FYI

I just read on Greytalk that the Tampa track is closing too effective August 18, 2007 for live greyhound racing. Attendance is down and apparently poker is more popular.

I have copied and pasted the news release that was on greytalk:

**News Release from Tampa Greyhound**
August 9, 2007


Contacts:
Tampa Greyhound: Hillary Fellenz 813-932-4313 ext. 254
Greyhound Adoption: Rory Goree (GPA) 623-847-0409


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


TAMPA TO CEASE LIVE RACING
Track will care for greyhounds available for adoption until adoptive homes can be found

Tampa, Fla. (August 9,2007)-Tampa Greyhound Track announced today that the live racing portion of their business will cease after the evening performance on Saturday, August 18. The track will continue to offer daily poker games as well as simulcast wagering on horses, other FL greyhounds and Jai alai.

"Since opening our card room on July 1, it has become clear that poker is where we need to focus our efforts," said Mike Hater, general manager. "Low attendance for greyhound racing and the popularity and growth of poker made this an obvious business decision due to recent legislative changes."

Hater said that many of the 12 kennels currently racing in Tampa would move their greyhounds to other tracks to race. The remaining greyhounds available for adoption will remain under the care of the track and will be spayed and neutered before being placed in adoptive homes. Hater also said that most track employees would be absorbed into other operations at the track.

"We will work closely with Greyhound Pets of America Tampa Bay to make sure that all adoptive greyhounds will be well cared for until they can be placed in homes as pets," said Hater.

The track said it is still in discussions with its kennels to determine how many greyhounds will be available for adoption. People interested in adopting a greyhound should call 1-800-466-(1GPA) -1472.

Rory Goree, president of Greyhound Pets of America, the largest non-profit greyhound adoption organization in the country said that greyhounds continue to gain popularity as pets because the ex-racers are intelligent, good-natured, clean and gentle. Since 1986, his nationwide group has placed 75,000 greyhounds in homes as pets.

"If anyone is considering bringing a new pet into their home, they should consider a greyhound," Goree said. "Because greyhounds spend most of their lives in the company of trainers, handlers and other dogs, they have all the breeding and training necessary to be a great pet. They don't require much space to run and when they are in the house, they enjoy curling up on a soft blanket." For more information visit

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-Also Info from one of greytalk's member recieved who recd from one of the GPA Board members to post in case some groups can step in and help out.with permission to post..

GPA Tampa Bay's pager number if any group would like to help. 727-595-7852.

GPA does both Tampa Track and Derby Lane. Our Derby Lane adoption kennel is full and we have some in private boarding. Tampa Track as there own adoption kennel but it's still all these greyhounds to adopt out in the same area.

Contacts:
Tampa Greyhound: Hillary Fellenz 813-932-4313 ext. 254
Greyhound Adoption: Rory Goree (GPA) 623-847-0409
GPA Tampa Bay: 727-595-7852


Thought you all would like to know. I am sure more info will be forthcoming as ibecomes available.

Amy and the "wild Child" aka Maddie