On July 20, 2018 the (Yat Yuen) Canidrome greyhound race track closed down for good after 63 years of operation leaving 533 greyhounds to be adopted into loving homes around the world, locally and in Hong Kong.
Sadly, in the years since many have died of old age, cancers or did not make it after operations to be desexed or having teeth extractions because of the awful state their teeth were in. One Fancy Fay even died at the airport on arrival in the US.
Over the years this reporter has been in constant contact with many adopters in Australia, Italy, Switzerland, the UK and the US and knows how happy the greyhounds are or had been in their new homes.
This article will probably be one of the last I write about the Macau greys as the adopters I have spoken to say that their greyhounds are getting old and have health problems so probably will not be around much longer.
Chowder was adopted by Ron and Pat Mitala in December 2018 from the National Greyhound Association in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In an email sent to me, Ron said, “Since she was never exposed to home living, we initially did not know what to expect. However, Chowder quickly adapted to home living with various hazards (glass, steps, kitchens, etc.) and got to love her new family. Since we lived in a condo, she enjoyed being taken for walks around the community and greeting all the neighbours, especially the young children. We also had a house at the shore and Chowder enjoyed the car rides.
“Four years ago, we moved to a senior community and she has adjusted beautifully. There are about 7-8 staff and residents who routinely give her treats and a couple who give her their dinner leftovers. Chowder seeks out the other residents and, if she doesn’t see her friends in the lobby, she will search them out”.
Chowder was 14-years old last month and Ron said, “She is having problems with her hind legs and is on an anti-inflammatory medicine. However, she gets around very well and ‘forgets’ her age as she trots over to a friend. As Pat and I look back, Chowder has significantly enriched our lives and is definitely part of our family!!”
Stuart Bierkamp and Rich Oster of Michigan adopted Xena Warrior Princess, and Bierkamp said in an email, “Our beautiful girl, came from Macau and when the local government closed the Canidrome racetrack she was one of 500 hundred + Greyhounds needing a forever home. We were so blessed to receive one of them.
“Her race name was Wins Power 4 and that was really difficult for us to call her. So, we decided she would be forever known as Xena the Warrior Princess in reference to the life she endured as a racer.
“She’s been so happy here ever since not having to worry about anything but, being in a LOVING HOME. She loves WATER, going for walks, car rides and just chilling and relaxing, we have been very blessed to have her adopt us as her parents She has slowed down quite a bit nowadays. She was born on May 17, 2012 and is now 13.
“Originally five dogs came to Michigan from Macau and she is one of the two remaining dogs still [alive] with us”.
Nancy Ann and Michael Jones of Ohio adopted Sebastian, one of the puppies born at the Canidrome before it closed. Jones said in a social media message, “Sebastian adapted quickly to his forever home which he shares with Oscar (cat), Sophia (another greyhound), and for far too short a time, Hugo (Galgo) who recently passed away.
“Like his adopted siblings Sophie and Hugo, he never required a crate. He much prefers lounging on the sofa or in the people bed when not busy patrolling the back yard (he has an unfortunate affinity for hunting skunks).
“He loves walks through our neighbourhood and hiking in the national parks. He’s particularly fond of running water and small waterfalls, though he prefers to stay in the shallower areas. He has some arthritis and joint pain, so his walks and hikes have a little shorter, but he loves exploring just the same.
“He’s never met a person he didn’t like, but he’s not fond of poodles. As a matter of fact, he has more friends than I do. Everyone in the neighbourhood knows him by name. One neighbour even keeps a cooler full of hotdogs on his porch to share with him.
“He belts out a unique roo* that has earned him the nickname Rooster whenever he sees one of his many friends, gets excited, or when I take too long getting ready to take him on an outing. He’s highly food motivated and loves ice cream and peanut butter”.
*According to https://www.dogster.com, “Rooing” is a mix between a howl and singing. Some greyhounds do this a lot and are very good at it. Others? Not so much. Many greyhounds sound like they’re singing “real” songs with on-tune notes and melodies. Others produce high-pitched squeals that definitely make you wish rooing wasn’t a thing.
As the adopters have written so much about the joys of having a Macau greyhound I have let them tell their stories and will be adding another article next week.
Every single adopter has said how special all the Macau greys are that they are thankful for having them in their lives.
Chowder
Sebastian
Xena Warrior Princess
Photos courtesy adopters
