The difficult existence of racing greyhounds has come into sharp relief with the passing of Firefly Jen from a heart attack.
On June 19, 2021, Firefly Jen passed out at the finish line in Kempsey, New South Wales. She was four years and three months – old for a racing greyhound.
Despite only participating in 25 races, she has three career falls. Was there a reason she was only mildly raced, and if so, what was it?
As detailed in their Greyhound Recorder profiles, the racing career of the “Firefly” litter came to an end with the passing of Firefly Jen.
She was the last of an eight-dog litter that was racing when she was born on February 24, 2017. The racing careers of Firefly Benno, Bluey, Gus, Maureen, Paw, Sue, and Tommo varied, but they all endured ten falls, ten deaths, and ten injuries.
After injuring his elbow in his 31st race, Firefly Gus was euthanized by the on-track vet.
Firefly Tommo only raced twice and finished last, while Firefly Benno competed in 58 races and fell twice.
After competing four times, Firefly Maureen suffered a shoulder injury in her final race in June 2019.
Firefly Bluey competed in 46 races, losing his last one with injuries to his foot and hand.
After competing in 11 races, Firefly Paw lost his last one.
After racing 13 times, Firefly Sue hit the running rail in her final race after falling three times.
There are no longer any racing greyhounds from this litter. So what has happened to the other dogs if two of them are dead?
Images show every fall suffered by the litter plus the moments before Firefly Jen’s heart attack and collapse.
