Dear Friend of the Greyhound Racing Dogs,

I Just Didn't Know...

This answer is given 99 out of 100 times. The staggering cruelty, the sense-numbing atrocities, the massacre of countless thousands of greyhound racing dogs is the best-kept secret of the morally bankrupt racing industry. Bludgeoning, electrocution and starvation are well-documented "disposal" methods used by certain individuals in the industry.

In May 1991, I was participating in an annual Memorial Day parade. My eyes were drawn to a group of dogs on a nearby knoll. I was to learn that they were discarded greyhound racers needing homes. In listening to the adoption volunteer, I decided then and there to adopt a beautiful, sleek, black greyhound that easily captured my heart. He stood tall and proud, standing apart from the rest. The red railroad bandanna decorating his neck paled in comparison to his handsome face and beautiful body. From the moment I petted him and gazed into his beautiful brown eyes, it was love at first sight. One week later, Gator (call name "Jessie") entered my life and the calm, organized household that I shared with my lab mix named Theodora L. Bear came to a screeching halt. Soon after his adoption, curiosity got the better of me. I asked questions of everyone who could possibly educate me about these dogs. Why had I never seen them before? Why hadn't I heard of their abuse?

Upon learning of the plight of these gentle, noble dogs, I was compelled to commit my life to help end their suffering. Soon afterwards, I learned that these dogs are capable of forgetting and forgiving their cruel past. Incredibly, they have the ability to give love and affection and adjust to everyday life.

About six years ago, along with concerned friends, I founded Save the Greyhound Dogs! in my home state of Vermont. We were incorporated in 1992 as a nonprofit organization. We are an all-volunteer organization, committing our hearts, time and resources to these loving dogs.

Seven years after adopting Gator, he is still the consummate greyhound, and my inspiration and driving force. It is for his brothers and sisters, the voiceless and defenseless greyhounds, that I dedicate my life's energy. If not for Gator, the Green Mountain Racetrack in Vermont would still be conducting greyhound racing. Vermont has enacted the Gator Bill (S. 152), which bans greyhound racing and simulcasting in Vermont, and is so named to honor this incredible dog.

We all know these splendid dogs cannot save themselves, therefore, we must speak out for them. Our mission is clear. WE NOW ASK FOR A NATIONWIDE END TO GREYHOUND RACING. We hope that citizens from every state will go to their legislatures and seek a ban on greyhound racing and simulcasting. We must act on this plan! It is, indeed, a most glorious cause. Please join our ranks now!

Yours for Greyhounds,
Scotti Devens, Founder

Update:
After reading the information posted here, you'll see that STGD! is moving foward on many fronts. Important issues exist worldwide regarding greyhounds. We think of it as "Greyhoundgate".