Carey Theil, executive director of GREY2K USA Worldwide, the largest greyhound protection organization in the world, and Rory Goree, who for many years ran the largest industry-funded greyhound adoption group, Greyhound Pets of America, explain how–as former enemies in the battle to end greyhound racing–they transformed into allies. 
Goree and Theil (co-author–with Christine Dorchak, GREY2K USA Worldwide’s
president and general counsel–of the just-published book, “Brooklyn Goes Home: The Rise and Fall of American Greyhound Racing and the Dog that Inspired a Movement”) recall their earliest days of becoming greyhound devotees, and the traits of these dogs they found most appealing. Turns out Theil was raised by a mother who adored dogs of all kinds, while Goree was previously more of a German Shepherd guy. With Theil drawing partly on a truncated account from the book, both men offer their perspectives on why greyhound racing became successful, and when in that rise it became apparent racing was going to be problematic (or worse) for the dogs. Goree 
weighs in, characterizing those initial years and reconstructing the unfolding battle when Theil and
others began efforts to shut down racing. Theil fleshes out that account from the standpoint of an initially-precocious, now veteran activist and political operative. Theil also outlines the saga of Brooklyn, the sweet greyhound occupying the center of the new book, whose key storylines include being born in Australia, a deeply unsuccessful career as a racer, then being consigned to what was widely considered the worst dog track in the world: Yat Yuen Canidrome in Macau, where it was not uncommon for every racing dog there to die. But Brooklyn was spared when that track was shut down, and all surviving dogs were airlifted to safety. He also had the good fortune to be adopted by Theil and Dorchak, who are married. (https://rorygoree.blogspot.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorygoree, https://www.grey2kusa.org/index.php)
ALSO: I spoke briefly with Representative Lindsay Cross (D-St. Petersburg), who joined by two colleagues, has proposed a bill—SB 272, HB 297—that allows for the discretionary appointment of a volunteer attorney, certified emeritus attorney, or certified legal intern to act as an advocate for the interests of justice in criminal cases of neglect or abuse involving a dog or cat. We discuss how Rep. Cross’s bill is intended to be a parallel to the laws permitting the appointment of guardians ad litem to protect the interests of children and other victims—but there’s no law currently in Florida for animals, who are even more hard-pressed to advocates for themselves. Based on efforts to pass a similar bill a year ago, Cross opines on what kind of resistance she and her colleagues anticipate. (https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4887)
COMEDY CORNER: Tom Shillue’s “Animal Shows” (https://www.tomshillue.com/)
MUSIC: Rebekah Pulley’s “Talking Animals Theme,” Was (Not Was)’s What Up, Dog?,” instrumentals
NAME THAT ANIMAL TUNE: The Rolling Stones’ “Monkey Man” (https://rollingstones.com/)
AUDIO ARCHIVE:
Listen Online Now:
