday morning. It was great! Well, once he got over the initial fright of opening the door and seeking another dog in his yard, it was great. Wolfgang's true personality came out as he tried to get Gordon (the other hound) to play. He even barked for the first time since his arrival here!

Monday is his first visit to the vet for a meet and greet and a blood draw.

Day Two Better Photos

Look at those beautiful markings! He looks like he should have been named "Tiger".

After a quiet and uneventful night, we woke up earlier that usual and let Wolf outside. He seems to have trouble with the linoleum floor in the kitchen, so we need to guide him slowly over that. He went outside, did his thing all in one spot and was ready to come back inside. I don't blame him. It was a dark and rainy morning, but fairly nice temperature wise, especially for this time of year. He chowed down breakfast and went back to bed-- in fact we ALL went back to bed until noon time!



Later he had his first taste of pancakes and sausage. It's a rare event in our house for the human occupants as well.

We went to the office where he went right inside, sniffed around and found his corner with bed and blanket. After some more searching around, he settled in to his spot, with a new toy, and seems to be feeling safe and making himself right at home.

What a wonderful hound!

Wolfgang Day One

Having lost Magic some time ago, we had in our mind that we wanted to adopt another retired racer. Everyone and their cousin offered their opinion about timing. At least a month, three months, six months, a year at least, so on and so forth. One adoption group in particular wanted to let us know when were were ready (We'll write more about that dysfunctional mess when we have had some time to process it and hash it out in our own minds. All we'll say for now is that it Robert Hunter's lyrics ring through our mind whenever we think about it....Lately it occurs to me: What a long, strange trip it's been.)

The other day we took a ride out to visit another greyhound adoption group. We just wanted to meet the people, introduce ourselves, let them know we are looking, so that if the right match came up, they would keep us in mind. Well, wouldn't you know they just happened to have a hound they thought might fit into our pack.

His racing name was Nita's Big Wolfe. We've adopted him and have decided Wolfgang is much more dignified, but Wolfie for short will work just fine.

This wonderful boy is anything but wolf-like at this time. He is such a shy and timid hound right now, but we know that with love, time and patience, he will blossom in his retirement.

Who is this handsome fellow?

This handsome fellow to the right is Wolfgang, but his friends call him Wolfie.

We'll tell you more about him this weekend.

SAD DAY FOR GREYHOUNDS

It is a sad day in the Commonwealth for Greyhounds, Greyhound lovers, and the racing industry.

Christine Dorchak and her wife Carey Theil achieved victory through manipulation, lies and distortions.

Someone told me that they are now worried that the dogs will be moved to a state where racing is not as regulated as it is in Massachusetts. I'm not. Having met several of the kennel owners, I know that no matter where they will race their dogs, they will continue the same high quality, and loving care. It's only common sense.

Sadly, common sense was lacking in the Bay State this election day when it comes to greyhounds.

Massachusetts residents are caring and compassionate people as a whole. I am proud to live here for the most part. Folks want to trust organizations like the MSPCA, Grey2K and others who claim to be looking out for animal welfare. This why the proponents of Question 3 where able to capitalize on this trust, twist the facts and achieve a victory.

As good as we feel about the outcome of other political races and ballot questions, it is bittersweet.

Thank you to those who approached this issue with an open mind.

To the track and kennel employees, our hearts go out to you, and our prayers and support are still with you.

More on the Folks Behind Question 3: Carey Theil Gambling with Peoples Lives

I have intended on posting some information on the husband of Christine Dorchak, Mr. Carey Theil (pronounced like the color TEAL) but I have been quite busy pounding the pavement handing out genuine and verifiable information concerning Question 3 and dog racing in Massachusetts. I was doing some research this evening and came across the following which says just about everything I would like to say. I would really like to give this writer the credit he or she is due, but alas, I found this posted as a comment to another article. If this is your work, and you would like to be credited, please email me magiczambia@yahoo.com and I will gladly do so.

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From the November 6, 2000 Boston Herald column by Joe Fitzgerald - '...you should be equally appalled by the efforts of a group called Grey2K to wage a ruthless campaign of deceit, distortion and defamation of character. Radical animal rights activists are determined to kill the greyhound racing industry in this state by any means necessary, which is why they weren't the least bit embarrassed when forced to admit that much of their advertising has been fraudulent. So if you go to the polls only to vote No on Question 3, you will have made a compelling statement, rejecting this attempt to ambush an industry through the dissemination of lies.'

If dog racing was 'cruel', the M$PCA would have shut it down decades ago. They haven't. The injury rate is a statistical charade, playing Little League is far more dangerous statistically.

Carey Theil, G$K's messiah, sits on the board of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, google it. He doesn't care about dogs, he cares about banning gambling. When in Florida this spring, he, as a registered Florida lobbyist, lobbied against the Florida slots bill. Yet he couldn't find the time to lobby for SB 590 right down the hall. SB 590 would have given Florida greyhounds some of the protections the MA dogs enjoy here. Protect the dogs? Not a chance, that's not the plan.

G$K's Christine Dorchak was forced to adopt a greyhound to make it look good. Did she adopt a greyhound from her home state of MA? No, she adopted a dog from Kansas. Where's the concern for the MA dogs with that act? That's not the plan.

The money G$K has spent recently on their TV ads would have SOLVED the financial problems of the greyhound adoption groups NATIONWIDE. Yet, G$K has never purchased a can of dog food for a retired hound in an adoption group. That's not their plan. Saving and protecting dogs is not part of their plan.

In case no one has noticed, we're creeping into a recession. The State is going broke. What will the State do if Q3 passes and those millions of dollars annually from the tracks are stripped from the balance sheet? Will they rebalance their budget or raise your taxes to make up for the deficit?

And what of 1000 people who will be employed if Q3 passes?. These are primarily older people, 40-60 years old with no other job skills. Yet they have mortgages to pay, children and grandchildren they are trying to support with higher education. You cannot re-train these people, this is all they know. And they stand to be homeless.

Question 3 is a tax increase that not only puts more people out of work and falsely claims cruelty unsubstantiated by the MSPCA, but is also sponsored by animal extremists whose leader nationally supports the banning of all gambling.

The smart money is betting NO on Question 3
www.protectdogsandjobs.org

WHO IS BEHIND QUESTION 3 ??

OK, we've already had our initial look at one of the extremists behind Question 3, Ms. Christine Dorchak who's preternatural relationship with her dog led her to become active in animal rights. That's a new one: "My dog made me do it!"

But Christine is not alone. The Humane Society of the United States is bankrolling the initiative.

They sound like a good organization-- they must be part of the Human Society-- you know, the people who look out for animals and provide shelters for strays right? NOPE! They do not operate one single shelter! You would be surprised just what most people do not know about the HSUS but SHOULD!

The HSUS has deep pockets. Read about their other ballot question initiative in California aimed at pricing eggs out of Californians reach.

I love animals. I think people that really abuse them should be punished.

BITING THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU: WHO IS THE REAL CHRISTINE DORCHAK?

I believe in being an educated voter. I like to know the candidates, listen to debates, read about their lives and such. I was talking with one of our local up and coming politicians the other day about local elections and the various ballot questions. When it came to Question 3, we both agreed that it is best for the state to preserve the status quo when it comes to dog racing. It provides jobs and revenue. In these times, this is a good thing. Racing is regulated just like everything else in Massachusetts. (I grew up in New Hampshire where last I knew you still don't have to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.)

As we ended our conversation, my friend said something odd. "If you are serious about understanding the Question 3 story, look at the people behind it."

Okay. I'm game.

The two names that I hear and read most often are Carey Theil and Christine Dorchak. An article in the Christian Science Monitor reveals why these two names are always popping up together. They live together as a couple. Two other names also appear together frequently as well; GREY2K USA and the Committee to Protect Dogs. A quick search on these two organizations reveals they are both run by the same people! Oh yeah- ONE MORE: The GREY2K USA Education Fund. Yep-- same people. We're going to do our best to get the financial information (regarding salaries in particular) on these organizations in the coming days, as several sources are saying that Theil and Dorchak are making a comfortable living from these organizations.

At least George Carney and Bill O'Donnell are honest about the source of their income from the dog racing industry. It seems to me that no matter if Question 3 passes or not Ms. Dorchak and Mr. Theil come up winner$.

So, who is Christine Dorchak? The person who knows her best, Carey Theil in a news paper interview, describes her as "...stubborn..." Virginia Fuller, past president of the New England Wildlife Center said in the same interview that Christine is atypically impassioned and that animal rescue is the "focus of her being." This is beginning to sound like one of the PETA extremists to me. What next? Will she have us shutting down the New England Aquarium because they keep fish in a tank or serve fish on the menu in the cafeteria?

Ooops! I forgot! She's already done that!

Dorchak picketing New England Aquarium with extremist activists PETA in 1998

Perhaps this best reveals the character of Ms. Dorchak.
According to the same referenced article in the Christian Science Monitor, George Carney, owner of the Raynham race track, and a trustee of the New England School of Law, was on the stage to award Dorchak her diploma, which she received through a scholarship at least partially provided by Mr. Carney, who earns (at least some of ) his money from greyhound racing!

OUCH! Talk about biting the hand that feeds you!

If Ms. Dorchak has such ethical issues with greyhound racing, perhaps she should return the diploma for that law degree, or at the very least, the money from her scholarship.

Source: October 10, 2007 Christian Science Monitor

Magic Zambia 2000-2008

This morning we awoke to what we thought was the sound of Magic rolling over. He sometimes bumped against the radiator cover, making the metal cover clank a bit. Then an unusual THUD. We looked over to see our puppy in an awkward position, unable to stand up, pupils dialated, and eyes glassy. We rushed him to Boston Road Animal Hospital as they were the closest and the only clinic open at such an early hour.
The veterinarian told us that it was most likely a brain tumor and discussed various options with us, none of which would give our beloved Greyhound the quality of life that he was used to. Unable to even stand up, he looked at us, scared and confused. The vet told us that he was most likely not feeling any pain, but his eyes told us differently.
After many tears, we came to the conclusion that it was in Magic's best interest for us to say goodbye so that his suffering would end. He went to sleep in his Mommy's arms while his Daddy stroked and pet his face and neck.

Good bye buddy. We love you and miss you.

An Eye Opener

Back in June of 2008 we were presented an opportunity to make a visit to one of the two remaining greyhound racing tracks Massachusetts. We had adopted Magic four years ago thinking we had "saved" or "rescued" him from a miserable existence. I was ready to get a first hand look at how our "poor puppy" had been treated.

We were met by the volunteer coordinator and given an overview of our day and then brought to the weigh in area where all the dogs are brought before racing. Here I learned that the dogs are weighed in and checked by both the track veterinarian as well as the state racing commission vet. After they are weighed and examined, they are placed in kennel crates-- one dog per crate with the measurements which were set by the MSPCA and Grey2K USA-- to await their chance to race. I was shocked at the level of security and the regulations that help to insure the safety of the dogs.

We were then taken to the post race area where the dogs are brought to cool down. They are walked by their handlers after the race so that they can relax their muscles, get some fresh cold water, a bath to clean any dust off their coat, paws. They even get their eyes washed out as well. There is another area sectioned off and controlled by the state racing commission. This is where they bring dogs selected at random for urine testing.

We were told about the training and schooling that the dogs go through, the selective breeding process which is also very tightly regulated to prevent inbreeding and over breeding. We were given an opportunity to ask questions and express our concerns and receive honest and straight forward answers.

We took a break for lunch and had the opportunity to watch a couple of the races. This was a first for us. We had seen our own retired racer sprint and run with some of his greyhound friends. Nothing compares to the beauty of these dogs at full speed. It is truly amazing and even more so that they really seem to enjoy doing it. As we watched the dogs walk to the starting gate I could see that they were excited. It was a beautiful sight-- seeing these dogs do that which they were created to do.

After lunch we paid a visit to one of the kennels. Now I was ready to see the horrible conditions we have been told about. The turn out area was clean and free of any piles of waste. There was an odor of dogs, we were, after all in a a kennel, but it was not a foul smell. The trainer allowed us to let several of the dogs out of their crates a couple at a time. All of them were very happy and playful. Not one seemed skittish or scared at all! If a dog is abused, you can usually tell by the way it acts around its owner, and also around strangers. Happy, friendly and playful. Every last one of them.

The trainer told us about his days, often twelve to fourteen hours long. You can see his love for the dogs and their love for him in their interactions. The kennel and the crates are cleaned every day. (I wish our house was cleaned that often!) They are subject to unannounced inspections by the State Police and MSPCA.

I came away with a different opinion that day.

If Ballot Question 3 passes, Massachusetts will lose over a thousand more jobs, an average of 4 million dollars per year in taxes and fees, the businesses surrounding the tracks will also also experience negative effects. The Greyhound breed as we know it, will eventually cease to exist, and it is this that saddens me most of all. Greyhounds are unlike any other dog I have ever had.

Please, vote NO on question 3.