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, kidney problems or did not make it after operations to be desexed or teeth extractions because of the awful state their teeth were in. One Fancy Fay even died at the airport upon arrival in the US.
Over the years the Post has been in constant contact with many adopters in Australia, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, the UK and the US – and knows how happy the greyhounds are or had been in their new homes.
Last week I said that the article* would probably be 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. However, I have had such a response from adopters that I shall probably have to write a few more in the coming weeks.
So, on with the stories…
Tamoko was adopted by Bettina Frei-Hilligardt, who lives in the mountains in Switzerland. Frei-Hilligardt had met Tamoko when she came to Macau with Pet levrieri (“pet greyhounds”) of Italy, one of the rescue centres that were part of the international campaign, along with local animal rescue organisation Anima to get the (Yat Yuen) Canidrome greyhound race track closed down.
In a message on social media Frei-Hilligardt said, “Tamoko is a wonderful grey. Calm, thoughtful and also very funny. He loves to eat, especially straight from the fruit trees (figs, apples, pears, persimmons). When he sees the harness he starts barking and jumping for joy. Walks in the woods and mountains are priceless moments for him. He is curious about everything and not afraid of anything. Soon after he joined the family I decided to trust him and give him moments of freedom. This trust of mine he has enjoyed ... and we hardly ever use the leash. He loves to be in the company of his siblings and his humans who are a source of cuddles and treats. I think the hell of Macau is now a distant memory. I promised him a life of respect ... and he is doing his part.
“Unfortunately, he has been living with kidney failure for several years ... but to look at him no one would say he is sick. Even the vet is amazed to see Moko so active and resourceful. I know we don’t have much time left. I hope to celebrate his 11th birthday ... but we have decided to live day by day because every meal, walk, cuddle is worth so much to us”.
Haley Chambers in Canada who adopted Elliot, one of the puppies born at the Canidrome, said in a message on social media, “Elliott was born on a racing track in Macau and had it not been for the incredible efforts of Motorcity Greyhound [in Michigan, US] and their dedicated volunteers, who stepped in to help free these sweet souls from abandonment and isolation [goodness knows what would have happened to him].
“Elliott was flown to the US, where he was welcomed by RuthAnn [Montaine] – greyhound goddess and “house lady” extraordinaire – and her two amazing greys, Marmaduke and Bolt. For two weeks, they nurtured Elliott, helping him [get used to] trust, safety, and the comforts of home, until I drove down from Toronto [Canada] to bring my boy home.
“Since then, Elliott has learnt to play, zoom-zoom-zoom around the yard, and make many friends. He is my shadow, my best boy, and an absolute gift to everyone he meets. As a psychotherapist, I’ve witnessed first-hand how much peace, ease, and comfort Elliott brings to the clients who visit my office.
“His gentle, silly, and deeply loving soul turned out to be an unexpected, essential part of my life. I am so lucky to be his momma”.
Kris Ganssle Carvalho lives in Pennsylvania and adopted Hazel. She wrote on Messenger that “Hazy has had many roadtrips since joining our family in 2019. Mostly to greyhound events in Gettysburg Pa. And Greyhounds Reach the Beach in Rehoboth & Dewey beaches, Delaware USA. May 19th was Hazels 13 & 1/2 birthday. She lives with our 12-year-old greyhound Pepper. She’s had some health challenges recently but these Macau pups are very resilient & she’s still living her best life. She still enjoys car rides, short walks and really loves eating. We are so blessed to have her in our family and so grateful for everyone who took part in the rescue of these sweet dogs!”
As the adopters have written so much about the joys of having a Macau greyhound I have let them tell their stories, rather than me editing them, as they are so powerful.
Every single adopter has said how special all the Macau greys are that they are thankful for having them in their lives.
*https://www.macaupostdaily.com/news/24949
Hazel
Tamoko
Elliot
Photos supplied by adopters
