A Special Interview for Tails Pet Magazine
By Andrew Clayman
Published in Tails Pet Magazine, December 2008
Neko Case has widely been hailed as one of America’s finest singer-songwriters— a Patsy Cline caliber crooner with a Dylanesque knack for twisting a phrase. Her latest album, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, was named 2006 Album of the Year by the music editors at Amazon.com, and was ranked #2 that year by National Public Radio’s All Songs Considered. Since moving from Chicago to Tucson, AZ, Neko has also become one of the most prominent advocates for the Greyhound Adoption League and the Greyhound Project, Inc.—groups that work to find loving homes for retired racing dogs. Tails caught up with Neko—in the midst of recording her new album—to talk about her love of greyhounds, the influence of animals on her music, and the ways in which anyone can follow Homer Simpson’s lead and rescue their own “Santa’s Little Helper” this holiday season.What do you like in particular about the greyhound breed?
Their sense of humor. I know that sounds weird, but they are the Bob Newhart of dogs. They are so funny; you sometimes forget how beautiful they are. They are also very gentle and loving. I'm no breed snob-- I have a pound mutt, too-- but Tucson is a dog-racing town, so they are a very available breed. And by available, I mean thrown away by the dog racing industry.
How did you get involved with the Greyhound Adoption League?
I adopted my first greyhound Lloyd from them. We've just become close over the years. My vet is involved in G.A.L., too.
You recently did a benefit concert for the group, as well?
Yes, it was a really great event. I had a LOT of help, so it went very smoothly. I love charity shows. We have done a lot this year-- community centers, ALS, college funds, and of course, animals. That's probably the coolest thing about being in a band.
Many fans will remember your late greyhound Lloyd (see picture). What was special about him as a dog and as a companion?
He was the first dog I adopted since I was a kid-- when I always had a trillion dogs and cats-- and he was just a magical guy. He taught me a lot about being patient, and not because he was a trying dog. He just didn't respond to me being agitated. He was a “convince-me-to-walk-up-those-stairs-with-a-hug” kind of guy. He had WAY more friends than me, too! He was a star all over the neighborhood. I still think about him every day.
Tell us about your current four-legged family.
There are three greyhounds (Travis, Guy, and Swan-y), a black shepherd-chow mix (Liza), a girl kitty named Rhoda, and a grey, squishy tomcat named Ira. I like to adopt the older ones that people overlook. I love them like crazy.
On tour, how do you cope with those long stretches of time apart from your pets?
I am lucky to have very dedicated friends who house-sit for me while I'm gone, so my pets are okay with it, but I miss them terribly.
In your songs, you’ve sung about everything from foxes and tigers to sparrows and ferrets. What’s most appealing to you about animals as artistic subjects?
We understand them less, so they have the capacity to be so much more in our imaginations.
What advice would you give people on ways they can help greyhounds and other former racing dogs in their community?
Never gamble on or patronize dog tracks of any kind. Dog racing needs to end. The dogs are used, abused and thrown away by the tens of thousands every year. There are the rare exceptions, but breeders and racers don't think of them as pets, or even as livestock. They are subject to incredibly inhumane situations. 23 hours a day in a cage is just the beginning. Adopting is a GREAT way to help them and you'll find it helps you, too! Who doesn't need unconditional love and devotion!
Finally, when can we ‘adopt’ your new album?
It's adoptable around March 2009. There are lots of upbeat songs and of course...animals!
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