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Greyhounds Anonymous - Life in the Slow Lane?

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 10 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #68 in Animals

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Created by flighty02 (contact me)

Hi, I am one of Flynns' 'humans'... I will be updating the lens periodically so please drop by again, but in the meantime why not take a look at Flynn...  (more...)

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Hello, my name is Flynn and I am a rescued Greyhound.
I used to race but I got injured and was no longer of any use to my owner, then my mum came along and rescued me.
I'm a gentle, loving guy who makes a fantastic pet, as most greyhounds do!
My mums' purpose in making this lens is to show what great pets we make, raise awareness of the treatment that greyhounds bred for racing receive and to the raise the question as to whether the sport of Greyhound Racing should be banned.
Why not join 'The Greyt Debate' and add your own opinion...
Please join my group Retired and rescued dogs - and their owners anyone with a dog related lens or who has an interest in dogs can join.

Flynn's Story 

My dad was quite a famous greyhound, his name was Staplers Jo he was British Greyhound of the year 1995 and Irish Stud Dog of the Year 2000 & 2001. I am one of his 4158 known kids!
I was bred for racing, I used to be called Ordinary Joe but I didn't make the grade. I was lucky though, I found a loving home. I sometimes wonder how many of my brothers and sisters weren't quite as fortunate.

Imagine how many greyhounds are born every year!

If my dad had 4158 kids that's 462 (that are known about) for every year of his life! If only half of them went on to race, what happened to the other 231 dogs every year? Were they found nice homes? Were they put to sleep? or maybe they were just abandoned because they were of no use to their owners?
Its sad to think that so many of your family may have come to an untimely end, but thats only my half brothers and sisters, imagine the numbers involved when you add in the other dogs... its scary!

I don't think that I had very many races but I didn't like racing much, I am a big boy and it was such a tight squeeze to get into the trap. One time somebody shut the door on my tail and it got broken. Then I hurt my foot and my owner didn't think I was worth keeping. I wasn't able to race again and the man at the track asked my mum if she would have me.

Mum says that when she met me it wasn't love at first sight and that I was a bit of a sorry sight, my fur looked yellow instead of white and I was a bit 'excitable' (not her words but I think excitable sounds much better!) Anyway, she thought about it and decided that, provided I didn't chase the cats, I could be re-homed with her.... The temptation to chase the cats was almost overwhelming, but, I'm an intelligent boy and I didn't fancy living in those kennels a day longer than absolutely necessary, I behaved myself as well as I knew how and landed myself a nice new home.

I'm not quite as fast as I used to be these days, I'm almost 10 years old now, but I do have my moments, I can rush around the garden like a lunatic when the mood takes me, its fun to see the grass and soil flying through the air as I do a sharp turn into another lap! I like chasing rabbits when I am out on a walk, but I never catch them!

I'm no Ordinry Joe!

Cute Greyhound Flickrs 

I've put together a few of my favourite greyhound Flickr photos.

There are lots to choose from but I felt that I should restrict myself to give you a chance to add your very own favourites to the list and vote for the best.

Our Beautiful Greyhound Doll Discovers the Sofa
Our Beautiful Greyhound Doll Discovers the Sofa

#1

1 point
Sister's dog
Sister's dog

#2

0 points
Dog Tired
Dog Tired

#3

0 points
Halloween Heidi
Halloween Heidi

#4

0 points
Greyhounds and cats
Greyhounds and cats

#5

0 points
baby greyhound
baby greyhound

#6

0 points
Silly but comfortable
Silly but comfortable

#7

0 points
Let sleeping dogs lie
Let sleeping dogs lie

#8

0 points
Homer
Homer

#9

0 points
Baxter as Santa
Baxter as Santa

#10

0 points

A Little Bit of History 

The origin of the greyhound is deeply rooted in ancient history. In fact, murals and paintings of dogs strikingly similar to today's greyhound existed more than 4000 years ago.
Pictures of the early greyhound can be found etched on walls of ancient Egyptian tombs, and the Pharaohs rated them first among all animals as both pets and hunters. An Egyptian tomb painting from 2200 BC portrays dogs that look very much like the modern greyhound.Photobucket

In Egypt, the ancestors of modern greyhounds were used in hunting and kept as companions. Many Egyptians considered the birth of a such a hound second in importance only to the birth of a son. When the pet hound died, the entire family would go into mourning. The favourite hounds of the upper class were mummified and buried with their owners.
The Arabs so admired the physical attributes and speed of the greyhound that it was the only dog permitted to share their tents and ride atop their camels. In early Arabian culture, the birth of a greyhound ranked second only in importance to the birth of a son.

In Persia, Rome and Greece, the greyhound enjoyed similar stature and is the only canine mentioned in the Holy Scripture (Proverbs 30:29-31.)
The Greek gods were often portrayed with greyhounds. A hound often accompanies Hecate, the goddess of wealth. The protector of the hunt, the god Pollux, also is depicted with hounds. One myth tells of how a human named Actaeon came upon the goddess Artemis taking a bath in a river. She punishes his impropriety by turning him into a stag. He is then hunted down by his own hounds. Depictions of this scene occur many times in Greek and Roman art.

Greyhounds nearly became extinct during times of famine in the Middle Ages. They were saved by clergymen who protected them and bred them for the nobility. From this point on, they came to be considered the dogs of the aristocracy and the killing of a greyhound was punishable by death. In 1014, King Canute of England enacted the Forest Laws, which stated that only noblemen could own and hunt with greyhounds. In fact, greyhound racing in England was first established for the English nobility and could not be enjoyed by other citizens.

 

Greyhounds remained a familiar sight among the royalty and nobility of England, and, in the nineteenth century the husband of Queen Victoria had a pet black and white greyhound, Eos, who appears in many court portraits.

A painting of Prince Albert's favourite dog, Eos, along with his master's top hat and gloves, was commissioned as a Christmas present from Queen Victoria in 1841

Greyhounds were imported to North America in large numbers from Ireland and England in the mid-1800s not to course or race, but to rid farms of a virtual epidemic of jackrabbits. Greyhounds also were used to hunt down coyotes who were killing livestock.

The US cavalry used greyhounds as scouts to help spot Native Americans, since the greyhounds were fast enough to keep up with the horses. General George Custer reportedly always took his 22 coursing greyhounds with him when he travelled. He normally coursed his hounds the day before a battle, including the day before the Battle of Little Big Horn.

Is the Greyhound racing industry barbaric? 

I don't want to suggest that everyone involved in greyhound racing is cruel or insensitive. There are some owners and trainers who love their dogs and take good care of them for the whole of their natural lives or hand them over to rehoming organisations like Dogs Trust and specialist Greyhound rescues. But, unfortunately, this only applies to a minority of the thousands of dogs which enter racing, and thousands more are put to death before even reaching that stage.

PhotobucketGreyhounds are massively over bred. Thousands of greyhound pups are bred each year (About 25,000 greyhound pups are registered every year in the British Isles). From that there are a percentage which are culled early on because they are the runts of the litter.

Tens of thousands of dogs are disposed of every year by the British greyhound racing industry - because they fail to make the grade as racers or when their racing days are over.

Dogs which actually make it to the track are very likely to experience suffering during their racing careers. It has been estimated that greyhounds running on British tracks sustain more than 12,000 injuries every year and that 10% of dogs that race are already suffering from injuries. Injured toes, torn muscles, strained tendons and arthritic joints are commonplace.

PhotobucketAt least 10,000 greyhounds retire from racing in Britain every year, at an average age of just 2 years old. This is either because of injury or because they are adjudged to be no longer good enough to race. Very few of these dogs manage to find good homes.

The British greyhound racing industry has admitted that 500 - 1,000 retired greyhounds are put to death every year. This alone would be enough to justify a ban on greyhound racing, but the true figure for retired dogs killed is, sadly, far, far higher. Quite possibly as many as 6,000.

Many ex-racing greyhounds are simply abandoned and a large number are killed, sometimes by extremely cruel methods such as drowning or poisoning, because some owners and trainers are not prepared to pay the cost of having them put to sleep by a vet.
Its impossible to have a greyhound racing industry without producing the massive numbers of dogs - and that means culling the numbers that are culled. There won't ever be enough homes for every greyhound that retires therefore greyhounds will continue dying as long as this practice goes on.

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Videos... 

Right click on the vid of your choice and click 'open in new window' to leave this lens open...

Warning... you may find some of the content in these videos disturbing, bringing home what really happens to many of these dogs when they have finished their racing career.
If you find that you are able to watch some of the videos and are appalled by the treatment that some of these dogs receive, please spread the word to your friends and help in trying to raise awareness of their plight.

Greyhound Rescue

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53871 views
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Greyhound Abuse

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14635 views
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MORE CRIMES ON UNWANTED GREYHOUNDS

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1850 views
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greyhound racing, A blood sport?

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12803 views
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Greyhound Moments

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48826 views
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Tia Greyhound & Lurcher Rescue - Halifax

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3775 views
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In the News 

Vets' secret trade in dog body parts
A clinic that makes money out of putting down healthy animals
Greyhound 'cull' trainers suspended
TWO greyhound trainers face being banned from the sport after being photographed taking dogs to be slaughtered by a builders' merchant and buried in his back garden.
Greyhound trainer gets tracks ban
A greyhound trainer has been banned from every major dog track in the UK after giving potentially fatal drugs to dogs so he could race them while they were still injured.
Dead greyhound upsets couple
Greyhound breaks neck during race
Greyhound racing 'needs change'
The mistreatment of greyhounds in Seaham, County Durham, earlier this year raised issues regarding racing dogs' welfare.
The One Show - Greyhound Racing Debate
It's the number two spectator sport in the country, with the likes of Madonna and Guy Ritchie, and even the Queen, rumoured to be fans.

But is greyhound racing in the dark ages when it comes to the way it treats its dogs?
Going to the Dogs
With at least 10,000 greyhounds retiring from racing every year, the majority face a grim future. It's time to take action!

The Greyt Debate.... 

If you want to put your point of view forward as to whether or not Greyhound racing should be banned say why here...

Its obvious from the poll that there are varying opinions on this question. Here is the place to expand on your opinion and put your point across to others and have a healthy debate... A debate can only happen where there are two sides to the argument so I welcome comments from both points of view... Pass it onto your friends, lets really get the debate flowing and don't forget to bookmark this page and come back and check your comments to see if anybody opposes your view.
Please keep it clean and don't abuse anybody for having their own opinion, any abusive posts will be deleted.

Would you like a ban on the sport of Greyhound racing?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

Ban it!

oniyagi says:

Greyhounds are some of the most majestic looking dogs in the world and one of the most loyal breeds to. How do we reward them? Treat them like crap and throw them in a ring to race themselves to death. I've seen a lot of the rescued dogs (I have a friend that has several) and it sickens me to think about how they have been treated. Ban it, it isn't a sport anyway.

Karendelac says:

Yes, it should be banned.
It is a sport for human finanical gain with no thought for the cruelty and punishment for non performing dogs.
On the one hand the dogs are used to line pockets, but then there is little responsibility taken for the welfare of the older ones and so on.

lhiller says:

I think running should be a sport for the dogs, not for humans.

anneh says:

absolutely. I don't know how anyone can justify it (or horse racing). I have worked in both industries and seen some horrible things happen to these innocent animals. Racing is all about money and greed. Not only does it harm the animals but gambling has cost many families their homes and their savings :(

flighty02 says:

I'm not happy with the fact that many of these beautiful dogs are used for human entertainment and then cast aside, or worse, when they reach the end of their 'useful' life.
Whilst many owners/trainers will make provision for their retired dogs or those who don't make the grade, there are many more that don't and the treatment that these dogs receive is quite frankly appalling. Thank goodness there are so many kind people who are able to offer a loving home to the lucky few.
I would therefore have to say that I would like to see a ban on greyhound racing.

Keep it!

 
 
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Thinking of rehoming a dog? 

Greyhounds make great pets!

Many people think of greyhounds purely as racing dogs, and wouldn't think of taking one as a pet. Yet retired or unwanted racing greyhounds can make wonderful pet dogs.
In a home environment they need less walking than many other breeds, they are lazy couch potatoes and are happy with a couple of 20-minute walks and a run. They usually walk nicely on the lead, and like to sleep a lot.

Although they are quite tall dogs, their lean and elegant shape and quiet nature means they can seem to fill less space than a terrier with attitude.

They are sighthounds, and that can mean a strong chase instinct. If a dog does chase, it's more likely to catch its target than less speedy dogs. None the less, there are plenty of greyhounds that live with cats, rabbits, chickens and other unlikely-seeming companions, and a specialist greyhound rescue will often cat-test dogs and guide you to one that is suitable for all the occupants of your home.

PhotobucketA racing greyhound will usually have been brought up in kennels. Unless you adopt a dog who has been a pet before your dog may not understand coming when called, or be house trained from the start. But with persistence and kindness, they will learn. They are dogs and they just want to please.

A greyhound doesn't shed much fur, they take up surprisingly little room, eat surprisingly small amounts for their size and are endlessly funny, charming, entertaining, and loving. I can't recommend greyhounds enough!



If you are thinking of bringing a dog into your home please consider adopting a rescued greyhound. Because there are so many available for adoption, there's bound to be one that's perfect for you!

DID YOU KNOW? 

Black greyhounds are the hardest to rehome...

Unfortunately statistics prove that black greyhounds are the hardest to home. Why? A black greyhound in superb condition is absolutely stunning. A black greyhound in need of some T.L.C. is unfortunately not so stunning and they can look far worse than other colours. Having a black coat means that curable problems like dandruff, bald patches or simply a winter coat can be off-putting, everything seems to show more on a black coat. Give a black greyhound a chance and a few months of grooming, possibly cod liver or evening primrose oil (to improve dandruff and general coat condition) and before long you will have a gleaming, shiny stunner. Black greyhounds seem to predominate the greyhound world and unfortunately some people associate black dogs (like cats) with evil, others find them too common and want something a little more unusual. There are many varied reasons why a black greyhound can be overlooked for adoption. Please give the black boys and girls a chance and judge them more on character than coat colour. None of us had any say in the colour of hair we were born with, nor do greyhounds.
Greyhound Lifeline -
finding loving homes for greyhound

A greyhound in your home 

Owning a dog should be fun for all of you, not just when playing in the garden but also during training. Play with your dog as much as you can and give him two walks a day.

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Greyhounds are couch potatoes and don't need as much exercise as you might think, two twenty-minute walks a day will help to keep him healthy.

Do not let your dog off the lead until you are completely confident that he will behave well and respond to your command.

In the initial stages of taking a greyhound into a new home, many dogs will show signs of stress such as heavy panting and maybe even standing completely still - these are all signs of fear. Your dog may only have known the life of a racing kennel surrounded by many dogs. Stairs, vacuum cleaners, large areas of glass, washing machines etc are new to your dog and can cause initial worries.

UPON ARRIVING HOME
PhotobucketUpon arriving home, let your dog into the garden or designated toilet spot, wait until he relieves himself and then praise him profusely. Do this before entering the house and it will help prevent him from having an "accident". On entering your garden and before letting your greyhound free, ensure other animals such as squirrels, foxes or cats which may have wandered onto your property, are given adequate chance to retreat.
Greyhounds do not require any more room than any other dog of a similar size, your garden does not need to be a racetrack, and they will be happy and safe within a fenced garden where they can be let out regularly.

HOUSE TRAINING
Training should begin as soon as your dog arrives home. House training greyhounds is generally not a problem. After the greyhound's initial visit to the garden, it is advantageous to take your new pet for a short five minute walk every hour on the first day, every hour and a half on the second day and every two hours on the third day. During this time, it is unlikely that the greyhound will have had a chance to have an accident and at the end of this three-day regime, he will be thoroughly familiar with the idea that any 'toilets' are to be done outside.
Thereafter, if your dog does have an 'accident' indoors bear in mind punishment does not work and can make the dog worse. Anticipate when your dog needs to go and take him outside and praise him when he 'goes'. Any 'accidents' inside the home should be washed thoroughly in a solution of biological washing liquid, or specialist enzyme cleaner from the pet shop, as this will take the smell away for him, otherwise he will constantly re-mark over that spot. Take him to the toilet immediately after food, when he gets up and before he goes to bed and, of course, in between.
Some signs to look for when your dog needs to go to the toilet are pacing up and down, whining, scratching at the door or circling. Of course, at first there may be no signs as it will have been used to living in a kennel, but greyhounds are generally clean animals and learn really quickly.


Get some Greyt Greyhound gifts from CafePress.com

Greyhounds like to sleep! 

A soft, comfortable bed will be much appreciated...

SLEEPING
Because the Greyhound's lean physique makes it ill-suited to sleeping on hard surfaces, owners of companion Greyhounds generally provide soft bedding; without bedding, Greyhounds are prone to develop painful skin sores.

A bed like the one below can be found in most pet stores... or click the image to buy online.

Large Cedar Max Plus 30x40 in Dog Bone Print

Feeding your greyhound 

A raised food bowl can make dinner more enjoyable for your greyhound. Greyhounds really have to contort themselves to eat from floor level. A large, raised water bowl is also a good idea since greyhounds drink a lot.
Stands to raise the bowls are readily available at pet shops but it is possible to make your own using an appropriate sized terracotta plant pot, which is fine if you feed your dog outside but not quite as attractive as a purpose built stand indoors.

Water
Water should be available at all times and changed regularly. Never leave your dog without fresh water.

Complete Foods
Complete foods can be the most effective, economical and efficient way of feeding your dog the proteins, vitamins and minerals he needs. In the first instance, buy only a small bag; this saves wastage should your dog not take to that particular brand or flavour. Follow feeding instructions on packaging according to the weight of your dog. Keep an eye on your dog's stools, should they become loose due to a change of food, you may need to think again. Generally complete foods are based on biscuit or cereal, additional tinned food is not necessary but can make a meal more appetising.

Fresh Meat
All animals love a treat and are very appreciative of any leftovers. However, this is not needed every day. They will also eat left over vegetables, Flynn particularly likes carrots as a treat or an addition to his food, plain boiled pasta and rice also go down well, remember not to add salt while cooking.

Biscuits
Biscuits can aid a dog's digestion and help keep teeth clean and are also useful as a treat when praising him for doing something well.

Chews
Excellent for helping to keep teeth clean and healthy. Use regularly and as an extra treat. Not all chews are liked by all dogs. Keep experimenting, otherwise extra teeth cleaning duties will be needed. Flynn's favourites are Dentastix

Additional
A capsule of cod liver oil added to his food will help maintain a glossy coat, you may also want to give glucosamine to keep his joints healthy, both are available from PetMeds (see link below) or your local pet store.
Cooked eggs in any form are usually enjoyed once a week or so.
Small amounts of cheese, either crumbled on top of food or as a lump after feeds is fine.
Oily fish, such as tinned tuna, pilchards and other filleted fish are a healthy treat.

My recommendation 

This raised feeder is ideal for the larger dog, making it more comfortable to feed and drink by reducing strain on the neck and joints.

Greyhound Links 

Greyhound Rescue
Greyhound Rescue groups in the UK
Retired Greyhound Trust
The Retired Greyhound Trust (RGT) is a national charity dedicated to finding homes for greyhounds at the end of their racing careers. It was set up in 1975 and since then has re-homed almost 40,000 greyhounds. There are 70 branches of the Trust based right across the UK, from the Isle of Skye to Jersey.
Flynns' Blog
Its my blog... just a little bit of fun for me and my friends :)I know it's a bit of shameless plugging but if you could just get your paw to click on the link....
A Greyhounds Story
This is a very moving poem written from the perspective of the Greyhound who is at the end of the road after his racing career was over. It illustrates what happens to many of the dogs when they can no longer race... It brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye, it could have so easily been Flynn's story!
Actress Annette Crosbie on Greyhounds Running for their lives.
...Because thousands are killed after their short time in the racing industry, the average lifespan of a racing Greyhound is around 18 months...

PetMeds 

...It's cheaper than the Vets!

PetMeds sell animal health products for cats, dogs, horses, small animals and birds. They offer prescription items too. Its cheaper than getting medicine and things from the VET... I get my flea treatment from here.

Current voucher codes:
PetFoodOffer - Gives 7% discount on all pet food
PetDisc5 - Gives 5% off all orders
PetDisc10 - Gives £10 off when spending over £100
Feliway10 - Gives 10% off feliway products.
All codes expire 21st May

save money buying online from petmeds

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Reader Feedback 

Piksychick

Wow, I didn't realize how many dogs were bred in one year! That is absolutely crazy, especially if it is only for the sake of racing. It looks like you have a very special pet and vice versa, of course.

Posted May 10, 2008

Lorie

This is a great lens!
Keep up the fantastic work!
http://www.squidoo.com/animalsinsports

Posted May 07, 2008

Karendelac

I enjoyed Flynn's story.
As a passionate animal lover I did appreciate this site. An easy 5 stars.
Best wishes,
Karen

Posted May 02, 2008

lhiller

Great lense. I have two Italian Greyhounds that are spoiled rotten. One is 18 years old.

Posted April 29, 2008

bdkz

What a beautiful dog. Wonderful information here. I gave you 5 Stars and a Squid Angel Blessings!

Posted April 18, 2008

 
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Poll - Should the sport of Greyhound Racing be banned? 

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For those in the UK 

If your dog has mobility problems....


Argos
do a similar 'RSPCA Fold and Go Dog Ramp' for £59.99.
These are fantastic for aiding the older dog with mobility problems in getting in and out of the car.
Just type 'dog ramp' into the search box.

My Other Lenses 

Refreshingly Ginger - How to Brew Your Own Ginger Beer
Just what it says in the Title....
Refreshingly Ginger - Ginger Spice
All about ginger....

 

Competition Time! 

Flynn is giving away a copy of 'Over Hill and Dale' by Gervase Phinn to somebody who correctly emails him the answer to the following question by May 31st.

What was the name of Flynn's father?

Send an e-mail to Flynn
putting your answer in the Subject line. The winner will chosen at random and contacted by email after the closing date to confirm their mailing address.

COMPETITION RULES

1. The competiton is open to UK residents only.

2. Only one entry will be accepted per person.

3. If you are under the age of 16, you must obtain permission from your parent/guardian before entering.

4. We will not pass on your personal details to any other organisation.

The Winner will be announced here by 3rd June 2008.

The Prize Finder - UK Competitions
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Hi, I'm flighty02

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Hi, I am one of Flynns' 'humans'... I will be updating the lens periodically so please drop by again, but in the meantime why not take a look at Flynns Blog you will find the link in 'Greyhound Links'

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