Greyhound Nation

Episode 7 - Recorded October 8, 2020

"If any of you are interested, Lucy is racing tonight at Palm Beach Kennel Club -- race 15, box 8. You can watch it live on the feed!"Lynn Bunn, via Facebook Messenger

Show Notes

It's just before 9pm on Friday, October 9, 2020. From her home in Galveston, Texas, Lynn Bunn (Fast Canines Greyhound Adoption) is glued to Internet live streams. She's not watching news about Hurricane Delta, COVID-19 or the 2020 election.

She's waiting for her racing Greyhound to head to the box at the Palm Beach Kennel Club (PBKC).

Lynn is one of a growing number of Greyhound adopters to dip their toes in the waters of racing Greyhound ownership. Her Greyhound -- Lucy, aka KB's Lookin Good -- has a good start at PBKC but gets bumped in the first turn. She closes late on the inside and manages a 5th place finish.

"She is learning how to navigate -- that was her 20th race," remarks Lynn.

Her optimism for the breed is shared with other Greyhound adopters turned racing owners, like Patti Kacer (Greyhounds as Pets of Northeast FL) of Jacksonville, Florida and Dr. Jennifer Ng (Greyhounds Crossroads and Greyhound Adopters for Racing), a veterinarian from Columbia, South Carolina. Each of them has a story to tell about how Greyhound adoption grew into racing Greyhound ownership.

Patti comments, "That's the hardest turn on the track. Any track."

In this episode of Greyhound Nation, host John Parker joins Lynn, Patti and Jennifer in a roundtable discussion about the ins and outs of racing Greyhound ownership. Topics include finding the right investment partner, the cost of training and kenneling, and that moment when your very own Greyhound takes 1st place at the track.

Links

Fast Canines Greyhound Adoption (Lynn Bunn, volunteer)Greyhounds as Pets of Northeast FL (Patti Kacer, adoption coordinator)Greyhound Crossroads (Jennifer Ng, volunteer)Greyhound Adopters for Racing (Jennifer Ng, president)KB's Lookin Good - October 9 - 5th Place Finish (Lynn Bunn, owner)KB's Lookin Good - October 13 - 1st Place Finish (Lynn Bunn, owner)

Episode 7 - Recorded October 8, 2020

"If any of you are interested, Lucy is racing tonight at Palm Beach Kennel Club -- race 15, box 8. You can watch it live on the feed!"Lynn Bunn, via Facebook Messenger

Show Notes

It's just before 9pm on Friday, October 9, 2020. From her home in Galveston, Texas, Lynn Bunn (Fast Canines Greyhound Adoption) is glued to Internet live streams. She's not watching news about Hurricane Delta, COVID-19 or the 2020 election.

She's waiting for her racing Greyhound to head to the box at the Palm Beach Kennel Club (PBKC).

Lynn is one of a growing number of Greyhound adopters to dip their toes in the waters of racing Greyhound ownership. Her Greyhound -- Lucy, aka KB's Lookin Good -- has a good start at PBKC but gets bumped in the first turn. She closes late on the inside and manages a 5th place finish.

"She is learning how to navigate -- that was her 20th race," remarks Lynn.

Her optimism for the breed is shared with other Greyhound adopters turned racing owners, like Patti Kacer (Greyhounds as Pets of Northeast FL) of Jacksonville, Florida and Dr. Jennifer Ng (Greyhounds Crossroads and Greyhound Adopters for Racing), a veterinarian from Columbia, South Carolina. Each of them has a story to tell about how Greyhound adoption grew into racing Greyhound ownership.

Patti comments, "That's the hardest turn on the track. Any track."

In this episode of Greyhound Nation, host John Parker joins Lynn, Patti and Jennifer in a roundtable discussion about the ins and outs of racing Greyhound ownership. Topics include finding the right investment partner, the cost of training and kenneling, and that moment when your very own Greyhound takes 1st place at the track.

Links

Fast Canines Greyhound Adoption (Lynn Bunn, volunteer)Greyhounds as Pets of Northeast FL (Patti Kacer, adoption coordinator)Greyhound Crossroads (Jennifer Ng, volunteer)Greyhound Adopters for Racing (Jennifer Ng, president)KB's Lookin Good - October 9 - 5th Place Finish (Lynn Bunn, owner)KB's Lookin Good - October 13 - 1st Place Finish (Lynn Bunn, owner)

Episode 6 - Recorded September 24, 2020

"It's kind of in between a kennel and a home...so you really have a feel that they're at home...it's not your typical kennel."Viara Gentchev

Show Notes

Viara Gentchev is a breeder and operator of a new retired racing Greyhound care center -- a "halfway house" concept pioneered by Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI, formerly the Irish Greyhound Board) and the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT). Greyhound care centers are just one of the innovative ways that the IRGT helps transition retired racers from the track to a new life with a new family.

Viara works closely with Barry Coleman and Joanna Murray of GRI, the governing body of Irish Greyhound racing. Barry serves as GRI's racing operations manager, and Joanna serves as GRI's welfare officer. Together, they're raising awareness of Greyhound adoption in Ireland, the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

Collectively, their mission is to change the perception of the Greyhound as a racer and pet in Ireland. Care centers are just one of the ways that GRI helps to educate the public about Greyhounds as pets. GRI also provides funding for and enforcement of the proper care of Greyhounds in the country.

In Greyhound Nation's second roundtable discussion, host John Parker discusses Irish Greyhound rehoming with Barry, Joanna and Viara. How does it compare with adoption groups in the United States? What efforts are made to expose the public to retired racers? How is the IRGT partnering with Greyhounds Pets of America to bring Irish Greyhounds to the United States?

Links

Greyhound Racing IrelandIrish Racing Greyhound TrustIrish Racing Greyhound Trust (Facebook)

Episode 6 - Recorded September 24, 2020

"It's kind of in between a kennel and a home...so you really have a feel that they're at home...it's not your typical kennel."Viara Gentchev

Show Notes

Viara Gentchev is a breeder and operator of a new retired racing Greyhound care center -- a "halfway house" concept pioneered by Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI, formerly the Irish Greyhound Board) and the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT). Greyhound care centers are just one of the innovative ways that the IRGT helps transition retired racers from the track to a new life with a new family.

Viara works closely with Barry Coleman and Joanna Murray of GRI, the governing body of Irish Greyhound racing. Barry serves as GRI's racing operations manager, and Joanna serves as GRI's welfare officer. Together, they're raising awareness of Greyhound adoption in Ireland, the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

Collectively, their mission is to change the perception of the Greyhound as a racer and pet in Ireland. Care centers are just one of the ways that GRI helps to educate the public about Greyhounds as pets. GRI also provides funding for and enforcement of the proper care of Greyhounds in the country.

In Greyhound Nation's second roundtable discussion, host John Parker discusses Irish Greyhound rehoming with Barry, Joanna and Viara. How does it compare with adoption groups in the United States? What efforts are made to expose the public to retired racers? How is the IRGT partnering with Greyhounds Pets of America to bring Irish Greyhounds to the United States?

Links

Greyhound Racing IrelandIrish Racing Greyhound TrustIrish Racing Greyhound Trust (Facebook)

Episode 5 - Recorded September 7, 2020

"There is a growing community of responsible hobbyist Greyhound breeders … [who will] be of increasing importance as both sources for pets and amateur sporting Greyhounds and for the preservation of the American racing bloodlines."John Parker

Show Notes

In 2021, fewer than five Greyhound race tracks will remain open in the United States. Even as the population of available former racers dwindles, the interest in Greyhounds as pets and sporting dogs remains high. The result can be long wait times or even outright disappointment for potential adopters.

Enter the hobbyist Greyhound breeder. Located throughout the country, these individuals and the puppies they breed from racing and coursing bloodlines are increasingly important as former racing Greyhounds become scarce. It’s a chance for the breed — especially American racing bloodlines — to continue to prosper as the American racing industry declines.

What drives someone to start breeding Greyhounds? Are the puppies destined to be pets or amateur racers? Does color matter? What’s expected of a potential buyer? Are you the right person for this puppy? Are you willing to build a relationship with the breeder?

In Greyhound Nation's first roundtable discussion episode, host John Parker welcomes three hobbyist breeders to the show — Melissa Schmidt, Audrey Hsia and Diana Pickering — to explore these questions and more. John also shares with listeners his own experiences as a hobbyist breeder.

Links

Stout Hearted Hounds, Audrey HsiaHarvest Moon Greyhounds, Melissa Schmidt (Facebook)Pacific Greyhound Kennel, Diana Pickering

Episode 5 - Recorded September 7, 2020

"There is a growing community of responsible hobbyist Greyhound breeders … [who will] be of increasing importance as both sources for pets and amateur sporting Greyhounds and for the preservation of the American racing bloodlines."John Parker

Show Notes

In 2021, fewer than five Greyhound race tracks will remain open in the United States. Even as the population of available former racers dwindles, the interest in Greyhounds as pets and sporting dogs remains high. The result can be long wait times or even outright disappointment for potential adopters.

Enter the hobbyist Greyhound breeder. Located throughout the country, these individuals and the puppies they breed from racing and coursing bloodlines are increasingly important as former racing Greyhounds become scarce. It’s a chance for the breed — especially American racing bloodlines — to continue to prosper as the American racing industry declines.

What drives someone to start breeding Greyhounds? Are the puppies destined to be pets or amateur racers? Does color matter? What’s expected of a potential buyer? Are you the right person for this puppy? Are you willing to build a relationship with the breeder?

In Greyhound Nation's first roundtable discussion episode, host John Parker welcomes three hobbyist breeders to the show — Melissa Schmidt, Audrey Hsia and Diana Pickering — to explore these questions and more. John also shares with listeners his own experiences as a hobbyist breeder.

Links

Stout Hearted Hounds, Audrey HsiaHarvest Moon Greyhounds, Melissa Schmidt (Facebook)Pacific Greyhound Kennel, Diana Pickering

Episode 4 - Recorded August 28, 2020

"If you wanted to have a great life in Greyhounds, you couldn't do much better than what Charlie has done…"John Parker

Show Notes

Charlie Blanning has, indeed, lived the Greyhound enthusiast’s life. His father and grandfather bred, raced and coursed Greyhounds. Charlie spent his childhood years playing with Greyhound puppies and attending races and coursing meetings.

Charlie would funnel that experience into a Greyhound sport writing career, contributing to various sport publications as a coursing correspondent, starting in the 1970s. He’s spent over 40 years writing on Greyhound sport, and currently writes a monthly column for The Sporting Press, the Irish Greyhound publication. For many years, he was secretary of the National Coursing Club and keeper of the Greyhound Stud Book of England.

His magnum opus on the Greyhound breed and its history — The Greyhound and the Hare — was published in 2018. His next book — Please Mister: The Golden Age of Greyhound Racing — will be published in December 2020.

In this episode's interview, host John Parker and Charlie discuss the history of Greyhound coursing through the ages -- from the sport of Elizabethan nobles to the more accessible and widely popular Waterloo Cup of the 19th century. Charlie also shares some anecdotes from a childhood spent with Greyhounds.

Links

The Greyhound and the Hare (Facebook)

Episode 4 - Recorded August 28, 2020

"If you wanted to have a great life in Greyhounds, you couldn't do much better than what Charlie has done…"John Parker

Show Notes

Charlie Blanning has, indeed, lived the Greyhound enthusiast’s life. His father and grandfather bred, raced and coursed Greyhounds. Charlie spent his childhood years playing with Greyhound puppies and attending races and coursing meetings.

Charlie would funnel that experience into a Greyhound sport writing career, contributing to various sport publications as a coursing correspondent, starting in the 1970s. He’s spent over 40 years writing on Greyhound sport, and currently writes a monthly column for The Sporting Press, the Irish Greyhound publication. For many years, he was secretary of the National Coursing Club and keeper of the Greyhound Stud Book of England.

His magnum opus on the Greyhound breed and its history — The Greyhound and the Hare — was published in 2018. His next book — Please Mister: The Golden Age of Greyhound Racing — will be published in December 2020.

In this episode's interview, host John Parker and Charlie discuss the history of Greyhound coursing through the ages -- from the sport of Elizabethan nobles to the more accessible and widely popular Waterloo Cup of the 19th century. Charlie also shares some anecdotes from a childhood spent with Greyhounds.

Links

The Greyhound and the Hare (Facebook)

Episode 3 - Recorded July 14, 2020

"Who's going to see the entertainment value of our dogs going at 45mph at peak performance and seeing that excitement?"Laird Morgan

Show Notes

Laird Morgan -- Texas attorney and advocate for the breed -- is always thinking about the possibilities for the American Greyhound racing sport.

He acquired his first pet Greyhound through a racing kennel in 2007 rather than the traditional adoption group. Hooked by the racing and track experience, he co-founded United Greyhound Racing in 2011.

Through his organization, Laird serves as an advocate for the racing industry, lure coursing and Greyhound adoption. Initiatives include the Greyhound Racing National Championship and connecting racing trainers with adopters.

Greyhound Nation host, John Parker, and Laird discuss the current state of Greyhound racing in the United States, the future of the sport, and Laird's involvement with the Texas Greyhound Association.

Links

United Greyhound Racing (Facebook)Texas Greyhound Association

Episode 3 - Recorded July 14, 2020

"Who's going to see the entertainment value of our dogs going at 45mph at peak performance and seeing that excitement?"Laird Morgan

Show Notes

Laird Morgan -- Texas attorney and advocate for the breed -- is always thinking about the possibilities for the American Greyhound racing sport.

He acquired his first pet Greyhound through a racing kennel in 2007 rather than the traditional adoption group. Hooked by the racing and track experience, he co-founded United Greyhound Racing in 2011.

Through his organization, Laird serves as an advocate for the racing industry, lure coursing and Greyhound adoption. Initiatives include the Greyhound Racing National Championship and connecting racing trainers with adopters.

Greyhound Nation host, John Parker, and Laird discuss the current state of Greyhound racing in the United States, the future of the sport, and Laird's involvement with the Texas Greyhound Association.

Links

United Greyhound Racing (Facebook)Texas Greyhound Association