September 14, 2009: Christine Dorchak–The Fight to End Dog Racing Nationwide
Christine A. Dorchak, Esq.
Christine Dorchak is the co-founder, president and general counsel for national non-profit greyhound protection group, GREY2K USA. Before obtaining her law degree, she worked as the research director for the New England Anti-Vivisection Society and was the manager of the Ellen Gifford Sheltering Home for Cats.
A long-distance runner all of her life, Christine has competed in six marathons to date. She enjoys spending her free time with her four rescued cats and greyhound Zoe. Last year, Zoe was one of the guests of honor at two Blessing of the Animals services in Boston.
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The Fight to End Dog Racing Nationwide
by Christine A. Dorchak
The inspiration behind GREY2K USA dates back to 1992, when my dog Kelsey and I were struck by a speeding train, and thrown under the wheels. Kelsey managed to pull us slightly off course, preventing a head on collision – and saving both of our lives. Even so, we both suffered serious injuries, and I was pronounced dead on the scene.
Miraculously, I was somehow revived on the way to the hospital. And when I awoke from my first coma several weeks later, I said just one thing: “How’s Kelsey?”
My dear Kelsey had also survived our accident, but with a broken hip. It is Kelsey’s inspiration and the blessings that were given to us that fateful morning which motivate me to also give the greyhounds the Second Chance they deserve.
Greyhound racing is a cruel “sport” that forces greyhounds to spend most of their lives in small, stacked cages barely large enough for them to stand up or turn around. Many greyhounds are seriously injured while racing, and thousands are killed each year when they can no longer compete.
In recent years, my organization has been instrumental in fighting for stronger laws to protect racing greyhounds all across the country. We have also passed measures to end dog racing altogether. Eighteen tracks have closed since Christmas Eve 2004, and we will continue to work until this cruelty ends everywhere.
My newly adopted greyhound, Zoe, is truly one of the lucky ones. As Kelsey before her, she gives life to this struggle and reminds me that every dog in God’s creation deserves to be loved.
To learn the facts about dog racing, and to join our fight to end the cruelty of dog racing nationwide, please go to www.grey2kusa.org.
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For more information please visit/contact:
Christine A. Dorchak, Esq. President, GREY2K USA & GREY2K USA Education Fund
Co-Chairperson, Committee to Protect Dogs
(617) 666-3526
