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Local greyhound lover’s tale will air on Sunday

Submitted Helen Johnson will be featured in "Tale for a Pet Lover's Heart" at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, on WGN America. It will re-air at 8 a.m. Dec. 4 WCPO Channel 9.

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By Michael D. Pitman, Staff Writer Updated 6:22 PM Saturday, November 14, 2009

Helen Johnson’s love for greyhounds will be on display Sunday morning, Nov. 15, for the country to see. And the Fairfield resident thinks it will be a touching television program.

Johnson is Queen City Greyhounds’ director of events. Since the organization started in May 2008, 80 dogs have been adopted.

Johnson was asked to be one of six people to talk about their love for animals in “Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart.” It’s scheduled to air 11 a.m. Sunday on WGN America.

“I’m excited for what it can do for greyhounds across the country and around the world, and our group in particular,” Johnson said about the hour-long program.

Sunday’s special is a partnership between Purina and Kroger. The pair sponsored a similar special in 2008, which was nominated for nine local Emmy awards.

The feature will also include tales from pet lovers in Atlanta, Seattle, Cincinnati, San Diego, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

The special will re-air at 8 p.m. Dec. 4 on WCPO Channel 9.

According to Purina officials, each Kroger division nationwide will get a portion of a $150,000 contribution to be made to a neighborhood animal shelter in the name of the show. “I’m hoping people will get involved in their own local communities, helping greyhound groups across the country and around the world,” Johnson said.

Johnson was chosen after the Cincinnati-based production company saw the Queen City Greyhound Web site, as well as a feature article that appeared in the Greater Cincinnati area last year.

Johnson, who had been afraid of large dogs, said she fell in love with the “unique” and “gentle” breed by happenstance.

And like a certain potato chip, you just can’t have one greyhound, said the social studies teacher at Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy High School.

“They are so appreciative for what you give them,” Johnson said. “They appreciate everything, they don’t expect anything.”

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Great story!
Thanks for helping the greyhounds-

summer
10:00 PM, 11/11/2009

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Your story brought a big smile to my face!
Love that you are sharing your story...and
exposing the greyhounds to all the
positive publicity!!!
The Greyhound dogs have been exploited
for many years at the racetracks!
Keep up the good work and God Bless!

nutmeg
3:29 PM, 11/11/2009

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As a greyhound owner I can tell you personally that I have given my greyt dog a life of luxury. And for everything I have given him, he has given me so much more.

Doug
10:34 AM, 11/11/2009

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"A righteous man regards the life of his beast"
PROVERBS

Thank you for promoting the greyhounds!
Continued Success!

flower
8:09 AM, 11/11/2009

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Dear Ms. Johnson!
Thank you for your loving work for the
greyhounds! You are a wonderful ambassador
for this breed of dog! Many of these dogs
live in horrific conditions and forced to
run run run at the tracks...all about the money!
Obviously, when their racing days are over...
their fate is dire!
God Bless You.. for your work promoting these
fine dogs!
Thanks too...to Kroger & Purina for stepping up
and being sponsors for this cause!

kit
7:59 AM, 11/11/2009

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