Charles
Town Lion President George Quinn was our guest speaker. In recent
years, George has been very involved with the greyhound rescue
program. George brought his greyhound, "Runner" to the meeting. Runner is 8 years old. George described the greyhounds as gentle dogs, very friendly to humans, and built for speed.
- A dog can attain 45 miles per hour within three strides.
- The fastest grayhound has been clocked at 53 miles per hour.
- A dog in full stride can be airborne for almost 12 feet.
- These dogs have been around from 6,000 to 8,000 years.
- General Custer brought his dogs to the Little Big Horn. Only his dogs survived the battle because the Native Americans liked the dogs.
- They love to travel.
- Love people.
- Are not used to stairs.
- 25,000 dogs are born each year for racing.
After their first year from birth, race dogs are tested to see if they have the instinct to compete. Those that do not are either donated to dog shelters for adoption or maybe destroyed. Though WV doesn't allow dogs to be destroyed, they can be moved out of state where such activities are condoned. George helps to create rescue centers for greyhounds.
Also at the meeting, two new members were initiated as new members: (middle left & right) Dr. Gregory Groves and Mechelle Henry. On the left is Steve Glass who sponsored Dr. Groves, and on the right is Warren Wilson who sponsored Ms. Henry.
