CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Sprinting to a Dog-Gone Special Night

January 31, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, MS --- The Mississippi RiverKings hockey team will salute the works of Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option (MSGAO) on Saturday, Feb. 5 with a gaming-and-racing-themed specialty jersey that will be auctioned on the ice immediately following the game against the Tulsa Oilers at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven.

All proceeds from the game-worn specialty jersey, sponsored by Southland Park Gaming and Racing, will benefit the greyhound rescue organization and local youth sports

"We understand the importance of each greyhound that graces our grounds, both during their racing careers and beyond," said Troy Keeping, president and general manager of Southland Park. "MSGAO is an integral part of the happiness of these greyhounds and we are pleased to continue our support through opportunities such as these."

Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option was created to find loving permanent homes for the retired racing athletes of Southland Park Gaming and Racing. MSGAO Director Vicki Cohen was originally a racing greyhound trainer who has adopted greyhounds into her home for over 30 years.

"MSGAO works with the racing kennels at Southland Park Gaming & Racing to bring the retiring athletes into the next phase of their life, to become a 45-mile-an-hour "˜couch potato,' " Cohen said. "Greyhounds that are right off the track have never even seen many of the things we take for granted, like stairs, ceiling fans, TVs, and mirrors. The time frame can vary, but it generally takes a month or more for the new grey to understand that he's now a pet.

"Greyhounds make terrific pets; they are very affectionate, and most greyhounds are quiet, low-maintenance dogs who prefer to stay clean. Their skin doesn't produce as much oil as most dogs and as a result, they don't have the bad "˜doggie odor' that most dogs get," Cohen said.

Greyhounds are friendly by nature and most socialize well because they come from a large kennel environment. However, they are sighthounds and have the instinct to chase built in, so caution should be taken during introductions to small dogs and cats, Cohen said.

Contrary to popular opinion, most greyhounds aren't hyper and don't require a lot of exercise. They are sprinters and only have short bursts of energy. After a walk around the



Central Hockey League Stories from January 31, 2011


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