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.