Racer Dog Given Another Chance At Happiness!

Dog racing, also known as greyhound racing, is the racing of greyhounds around an enclosed track where they run after an electrically controlled mechanical rabbit. The practice dates back to the early 1900s in the UK.

It arrived in the US by the 1910s and became a popular pastime. By the 1990s, certain states banned the sport due to concern over the welfare of the greyhounds. The story to follow is about a retired greyhound whose life was marked by fear, isolation, and racing. In spite of the trauma he faced, he was given a chance at peace and happiness.

Paul is a retired, brown-haired greyhound and much like his fellow greyhounds, he was reared to race. Greyhounds were formerly bred to hunt. They are the fastest breed of dog reaching a speed of over 40 miles per hour. Thousands of greyhounds are bred annually, which is more than what is needed to race; dogs that don’t meet the requirements for the industry are often disposed of in the cruelest of ways.

The dogs who do make it into the industry often live under cruel conditions, being poorly fed and kept in cramped pens for 23 hours a day. The valor of having the fastest dog is all a facade in the dog racing world, as dogs often sustain serious injury and, at worst, die during races.

When a racer dog retires, they are usually rehomed, however much of the distress they experienced may still linger. Paul’s parents Elizabeth and Holden remember the anxiety and withdrawal he showed in the earlier days of his adoption. With much patience, Paul learned that he was loved and cared for.

Now he enjoys cuddles and taking walks with his family.

Image Credit: YouTube