Greyhounds, dark days

I've been putting off starting a new blog, I'd wanted to wait until Freddie found a home, but the avalanche of email about Greyhounds demands their own blog.
For those who aren't up to speed, our latest issue contains an article by vet Emma Milne. She'd just spent eight hours trying to save a little dog that had been disemboweled by two ex-racing Greyhounds while out on a walk. She didn't succeed and the dogs elderly owner was devastated.
I suspect Emma wrote it pretty soon after the obviously distressing incident.
When she filed her copy it was highlighted by our chief sub as being 'likely to generate lots of letters'. But Emma is a feisty vet and she often get a hefty mailbag as she does tend to say what she thinks. No alarms bells went off for me at this point - which I regret. Emma has written for us for several years. The article was sent for illustration and design.
It was an even busier month for me than usual, I had the dreaded Vat to do and a couple of new staff starting so I'll admit my eye was off the ball. I had already planned the edition and commissioned the major features, but I ran out of time and didn't proof read all the regulars this month - leaving it to others. After a few years columnists are given their head to pretty much write what they feel.
One of my staff did say the same thing - that Emma's column would generate lots of letters. But I'm afraid I still didn't get the hairs standing up on the neck feeling of impending doom.
When the first angry email dropped into my in-box I turned to the magazine and I have to say my jaw dropped!
We should have picked the piece up as a knee-jerk reaction to a horrible series of events.
It was like allowing the mother of an abducted child to write an article on paedophiles. Emma was far too close to the story and needed to have had time to cool off - or for us to interject some balance.
I totally can empathise with how that little old lady felt. If any dogs killed my dogs I would be devastated, but the fact that this was such a shocking episode to Emma must mean it is far from commonplace. I sadly can recall plenty of other stories of small dogs being killed by bigger ones - of all breeds and types. It is everyone's responsibility to act responsibly if they have a dog with a heightened chase instinct. In my opinion some of the passion needs to deflected to the owners of these two dogs for allowing this incident to happen in the first place.
I am sorry everyone has been so upset, and I know it isn't good enough to just say sorry. But to our defence we have spent 18 years being incredibly proactive towards Greyhound Welfare, this article is obviously not a reflection of our views. And for many of you who haven't read the magazine and are just making comments on this one feature, please do try to think a little more charitably of us.
Knee-jerk reactions tend to be infectious and I can recognise the outrage and passion in these posts and emails. It is so unthinkable to suggest Greyhound genocide as a reaction to one dog's very sad death. I'm as shocked as you!
We will be printing lots of your letters in next month's edition and we will continue doing all we can for all the dogs as always.


And please, don't forget Freddie.

I'm sorry if I stopped replying to email last night, I was trying to get back to everyone quickly. I've managed to pick up food poisoning from my trip into London yesterday for a meeting. In the dead of night I did wonder briefly whether the chef might have been a disgruntled Greyhound rescue supporter out to get me, but I know from all the lovely people in Greyhound I've met that you're all gentle souls deep down! (I hope!)

Comments

Anonymous said…
Anonymous 7th April 14.44pm said:-
Is insulting them further any more sensible?

No, it definately is not and as previously said this could turn into a playground mentality.

Beverley has said that she is trying very hard to write a wrong and we have to give her the benefit of the doubt on that one. The next issue in June will show what she is trying to do I am sure. She has said on more than one occasion that EM will make an apology and we will have to wait for that too. There is very little point going over and over old ground until we see what the outcome will be now. Any Greyhound Rescue will certainly alay any fears that a prospective adopter may have and I think it is up to them now to help people better understand what these wonderful dogs truly can be like. After all they have been doing just that for years and so I am sure the good work will continue. If the article has damaged their rehoming I think it is they who could best speak out about this.
I am in no way happy with the article, but insesant arguing is not, now, helping anyone.
Isabella
Anonymous said…
I have only just read Emma Milnes article and feel compelled to add my comments.

I am sitting here typing at my computer with my cat curled up in front of my monitor (so apologies for poor spelling!) and my ex racing greyhound has her head on my knee. These two have lived happily together since my ex racer came to live with us 4 years ago.

The fact that Emma Milnes would be happy to see all ex racing greyhounds destroyed makes me want to cry. Admittedly it must be very shocking to have treated the poor dog who was attacked by greyhounds but how many times have we heard about blaming the deed and not the breed?? This is obviously an idea that Emma Milnes does not subscribe to. She must firmly believe in the euthanasia of rottweilers, staffies, dobermans, german shepherds etc.

I am also curious to know where the statistics that Emma quotes about greyhounds killing more animals than any other breed comes from. Perhaps she can quote her source? My own understanding is that crossbreeds are responsible for the most dog attacks in this country. Perhaps Ms Milnes would like her own beloved pets to be on the destruction list?

Finally, I would be interested to know what Ms Milnes reaction would be if someone turned up at her surgery asking for their perfectly healthy greyhound to be destroyed as it "may" attack another animal? Would she be rubbing her hands in glee and then reaching for her syringe?
rattus rattus said…
This thread shows no sign of cooling down and to date there are 202 posts. I would estimate that three quarters of those at least are complaints rather than support for DT and Beverley.

The One More Request thread has four posts, two of those from people who do not have greys. The ironic thing is that Chapstaff's opening post recommends deleting any rude messages.

Chapstaff, I have news for you, it was your thread on D for Dog that alerted me to the original article. I may have missed it if it hadn't been for you. So thanks. How's that for an own goal?

So we have two posts from greyhound owners who want to be used to provide positive spin and damage limitation, as opposed to around 150 people who are moved to compose passionate posts condemning the article and asking for more than an issue filled with Happy Greyhound pictures devoted to positive spin.

Ever heard of Gerald Ratner? The man who destroyed his empire by insulting the intelligence of his customers?
Anonymous said…
Well wasn't Gerald Ratner famous for saying his own products were crap? Don't seem to have heard Beverly saying her own mag is crap? Just you mainly, you obviously weren't a fan before this.

Ratius can you just give it a rest, a good third of the posts seem to have been from you! Change the record. Why so cynical about positive imagery about greys and small furries. Can understand someone new having a rant, but can't see what's your problem - your hanging on - well a bit like a rat!
rattus rattus said…
anonymous of 16.25

I certainly haven't made nearly 70 of the 204 posts. Count them if you like.

And as long as people name me in their posts, and make a point of talking directly to me I will answer.

That's how these things work.

If you don't want to hear from me don't make a comment directly to me by name :)
Unknown said…
I did notice that the author states near the beginning of her article that readers might be "incensed" by her views. She is certainly not wrong there! But this admission suggests the article was quite deliberate not the "knee jerk" reaction that has been suggested. This makes it more disturbing of course. I see there is s thread on the greyhound racing database www.greyhound-data.com - most responses are similar to the majority here. I don't think so many people can be wrong in thinking this was a dreadful article. On a more positive note I was one of several people + hounds collecting for greyhounds on Saturday - there were no adverse comments and the collection exceeded expectations. People were very generous and sympathetic to the cause.
Anonymous said…
Ratus Said: If you don't want to hear from me don't make a comment directly to me by name :)

07 April 2008 16:55

Sounds like a good idea to me! Then maybe we can all just chill-out and put our energy into something more worthwhile.
Anonymous said…
This is such a sad, sorry situation. EM should be so ashamed by all the hurt and anger and upset her ill thought out words have caused.

However, perhaps she is not as arrogant as her website reponse to the situation suggested. It may be that the ongoing stress of looking after sick and injured animals has caused her to burn out a bit and hardened her to the feelings of people.

Either way, I pity her as I can't imagine this episode will do anything to further her careers (veterinary or media). I would also not be surpised if DT lost a massive amount of readers over this (especially is EM continues to write for you)as feelings are obviously, and very understandably, running high.

Good luck with the 'greyhound issue' of DT...I imagine you might need it.
Anonymous said…
I Have six retired greyhounds and have no trouble at all with them
and i also other smaller dogs as well as cats.i find the problem lies with the other owners as they think it is cute for their yorkie or whetever they have to yep and nip at a larger dog and then when the larger dog nips back it the owner of the larger dog that gets the trouble
anonymous said…
You say of your amateurishness "It allows us to take risks to break a story that needs telling - something the more 'professional' publications will never do for risk of losing their ad revenue." Well lets hope that the companies that provide your "ad revenue" think twice after reading this article (one that really did'nt "need telling") and consider if their money (and good name) should maybe be better put somewhere that does'nt advocate genocide of an already persecuted breed. And let's also hope that, not being professional, you did'nt really need that "ad revenue" that now must surely be in jeopordy.
anonymous said…
You say of your amateurishness "It allows us to take risks to break a story that needs telling - something the more 'professional' publications will never do for risk of losing their ad revenue." Well lets hope that the companies that provide your "ad revenue" think twice after reading this article (one that really did'nt "need telling") and consider if their money (and good name) should maybe be better put somewhere that does'nt advocate genocide of an already persecuted breed. And let's also hope that, not being professional, you did'nt really need that "ad revenue" that now must surely be in jeopordy.
Anonymous said…
Jeez - can you guys change the record. Do you have to say everything twice? If you've never been a reader what sort of threat is it to say you won't buy it now! Use your nut.
Anonymous said…
I have just had another reply from Clarissa Baldwin at Dogs Trust. She emailed EM about the article pointing out the issues that we have all highlighted and saying how outraged and disappointed they were.

EM's response: nothing except stating that we have all largely misunderstood her. Again, no apology for this very arrogant woman.

So she thinks that we are all stupied now, including Clarissa Baldwin and Beverely.
Anonymous said…
Re the last post


When my daughter was 14 she sponsered a dog from dog trust(a greyhound)with my blessing. I have pointed out to her this artical and mentiond that this person is a patron of dogs trust.

She at the age of 37 has said to me that she is cancelling her sponsership unless DT removes this women as a patron.

Galty
Anonymous said…
Just discovered something interesting. The Celebrity Pets Page of Emma The TV Vet's website is sponsored by none other than Dogs Today!

I sincerely hope that this sponsorship will stop immediately.
Chapstaff said…
quote from rattus rattus:

"The ironic thing is that Chapstaff's opening post recommends deleting any rude messages.
Chapstaff, I have news for you, it was your thread on D for Dog that alerted me to the original article. I may have missed it if it hadn't been for you. So thanks. How's that for an own goal?"

No need to thank me rattus rattus.

D for Dog is an open forum with a section for "Dog Related News."
I would be failing in my duty if I didn't report about the news on this blog. :-)

I see you took a lot of notice of my comment about not posting rude messages.
rattus rattus said…
Chapstaff wrote:

"I see you took a lot of notice of my comment about not posting rude messages."

I ignored it. Please feel free to ignore my posts in return.
Anonymous said…
Chapstaff, I think now might be a good time to stop trying to provoke further reaction from people who have been upset by this article. I read your responses on this board and your original comments on D for Dog with sadness. I have seen absolutely no indication of anyone 'inciting violence' or being out 'for blood'. You would be absolutely right to condone anyone who resonded in that way (and in the case of inciting violence in any way, to report the matter to the police). Upset readers have simply stated their feelings, often in a very passionate way, but I think this is understandable as this episode has raised such strong feelings. I think now might be a good time to return to the non-virtual world and to stop trying to cause further distress to people who are already upset. Kind regards, Helen.
Anonymous said…
18 years of being proactive for greyhounds and thats A QUOTE,,,,well thats a joke because your team should never have printed that story.Emma's apology is a wash out..who cares i don't its been said in a worldwide magazine,she should be sacked from your magazine ,,you said that emma has done a piece on dogs in africa,,,well i think after recent events can she be trusted to write a decent two sided article.I THINK NOT.Emma is to blame and i think your magazine are just as guilty,,supporting greyhound charities,,,,dont make me laugh
Anonymous said…
You're just being mean spirited now. To dismiss 18 years of good work like that, it doesn't make you sound very credible.

Take a deep breath, think logically and if necessary vent but just think about what you're saying. You're in danger of doing your own mini-versions of Emma Milne, knee jerk reactions without engaging your brains. Try to be a bit more positive for goodness sake. And why have a go at poor old Chapstaff! What's she ever done to anyone?

I have to say there's a certain amount of wallowing going on here! I can't stand Emma Milne myself and can't imagine who on earth would take her word as gospel. She's a typical vet, she thinks the sun shines out of her own ....

Don't really care what happens to her, she's insignificant. Can't see why she's the centre of your universe's suddenly. Charlie
Anonymous said…
Anonymous said...
You're just being mean spirited now. To dismiss 18 years of good work like that, it doesn't make you sound very credible.

Good work ??? anyone that has came within an inch of a greyhound would never have allowed that article to be printed..
charlie you quoted i was being negative and to be more postive,,,did i write an article about greyhounds not being breed,that they should all be killed after racing...NO...am i the editor that allowed this to happen ?? NO im credible,,charlie if you own or work with greyhounds then you should be ashamed of what you said.Greyhounds out all the dog breeds get a hard time ...so do -gooders like yourself just annoy me.
Johnster said…
Fabapocalypse writes
"I can't wait for the Daily Mail to seize upon the Dogs Today article and throw sighthound owners to the lions. Walks are such fun when everybody leaves the park and crosses the road to avoid you. "

I wonder Beverley, would I be correct in thinking that (God forbid) some hack from the Daily Wail or any other newspaper/magazine came across The TV Celebrity Vet's article and wanted to feature it in their rag, they would have to seek your permission first? Just a thought.

John
Anonymous said…
While the article was incorrect to say the least and the publication of it unfortunate. I really don't see that Beverleys apology is too little, too late. I suspect many of the complaining views here are not from subscribers, but from others that have been directed to this.
A published apology and retraction will have some impact.
As for the rest of the magazine. Beverley keep up the good work.

Joe
Anonymous said…
Perhaps we should stereotype all blondes and prevent them from having positions of authority ie a Vet. Be professional, be adult, be responsible - RESIGN!!
Anonymous said…
I didn't read the article but the front page headlines prompted me to take a look at this months magazine at the newsagent. I feel I need to tell you my story. I am a dog lover through and through, and a very experienced owner. Two years after my beloved 15 yer old mongrel died, we wanted another dog and decided on a rescued greyhound from a very well known Greyhound charity as we were looking to give an unwanted dog a home, and I love greyhounds.

We were happy enough, our vet was contacted to vouch for our character, and we brought home a 3 year old brindle male, and did as we were supposed to, muzzle to start with, see how he was etc. Fine.

Within the first 6 weeks my husband and I had to prize two dogs, a terrier and a Border Collie, from his mouth, plus I spent 5 hours in a disused shed he had jumped in to chasing a cat, which I managed to rescue in the nick of time. I was eventually rescued myself very badly bruised, bitten and scratched from both animals. As I saved an animals life, I felt that was the most important thing. I have shortened the whole story to say the least,those 6 weeks were so traumatic and when we called to ask to return him, we were treated with contempt by the recue home and treated as if it were all our fault. They wanted us to believe it wasn't theirs.

I think in 99% of cases, the owner is to blame, but just that 1% it is the dog, no matter what breed. I am a responsible dog owner and animal lover. I cannot and will not own a dog that attacks other dogs and frightens poor owners as in the second incident of mine. We will never forget the words or look on that old mans face when he thought his dog would be mauled. My point is that the rescue charities need to make people aware of what potential damage a dog can cause to another dog or animal. I do feel during my experience that the charity involved this time just wanted to add another dog rehomed to their growing monthly "success" list. I later heard that this particular branch also has a lot of "returns".

We broke our hearts, especially as we do not know what has happened to him. he was supposed to have got re-tested. I wonder how good he was tested in the first place?

I think Emma , albeit somewhat understandably emotional, had every right to point out the cons as well as the pros. Maybe just a more subtle approach was needed?
Beverley Cuddy said…
Dear Latest Anonymous

Can you email me this in full for doggie postbag?

beverley@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk

What a dreadful experience. I'm hopeful that other rescues are more responsible.

Best wishes
Beverley
Anonymous said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Oldest Older 201 – 227 of 227

Popular Posts