Homeward Bound 8/02 - Greyhound Pets of America

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
NANCY BATAILLE
Hello everyone! I am sure you all have been enjoying our newsletters and reading them in their entirety
as they are full of enjoyable items.
I would like to start off by announcing that we had our first response to our plea in our last newsletter for our senior greys
that are in need for permanent foster homes. Thank you so very much to Barbara and Richard King for taking “Rugged” into
their loving home. He was recently returned at the age of 10, and we are so happy to have placed him with such wonderful
people who have always been a big help to us in the past. If there are any more of you who might consider helping out these
old timers, please contact us!
I’d like to talk to you about the upcoming holidays and some helpful hints to get through them with your pets. If you are
planing a vacation and are planning to board your pets, please don’t wait until the last minute to make reservations as many
places book up early. If you are having a pet sitter come to your home, please ask for references first. If you are planning to
have a friend either check on your pets several times each day or let your pets stay at someone else’s home, please make sure all
pets have proper ID on them at all times, including a county license tag and their GPA tag. Make sure all phone numbers of
where you will be are provided. It is also important to leave GPA’s numbers and the emergency pager procedure (call 727-8255363; enter your number; press 911 and the # key or leave a voice mail) in case your grey somehow gets loose and runs away
while you are gone.
Remember the holidays are very hectic and with many relatives visiting, not all of them are familiar with greyhounds and
their tendency to run away if a door is left open. Also, not all greys are familiar or have been with children on a regular basis.
If you don’t have any children of your own, please give your greys some quiet time to themselves (from visiting children and
all the holiday commotion) by possibly using a baby gate in a doorway of your bedroom or family room to give them some time
alone. Just remember some of your greys have only been with some of you for a short time and are still adjusting to a new life.
Be patient with them and considerate of their needs also.
IT’S HOLIDAY TIME!
WHAT HAPPENED LAST QUARTER?
Well, we’re coming up on the end of the
year. Time sure flies whether we’re having fun
or not! We here at Homeward Bound have
made a concerted effort to keep you entertained
this year, and we think we’ve succeeded. I
personally am quite pleased with the positive
response I have gotten about the newsletter! (I
can tell you that the staff LOVES flattery, so
keep those compliments coming!)
This issue is chock-full of information,
pertaining to everything from keeping your
greys safe during the holiday season to the
upcoming picnic on December 8. Please take
some time to read this valuable information –
the holiday season is hectic enough; some of our
tips may just make a difference.
Happy holidays to humans and greys alike!
Cox Target MediaSM (the producers
of the Val-Pak® blue envelope)
sponsored GPA-Largo for the month of
August. Paul and Susan Hendess came
out with Joey and Lefty and gave a onehour presentation to a group of over 100
Cox Target Media (CTM) employees.
For the next two weeks, CTM had a
food drive. At the end of August, they
collected 626 pounds of dog food, 26
pounds of treats,
and 19 cans of
food! A CTM
employee also
adopted a dog
from GPA-Largo
as a result of the
presentation.
Christine Garrison
Homeward Bound editor
Kelli Chickos is an employee at CTM,
mother of two GPA adopted greys
(Shamu and Arnie) and foster mom to a
senior grey (Dart). If you are interested
in setting up a similar event at your
company, Kelli would be glad to help!
She can be reached at (727)738-9038.
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Be sure to visit the GPA-Largo Web site! Find out how our adoptees are doing in their new homes. Check out the new online store and message boards – chat with other greyhound aficionados!
www.greyhoundpets.com
COME TO GPA-LARGO’S FALL PICNIC!
WHEN: Sunday, December 8, 2002
WHERE: Phillipe Park, Shelter #2, Safety Harbor, Fla. (see insert for map and directions)
TIME: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (rain or shine)
WHO WILL BE THERE: The Gilleys Dancing Greyhound Drill Team! (Please see
page 4 for the official bio)
Noah’s Animal Hospital will also be at the picnic, performing low-cost vaccinations
and nail trims. $44.98 for rabies, corona, distemper, bordetella shots and a heartworm test. (Cash, checks, credit cards accepted – except for American Express) Nail
trims will be $5.00 per dog. (Cash and checks only – no credit cards for nail trims)
EVENTS: Games! Raffles! Door prizes! Vendors selling all things greyhound! Food!
(Boar’s Head is providing food; GPA-Largo is providing sodas)
GPA-Largo is requesting that you bring a bag (or two) of better-quality dog food
for donation.
2002 GPA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
BY BARBARA GRILLI
The 2002 GPA National Conference
was held July 26 through July 28 at the
Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. Among the
local supporters in attendance were Nancy
Bataille, Maryann Tolliver, Tonya Beader,
Tom and Cora Marro, Rick and Donna
Mugavero (all from GPA-Largo); Francie
and Donna from Bahama Mama Kennels;
and Vera Filipelli from Derby Lane. The
event was well-attended by members from
coast to coast, along with a fair number of
retired Greyhounds. As expected, Las
Vegas was a great venue for the
Conference. (Due to casino rules and their
lack of opposable thumbs, there were no
reports of greys strolling through the
casinos collecting a “buck for luck” or
winning big at the slots.)
The three-day Conference was jampacked with activities and participants
including introduction of new National
officers, new committees, a showcase of
vendors, and several prominent speakers.
Former National Vice-President Rory
Goree was introduced as the new GPA/
National President and Alaine Schultz was
elected as the new Vice President. Diane
Schiesser is the new
corresponding secretary. Lee
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Eddington will continue as
National Treasurer. Guest speakers
included Linda L. Blythe, DVM, PhD, one
of the authors of Care of the Racing
Greyhound, who demonstrated detection of
muscle and other racing-related injuries;
and Lee Livengood, author of the popular
Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies
book. Lee spoke about the treats/reward
system of teaching a dog to respond to
commands. Both authors held booksigning sessions.
Two very important new committees
were formed, as was the main goal of this
year’s Conference, and of course GPALargo is heavily involved in both at the
local level. A National Sub-Chapter
Formation Committee and a National “7 x
7” Committee were organized. Both
committees will focus on increasing the
number of adoptions. Tonya Beader is on
the National Sub-Chapter Formation
Committee and will help to organize new
sub-chapters, monitor their progress, and
recommend them for full chapter status.
Her Committee will also be writing the
policy and procedure manual for the new
sub-chapters to follow. The first meeting of
the Sub-Chapter Committee was held on
September 4. Several sub-chapters were
Continued on page 7
ONGOING EVENTS
The Tampa Greyhound Track is
open until December 31. We can
always use your help in walking the
dogs between races. Contact Will
Shumaker at (813) 971-3114.
MEET AND GREETS: Educate
others or adopt another
greyhound! Here’s where GPALargo can be found:
PETSMART: 3993 Tyrone Blvd., St.
Petersburg. Every Sunday from
noon – 3 p.m.
PETSMART: 26777 US Hwy. 19 N
and Enterprise, Clearwater. Every
Sunday from noon – 2 p.m.
PETSMART: Citrus Park Blvd.,
Tampa. Every Sunday from
noon – 2 p.m.
PET SUPERMARKET: 5104 Hwy. 19,
New Port Richey. Every other
Sunday from noon – 2 p.m.
ANN’S PETS: 4369 Commercial Way
(US Hwy. 19), Spring Hill. Every
other Saturday from 11 a.m.– 2 p.m.
UPCOMING EVENTS
GPA-Largo’s Fall Picnic is
scheduled for Sunday, December 8 at
Phillipe Park in Safety Harbor.
Please see story on this page for more
information about this event!
It’s almost time for the racing to
start up again at Derby Lane. We
will need volunteers to help walk the
dogs between races. Please contact
Maryann Tolliver at 727-343-1444 or
Tonya Beader at 727-347-5059 for
more information.
PET FAIR: 11/23 and 11/24/02 at
Noah’s Animal Hospital, St.
Petersburg, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
GPA-Largo has been invited to
participate, and we need volunteers to
help man our booth and talk about
the greys. There will be vendors,
games, and pictures with Santa. Come
on out — help GPA and raise
awareness! Please contact Maryann
Tolliver at 727-343-1444 for more
information.
Continued on page 3
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ASK THE VET!
BY BARBARA GRILLI
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This segment of “Ask the Vet”
features Dr. John Slaughter, who’s been a
vet since 1978. He has been on staff at
Noah’s Animal Hospital since 1997.
Noah’s, as most of you already know,
kennels the greys while they await foster
homes and works with GPA-Largo on a
discount basis. With the holidays
approaching, this segment will focus on
some health issues related to this season.
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HOMEWARD BOUND: With the
holidays coming up, what are some
“seasonal” dietary indiscretions that
greyhound owners should be aware
of, and what effects do they have?
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RECIPE FOR
DISASTER?
this often in greyhounds, as most
owners are so well-screened by GPA.
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HB: What are some of the non-food
items you’ve seen as hazards,
especially this time of year?
DR. SLAUGHTER: Mistletoe, English
Holly berries and Poinsettias are all
toxic and should be handled with care.
I’ve never had a case where a
greyhound ingested a shiny item (like
tinsel or bulbs), but it is a possibility.
Some metals gradually release zinc,
which can destroy red blood cells.
Also, some greys can become agitated
with crowds (an increased possibility
with holiday guests and parties) and I
recommend Amitriptyline, which
helps a lot with mood and anxiety.
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DR. SLAUGHTER: In general, do not
feed your greyhound any table scraps.
They are crafty and curious and have
been known to grab anything within
reach. With the amount and variety of
foods around during the holidays, be
extra careful about what is left
unattended. I had a case last year
where a dog ate an entire turkey. This
can result in severe pancreatitis
(inflammation of the pancreas), which
greyhounds are susceptible to.
Symptoms include vomiting bile and
possible bloating. This condition
elevates enzymes, which attack the
pancreas and increase the number of
white blood cells and can lead to
diabetes. Naturally, even turkey bones
are dangerous due to splintering. And
chocolate contains theobromine,
which is poisonous to dogs, especially
baker’s chocolate.
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HB: That’s a good reminder, since there
is a lot more baking around the
holidays. What about alcohol?
DR. SLAUGHTER: Watch alcohol.
Thirsty dogs can drink a fatal amount
of alcohol quickly. They can go into
shock because their livers are naive to
detoxification. They experience a rush
to the brain and pass out. They also
experience pulmonary edema (fluid in
the lungs), which is the “warm
feeling” humans get after a drink but
can be fatal to dogs. I don’t really see
?
HB: What if an owner takes a grey on a
car trip to a colder climate for the
holidays? What precautions should be
taken?
DR. SLAUGHTER: A diet change during
the trip will not have any effect or
make a difference. Thirty-five to 40
days in advance, add omega fatty acids
to your dog’s diet by adding fish oil.
For about every 10-degree drop in
temperature, add 5% more food to
daily intake. Converting to two
feedings per day is also a good idea.
But start at least 30 days in advance. If
you are carrying antifreeze on your car
trip, be aware that it can be fatal to a
dog unless the dog is treated
immediately. It is sweet and attractive
to dogs. Ethylene glycol is the
ingredient that is fatal if not treated
within 8-10 hours with an i.v. drip of
vodka or grain alcohol. I use
Propolyne glycol in my hot rod, which
does not have a toxic effect on dogs. It
is actually an ingredient in Keebler’s
cookies. I believe that Firestone is one
brand that contains Propolyne glycol.
Thanks to Dr. Slaughter for taking
time out of his busy schedule to speak
with Homeward Bound.
Before the holidays, go to a pharmacy and buy a box of cotton balls. Be
sure that you get COTTON balls, not
the cosmetic puffs that are made from
man-made fibers. Also, buy a quart of
half-and-half coffee cream and put it in
the freezer.
Should your dog eat glass ornaments
(or staples or similar objects), defrost the
half-and-half and pour some in a bowl.
Dip cotton balls into the cream and feed
them to your dog.
Dogs under 10 lbs. should eat two
balls, which you have first torn into
smaller pieces. Dogs 10-50 lbs. should
eat three to five balls, and larger dogs
should eat at least five to seven. You may
feed larger dogs an entire cotton ball at
once. Dogs seem to really like these
strange treats and eat them readily.
As the cotton works its way through
the digestive tract, it will find all the
glass pieces and wrap itself around them.
Even the smallest shards of glass will be
caught and wrapped in the cotton fibers
— and the cotton will protect the
intestines from damage by the glass.
Your dog’s stools will be really weird for
a few days and you will have to be
careful to check for fresh blood or a
tarry appearance to the stool. If either of
these symptoms appear, you should rush
your dog to the vet for a checkup but in
most cases, the dog will be just fine.
Upcoming Events
continued from page 2
PICTURES WITH SANTA: 12/14 and
12/15/02 at the PetSmart on Tyrone
Blvd. in St. Petersburg. Pictures will be
$10 each; GPA-Largo will be able to
keep 50% of all monies taken in during
these two days. Volunteers are needed –
we need a Santa, a helper, picture taker,
and someone who can do paperwork
and collect money. There will be three
shifts each day; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1 –
3 p.m., and 3 – 5 p.m. Four volunteers
are needed for each time slot. If you can
take time out of your holiday shopping,
please contact Maryann Tolliver at
727-343- 1444 for more information.
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Be sure to visit the GPA-Largo Web site! Find out how our adoptees are doing in their new homes. Check out the new online store and message boards – chat with other greyhound aficionados!
www.greyhoundpets.com
THE DANCING GREYHOUND DRILL TEAM HISTORY
The Dancing Greyhound Drill Team
history stretches across many states and
several countries. In 1978 it was the allbreed Panama Canal Kennel Chapter
Drill Team in Central America. It is now
a four-greyhound traveling drill team –
the only one in the world. They do basic
obedience drill-team style, free-style
dancing, retrieving, leaping, jumps and
comedy routines. Since 1996, The
Dancing Greyhound Drill Team has
been a full-time, non-profit, volunteer
effort to support greyhound adoption
and humane societies with a wide variety
of public services included.
Kathleen and Gil Gilley, the founding members are native-born Zonians,
raised in the Panama Canal Zone. They
remained in the Panama Canal Area
until the political situation became
difficult. Then Gil retired in 1989. They
bought a motor home to look around this
new country. The two black and two
brindle Gilley greyhounds have never
known any other residence than a motor
home.
Twelve years later, the Gilleys still
enjoy changing climates and having a
new adventure every day. But dogs, and
now exclusively greyhounds, have
remained a constant. They started out
giving performances and seminars on
traveling with dogs to recreational
vehicle groups to promote responsible
dog ownership. In 1999, they were
awarded Honorary Life Membership in
the Greyhound Pets of America.
The self-proclaimed baby of the
Team (although not the youngest) is
Cheybaby. She arrived in 1997 at the age
of 17 months. Her favorite activities are
hugging and kissing. Chey is seven years
old. She is a Mama’s Baby. Chey has
made the front pages of more newspapers than any other greyhound in the
U.S. with her live greyhound jump.
Safire, the lighter red brindle, is
seven years old and is, without question,
a Daddy’s Girl. She ranks second in the
most photogenic and published category.
Alexandria Mist exploded onto the
scene. This little black sky walker’s
racing weight was 53 pounds. Mist was
donated to the Dancing Greyhounds by
the Greyhound Pets of AmericaCentral Florida Chapter. She is a
five-year-old black silk model.
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Her forte is clearly aerobatics. She is the
ultimate flying machine. She launches
herself skyward with the greatest of ease
for the sheer joy of it. Her nicknames range
from Ms. ME!, to the Out-of-the-Pocket
Rocket. She thinks quite highly of herself
and that she is a “big” girl, therefore she
would be embarrassed if we told you we
call her Cutie Pie at home.
Beauty is the tall, elegant black one. She
is two months younger than Ms. ME!.
Because her bloodlines are the same as a
previous team member, Wayki Breaky
Heart, Beauty was tracked down, via the
Internet, across the country, with the help
of the Greyhound Nation. “Boo” began
Basic Horseplay 101 in February 2001
and debuted with the Team by the end of
that same month, in Sarasota, Florida.
The Drill Teamers are also animalassisted therapy dogs. They visit nursing
homes, hospitals, rehab centers and do
educational programs for elementary
schools, participate in humane society
fundraisers and speak at rotary clubs.
The Team has performed in 26 states
and three Canadian provinces. They have
appeared on two segments of Animal
Planet and are Celebrity Dogs for the
Annual Showcase of Dogs for St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital.
LIFE BEFORE RETIREMENT:
THE PUPPYHOOD OF RACERS
BY KELLY CROGHAN-FORD
As proud, adoptive parents of retired racers we provide loving and comfortable homes
for our retirees. Our greys not only take over our hearts, but our couches, beds and carpets,
too. Have you ever wondered what your grey’s life was like before he/she became a 45-milean-hour couch potato? Just how do our retirees become racers?
Most greyhounds are born on farms in the midwest and Florida. An average litter has
about 6-8 pups, although some can have many more. Greyhounds are known for strong
maternal instincts, and the pups are kept with their mother until weaning at approximately
nine weeks. Before the puppies reach three months old, they receive their ear tattoos; the left
ear has the NGA litter registration number, and the right ear shows the month and year of
birth and order of tattooing in the litter. Good breeders handle and nurture the pups from
birth, believing that a happy, well-trained and well-adjusted dog makes a better racer – and a
better family member, too.
Greyhound pups are kept with their littermates for up to 10 months. Part of the reason
they are kept together is that puppies help train each other through their play and competitive nature. At roughly six months old, pups start spending their time playing, learning basic
verbal commands and manners, and occasionally making trips to a racetrack for slow runs.
Soon after, the growing pups progress into earnest training. Most trainers start by tying a
plastic jug or other enticing object to a rope. The rope is then dragged along the ground for
the puppies to chase. Later, a slow-moving tractor is used to pull the rope. Next, the pups are
trained to chase after an artificial lure attached to a whirligig. Eventually, simulated track
conditions are used in training.
At 12 to 14 months, future racers are moved into kennel rooms. Their crates are stacked
one row above another. A stereo plays music 24 hours a day. The music blocks out noise from
other kennels, vehicles, and other noises from outside. The greys are turned out four times a
day into a fenced yard, and once a week they are taken to the training track. When they are
14 months old, the young dogs move to the track permanently and run at the training track
twice a week.
A greyhound will typically run in his/her first or maiden race at about 18 months of age,
and will continue to race as long as he/she is successful and injury-free. A dog that has a
successful career will generally be retired at the age of five. This is the point where the lucky
ones meet people who will be their forever-families and begin to enjoy a life of leisure.
Sources:
Branigan, C. (1998). Adopting the Racing Greyhound.
Livingood, L. (2000). Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies.
TEN
COMMANDMENTS
FOR RESPONSIBLE
PET OWNERS (told
from a pet’s perspective)
1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years.
Any separation from you will be very
painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you
want from me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for
my well being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long, and
don’t lock me up as punishment. You
have your work, your friends, and your
entertainment. I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand
your words, I understand your voice
when it’s speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me,
I’ll never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I
have teeth that could easily crush your
bones in your hand, but I choose not to
bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or
uncooperative, ask yourself if some
thing might be bothering me. Perhaps
I’m not getting the right food, I’ve
been out in the sun too long, or my
heart may be getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You
too will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys.
Never say, “I can’t bear to watch it,” or
“Let it happen in my absence.” Every
thing is easier for me if you are there.
Remember, I love you.
Ray Stout
Vice President
Greyhound Pets of America
San Antonio Chapter
San Antonio, Texas
HEY DENVER!
This is Karen. I’m a new foster mom. Here’s my challenge: my foster grey, Tina,
likes to enjoy my cushie couch. Although I’ve been trying to teach her not to climb
onto the furniture, as soon as I’m out of the room or out of the house, Tina’s lounging
in the lounger again! Any ideas to help??
–KAREN
KAREN,
Your problem is pretty common. We greys sure like our comfort! Our bodies are
mostly bones and muscle, and we look for anything soft and warm to rest on.
However, it doesn’t have to be the couch or your bed. If you make us someplace warm
and comfy, it will do just fine. Here’s some methods my human folk have used to
keep me off the furniture and beds.
❖ Purchase a plastic carpet runner and lay this, knobby side up, on the furniture.
We hate the feeling of those knobs and will go find our comfy little bed instead!
❖ Put chairs on top of furniture. My human does this with the living room
furniture. She lays the dining room chairs on the couch so I don’t have enough
room to climb up. (Believe me, I’ve tried!)
❖ Close the doors to all the rooms you don’t want your grey in. But be very sure
they are shut – even a door partially cracked is an invitation. In fact, I’ve gotten
so good at opening seemingly closed doors, I’ve taken this up as a hobby! If I see
a closed door, I push on it with my nose to see if I can open it. You’d be surprised
how often the door wasn’t fully shut and I gained entry! Just call me Bond,
Denver Bond! Woof!
And, here are some of my own thoughts about what makes a comfy bed for a grey!
❖ Old blankets – the softer the better. Satin blankets and velour blankets are the
best – pure luxury! And, don’t be shy about giving us a lot of them. A folded
pallet of blankets with some loose blankets on top is perfect for digging our paws
in and making a nice soft bed!
❖ Old pillows – we love ‘em! The more, the better.
❖ Little couch pillows are awesome too! We can rest our heads on these. It feels
really good on our necks!
❖ If you have a hard wood floor, put down a piece of carpet and then some blankets
and pillows for us. Wood floors can be really hard on our bones.
❖ My human gave me an old mattress cover for under my blankets. It’s really soft
and comfortable with this extra padding! Woofdoggie!
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Be sure to visit the GPA-Largo Web site! Find out how our adoptees are doing in their new homes. Check out the new online store and message boards – chat with other greyhound aficionados!
www.greyhoundpets.com
EDITOR: Christine Garrison
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Kelly Croghan- Ford, Barbara Grilli
and Theresa Racky-Soles
DESIGNER: Rick Mugavero
PRINTER: Cora Marro
This is the time of year when human minds turn to colder weather (in Florida?
Fat chance), dressing up the house and themselves, and having a bunch of people over
invading my sleep space. I thought I’d tell you what both greys and humans can do to
keep healthy and happy during the “holiday” season. (Strange word, holiday . . .
I guess that’s an important human word!)
FOR THE GREYS:
DO let your human know how much you enjoy their decorations around the
house. My first Christmas in my house, I ate ALL the candy canes off my human’s
tree. I did a very good job, too – I didn’t knock the tree over; I didn’t even knock any
ornaments off! Of course, my human is puzzled to this day as to how I pulled THAT
off, and of course I won’t be telling her!
DON’T eat all the candy canes off of the Christmas tree. I remember having quite
a tummyache afterwards.
DO play in the wrapping paper. Help out your humans and sniff all the things
they’re wrapping; they may tell you to go away, but believe me, you really are helping
them out!
DON’T chew up the things your humans are wrapping up. Funny, they don’t
seem to like the well-chewed look. I like chewing things until they’re all slimy and
have holes in it, and my human thinks it’s gross . . . what does she know?
FOR THE HUMANS:
DO put tempting human treats – and potentially hazardous for greys – out of our
reach! Even though we like to eat them, sometimes there are consequences to be paid,
from having an upset stomach to colitis to the unthinkable. Be aware that we LOVE to
counter-surf (I know I do) and will eat just about anything not latched down. (I speak
from experience!)
DON’T let your greys sneak any food during the holidays, especially things with
chocolate in them! I have eaten brownies and chocolate Pop Tarts on the sly before,
but somehow my human always finds out about my eating habits (okay, my countersurfing). She always seems to be on the phone, talking into it and telling the person on
the other end, “Guess what Depot ate now?” She tells me I’m the running joke at the
vet, because I like to eat!
DO be aware that all the extra excitement may excite us. We love company, we
love attention, but sometimes it can get to be a bit much and we may not act like our
normal sweet selves. Pay attention to our moods. If we seem to be getting overly
excited, take us for a nice long walk – that’ll tire us out and make it easy for us to sleep
through just about anything.
DON’T yell and scream when we do things we normally wouldn’t do, like chew
up Aunt Vera’s hat or pee in the corner. We are just showing you that we are uncomfortable, and we’re looking to you to make it safe for us. Protect us during the holidays
and keep us as safe as possible!
FOR EVERYONE:
Happy holidays! Stay safe and have a greyt time!
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STAFF: Arlene Hess, Gary Hess and
Dana Stevenson
BOARD SPONSOR:
Maryann Tolliver
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Nancy Bataille, President
Maryann Tolliver, Vice President
Tonya Beader, Co-Vice President
Mary Haas, Treasurer
Sea Sanderson, Secretary
Harold Aich
Paul Hendess
Homeward Bound is published quarterly
by Greyhound Pets of America – Largo
chapter for the purpose of offering
continued support to retired racing
greyhound owners. This publication is
provided free of charge.
Letters, photographs and articles are
welcomed and encouraged! Please
forward inquiries, comments,
suggestions and photographs to:
Christine Garrison
Attn: Newsletter
C/O GPA-Largo
P.O. Box 8071
Madeira Beach, FL 33738
Pinellas/Hillsborough: 727-595-7852
New Port Richey/Pasco: 727-430-0456
e-mail: [email protected]
GPA-Largo is dedicated to promoting
and facilitating the adoption of
Greyhounds when their racing careers
end, and to educate the public about
Greyhounds and what wonderful pets
they can become. GPA-Largo cares for
the animals from the track to their new
homes, using our network of foster
homes where loving volunteers help
them learn the trials and tribulations of
life after the track. GPA-Largo is run
entirely by volunteers and depends on
fundraising and donations for its
operating expenses.
LEND US A PAW
PINELLAS/HILLSBOROUGH:
727-595-7852
NEW PORT RICHEY/PASCO:
727-430-0456
Ok, GPA is always in need of
something. And you can help. Here are
some ways you can do that:
QUALITY DOG FOOD! Always
needed- we can even pick it up-or you
can drop it at PetsMart for us!
BLANKETS! Our greys in foster homes
and at the kennel always need blankets
to lay on – even old sheets will do! Just
call and let us know you have a
donation!
STUFFED TOYS! Boy do they LOVE
these!
BABY GATES! If you have some of
these you’re not using anymore, we
could sure use them for our Foster
Homes!
FOOD BOWLS! Do you have any old
dog food bowls? We’ll take them!
MONEY! Feeding, boarding and
caring for our greys is expensive and it
also takes money to raise money. So,
any tax-deductible charitable gift you
can provide would be GREYTLY
appreciated!
YOUR TIME! Volunteer for a committee or to walk our greys at the kennels.
Your help is also always needed during
our participation in local events to
create awareness about GPA and all the
greys that are in need of a home. Come
share your story about adopting your
grey, and bring him or her with you!
Just call us at the number above and
we’ll let you know when and where.
There are always lots of activities we’re
involved in to help us to raise money
and awareness!
In addition, keep in mind that if
you work or participate in someway
with a group that can assist us, we
would like to talk with you about
getting their support too! This can be
working in a vet office, or you are part
of a Brownie/Boy Scout troop, or work
for a dog food company! So, please,
lend us a paw!
FOR ALL THOSE WHO FOSTER
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
Thank you for bringing this foster dog
into my life. Had I not made the decision to
participate in rescue, I would never have had
the chance to meet him. If I had sat here
comfortably in my home and said, “I already
have four dogs and I know that I couldn’t
take in another – even on a temporary
basis,” I would never have met this dog.
Yes, it takes time to rescue and foster . . .
but who gave me time in the first place?
And why or what was the reason I was
given time? To fill my own needs? Or was
there another reason ever so small and
seemingly insignificant, like rescuing this
one dog, which could make a difference in
another’s life? Perhaps to add joy, hope, help
and companionship to another who is in
need?
With great sadness, I sat down on a
footstool in my kitchen this morning and
watched as this foster dog bounced back into
the house and skidded across the floor to sit
ever so perfectly in front of me. He was the
picture of health, finally. He was all smiles
for me . . . and I smiled back at his happy
face. Deep in his eyes, the storm clouds of
illness and generalized poor health had
blown away, and the clear light of his
perfection radiated out from his beautiful
soul. He holds no ill will toward man. He
forgives us all.
I thought to myself as I impressed this
one last long look of him into my heart,
what a very fine creature You have
created. Tears slowly pooled and spilled
over my cheekbones as the deeper
realization of how wonderful this dog is
sank into my internal file cabinet of
Needful Things to Remember. Lord, he’s
a dog – but he’s a better human being
than I am.
❖ He has forgiven quickly. Would I
do the same?
❖ He passionately enjoys the simple
things in life. And I have often
overlooked them.
❖ He accepts change and gets on with
his life. I fuss and worry about
change.
❖ He lives today and loves today.
And I often dwell in the past or
worry about the future.
❖ He loves no matter what. I am not
that free.
❖ This very lovely dog has gone to
his new home today and already I
miss him. Thank you for bringing
this dog into my life. And thank
you for the beautiful and tender
lesson on how to be a better
human.
2002 GPA National Conference
continued from page 2
granted full chapter status, and a couple of
groups were approved to begin their tenure
as new GPA Sub-Chapters. If you are
interested in forming a Sub-Chapter, please
contact Tonya at 727-347-5059.
Maryann Tolliver is on the National 7 x
7 Committee. The goal of this Committee is
to adopt out 7,000 retired Greyhounds
annually by the year 2007. GPA currently
adopts out about 3,500 Greys per year
nationally. The 7 x 7 Committee will also be
looking for people in areas that have no
representation from any other group and
will then recommend them to the SubChapter Committee. Gary Guccione of the
National Greyhound Association presented
GPA with a $20,000 check in support of
that goal at the Convention. Maryanne
chairs the local 7 x 7 meetings and invites
you to call her at 747-343-1444 for more
information.
Mark your calendars for the 2003
Convention in Birmingham, Alabama, and
the 2004 Convention in Portland, Oregon.
Our continued support will help
GPA reach and exceed all goals!
7
Be sure to visit the GPA-Largo Web site! Find out how our adoptees are doing in their new homes. Check out the new online store and message boards – chat with other greyhound aficionados!
www.greyhoundpets.com
RAINBOW BRIDGE FOR VOLUNTEERS
The young pup and the older dog lay on shaded sweet grass watching the
reunions. Sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes a whole family would
approach the Rainbow Bridge, be greeted by their loving pets and cross the bridge
together.
The young pup playfully nipped at the older one. “Look! Something
wonderful is happening!”
The older dog stood up and barked, “Quickly. Get over to the path.”
“But that’s not my owner,” whined the pup, but he did as he was told.
Thousands of pets surged forward as a figure in white walked on the path toward
the bridge.
As the glowing figure passed each animal, that animal bowed its head in love
and respect. The figure finally approached the bridge, and was met by a menagerie
of joyous animals. Together, they all walked over the bridge and disappeared.
The young pup was still in awe. “Was that an angel?” he whispered.
“No, son,” the older dog replied. “That was more than an angel. That was a
person who volunteered for Greyhound Pets of America.”
R . I . P. G R E Y S
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
GPA-Largo wishes
to express our
heartfelt condolences
to the families of
Damon, Flex, Mae,
Colonel Mustard,
Catie, Boomer,
Darrin, Sue,
Gus and Pebbles.
Editors note: This article has been edited for clarity, and may be a slightly different
version than the original. The original was taken from an unknown source, and any
alterations made are not meant to infringe on the original author’s rights.
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED