A Happy Greyhound’s Story

Written for ‘Shadow’

By Gaylene Humby

In August month, two thousand and five

I thought like many others, I’d met my demise…

For my racing was over, my legs were so sore

And my owner refused to feed me anymore.

She said I was useless, no good for the track

Because my speed on the course was starting to lack

She pulled me off quick and pushed me in my crate

And all I could think was ‘Now it’s too late.’

I squirmed and I fussed, I barked a great deal

Wondered if I was dreaming or if this was real

I lay in my crate so cold and so weary

‘Why must greyhounds’ lives be so bleak and dreary?’

They loaded my crate in a big transport truck

With so many other dogs that were down on their luck

I lay there so scared, so docile and shy,

My heart was just breaking, I wanted to cry.

‘But I’m still so young, so much life left to live,

I have so much love I’m so longing to give.

I pleaded and pleaded as on the truck rolled

I wondered how people could be so mean, harsh and cold.

When the truck finally slowed and came to a halt

I just told myself, ‘It’s all your own fault…

You slowed down too fast, you should have kept on trying

You could still be on the track, instead of here, crying.

But to my surprise, when the loading door opened

We weren’t at the vet – no, it’s just what I was hoping!

We had finally arrived at a nice friendly place

It was for Greyhound Adoption – AFTER the races!!

I felt so lucky to have made it this far

So glad I’d made a wish on that one shooting star

I’ll rest here a while, a few days in this pound

Until they find a good home for this retired greyhound.

It wasn’t long after I’d arrived in this place

That a warm greyhound smile showed up on my face

An application came in – someone wanted a hound

I was so very happy, a home I had found!

I got in my crate – somewhat hesitant

(I hate it in there – never sure what it meant)

They put me on board a Canjet Airplane

Flew me to Newfoundland, my new home to gain!

When I arrived, I was completely exhausted

But my new family was waiting and boy, they were excited!

We got in the car after they’d signed off some papers

Now it’s official – I AM AN EX-RACER!!

On the drive home to Mount Pearl, I could hardly believe

I had a family to love me, I was so very relieved.

My dreams had come true, no more life at the races

All I need now is my family’s warm faces.

I have such a grey’t life now, I live like a king

I have the life I just dreamed of, I have everything.

I sleep on the bed and I watch the T.V.

I eat peanut butter on toast, this is the best life for me!

I share the house with a cat, she’s not fond of me though

But that’s okay too, I wouldn’t hurt her you know…

She’s a nice little cat, she drinks from my bowl,

And I eat her leftovers – everyday – that’s my goal!

Lots of times I can go in the car for a ride

All around town, see the sights city-wide

I walk around Kent, I put on a real show

I’m a supporter of Greyhound Adoption you know!

Eternally grateful…that’s just how we feel

For all the ‘grey’t’ people who care a ‘grey’t’ deal

Who’ve opened their hearts to us poor homeless hounds

And gives us love and compassion in unending bounds.

So to all of you out there trying to contemplate

Adopting a greyhound, it’s NEVER too late!

There are hundreds and hundreds and thousands of hounds,

Just waiting to hear that more homes have been found.

*Save a life – Adopt a Greyhound*