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Kennel Day By Larry Meiners

Recently I volunteered at a boarding kennel for Ex-Racing Greyhounds. That particular morning of my life I learned more about the greyt breed and made some new friends. Here's my story and I'm sticking to it... After a late Friday night mis-spent as usual shooting pool and drinking beer with several friends at a local saloon, I embarked on my 75 mile drive on a cool and blustery morning to a kennel that housed Ex-Racing Greyhounds for a local adoption group. My invitations to various friends to join me were dismissed so I went solo. I stopped at my favorite caffeine station and vaporized a medium size cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee loaded with yummy sugar and cream. Along ingested was a sesame bagel with egg, no cheese thank you. Bob Marley's Legend CD was cranked up on the stereo as Interstate highway miles breezed passed. This combination of fine cuisine and classic tunes always makes a long ride seem to fly by in no time. Before Bob got into Exodus for the second time this morning, I arrived at my destination. Awkwardly, I walked out of my gray-metallic gas-guzzling SUV and informed the first person I met that I was a new volunteer for the Greyhound adoption group. The middle-aged man with a farmer's tan standing in front of a white block building said to go to the back of the kennel and I would find the group assembled there. Excitement and curiosity ruled this Saturday morning. I acquired a bad case of Greyhound Fever and being in the presence of these dogs seems to be the only cure. For nine-months I lived with three Greyhounds and experienced firsthand the awesome power and vibe of these magnificent creatures. Looking into their deep brown eyes tells you that their species have lived for thousands of years and will teach you great things if you are willing to free your mind. Living with Greyhounds is an experience I recommend to everyone with a heart and soul in good working order. Maybe you'll see the light and stand up for Greyhound's rights. Walking back through the kennel I saw many open-air cages filled with curious Greyhounds and dog-doors leading to several open grassy areas outside the cider-block walls. All the dogs lined up line prisoners along the rows of steel bars eyeing me as I walked along the aisle toward the large hospital-like metal gray door leading into the middle of the building. This middle segment of the building housed double-decker cages filled with Greyhounds. The tags on the cages indicated these were active racers being boarded for their owners convenience. Another large steel door led to the back of the kennel with more double-stacked cages filled with Ex-Racers. A lady was relaying orders in the middle of the room to several people so I introduced myself to her and asked how I could help. She said to take the Greyhound on the leash she handed me and give it a bath because a foster household would soon be taking this dog home. She walked to the front of the cinder-block building and picked up the 70+ pound dog and deposited him in the double-basin sink for bathing. Soon myself and the foster mom were bathing this beautiful dog who allowed both of us to scrub him clean and never uttered as much as a whimper. He stood motionless during the whole ordeal. Some people think Greyhounds are hyper all the time but that is far from the truth. Actually, they sleep a lot. After drying-off this large male Greyhound, the lady in charge picked-up the dog again and deposited him on his side atop a four-foot high table. Most dogs at this point would either bite you, cry bloody murder or scamper off the table and head out of the nearest door. She instructed us to hold the dog and she proceeded to remove his private-parts stitches (Ex-Racing Greyhounds are fixed before they adopted). The dog was calm and quiet. Finally, he was on his way to his new, temporary home. Most adopted Greyhounds are placed in a foster home for a week or several weeks to acclimate them to life outside the kennel environment. Another foster pick-up and another bath. Then it was exercise time for the Greyhounds. All the volunteers were asked to walk the dogs housed in this rear area that were up for adoption or adopted but not yet sent to a foster home for transitional training. All the dogs wanted to go out for a walk or to be let loose in the fenced play pen. I think I had as much fun as they did, running around like a crazy man as they chased me or chased each other. Finally it was treat time and all the dogs were given multi-colored dog-bone shaped cookies. I slipped a few extra cookies to my favorite hounds. Then it was time to say good-bye (the hard part). I liked all the dogs but really liked a couple and I'm looking forward to the next kennel day to see them again. If you are interested in these wonderful dogs or are interested in adopting, please check for local adoption groups near you. Many groups have Meet N' Greets at local pet stores to show-off these cool dogs to the public and people can talk to current owners and even submit applications. If you have the time, these groups need volunteers as well. Also, if you have items of value around the house to donate, many of these groups auction donated items to raise money for the care and housing of Ex-Racers. Some of these groups have large vet bills because they receive injured Greyhounds with medical and surgical needs. I hoped you liked my story and have a greyt day! Copyright © 2003 Larry Meiners All Rights Reserved