
Down the track
Thomas Freteur’s Cynodrome captures remote communities gathering at Belgium’s dog tracks.
s READ MOREThomas Freteur’s Cynodrome captures remote communities gathering at Belgium’s dog tracks.
s READ MOREPhotographer Thomas Freteur has been spending some time down at the dog tracks. There are only three (barely) remaining in Belgium, and Freteur’ natural tendencies toward unknown coteries dragged him from one to the other.
The remote communities, their short-term nervousness before the race and long-term unease about the future of the sport (for lack of funding), is desperately acknowledged on his series Cynodrome. And the baggage precedes Freteur’ study is interesting. “Two years ago, I covered the daily life of a pet cemetery… which slowly drives me to the background of greyhound racing in Belgium in 2014,” Freteur explains. “A friend brought me on a spring day to that incredible place, located 10km away from Liège (Belgium) and I directly jumped into that reality during one race season. I should also tell you that project helped me to face my fear of dogs, and I feel cured.”
Even from an impartial, initially frightened, perspective, Freteur is acutely aware of the camaraderie in the scene. He remembers overhead conversations, “There are people who do think that in a glance their dogs will run. But a dog, for racing, you need to give him love and training as soon as he reaches 8 weeks,” one trainer says. “We don’t go on vacations since 1998, our dogs bring us all around and that is our joy!”
—
All images by Thomas Freteur
A heartfelt thank you to all the photographers, artists, illustrators, and writers who trusted us, dived in, and brought us delight, grace, excitement, courage, wilderness, and wonder over the last five years. Their work not only reflects the bonds we share with our animal companions, it also celebrates their spirit.
None of this would be possible without our four-legged counterparts who sprinkle magic dust time and time again, and our readers, who embraced this kooky idea, rallied around us, and made this world theirs too. With friends like these, who needs nine lives?
February 5, 2019
In Marcel Heijnen’s Hong Kong Garage Dogs tough pups tool around.
November 27, 2019
Illustrated advice to keep pups—and humans—on good behaviour all year long.
November 23, 2019
Bad Marlon’s toys are more than just playthings, they are dear friends.
November 22, 2019
Wu Chuan-Lun’s collection of porcelain German shepherds stands guard in his exhibition, No Country for Canine.
November 18, 2019
With Public Animals, photographer Hosung Jang captures strays’ private emotions.
November 9, 2019
Let your dog chow down in the utmost comfort and style with MiaCara’s new feeder.
October 31, 2019
Photographer Angelika Goltyaeva questions false motives through true fantasy.
October 27, 2019
A graphic designer’s bold illustrations capture the simple joy of dogs.
October 24, 2019
This short film paints a portrait of isolation and quiet despair with darkly comic moments and a poignant ending.
October 16, 2019
Linda Warlond’s Love is the Colour captures the unconditional love between homeless people and their hounds.
October 9, 2019