Mascot care called into question

Argen Duncan

Nov. 8, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- More greyhound advocates have stepped forward to express concerns about the welfare of the incoming Eastern New Mexico University mascots. But the university president insists the canines will be well cared for.

President Steven Gamble said the dogs are scheduled to arrive the first week of December.

Companionship

Greyhound advocates have protested, saying the dogs should live with one family rather than the initial plan Gamble announced of staying on campus and being tended to by a number of students.

"They love to form that bond with their people," said Judy Paulsen, director and founder of rescue group Greyhound Companions of New Mexico.

Paulsen said she wants rescued greyhounds to bond with a family and the family to appreciate the dog enough to want to see it through whatever problems may come.

Gamble said no decision has been made.

"We're bound and determined to give them the best home we can, so we're not rushing into this," he said.

Gamble said he would prefer to find a family the dogs can live with at night, though he didn't know if there would be one family or more. He said he's been told local residents have expressed interest in housing the greyhounds.

Gamble also said he would like to have both dogs in the same home, as they're meant to be companions.

"It just makes sense to try to keep them together," he said.

In addition, Gamble said any handlers and any families the dogs stay with will be taught about the animals' needs and tendencies.

Housing facilities

When the dogs are on campus, Gamble said they may stay in the Agriculture Building, where the Pre-Vet Club members would see to their needs.

Darron Smith, associate professor of animal science and Pre-Vet Club sponsor, said the greyhounds would have indoor runs with mats and beds. The climate would be controlled inside to keep the dogs comfortable, and they would have a fenced outdoor pen, he said.

Paulsen said greyhounds could respond to noise with great fear, and expressed concern about the sounds weather would cause in the metal building.

She also said they would be afraid if left alone there at first.

Medical care

Paulsen said retired racing greyhounds are fragile because of their lives on the track and that life often makes for potential for medical problems. She questioned whether students would see the dogs through such issues.

"I think these students are looking at this more as a fun project rather than a commitment to an animal that may need extensive vet care," Paulsen said.

Paulsen also said medical issue with rescued greyhounds can often be expensive. For her 6-year-old greyhound with neurological problems, Paulsen said, she has spent more than $5,000 in two months.

Gamble said greyhounds aren't fragile. And if a mascot becomes sick, he said, money won't be an issue, and caretakers will rely on a veterinarian's advice.

"We'll base that decision on what's best for the dog," he said of medical care.

Old age

When the mascots become old and need to retire, Gamble said he was sure good homes will be found.

Paulsen said she was worried that no one would want to commit to old, sick dogs. As they age, they require more health care, she said.

Research

Also, Paulsen said she didn't think planners were taking the greyhound adoption seriously enough or had done enough research.

Gamble said the university committee that recommended getting the dogs had consulted local veterinarians and a greyhound rescue group, and were told the dogs would be a good fit.

ENMU has a history professor who took in a stray greyhound and an administrator who rescues Yorkshire terriers, so, Gamble said, the people involved understood the situation.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0245-39535320