CW: Probably another year or so, if I stay
sound.
KS: Any big races coming up that you’re
excited about?
CW: Well, I’m in the No. 3 box in the 10th
tomorrow, with Blitzkrieg and EF Sweet Dream. It
should be a challenge, but I’m looking forward
to it (The race was Friday, July 2. Walker
finished second, behind Blitzkrieg but in front
of Sweet Dream).
KS: Do you have a strategy for the race?
CW: Not really, I just try to run my race, do
the best I can.
KS: What’s “your race”?
CW: I usually like to get to the rail as
quickly as I can, and then stay to the front of
the pack. I have some early speed, and I just
try to carry it through. When I’m close I
usually win.
KS: I understand you haven’t been to the
winner’s circle too often lately, though.
CW: Ah, well, you know, it goes in spurts.
I’ll usually win four or five in a row, then I
taper off a little bit, then I’ll come back
again. I’ll probably be back on top in another
week or two. It’s a long season, you’ve got to
pace yourself.
KS: What do you do in between races?
CW: I like to hang out with the other dogs.
We talk a lot, in the kennel. I get to go
outside and run around the pen four times a day.
KS: Does this interview count as one of those
times?
CW: Nope, I got to go outside and I didn’t
even do anything today.
KS: What’s it like when you’re not outside,
when you’re in the kennel?
CW: I’ve got my own little cage. I like to
walk around in circles. Sometimes I take a break
and tear up my bedding.
KS: What’s your bedding like?
CW: It’s newspaper, mainly.
KS: Oh yeah? So there’s a good chance you
might see this article then?
CW: Yeah, I’ll probably get to sleep on my
own picture.
KS: On a more serious note, Charlie, you hear
a lot of horror stories about the treatment of
greyhounds. Are you ever mistreated? Do you get
hit or anything like that.
CW: (Bares teeth) Grrrrrrr... No, we’re well
taken care of. We get three pounds of meat to
eat every day, and we exercise four times a day.
KS: So, no one ever does anything to force
you to run?
CW: Force me to run? I’m a greyhound.
Greyhounds want to run. You can’t make us run.
KS: I heard that you like to watch TV, what
do you like to watch?
CW: WOOF!
KS: Wolf Blitzer, huh? I’m more of a Tim
Russert guy, myself.
KS: Is it true that you like to follow
baseball?
CW: A little bit. I’m more of a historian.
The game’s not as good as it used to be.
KS: All right then, who’s your favorite
all-time ballplayer?
CW: ROOF!
KS: Well Charlie, it’s been a pleasure. We
wish you continued success.
CW: Thanks (shakes paw).
