Wednesday, 6 April 2022

Blue the Grey

Mr MEDDICK (Western Victoria) (09:49): It is said that dogs are not our whole lives but they make our lives whole, yet I think when it came to Blue the Grey he arguably was his human Kim’s whole life. Blue was breaking records on the racetrack until he broke his leg. Blue was one of the lucky ones who survived racing. He became a social media sensation, with a loyal online following known as ‘Blue’s crew’. His lovable antics, awkward behaviour and famous toast face were seen in every corner of the globe. Through this he helped change the narrative and in so doing the lives of countless other greyhounds.

His couch roaching, love for beige foods and high-pitched whining for attention were not unique to him but are indicative that every single greyhound is an individual that simply wants to be safe from harm and to love and be loved. But most are not so lucky, and Blue shone a light on the horrors of the industry he was born into, where dogs are nothing more than commodities to create gambling profits. Greyhounds belong on the couch, not on a racetrack, and Blue showed us all that.

Last week Blue suddenly passed away. In his honour I renew my calls for this government to ban greyhound racing. My deepest condolences to Kim, Anna and Leo, who all now have a big, lanky Blue-shaped hole in their hearts and home. May Blue’s legacy live on and continue to create a kinder world for greys. Vale, Blue the Grey, you toast-loving legend.