Lives in a Landscape - Series 4 - Going to the Dogs

Documentary series telling original stories about real lives in Britain today. When Walthamstow dog track closed its doors for the last time in August 2008, it was the end of an era. Alan Dein was the only reporter allowed to join the crowds as the hare led the dogs round the circuit for the last time; the loudspeakers played Thanks for the Memory and the tears flowed freely. But what now for the future of British greyhound racing, without the iconic Stow? For bookie Joe Bennett and young trainer Paul Rich the dogs are a way of life and a family tradition, in spite of the fact that in England greyhound racing's glory days are long past. Alan follows them as they face an uncertain future. While Joe is philosophical and knows that the sport has always had its ups and downs, Paul, who has devoted to his dogs and has only just taken over the family business, is more pessimistic. Now he is racing in Kent, at Sittingbourne's track on a dreary industrial estate in the wrong end of town - a far cry from the glories of the Stow.