Chris Detrick (University of Missouri)
A Trainer's Tale
Silver
Domestic Picture Story
Greyhounds swarm Cory Owens for some water as he walks into the outdoor recreation area. Owens waters the dogs nearly four times a day. His weekend mornings usually start around 7 a.m. to let them out. He then doesn't leave until after midnight. The dogs demand a lot of Owens' time. He changes their beds, gives them baths, lets them outside for several hours a day for exercise and waters them. 'They are considered to be family and it's the same as any person would do for their kids,' he said.
Story: A Trainer's Tale
Cory Owens
Greyhounds eagerly await Cory Owens, an assistant greyhound trainer, each morning and evening. 'If your heart isn't in your work and you don't care about it, then you won't get the most from it and it won't be as useful. I truly care about the greyhounds, and I believe I work hard to keep them happy and healthy.'
Story: A Trainer's Tale
Greyhound Watering
Greyhounds swarm Cory Owens for some water as he walks into the outdoor recreation area. Owens waters the dogs nearly four times a day. His weekend mornings usually start around 7 a.m. to let them out. He then doesn't leave until after midnight. The dogs demand a lot of Owens' time. He changes their beds, gives them baths, lets them outside for several hours a day for exercise and waters them. 'They are considered to be family and it's the same as any person would do for their kids,' he said.
Story: A Trainer's Tale
Dirty Work
Taking care of 66 greyhounds also means that Cory Owens has to do some dirty work. Each day he must pick up after the dogs in their play area.
Story: A Trainer's Tale
Greyhound Walking
At the start of each day Cory Owens walks the race dogs to the track from the kennel. Walking the dogs, instead of driving, helps the greyhounds stretch before the race.
Story: A Trainer's Tale
Hug
Puppy Bello Navajomoon, also known as Mooney, gives Cory Owens a hug as he puts her back in the cage after a bathroom break. 'She is really affectionate but all of them show a great deal of affection,' Owens said.
Story: A Trainer's Tale
Greyhound Racing
Greyhound Fandemonium, #4, races behind Santa Fe Madonna, #7, during the sixth of fifteen races at The Woodlands race track. Fandemonium came from behind and finished in fourth place to defeat Sant.
Story: A Trainer's Tale
Last Race
Cory watches the greyhounds race around turn one in the last heat of the day. Due to the increased competition of other local entertainment venues in the past ten years, especially from the river boat casinos on the Missouri River , The Woodlands has seen a dramatic decline in attendance.
Story: A Trainer's Tale
Belly Rub
Cory Owens puts a greyhound to bed with a belly rub after a long day at the track. 'We give them lots of attention,' said Owens. 'We have someone here with them in our kennel 20 hours of the day, and a vet on call at anytime, which is more than most owners of any other dog does for their pet.'