Shirley Smith drew this cartoon as her vision of herself if she were a greyhound.
Shirley is founder and President of Greyhound Rescue of Quebec
My Week as a Kennel Helper 2005
By Shirley Smith
When I was first approached in regards to being a kennel helper for a week, I thought to myself, “Hey Piece Of Cake”! What can be so hard about picking up some poop, I do it for my own greyhound every day! So how could I possibly refuse such an offer?
Well let me tell you, I have never picked up so much poop in my life, nor have I ever learned so much about greyhounds in seven short days! I also have a new found appreciation for those who look after these “greyt” animals before we even have the chance to care for them in our homes. My trainer Casey O’Neil was very patient with me as he “attempted” to teach me the ropes during those seven days. Thankfully he had the patience of a saint!!
What surprised me the most was how hard a kennel worker’s job is. How they know each and every greyhound by name and how the kennel worker interacts with each greyhound on a one to one basis. The greyhound depends on this person to care for him on a daily basis and a kennel worker is basically there for the greyhound 24/7.
My day as a kennel worker began at 6:30 am for first turnout, and from that point on it was non-stop till ten or later each evening. Greyhounds are muzzled for each turnout and males and females placed into separate areas. So with 110 greyhounds to tend to, it definitely takes up a good part of the day.
It between each turnout there is of course the sweeping of floors and the fluffing or changing of paper as required in each crate. Breakfast consists of meat, kibble, and a stew of lamb and vegetables and is normally “served” around 10:00 am. Each portion is individually weighed in accordance to the greyhounds racing weight. A greyhound is checked daily for injuries, nails clipped when required and minor injuries treated. Greyhounds slotted to race are given massages which they truly seem to enjoy, if you listen, you can actually hear sighs of contentment! These were just some of my daily tasks. During each turnout you are watching for signs of limping or for changes in stools, these changes are recorded and medication given where necessary.
Also filling in your days are the “Morning Schoolings” or “Official Schoolings”.
Morning Schoolings are more of an exercise program, here the greyhounds get to run in fun, some even trying to run the wrong way!! Official Schoolings are performed in the same manner as an actual race. Greyhounds are weighed and their ear tattoos recorded by track officials. Greyhounds also don their racing jackets and are led around the track by Lead-Ins. The greyhound is then placed into his designated starting box and runs the required race distance. After each race the greyhound is checked for injuries and cooled down before being returned to their compound where they will be turned-out, fed and turned-out once again.
One would think that letting a greyhound out of a crate would simply mean opening the door, or at least that is what I thought!! There is truly a skill involved in letting a greyhound out of his/her crate properly to avoid injuries. Thankfully my trainer was patient as he tried over, and over again, to enlighten me on how not to “strangle” his poor greys!!
Placing a greyhound back into his cage once again should be a trouble-free task!! But once again I was mistaken. When you have a maze of excited greyhounds waiting to be put back into their crates, they somehow all begin to look the same, brindles are brindle, and reds are red etc. So I would constantly find myself asking Casey where a particular greyhound was in the cluster. After two days of asking, it became very apparent that these greyhounds were way smarter than their trainee!! These smart little cookies would actually come in from turn-out and stand in front of their own crates, they would then look up at me as if to say, “here I am, looks like you need help!!!!
After spending seven days with over 100 greyhounds I have only been reminded once again just how totally amazing these animals are, and to all the other rescue groups out there, please keep doing the great work you do, for greyhounds truly are a breed apart.
My seven days spend as a Kennel Helper will remain with me forever, it has been an incredible journey! My special thanks to William O’Donnell Sr. for sharing with me his kennel and his wonderful greyhounds. My seven days spent as a Kennel Helper has provided me with the most wonderful learning experience possible. It was a one week crash course, but I have memories to last a life time, and a deep respect for the people that welcomed me into their world. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who went that little extra to make me feel welcomed. Thank You.
Shirley Smith is the Founder/President of Greyhound Rescue Quebec. Since its inception in 2002 Greyhound Rescue Quebec has placed 182 happy greyhounds. Prior to this Shirley was a volunteer for three years with another rescue group.