posted by admin on Aug 30
This is the inspiring story of the rescue of racing greyhounds from the Island of Guam after the closing of a failed dog track. In November of ’08, when it became known that greyhound race dogs in desperate condition were roaming the island, none of us knew how many greyhounds were at risk, where they were, where they could go, or how they would get there, not to speak of, how the rescue mission would be paid for. What we did know, was that we had to find a way . . . . So volunteers with Guam Animals in Need embarked on an urgent mission to find the dozens of greyhounds who had been let loose or were living in deplorable conditions after the track “give-away adoption” program went into effect. Every greyhound that was found, nursed back to health and eventually boarded an airplane represented a monumental victory that lent continuing courage and determination for all that lay ahead. Forty-four trips to the airport (on both sides of the ocean) and nine months later, 155 Guam greyhounds embraced a new life, in a new land where each is a cherished member of a loving family. The task of rescuing, caring for and air-lifting 155 greyhounds 6000 miles and, then, securing a safe-haven on the US mainland presented enormous challenges. This video is, therefore, a tribute not only to the resilience of racing greyhounds, but also to the indomitable spirit of the people whose lives are dedicated to animal rescue. For more information visit: www.guamgreyhoundrescue.org
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@vanguardagent – Keep up the good fight. It will make a difference in the long run. – S.
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@kbsondej1 Indeed!
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@bonopublico The pleasure has been mine with Tara.She is now prone to fits of teeth chattering while having tummy rubs.She will “Roo” for dinner…Most of the time she is upside down with legs full extended. or percieving some threat in her huge back yard and “patrolling”.lol.Just a precious spoiled girl who sleeps right next to me every night…She is also Stunning physically unlike the pics in the first part of the video…Bless the rescuers ..
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@GREYHNDLOVER Well put..I am constantly arguing with people who post racing videos but claim to own rescue Greyhounds.My tara is in this video at I think 33 where she weighed 24 lbs,,,Your passion will give me the strenght to keep arguing with people on you tube..they don’t get it !
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@NEARTHEWATER – May you have many wonderful years with your greyhound. – Susan
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
What can I say? Even mild abuse makes my blood boil…. They are such gentle dogs, and as I look at my Grey, I realize how lucky I am. Many thanks to those people who went above and beyond in rescuing these poor creatures…. George
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@denhiscock – We are thrilled to know that Ranger is so appreciated. Thank you for giving him the life he deserved. – S.
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Everyone has to see this. Our dog, Ranger, is in this video and we are sooooo thankful for him each and every day! What a kind, gentle and tolerant dog he is, which is a miracle considering all he must have gone through. Our hearts go out to all of the greys featured in this video, but especially to those who weren’t. Thank you for posting this and a HUGE thank you to those involved in the rescue!!
D. Hiscock
Edmonton, Alberta
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@bonopublico Dave sent me the pics John took. Indy was written up in the SF Chronicle last week detailing his life and rescue. sfgate.com – search Pet Tales – titled Indy the Greyhound survives ‘rescue’ of doom.
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@GREYHNDLOVER . . . amen. – S
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Thank you. It was one of the highlights of my life. Guammies are in my heart forever!
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@03godiva Pat – Thanks for all your help, encouragement and support on this journey. – S.
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@fxhomie He was one of three who were discovered early by John Mottern and Dave Davis. He became a poster-child for what was going on. It’s so nice to hear that he is doing well. Many thanks. Susan
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! Heartwrenching, heartbreaking, heartwarming and ultimately so incredible. These wonderful, formerly indentured, greyhounds are now in loving hands. Thank doG for GAIN, GPL, Susan Netboy, Shirley, Dave and Noni Davis and all the other wonderful, loving beings who made this possible. Realizing that this video represents a year of incredible work, much heartbreak, and ultimate success of this beautiful effort–thank you all.
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
I really hope every person who has abused or neglected greyhounds or any animals for that matter rots in hell for all eternity. I really hope there’s a limit to what God will forgive because that would ensure these bastards will rot and burn forever. Am I vindictive? You bet I am. When it comes to animals I have a no tolerance level for any abuse or neglect. And…pro racing (don’t get that concept if you love greyhounds!) didn’t want these dogs rescued? They make me sick!
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
my hound is the fifth one shown (red fawn tied to the truck), name’s Indy. He’s happy and healthy today (lifelong teeth issues notwithstanding) living in Northern California. Thanks to GAIN and Homeward Bound for getting these Guammies into their forever homes.
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@equinepainter Yes, the rescue was regarded as controversial, but there was never any doubt in my mind that it was the right thing to do. Not only, because each of dogs deserved to live, but also because it set a standard: Racetracks far and wide were sent a message that the world was watching and that ruthless killing of race animals would bring worldwide condemnation. Thanks for your comment. – Susan
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@bonopublico Actually, Greyhound Friends for Life took in 26 of the Guammies!
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@bajudson Thanks for posting this for me, Barbara. And especially, thank you for all the adoption and financial support for the Guammies from Greyhound Friends for Life. Taking 20 of the Guam greyhounds into GFFL’s safe-haven was a truly life-saving endeavor. I will always be grateful to you and Shana for your help. Once dear Cetti gets a home, it will all be perfect. – Susan
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Mea culpa . . . Golden State Greyhound Adoption has advised me that the video lists their name as Golden Gate, not Golden State. If anyone else finds errors, please advise, I will do my best to issue corrections in the comments section as re-uploading is not allowed on YouTube. Thanks. Susan
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Thank You to all who helped to rescue these beautiful gentle dogs. The thought that these dogs were left abandoned after the Guam track closed is bone-chilling. But this is not uncommon in the life of a racing animal. They are considered expendable. Thank goodness Guam came to its senses and banned racing
And to think that some pro-racing people here were *against* rescuing these dogs, because they felt that the money should be spent on the dogs on the continental US, you can go to hell.
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@Bambi320 Thank you, Bambi for your help and support. It truly was a labor of love. – Susan
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
To see these Greyhounds as the precious creatures they are rather than seeing this as just another country’s problem truly made a world of difference to these deserving dogs. Thank God for GAIN, Susan at the GPL and all the others whose commitment, kindness and generosity made this rescue happen. The “Guamies” will be cherished by their new families, and loved by those of us who had just a small part in this labor of love.
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@kbsondej1 Kathy, I’m so glad that all of that comes through in the video. Thank you for all the fund raising you did to help make it happen. – S.
August 30th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@vanguardagent Thank you for giving Tara such a wonderful, loving home. S.