Product Description
An authoritative guide on the special needs of these retirees.

Is there life after retirement? Absolutely, for these lucky dogs. More than 18,000 Greyhounds are adopted every year. This handy reference puts you on the fast track to finding an adoption group, selecting the right dog, and more.

• Offers tips on how to train Greyhounds in household manners
• Informs about common illnesses and chronic health problems found in the breed
• Covers Greyhound history

Customer Reviews (64)

Love--for Real: a comprehensive guide on the ownership of retired racing greyhounds
comprehensive, yet interesting--a very honest and informative guide for the retired racing greyhound owner (or potential owner).

Should You and How to Raise a Needlenose
Adopting a rescue Greyhound after the conclusion of its career on the track is not like adopting any other kind of dog, we're told.I don't personally know how true that is; it's been ages--since I was a child--that I've had a dog.But it makes sense: the Greyhound has lived its youth and often much of its adult life in a racing environment, and is used to calling a crate home, living mostly with other dogs in a track kennel, and having periodic short bursts of activity.Bringing an animal from that environment into a home, where it will live intimately with people and have to learn manners, must be significantly different from raising a dog that's always lived in a house.Knowing whether one is ready for that challenge and, having decided one is ready, how to do it is the purpose of Lee Livingood's RETIRED RACING GREYHOUNDS FOR DUMMIES.

Livingood's book covers the following topics in some depth: (a) whether a retired racing Greyhound is the right dog for one's life situation, (b) preparing one's home for a Greyhound, (c) basic training ("click-and-treat approach), (d) grooming, feeding and keeping your dog healthy, (e) dealing with health emergencies and end of life matters, and (f) traveling with your Greyhound.The book mentions dealing with behavioral issues, and the challenge of raising a needlenose in an environment with young children, but does not go into any great depth on those topics.The prospective adopter will need to seek other resources to supplement the information here; the author provides some print and multimedia resources in the back of the book.(Curiously, Livingood doesn't list other books on raising Greyhounds.)Livingood does a great job inspiring the prospective adopter with the joys of raising a Greyhound without overselling the idea; the Greyhound is not the best breed choice (nor is a dog the best pet) for all individuals and families and in all situations.

What RETIRED RACING GREYHOUNDS FOR DUMMIES lacks are handy checklists.I would have appreciated checklists for, for instance, (1) what to buy before your Greyhound's arrival, (2) skills your dog should acquire and the steps in training her, and (3) health and general grooming procedures.These are topics covered in the text, but checklists in the back matter of the book would have been most welcomed.

As might be expected, Livingood's advice doesn't always agree with other guides to raising Greyhounds on the market.Another excellent, if much shorter book, is Cynthia A. Branigan's ADOPTING THE RACING GREYHOUND.One will occasionally find that the two experts do not agree, for instance, whether a wire or a plastic crate is the best choice for your Greyhound friend.To their credit, the two authors admit that some of the advice they dish out is not hard-and-fast and is preference based on their own extensive experiences raising Greyhounds.I would recommend reading these two books (at least), and making one's decisions informed by the views of these experts.

(I've never been particularly enamored of the title of this series, and am amazed that we readers would, in purchasing such books, allow ourselves to be insulted in that way.Then again, maybe I should lighten up.I must say, one of the things I like about this particular volume is the author's name.Livingood is an awesome name.)

Good book to get when adopting a Greyhound
This book is very informational.I would reccomend it to anyone thinking about adopting a Greyhound!

Buy the Book!
It may be for dummies, but they never treat you like an idiot.It is full of great information about the breed, the needs of the dog, the health issues, the reality of being an ex racer, it is very comprehensive.It has great notes and ideas.This is a really great book that any greyhound owner could keep on their book shelf and go back to for years to come.But it is really suited for the person that thinks they want one, but isn't sure.

You're reading this review because you're thinking of getting a greyhound?Buy the book!

Great Information!
Lots of things in this book made me smile, which made me want a greyhound more. But also prepared me for what was to come. So over all a VERY Good book for Info. Will recommend to anyone looking into adobting a retired racer. ... Read more

Product Description
The first edition of this book was responsible for inspiring tens of thousands of people to adopt ex-racers. Now, this fully updated edition features groundbreaking veterinary information not available anywhere else. Greyhound authority Cynthia Branigan–who has placed over 4,000 Greyhounds through her organization–offers updated statistics on the costs involved with adopting as well as new health information, such as warnings about tick-borne diseases and suggestions on buying veterinary insurance. Branigan carefully explains how to care for a Greyhound–everything from feeding and grooming to training–and how to extend the dog’s life span. Readers will also find a wealth of updated information on medical conditions in Greyhounds and the latest in tests and treatment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (58)

Very helpful and easy to read
We haven't decided if we're going to adopt a racing greyhound, so we got this book as part of our research.It has been a very helpful and easy read.It gives lots of insight into the unique characteristics of this wonderful breed.

A Labor of Love
Recently, my family turned towards the idea of adopting a retired racing greyhound.In part this was motivated by the sentiment of adopting a dog in need, and in part it was because the greyhound has a reputation for being a good family dog, and one that, contrary to expectation, enjoys lounging around.A local greyhound rescue association, as part of its extensive screening process for families that wish to adopt, requires that every prospective adopter read this book by Cynthia A. Branigan.

ADOPTING THE RACING GREYHOUND turned out not at all to be a chore.Sure, we had the motivation to read this book, but in reading it it helped tremendously that Branigan is an able writer and that her keen passion for greyhounds shows through her craft.This is a short work--the text runs only 153 pages, with illustrations--but covers well the main points to be considered in adopting a greyhound.In addition to practical help with introducing a dog into the home and to children, and some basic guidance about the care and feeding of the dog, Branigan also provides some history on the breed and a description of the racing life of greyhounds.She delivers the latter without editorializing on the morality of dog racing; she is rather more interested in just helping these animals in their post-racing lives.Branigan is frank about the challenges inherent in raising a dog that has been bred for the track--she has seen too many adoptions fail because families were unprepared--but also celebrates the joy of life with a dog that has been well matched for his or her new home.By titling her last chapter "Having Fun," Branigan underscores her ultimate aim: to create a happy and safe home for dog and adopting family.

The book's design could have been improved with the use of standardized headers and sub-headings; as it is the fonts of these titles vary and it's not always apparent whether a new section is subordinate to the previous one.Also, though the print quality is fine for the text, it does not do justice to the photographs.A family, like ours, eagerly anticipating the arrival of a greyhound in our home, would have enjoyed viewing higher quality illustrations.These are minor quibbles with what is otherwise a fine book.I am very happy that our greyhound rescue association required us to read it, and I recommend it to all who are interested in adopting this wonderful animal.

GREYT READ
Excellent and informative.
However, the 'as new' copy of the book I received was written in and the text was highlighted in several places.

Relevent information
This book really covers everything you need to know before deciding to adopt.However, this book isn't an advertisement trying to con everyone into getting one.It just lays out what to expect, what you'll need, and what the complications may be. There is a great section on health that every greyhound owner should know.I cannot say enough good things about this book.

Greyhound Books 3
Very informitive & a must have if you are thinking of getting a Greyhound dog. ... Read more

Product Description
This book shows first time enthusiasts and experienced players how to correctly analyze and play the dogs so that they can cash in and consistently win money like a pro.  In addition to all the basics, Prof. Jones reveals five essential strategies that can be used individually or in unison for a powerful approach to making money.  You'll learn how to evaluate class, speed, effective grade, running style, recent form, and about the importance of kennel and "bumping" during a race.  With one read, you'll know how to identify the best dogs and make the most profitable bets.  131 pages ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Very good book!
My father-in-law just moved to Daytona Beach and started going to the racetrack but knew nothing about it!I bought him this book and he became an expert in a few days!Very informative book!

A flawed handicapping system
This book is very matter of fact.That's not necessarily a bad thing.It gets right to the handicapping system, with only minimal explanations given for the underlying theory.

The book, however, has a MAJOR flaw.The handicapping system requires that have 12 past performances for each dog.For the casual greyhound player (for whom this book is marketed to), this is pretty much impossible.In order to have these statistics, you need to go to the track very often and keep old programs.The only other alternative is a very laborious search for the information on the internet - which may or may not be fruitful.

Because of this, the handicapping system is nearly useless for the occasional track goer.

would by author again
I bought this book for my husband,who is not a reader but he has been reading this.I was shocked because other than a newspaper or the mail I have never seen this man read anything.We have been married for over 22 years.So,I guess he must like it.

Experienced at reading the racing form
I think this book is for a weekend trip to the dog track, maybe even a week in advance.That is the sort of book it was.

Good Handicapping Start
Prof. Jones steps through the basics of handicapping greyhounds in this book.His method handicaps by calculating the following variables:Effective Grade (determined by assigning scores to the WPS results over the dog's last 12 races), Current Form, Speed, Run Style (Inside, Outside preference in relation to post position) and Kennel (looks at all Kennel's WPS results...top kennels make sure their dogs are ready to race).These variables are then weighted with Effective Grade receiving about 50% of the weight.Based upon the total, bet determinations are made.This approach is good for the higher classes, but will not help you much in the lower classes or Maiden races (which he states).The chapter on betting strategies is rather short.Beyond WPS, Jones covers Trifecta Keys and Wheels and when to use those betting strategies.
Overall, this is a good intro to handicapping.The one tip I picked up about betting a favorite to show/place and the second highest rated dog to win, in certain situations, has paid for the book many times over.Good handicapping! ... Read more

Product Description
After David Matthews had recovered from being a boxer, he looked for the next challenge. He decided to take on the world of greyhound racing by becoming an owner and seeing if he could make a success of it. In doing so, he got to meet many of the extraordinary characters that give the sport such an enormous appeal, he learned about the tricks of the trade and got to meet some very dodgy characters round Walthamstow way. This is the story of one man and his dog and how they learned to race together. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Animal cruelty and problem gambling have never been so funny.
A couple years ago banning greyhound racing was put to a vote here in MA. My dad used to take me to the track as a kid and I hadn't given the sport a thought since then, despite my interest in dogs. So I decided to read up on the sport to find out why or if it should be banned. This book is about greyhound racing in England, but that hardly makes it irrelevant to the sport here in the U.S.
I read one book previous to this about the sport which proved to be neither entertaining or informative but luckily this book proved to be both in a big way. As the previous reviewer wrote this book is written in the gonzo style of journalism which is fine because the author is one intelligent, humorous and interesting fellow.
His intention is not to do an expose nor does he. He doesn't approach the sport with any particular bias and gives it a more than fair treatment. His way of exploring the sport is by actually buying a racing greyhound and experiencing being a smalltime owner. He gets a little more than he bargains for along the way by getting more caught up in it than he expected.
If you have any curiosity about what goes on behind the scenes in greyhound racing you can learn it from this book. If you enjoy a book that makes you laugh out loud with irreverent humor it does that too. If you are interested in an intelligent viewpoint on a variety of current issues you get that as well. If you are humorless about controversial subjects you should still read this book just because its good and consider the fact that there is something to be said about not preaching to the choir.
As a bonus there is a chapter where he possibly unadvisedly investigates a hare coursing event in the boonies. That chapter alone provides enough yucks to be worth the price of the book. A highly recommended read, and I can't wait to read his previous book about his experience as a boxer.

entertaining and insightful
David Matthews has a wonderful way with words.Pulling on all kinds of diverse cultural references through his autobiographical style of writing which is reminescent of Hunter S Thompson, and which is a joy to follow.His work is highly personal, making astute cultural observations throughout.His honesty is so profound and without fear that you feel more like you are reading his journal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Don't pay top $ for the outdated version!
This is a great book for any sighthound, especially for owners of retired racers whose old track injuries may come back to haunt you. But do not pay the high prices of resellers on this site UNLESS you are a collector looking for the original printing of the now outdated version!!!

You can buy this book updated and new from NGA and several greyhound adoption groups, for $40 softcover and about $65 hardcover. Just search the title from your browser.

a must have for anyone racing any sighthound
This book is the most valuable book I own.THE defininitive source for anyone in amature or professional dog racing. In the five years I have competed my Whippets in amature racing, this book has been very valuable.I just used this book to diagnose a severe toe injury that nobody at the track recognized. My local vet would not have known what to do, but my findings in this book led me to call a specialist who confirmed my findings and can perform the necessary surgury.This book saved my dogs ability to run again.

I have used the exams and treatments in this book countless times to diagnose and treat racing injuries in my dogs that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.Many times I have left the track saying "I don't know how he got hurt." or "I don't know why he is limping." I went home, and got out this book, and found the answer.

The training methods are very precise and specific. The schedule for conditioning a dog is layed out week by week.

If you run dogs, you must have this book.

The essential greyhound care guide.
This book is the complete guide for all owners of greyhounds and other sighthounds, especially those lucky owners of ex-racers.The sometimes specialised care, feeding and veterinary attention necessary for healthygreys is explained here in great detail.This book is an excellenteveryday guide, as well as a great emergency reference.Every greyhoundowner should have one-share it with your adoption group, and definitelyshow it to your vet.

Best book i have read
Good for professional and also good for non vetrin. in Europe it is not possible to take a book like this. Most Vetr. can learn from this book too. We are on the race tracks in europe since 25 years with afgaanhounds and since 20 vears in the top, and in this book i found many news. ... Read more

Product Description
A history of the sport that attempts to recreate the great moments when its popularity was at its peaks. The book has evolved from the personal experience of the author who is a sports journalist, and the daughter of one of Britain's leading greyhound owners. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The inside track
Greyhounds have been revered since ancient times where they appear on the walls of the tombs of the Pharos. For Henry VIII they were his favourite hunting dogs. But in Laura Thompson's book we find a personal testament to a more modern chapter in the history of this noble creature.

Greyhound racing in the United Kingdom came to prominence in the dark economic recession of the 30's, being in some ways a cameo of its elder sister - horse racing. Sharing a deep and longstanding affiliation with Ireland champion racing greyhounds, like cup-winning racehorses, often drew their first breath on the other side of the Irish Sea.

Laura Thompson's book takes us right into the heart of people, places and of course the dogs she knew as a child. With the hindsight of an age in which some of the great Stadia like White City in West London have already been lost, she takes us on a journey which immortalises a generation of owners and trainers.

For anybody who has ever spent an evening at a Greyhound Stadium and wondered what lay behind it all.. this book is the inside track.

Give The Dogs five bones - !
This is not just a history of greyhound racing, it is a deeply moving personal insight into Laura Thompson, her love for dogs and her love for the father who owned and raced them. The book is Fever Pitch with heart; I wept buckets reading the damn thing. It is full of compassion for the greyhounds who run in the name of business and sport, and full of guilt for the fact that they give so much pleasure while being used, all too often, as playthings. It is also a journey into a completely separate world of which I hitherto knew nothing, and which came wonderfully alive for me. I found this book by accident in a second hand shop and couldn't help myself from wanting to say something about it - it is really beautiful. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

the best ever
evrey thing was right it got me $999,999,999,.99!

Information I can use !
This book is crafty and must be read with a clear head. I recommend it to anyone; gambler or not . I contains a slice of something about living in America. Rarely will we find these types of books in the future. I suggest sportsmen and sports-ladies take a copy and preserve it.

Great Resource
This book was exactly what I needed to round out my education on Greyhound racing.The first few chapters cover the basics -- how racing works, whatto expect, and how the percentages pay.It is fairly elementary forsomeone who has been at the track a few times but there were a fewlingering questions I had that this book answered.

The crux of the bookis McBride's system for long-term profit making at the track.From hisnumbers, one would guess it would work.In short, his strategy is to takea months' races and categorize them.By doing an analysis on the postposition, early leader, class changes, late speed and maneuvering ability,one can see which patterns becoming more distinct.Knowing that earlyspeed racers, for instance, do well at a particular track would be adefinite advantage.Each track has its own advantages anddisadvantages.

I noted some of the mistakes that I was making and some ofthe knowledge I had picked up the hard way (by losing).However, McBride'ssystem doesn't really appear to be for the casual gamer.It appears itwould take at least an hour before a race to score a guide and justgenerating the 30 races worth of data could be time consuming (at least anhour or two an evening).The math behind the grading process is verysimple and could easily be done by a computer program.Also, McBride'ssystem is not for the "cheap" gambler.He advocates betting a 4or 5 (around $12 - $24 a race) box trifecta for maximum winnings.Hisexperience and samples indicate this is the highest pay off percentage.

This book is an excellent read for players of all levels.
I read the Book by Mr. McBride and I must tell those out there who have the chance to get a hold of a copy of this fine book to do so. The book pretty much entails all the knowledge you need whether you are a novice, oran expert player or handicapper. If you have played the greyhounds for along time, it will aid you in polishing up your skills in the racing game.Overall, this is an excellent book and value.

Excellent all-around handicapping book
This book covers 98% of all you need to know about the races, handicapping, betting, and scoring dog races.Probably the best value in greyhound racing books. ... Read more

Product Description
Tfh Book Adopt Race Greyhound Made by Tfh Publications Inc Model Number: TS340 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Greyhound books 1
Very informitive & a must have if you are thinking of getting a Greyhound dog.

Decent Basic Information, but not for the Serious Greyhound Lover
This book is inexpensive and includes some good advice on Greyhound care and temperament. However, the photos in the book are mostly of obvious AKC show Greyhounds, and not NGA dogs. I found this to be somewhat annoying. However, that's not that big of a deal. What really annoyed me was the books obvious anti-racing stance. The implied message was that racing Greyhounds are mistreated, when the fact is, most are not at all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Greatest
If you are interested in understanding the mechanics of greyhound racing and aspire to winning then I would strongly encourage you to buy this book. It was written in the 1970's, is mainly concerned with British racing and is somewhat out of date. These factors aside, it is a beautifully written book and contains some excellent theory on the selection of winners.

[...]

The Greatest
If you are in any way interested in betting on greyhound racing then this book is a must read. It is by far the best book of it's kind. The book was written in the 1970's and as such is a little outdated in the tracks and types of racing surfaces mentioned. (This outdated information is, however, interesting from an historical point of view).

On the plus side, the authors insight into greyhound racing is beyond parallel and I would implore you to get a copy if you can. I know that this book is in limited supply so if you get the opportunity take it.

As with most books on betting none ever seem to be truly complete but the author has addressed many important issues.

I also recommend Greyhound Racing To Win by Victor Knight (another English book) and Winners Guide to Greyhound Racing by Prof Jones ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Wonderful
This book turned out even better than I had hoped it would. Ryan put so much time and effort into this book, and it provides a wonderful glimpse into many of the track across the country. Sadly, much of it is history already. Thanks, Ryan, for saving this bit of racing history and life for all of us. Wonderful photographs, great information. Ryan did a great (greyt) job!

Wonderful Book
In print and pictures, this wonderful book documents one adopter's journey through the world of greyhound racing and its relationship with adoption. This book contains wonderful photos, but more importantly, a frank and first-person tour through the racing life that has shaped the greyhounds we all love. A must-read for those of us who love greyhounds and want to learn more about how our dogs were raised and raced before they came into our lives.

not what I hoped for
I'm a retired racing greyhound owner who doesn't think the track system is intrinsically evil, unlike a lot of other greyhound rescue folks I know. I do think it has problems, even big problems, and that many dogs are not treated well. I feel that greyhound owners can learn a lot about the breed from the racing industry, and about their dogs by learning how they lived before they found a home. This book fails to deliver on those points. It's a good, comprehensive look at racetracks and racers, and certainly fills a need for many readers who are only interested in greyhound racing. It would have been better if it delivered more insight into the life of the dogs while in the track system, and if it acknowledged some flaws - it didn't point out any of significance, if any at all. If you read this and nothing else, you'd think the greyhound racetrack system is perfect in its treatment of the dogs. As it is, it strikes me as something of a fan book. This is a disappointment as I hoped this book might be something that would start to bridge the divide between those who like the racetracks, and those who vilify them. ... Read more

Product Description
This book gives over ten techniques and systems for betting on 6-trap UK BAGS greyhound races. These systems are illustrated and explained in simple and easy to follow steps. Although based on UK races, the author explains how, anyone with internet access from any location in the world can also use these systems to make consistent profits. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

HOW TO WIN AT GREYHOUND BETTING
THIS BOOK IS FOR ENGLAND DOG RACING,NOT THE U.S.A.IT'S NO GOOD WHAT SO EVER HERE. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE.PLEASE INFORM PEOPLE THAT IT IS WRITTEN FOR SALE IN ENGLAND.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
DENNIS WELCH

NO EVENINGS???
FROM MY COPY I BET IN THE EVENING USING THE STOP AT THE FIRST WINNER TECHNIQUES. I FOUND THAT COMBING THEM WORKS WELL FO ME. THIS IS AN INTERESTING BOOK, EVEN WORKS FOR US NON COMPUTER LITERATES USING THE TELETEXT PAGES. ALTHOUGH IN THE BOOK I WAS ADVISED TO NOT BET ON THE EVEVINGS I HAVE NO CHOICE AS I WORK DURING THE DAYS AND SO ONLY HAVE THE EVENINGS. IF YOU BUY THIS BOOK MAKE SURE YOU READ IT THROUGH FIRST AS I FOUND I UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEMS BETTER AFTER I HAD DONE THIS. THE LAST REVIEWER IS RIGHT, THERE IS NO HISTORICAL DATA GIVEN BY THE AUTHOR TO PROVE HIS SYSTEMS. I TRIED THEM ON PAPER FOR A WEEK BEFORE STARTING TO USE REAL MONEY AS I WAS ALSO SCEPTICAL. AFTER A WEEK OF WATCHING THE SYSTEMS WINNING AGAIN AND AGAIN, I COUKLDNT STAND TO WAIT ANYMORE. I AM NOW USING CASH AND HAVING MORE FUN AS WELL AS COPPING NIGHTLY WINS IN MY COFFERS.

They work...
Although not as exciting as his book on roullete which I am raving about. This greyhound book is fantastic too. It has many techniques that seem to work when I tried them. Made over £100 but returned to the roulette as was more exciting and took less time.

Gambling again
I always thought gambling was for mugs and that it was a mugs game as I have lost quite a bit in it before. However I am always opened minded. This book has new methods that have allowed me to end up on each day, quite a few in a row. This is the first time for me, so I am back gambling again, and winning this time.

New Angle on betting!!
I have read a few greyhound betting books, butnever one like this one. It does not even pretend to mimic the popular topics.It breaks the mold and cuts out a whole new niche. If you are expecting to find out how to read form and pedigree of a greyhound in this book, you will be greatly dissappointed. I have tried the form and pedigree methods and systems and find I still depended mostly on luck. WIth this book the author side steps all that and introduces some new and exciting rules and techniques. He gives over 10 systems for betting on greyhound races. Australian gamblers will be out of luck, unless you have internet access, as all the systems in this book, as far as I can see are based on the 6 trap race meetings found in the UK, and South Africa etc.. Whilst I havent tried and tested all these new techniques out personally, the few I have had time to try have worked for me and in a funny way make sense to me, statistically. This is a great book for people who are fed up of the old techniques and want something new, fresh, exciting andsuccessful. The book may not be for everyone, especially if you find it hard to use the internet, or you are set in your old ways. ... Read more

Product Description
THE GREYHOUND: BREEDING, COURSING, RACING, etc. By James Matheson. A VINTAGE DOG BOOKS CLASSIC REPRINT. Originally published in 1929, this extremely scarce early work on the Greyhound is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS have republished it, using the original text and photographs, as part of their CLASSIC BREED BOOKS series. The author was a well known greyhound man. He was as successful with his dogs on the track as he was in the field. His many years of expert knowledge are encapsulated within this book's two hundred and sixty eight pages. Twenty seven comprehensive chapters contain valuable information on:Origins and History of Greyhound Racing. - Future of the Greyhound? - What is a Good Greyhound? - Breeding. - Walks v. Rearing at Home. - The Whelping Hut. - Management of the Brood Bitch. - Rearing. - Management of the Saplings. - Training. - Proper Racing Weight. - Transport and its Effect on Coursing. - Blood. - Selection of the Racing Brood Bitch. - Kennel Ailments and Their Treatment. - Weights of Growing Greyhounds. - Measurements of Points. - Rearing and Training Expenses. - The Show Greyhound. - Breeding and Rearing Champions. - Greyhounds as Companions. Kennel Construction. Etc. The contents are well illustrated with vintage photographs of famous greyhounds and Waterloo Cup winners of the time. This is a fascinating read for any Greyhound enthusiast or historian of the breed, but also contains much information that is still useful and practical today. Many of the earliest dog breed books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. ... Read more

Product Description
All adopted racing greyhounds find life as a household pet a radically new experience. If a dog has behavioral problems, the transition is even more challenging, both for the animal and the new family. This book offers insights and commonsense advice for those who have adopted, or are considering adopting, a fearful, shy, or aggressive dog.The author's greyhound, Jesse, initially hid his behavioral aberrations. Soon it became apparent that Jesse suffered from Fear Aggressive tendencies and Separation Anxiety. He required special handling and training by someone willing and able to complete the rescue. Elaine Webster shows how she and her husband Blake helped Jesse become a loving addition to their home. This is their story, and it could be yours. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Jesse's Tale:Overcoming Fear Aggression and Separation Anxiety in an Adopted Greyhound
What an amazing "Out of the box" description of what could be expected and how totrain adopted Greyhound with behavioral problems.Elaine Webster does it with concise and easy to understand steps toward successfully managable relationship between adopted Greyhound and the owner. She uses her own trial and error experiences so we could relate on a personal level. She incorporates History and professional guidelines to educate the reader. The knowledge gathered reading the book can be implemented in more than just Greyhound adoptions; it can be helpful to the owner of any pet.I enjoyed the book and would recomend it to all. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Retired racing greyhounds make great pets. After their racing careers are over they need and deserve a good, loving home in which to live out their lives and give you companionship.
You might now be thinking that your retired greyhound will be a real handful. Not so. Greyhound characteristics include a very gentle and loving temperament. They are comfortable in the company of humans (like you) as that is what they are used to while in racing training.
Nor do they need much exercise. A twenty minute walk in a morning and a twenty minute walk in an evening is generally enough. The rest of the time you will probably find your dog asleep as he will be used to “resting” between races in his racing kennel.
Greyhounds don’t need a huge amount of food either and their short haired coat means they don’t leave deposits of hair all over the house like some breeds. ... Read more

Product Description
A restless man, obsessed with dog races, embarks on a cross-country journey leading to his Idaho hometown in this debut novel reminiscent of Catcher in the Rye.

Luke Rivers is a part-time bartender and full-time gambler who dreams of scoring big at the dog races. He travels the greyhound circuit with his wife, Jenny, and their young son, Jake, until one morning he wakes up in a motel in Rapid City, South Dakota, to discover that Jenny has left him and taken Jake with her. Now, for the first time, Luke must confront himself—both the tragic family past that led him to gambling and the uncertain future that lies ahead--while coping with a bewildering present. The Greyhound God is the account of Rivers's anguished search for understanding and purpose.

Morris evokes with deft intelligence the colorful world of dog racing and the characters, human and canine, who inhabit it. But this is merely a background for the travails of Luke and his little family, the cheap motels and dusty dreams, the tensions between Luke's tender love for his son and his obsession with his betting "system." Luke's dilemma—whether to pursue Jenny or to continue his gambling life—is complicated further by the presence of a beautiful, sympathetic woman he meets after Jenny leaves, by his painful memories of family tragedy and personal breakdowns, and by a seemingly miraculous winning streak at the track.

The Greyhound God is a powerful novel of self-discovery by a writer at the top of his form. Seldom in contemporary fiction has the troubled psyche of a compulsive gambler been examined with such empathy and insight, nor has the world of gambling been depicted with such dead-on clarity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
Couldn't resist the musical reference, as it's apt for this amazing novel. Look: there are plenty of books out there -- thousands, in fact -- that seem more concerned with exhibiting the subtleties of craft than actually affecting the emotions of the reader. The Greyhound God ain't that kind of book. It's beautifully written, deeply felt, quite funny, but without one whit of post-modern "irony." I've read the book three times and each time I found myself entering into the world of Luke Rivers, the loss of his family, the tragedy that spurs this loss, his journey across America, and his strange, wonderful canine obsession. The book is one of those rare accomplishments -- a journey of self-discovery that feels real and revelatory. Readers deserve this kind of compassion. Period.

A great literary work
For those who like literary novels, this is one of the best ones on the market right now. Great writing, great story by a talented new author. It's a novel that makes you think and makes you question. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and getting to know Luke Rivers. I can't wait till Keith Lee Morris comes out with another novel.

A great literary work
For those who like literary novels, this is one of the best ones on the market right now. Great writing, great story by a talented new author. It's a novel that makes you think and makes you question. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and getting to know Luke Rivers. I can't wait till Keith Lee Morris comes out with another novel.

First novel...Talented writer
Great book by a new author. The Greyhound Gods vivid language creates a gripping story of the struggle for self-discovery by Luke Rivers,it's main character. Luke searches for meaningful answers in his world beset by huge questions. A real page-turner that will hold you to the end. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published 1934. A comprehensive survey of a popular sport. The illustrated contents include: The Greyhound – Coursing – “False Start” – Racing History – Leading Tracks – Controlling the Sport – Running a Greyhound Track – How to Keep and Run Greyhounds – Common Ailments – Rules – Notable Greyhounds – Tricks of the Trade – The Greyhound Industry etc. Many of the earliest dog books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing many of these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. ... Read more