HOME | DD
FreeMeadows — Running Out of Hope
Published: 2005-07-20 01:50:36 +0000 UTC; Views: 1752; Favourites: 60; Downloads: 41
Redirect to original
Description
"The future will be molded by those who break the bonds of silence."This painting is of a racing greyhound. Today--and almost every day--100 greyhounds will be put to death because they did not run fast enough to earn big money at racetracks. I absolutly adore Greyhounds, and I want to rescue one someday. They were once the favorite breed of Egyptian Pharohs, and have even been mummified. They're the only breed of dog mentioned in the Bible. Kind of a noble breed to be euthanizing by the thousands because they finish a race a half-second too slow, no?
This painting is my expression of sadness and hopefully a small voice for these sweet dogs.
See www.greyhounds.org for more info-Note: some of the cruelty pics are a bit graphic on this site, so view w/ caution
A "nicer" site is www.greyhoundmuses.com .
Oil on Canvas
2004
Related content
Comments: 84
If you end racing you end the breed. Most AKC breeds are ruined. Look at the German Shepard. Instead promote laws that are stricter in enforcing placement for greyhounds. All greyhound kennels in the United States now are required to be tethered to a group that takes in the dogs after their careers are over. If the kennel cannot prove it has homes for the dogs, the kennel cannot race. Greyhounds have 91% adoption rate the other 8% are used for breeding. That's a higher adoption rate than PETA's shelters.
Many people are only willing to see the negativity, instead we need to promote positive change and not by banning but by reforming. In twenty years, the racing industry has done a 180 on its treatment of animals and it will continue to improve as long as the public supports positive change. I don't advocate racing, I don't bet or gamble. But I am a strong advocate for a strong healthy breed and the AKC is destroying several breeds because of conformation rather than performance.
Don't ban the industry just yet. They are changing. And they can continue to change. Some kennel owners truly love these dogs. We see several of them and trainers at the adoption group events. People like them with public support can really do wonderful things for the dogs and the sport.
The past was terrible. But that was the past. The present is much better than people want to see because people love negativity. But the future can be so bright if we give the support they need.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I totally agree with you about the AKC. German shepherds that can't walk, Bulldogs that can't breathe, Cocker Spaniels that can't hunt, etc etc. Dog shows were supposed to ensure each breed conforms to a standard, but instead they showcased a single trait--looks, and ignored the function of the dogs. But I do disagree that ending racing has to necessarily end the breed, as lure coursing and other not-for-profit racing could preserve the working nature of the greyhound.
I also agree with you that the industry is changing, and I am happy for these changes. (I have to argue with your figures though... 90% adoption is the rate claimed by GRA, which includes dogs used for breeding. That means 10% euthanasia rate. Plus, the 90% only covers REGISTERED dogs. Many pups are never registered with NGA at all).
The problem with racing is that even those that love their hounds have to make a living. They have to feed their families, and I respect that, I just have a problem with making a living off dog racing. There are other ways to make money in this world. No matter how hard the industry tries to be humane, if push comes to shove--and the owners have to choose food on their own tables or flea control for their hounds--they're going to choose food on their own table every time. In order to turn a profit, they have to cut costs in some places. The dogs just don't get the TLC that I feel a dog deserves and that sucks in my opinion. They probably get better care than a lot of breeding farms, hunting outfits, etc...but still sub par IMHO. You have to understand where I am coming from too...being a vet I see all the Oops's and sad stories. The ones with every rib jutting out, the ones infested with fleas and ticks, teeth rotting out of their heads, bones broken, fur worn off from long term crating, pressure sores from muzzling, female dogs growing male parts from steroid use etc etc. I know for every broken-down hound I treat there are probably 100 well cared for ones, but I'm the one who has to look the broken ones in the eye and say "yep, my species did this to you. Sorry for your trouble, but give me your paw now so I can put you to sleep in return for your hard work."
PETA's shelters...ha, I hear ya there. 91% EUTHANASIA rate maybe. That organization has done more to damage animal welfare than every racing track in this country ever thought of.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
A beautifully heartbreaking portrait, very moving. I can't stand dog racing. I mean, they're dogs! The Greyhound breed may be bred to run and have great speed, but they do NOT belong on a racetrack...
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
This is so powerful, you have really captured the sadness in his eyes
Beautiful painting, I wish I was as talented
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Aww...thank you so much
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
The dog reminds me of a marble statue. ^^ I love greyhounds. To me, they've always seemed very elegant in appearance. It's too bad that others don't see them as animals, much less beautiful ones.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Beautiful...you have bee Featured in Spotlight
[link]
Thank you for sharing your wonderful artwork.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Aw, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I've said it before and I have to say it again...I truly admire your work, talent and dedication. I enjoy your work tremendously and agree with your sentiments exactly.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
What an awful pun. 
I wish these dogs were still reserved for nobility.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
i surport greyhounds the deserve a better life i find this piece very meaningfull ^^
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you very much. (and the greyhounds thank you too!)
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
oh no! *hands tissue*
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
i can't wait 'til i'm 18 to adopt one <3
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Yay for you!! I STILL don't have one, but my husband and I are looking to adopt soon. Just be careful when you do adopt--in my search for a grey, I have found a lot of rescue groups that actually promote racing...kind of doesn't make a lot of sense, but they do it. There are also some that take a neutral stance, and then my favorite--the ones that actually try to end racing.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
well i alreay found one slovenian side for adoption (: and a friend of mine already adopted one tere and she is more than satisfied
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
That is good!
Blessings in your quest for a greyhound!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I read about it in Polish dogs' magazine.
People are terrible...
great painting (;
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Wow, amazing picture. ~ <3
I'm gonna 
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
God, that made me sad...it makes me think about what would have happened to my dogs if we hadn`t rescued THEM...I was fortunate enough to rescue a total of five in my lifetime, and I have two living with me now who I love very dearly. They really are sweet dogs.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
O wow, awesome for you!!! Are they greys?
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Yeah. :3 My family`s been rescuing them since I was in kindergarten. And I`m a high school sophomore now.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
A truly beautiful portrait of a noble breed.And you captured a special part of this lovely breed. Having owned and bred greyhounds and been a part of greyhound rescue for many years I can empathize with your feelings on track greys, but know that many of them are now living wonderful lives thanks to rescue groups around the country. Great work. I absolutely love it.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Yes, I should say more on the happy side...I am amazed and pleased with all the endless, wonderful work that rescue groups accomplish.
Thank you
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I really love the title on this. I'm going to be putting up a website called helpthehounds.com over the next week or so, and I'd love to feature your art on the site 
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thanks..!
I would be honored if you used my art on your site.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I love greyhounds. 
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Aww..thank you. Yeh, I can't wait to adopt one someday...they are so wonderful.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
beautiful picture, its got so much emotion in it.
one dog i met will always stick in my mind, me was a greyhound called Bob and he had a scar right the way across his neck where his racing owners had slit his throat and dumped him. he was in a greyhound rescue stand at a show
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
thank you, it means a lot.
that is so sad about the g-hound you saw...people are sick.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I seriouosly dont understand how someone can look a dog In the eye's n do such a thing>>I love my dobie n I'd give anything just to know that he's safe>>thery are not just dogs..I beleave that they are here for a reason..I beleave that the are our gaurdians..n that they are here to comfort us when we need it...N protect us when we are not so wise...N thats whey there called mans best friend..n they deserve respect>'cause they have feeling too>>i like your picture I think it expresses the sadness very well.n it captures the emotion perfectly
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you...that is very touching.
👍: 0 ⏩: 2
Yep, its paint.
Thank you so much for sharing your feelings
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
thank you>Im sorry about misspelling all that stuff>It just made me very angry to here what they do to them poor dogs>N it still makes me very angry that some people in this world have no respect for anyone not even there own pets..all life is anymore is money,Cash n fame..N It's ridiculious.
But I still think your picture is great..Did u use paint?^^
Thanks so much for your time,
Ashlee
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Fantastic painting, a really powerful and yet sad image.
Greyhounds are such friendly, gentel dogs and certainly don't deserve the cruel treatment that many of them suffer.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
| Next =>