August 1st 2011 6:21 am
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On Saturday, mom, dad and I went to Greyhound Friend's in Hopkington, MA. They were having Greyhound International Day there. Speakers were invited from the USA, Spain, and Ireland to talk about greyhound issues around the world. They have greyhounds in Spain called Galgos. They are not used for racing but for hunting. When a dog is no longer able to hunt well they are hung from trees or just abandoned to fend for themselves. It is terrible! Several rescue groups talked about how they are helping the Galgos. Bernie was a speaker from Ireland. Ireland wanted to sell greyhounds to China to start a racing industry there. There are no animal welfare laws in China and they eat dogs! Mom and I did a protest in Boston last Spring. There were also protests in Ireland as well. The Irish government decided not to sell dogs to China. They are still planning, however, to help set up tracks there. This just means the Chinese will buy dogs from other counties. We still have work to do. In the Midwest they have dogs called Lurchers. These are greyhounds crossed with hunting dogs. Usually they breed the greyhounds with Coonhounds. The idea is to make faster hunting dogs. Once again, many are hung, drowned, shot or abandoned when they can no longer hunt well. My boyfriend, Copley, is a lurcher! He is part ridgeback though.
The event was held outside and it was a hot day. there was a big tent with chairs inside. It was a lot cooler in the shade of the tent and the grass was nice and cool. Mom brought me plenty of water and they also had a swimming pool and other water bowls set up. Other greyhounds came to the event too so I got to socialize. It was a long day but we learned a lot. s nice to know there are so many people wanting to help my breed. I just wish all humans were like that. Sigh!!!