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ARIZONA GREYHOUND RESCUE Vol 9 No 1 Summer 2009
ARIZONA GREYHOUND RESCUE Vol 9 No 1 Summer 2009
& An Arizona Greyhound Rescue
Publication
AD
OP
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E..
. an
d M
E…
an
d M
E!
Photo Credits - Tej Grewal and Cindy Hall
2 Roos & News
ARIZONA GREYHOUND RESCUE
In this Issue of… Roos & News
President’s Statement 3
Grapehounds for Greyhounds 4
Buddy’s Service Training 4
First Few Days After Adoption 5
Flickr® Highlight - Gabrielle Giffords 5
ADOPT ME! Spotlights 6, 8, 9
Save the Dates! 7
Let’s Go Green 7
Volunteer Positions Available 9
Greyhound Fall Festival 10
Picture Shoot - June Dog Wash 10, 11
Bigger Bark and Roos to... 12
Special Thanks to…. 13
Pride for their Future 13
Adoptions 14
Rainbow Bridge 15
Animal Care Volunteer Model 16
A Foster Tale 17
Remembering Mr. Bennett 18
Donation Coupon 19
As members of the AGR family...
We like to keep track of our adopters, the name of their fur kids at the time they were adopted, or if a beloved fur kid has crossed the
Rainbow Bridge. If you have moved, or changed your email address or phone number, please contact Terry Baker who maintains our records and provide him with this information.
You can call him at 240-1533, or send snail mail to 6151 E. 29
th Street, Tucson, AZ 85711, or you can email him at:
[email protected]. Thank you for everything you do for the greyhounds!
AGR Board Meetings: 1st Thursday of the month, 6pm
Ward 6 Council Office
3202 East 1st Street, Tucson, AZ
1 block south of Speedway,
1 block east of Country Club
All are invited to attend.
Summer 2009 3
www.azgreyhoundrescue.org
Four years ago, in May of 2005,
Mary Freeman took over as president of
Arizona Greyhound Rescue. In February,
Mary „retired‟ from the leadership of AGR.
During Mary‟s term, AGR enjoyed tremendous and very positive growth. AGR
grew from a successful, but modest, operation to a mature non-profit that has
exceeded $100,000 in revenue. Also during this time, AGR set adoption
records of more than 100 adoptions in several years. We moved into the
kennels in Marana, which allowed the number of hounds taken into our care to
expand significantly; an adoption process with designated adoption
coordinators was put into place, ensuring great forever homes and helping
reduce the number of rebounded hounds; and, our volunteer base has grown to
hundreds of dedicated people. For nearly 4 years, Mary has been the public
face and voice of AGR. She worked tirelessly to increase the effectiveness and
professionalism of the organization; and, most importantly, Mary has been a
strong advocate for the hundreds of hounds that have passed through and
become a part of the AGR family. Very big shoes to fill!
At the annual board meeting in February, I was elected president of AGR. The
challenge I face is to continue and expand the growth that Mary achieved. I‟m
fortunate to have a fabulous board of directors to work with in this endeavor.
The board is currently made up of several experienced long-time members and
many new members to give us a fresh perspective. I would like to introduce
the new officers and board members:
President – Janet Vaupel
Vice President – OPEN
Secretary – Cindy Hall
Treasurer – Anne Marie King
Adoption Director – Cheryl Bennett
Animal Care Director – John Clark
Communications Director – Bill Nunn
Fundraising Director – Angy Shearer
Outreach Director – Julia Summers
Volunteer Director – Carol Ray
Director-at-Large – OPEN
Director-at-Large – Terry Baker
We have many new ideas including:
producing a monthly email/online
newsletter, streamlining the animal
c a r e p r o c e s s e s , t e c h n i c a l
improvements to the adoption and
record keeping process, creating an
advisory board to help us become an
even stronger, more effective
organization, and creating an online
rolling, yearly event calendar.
Thanks for your continued support of
AGR. I, the board, and the hounds
appreciate it immensely.
Mary Freeman and Janet Vaupel
by Janet Vaupel
4 Roos & News
ARIZONA GREYHOUND RESCUE
I t ’s Of f ic ia l !
Buddy and Diana Hansen passed their final service dog training exam with Handi-Dogs. Buddy is now the 2nd g r e yh o u n d s e r v i c e d o g wh o accomplished this in Tucson. Blueberry was the first. Buddy and Diana have trained hard for a year and a half to accomplish this. The hardest thing for Buddy was getting the concept of retrieving items for Diana, but he finally mastered it.
AGR congratulates Buddy and Diana!
Join Arizona Greyhound Rescue for a late afternoon canine-themed wine tasting, silent art auction, and socializing. Invite your wine-loving friends for a greyt cause.
It‟s a win-win event for greyhound rescue and CataVinos, a local wine shoppe. Wine tasting costs $20 ($10 tax-deductible) and includes 6 tastes, nibbles,
and tasting notes. CataVinos is located at 3063 N. Alvernon Way, 1 block south of Ft. Lowell, 323-3063
www.catavinoswines.com
“ W i n e i s s u n l i g h t h e l d t o g e t h e r w i t h w a t e r . ” ~ G a l i l e o
CataVinos Wine Shoppe Sunday, July 26, 4 to 6 p.m.
www.greytescape.etsy.com www.greytescape.com/store
Summer 2009 5
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Buddy, fur kid of Mary Freeman and Diana Hansen, had a
chance to discuss the plight of greyhounds with
Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
You can see this picture and related comments on the AGR
Flickr® webpage located at: www.flickr.com/photos/
azgreyhoundrescue
(Ed.) A few days after Adonis moved into his forever home, his new mom,
Nikia, was asked how things were shaping up; and, this is what she had to say:…
“Things are going wonderfully with Adonis…
He has this cute habit of "shopping" for items for his bed - not to chew - just to sleep with. I've found him snuggled up with towels, my hair dryer, makeup bag, socks, shirts and more! I'm not sure I really understand the attraction to the hair dryer but the rest makes sense! Oddly though, we are quite convinced that he's deaf, or at least
significantly hearing impaired. I've been testing him and he doesn't respond to any sort of sound alone. So I'm studying up on sign language commands for dogs!”
by Nikia Fico
6 Roos & News
ARIZONA GREYHOUND RESCUE
Fiona was taken into AGR care
when it was discovered she had a severe case of tick fever which, in turn, was affecting her left eye. While she resembles a greyhound, AGR thinks she is part Golden
Retriever. The kennel greyhounds immediately recognized an interloper – not a purebred greyhound - and wasted no time in letting her know just that. Concerned for her emotional well being, AGR quickly found Fiona a foster home. The foster mom had a greyhound and two other dogs. Fiona progressed to having a good appetite, gained weight, learned to use the doggie door, was not destructive, and never soiled. However, she needed her space when it was time to eat. As Fiona was not used to being handled, it took a while for her to appreciate the joys of being pet… but stay away from the feet – this she did not like. It was then discovered she had three cysts; and on top of it, the doctor told AGR that her left eye was inflamed, painful, and should be removed.
During this time, the resident greyhound decided he did not like Fiona receiving all of the attention. After demonstrating his displeasure to cause concern, Fiona was relocated to another foster home.
This home had a resident greyhound and two cats, and Fiona adjusted to living there. The new foster mom took care of Fiona while she underwent surgeries to both the cysts and eye. Now pain free and in good health, she started to play with toys and chase her fur brother around the back yard. She went to the doggie park and enjoyed playing with other dogs. Her foster mom told AGR, “She is a wonderful companion and a dog who really just wants to lounge on the couch while knowing that you are around to keep her company...”
Now Fiona is in yet another foster home. Not due to Fiona‟s willingness to give back the love she receives, but due to economic affects. Fiona has overcome
much since AGR took her into care; and, thanks to all of her foster moms, she has become an affectionate, healthy, playful p o o c h w h o d es e r ve s a chance for one last move into a quiet permanent home.
“[Fiona] is a wonderful companion and…
really wants to lounge on the couch knowing
you are around....”
ADOPT ME!
Fiona has a special adoption fee of $100.
Summer 2009 7
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May We Have Your Attention, Please?
Arizona Greyhound Rescue is going green.. and red.. and blue. In an effort to reduce
both waste and costs, AGR will be producing an electronic
color version of the newsletter.
Please contact Communications Director, Bill Nunn, to provide him with a current email address at [email protected]. If you don‟t have a computer, and still need a hard copy of the newsletter, please contact him at: H: 721-1085; W: 223-3831; or C: 661-1690, and a hard copy will be mailed to you. See pg 12 for more details.
AGR thanks you, the hounds thank you, and the earth thanks you!
Save the Dates! Tucson Toros Present Bark in the Park
August 9th, 7 to 9pm Gates open at 6, so we‟ll meet a little before at Gate 5. We‟ll have a covered
area on the concourse. Cost is $5 a ticket and it‟s $1 hot dog night. For more information about bringing your foster and adopted
greyhounds, please contact Julia Summers at [email protected] What a wonderful way to show off our hounds. Let‟s make a good show!
United Way Days of Caring September 12th, time TBA
This is our third year participating; and, our project is a spa day for the kennel dogs where 5-8 corporate volunteers will come out to the Marana kennel, run the dogs a little, and then give them a bath and some TLC.
For information on how to become involved, please contact Carol Ray at [email protected]
AGR Dog Wash September 13, 9am to 1pm
Southern Arizona Veterinary, 141 E Fort Lowell Rd After a summer of panting heat, it‟s time again to wash dirty dawgs!
AGR had over 50 volunteers wash 170 dogs back in June. Do we smell a record to be beat… or is it just wet dog?! Come find out!
Contact Carol Ray at [email protected] to volunteer.
DIANA BARTON
STORE MANAGER
8 Roos & News
ARIZONA GREYHOUND RESCUE
Foster mom says Donny is “a joy to
be around.” He‟s energetic and will need space to play, trips to the doggie park, and people that will give him the affection he craves. He‟s not good with cats or small dogs. He‟s social and gets along well with adults, respectful children and teenagers. Donny‟s exuberance occasionally causes him to jump up on guests. He is not spooked by vacuum cleaners, cars or loud noises. He barks very little, rides well in a vehicle, and does not become anxious when left alone for one or two hours in his crate.
Donny is not a „digger‟ and prefers to remain inside because he cannot tolerate the heat. Two cups of food morning and night keeps this big boy happy. However, beef based kibble gives him foul-smelling gas, so he might do better on chicken or fish based kibble.
At 2½, Cerise is maturing as a fur companion.
She‟s in foster care and has adjusted well to home living. Cerise now shows affection to her foster mom, enjoys romping with foster brother Donny (see below biography), playing with squeaky toys, riding in the car and going for walks. Fascinated with rabbits and other small critters, Cerise walks well on the leash without lunging for the chase. Cerise is in tune with her foster mom‟s routine and is house broken. Although she responds to her foster mom‟s voice, she may not know her name and further training in basic commands such as: „wait,‟ „come,‟ leave it‟ is necessary. Cerise figures if Donny doesn‟t completely clean his plate, what‟s left
is hers! She is not shy around adults or other dogs, but has no experience with toddlers, cats or small dogs. Cerise is not phased by vacuum cleaners or other loud and unusual noises. She barks very little but becomes anxious if her foster mom leaves the home without her and makes her feelings known through rapid, high pitch barks, but quickly calms down. Cerise is not crated and not destructive in the home even when left alone; but for her, having a doggie companion will be important.
As Donny pulls on the leash, the Martindale collar was exchanged for an „Easy Walk‟ harness made by Gentle Leader, allowing appropriate control when he is walked. He enjoys being brushed, tolerates having his ears cleaned and his nails trimmed, but has yet to experience having his teeth brushed. Donny has not learned basic commands or knows his name, but he will come when called. If you‟re looking for an active dog to enhance your life, Donny may be your guy.
A D O P T M E!
ADOPT ME!
Summer 2009 9
www.azgreyhoundrescue.org
SOLD
Join the growing ranks of Arizona Greyhound Rescue volunteers!
Volunteers donate their time and talent so more retired racing greyhounds can be saved. From one time gigs to those of routine, our
entire effort, and every single dog saved, comes from volunteers!
To see all volunteer opportunities, visit: azgreyhoundrescue.org/html/volunteer.htm or contact Carol Ray,
Volunteer Director, at [email protected]
Adoption Coordinator for Green Valley - Sahuarita Area
Description: The adoption coordinator receives adoption applications, does
phone interviews and home checks, facilitates the meeting of dogs and offers
suggestions. Once a dog is chosen, it‟s paperwork time and the arrangement
of a mentor if needed. The coordinator is always backed up by the adoption
director so they are not having to make decisions alone. If you are interested,
please contact Cheryl Bennet: [email protected] or Janet Vaupel:
Building and Grounds Coordinator
John Clark, Animal Care Director, is pleased to announce that Jonathan
Haller has accepted this very important position. Jonathan joined the AGR
family last year when he adopted Dalton. Jonathan will be working with John
and Liz Troudt, along with other volunteers, to keep the kennel and grounds
clean and safe for our greyhounds that are awaiting their forever
homes. Welcome Jonathan!
Vice President
Description: Contact Janet Vaupel: [email protected].
A D O P T M E!
Roxy isn't one of our dogs, but that
doesn't mean she doesn't need someone to love her! She‟s a Greyhound/Boxer cross who
lives at the Santa Cruz Humane Society. We're told she's a sweet, loving girl who walks well on a
leash and interacts well with children and animals. She‟s been spayed and her vaccinations are current. For more information, please contact the Santa Cruz Humane Society at 520-287-5654.
LATE
BREAKING
10 Roos & News
ARIZONA GREYHOUND RESCUE
Arizona Greyhound Rescue‟s June 14th Dog Wash
Tucson dogs came together to get a bath in a unified all-breed effort to help their greyhound brethren.
Clippers? No one said anything
about clippers!
Upcoming: Save the Date! November 7th
Greyhound Fall Festival Fundraiser
All new community event, at Brandi Fenton Park, for greyhounds and their admirers with dog biscuit bake off, vendors, raffle prizes, food for sale, dog talent show, pumpkin fun for kids, and more! $5 per family admission. To donate prizes, contact Angy Shearer at [email protected].
Summer 2009 11
www.azgreyhoundrescue.org
Arizona Greyhound Rescue‟s June 14th Dog Wash
Tucson dogs came together to get a bath in a unified all-breed effort to help their greyhound brethren.
A little to the left, please…
ahhhhh
Was that a cannonball?
Photo Credits - Diana Hansen
12 Roos & News
ARIZONA GREYHOUND RESCUE
bigger Bark... less Bite
You‟ll notice this issue of Roos & News is a tad bigger. Not only is it bigger, but it‟s a lot cheaper, too. No worries about the hounds receiving less care and attention; when in fact, they'll be getting more of both! Consider this issue an enticement of issues to come - electronic issues, that is. Future issues, will be available via email and also made available on the web site AND they‟ll be in full color - better pictures, direct hyperlinks to web sites and email, more stories, and did we mention in color?! Once the electronic version of the newsletter gains
speed, it will come with a substantial savings to both monetary and earthly resources; AND, the dogs get to reap all the benefits of both more money and trees - well, at least the males will benefit from more trees. See page 7 for details on how to subscribe to the electronic version. Good job, Communications Director, Bill Nunn!
AND...
Congratulations to Angy Shearer, Fund Raising Director, for running an incredibility successful auction. From writing up merchandise descriptions & taking the photographs to shipping the winning bidders their booty, Angy‟s idea to work with Carpe Canem Auctions raised a gross of $2,252 with 58% of it coming from out-of-state. Best of all, the money raised equates to the spaying and neutering of 13 hounds!
AND...
Mega roos to Julia Summers, Outreach Director, and Carol Ray, Volunteer Director, for putting together a fun-filled day of washing 170 dirty dawgs at AGR‟s biannual Dog Wash. The time and effort of Julia, Carol, and over 50 volunteers raised close to $3,000 - funding for an equivalent of 10 dentals… woooo doggie, those don‟t come cheap!
So many thank yous, kudos, and roos are due to so many volunteers, there would never be enough room to list everyone and their accomplishments in every issue. Know that with every slurp of fresh water, every wrapped tail of happiness, every transport to the vet, and every trip to Meet & Greet, there is a soulful look and leg-leaning gratitude that comes out of those who benefit from it all….
The GREYHOUNDS!
Summer 2009 13
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While shopping at a local pet store, a young girl stopped at the AGR Meet and
Greet booth. Her name is Sara. Sara wants to be veterinarian when she gets older and wanted to volunteer with AGR. The minimum age requirement for volunteers is 12, so she missed out by one year. However, this was not going to discourage her from helping the greyhounds. Several weeks later, Sara presented AGR with $131 in coins and bills that she had raised. Sara made signs and set up a table to sell cookies, brownies and other treats that she baked and sold in her own neighborhood at a large yard sale. She did this all on her own. In AGR‟s eyes, Sara is a hero and we can‟t wait until she is 12 to become a volunteer as she is already taking care of the dogs. With this much drive, there is no doubt in our minds that one day down the road, we will be calling her Dr. Sara and she will be treating greyhounds.
Sara
Boone
AGR would like to give a Special Thanks to:
The Beading Divas to the Rescue who raised $1165 towards the care of our hounds. Your generous gift made a tremendous difference and will pay the total cost of placing four retired greyhounds.
Diana Hansen, who donated graphic design services for our Spring Appeal. Diana’s beautiful design helped AGR bring in over $1200. We are grateful for your talent during this tough fund-raising year.
Sara P., who at the young age of 11 showed us the true meaning of giving. Sarah baked a bunch of goodies and set up shop at her neighborhood yard sale. She raised over $100 and proudly donated her proceeds to AGR. ~story below
Image copyright © Robert M. Place - Love Needs No Words
used with permission www.thealchemicalegg.com
14 Roos & News
ARIZONA GREYHOUND RESCUE
Weather - Cindi Wing Mai (Lucy) - Helen & Bill Hensley Prince - Julia Summers Wiggle - Genie Galina & Steve Mehlman Whisper (Juno) - Melissa Coffin Percy - Joan Gallagher Blackjack - Douglas Jung Little Ike - Barbara Pelland JoJo - Linda Cianciolo Tai (Cassie) - Chuck & Peggy Heath Mancini (Manny) - Nina Mazzola Bryan (Popeye) - Rich Fugiel Artemis - Melisa Er-Raqabi Danica - Maeve Robertson Rodney - Kim & Russ Simpson Remy (Molly) - Jack & Carol Conlin Alex - Steve & Tami Korasidas Sitara (Tawni) - Bill & Chris Nunn Spats (Ridley) - Libbie Gabriel Dalton - Jonathan & Ashley Haller Bono - Donna Lewandowski Beth - Cheryl Michael Renee - Emily Krull Wyatt - Ken & Rosemarie Reiser Billy Bob - John & Janice Hughes Slate - Kathrine Seese-Kirlin Tasha - Edward & Janet Schaefer Rupert - Jeff & Bonnie Danis
Pablo - Robert & Patricia Seiter Joice - Cher Bouchard Farrah - Chris Chandler Spinner and Morgan - Ann Carlson Hobo - Peggi Simmons & Craig Altschul Hawk - Bill & Chris Nunn Mahalo - Kathy & Jerry Tucker Raquel - Kelsie Hanson & Scott Wiebe Maverick & Jaclyn (Raven) - Kathleen Lott Jason (Charlie) - Phyllis Schaefer Remy - Melanie Daniel Roy - Valerie Pullara Abby Pearl - Joan Kelly Teddy - Jessika & Justin Dailber Kat - Harriet Krone Chaz (Diego) - Lisa Ritter-Baker Lennon - Pati & Lonnie Pate Dinah - Jean & Daniel Williams Selene (Penny) - Margaret da Cunha Laura & Tyler - Meme Aguila Lois - Lucy Almasy Ashanti- Mark and Kristina Muktoyuk Stormy (Olivia) - Linda Morgan Leah - Courtney Thompson Coach - Sharon Irvine Pops - Jim and Jan McCann Dapper (Paco) & Victoria (Laila) - Chris Gomez
Millie - Steve & Jeanne Ford Flo (Lannah) - Peter Christman Jackpot (Duncan) - Mark VanDyke Wheezy (Izzy) - Sheryl Morgan Jenna-Gerri - Ann & Jim Harte Corona (Steely Dan) - Trent & Ann Sears DQ - Joe Hochstetler Julie (Ruby) - Fred & Elizabeth Heron Shimmer - Melisa & Doug Stark Pinto Pete - Ashlee Jontz Luna - Dennis DeWitt Merrill - Eddie & Karianne Croy Fergie - Nina & David Adang Marshmellow - Keith Randall & Donna Crosby
Zeus - Juanedda Walker Alan & Lovey - Gary & Judith Hanley Cole - Ralph & Marcia Robinson Stephen (Aero) - Tom Dale Ember (Bella) - Joyce & Joe Petska Brooke (Molly) - Eileen & Mark Walker Puma - Alexander Ruthven Amaya (Maya) - Sue Cassidy Moxie - Terry & Roey Fowler Jessie - Peter & Paula Voris Boots (Pepper) - Tracy Leyva Emeraude (Emmie) - Cathy Dinsmore
Summer 2009 15
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For the human companions of the greyhounds that have passed, it must be painful to look at their doggie beds, their food
dish, toys and collars . But remember, you saved them and offered them sanctuary, safety and love. They will never forget
all you did to make their lives happy and joyful; and, for this, you have their heartfelt thanks and love throughout eternity.
Agatha Cheryl & Chris Bennett Baltimore Carol and Terry Sampson Carolina Mary Ann & Jim Neisz Classic The La Peruta Family Dotty Jodi Merrill Bailey (Demas) Nikia Fico Dustin Janet Vaupel Erin Linda Goucher Jazz (Judy) Andi Ellington Davis J.T. Diana Smith Libby Carol Ray Matt (Cody) Laura Langer Reese Janet Vaupel
Slim Judith Weiser Tassel Magda Nadzigka Zoola Kathy and Jerry Tucker
Don’t know what to do with your old ink cartridges?
DONATE YOUR EMPTY INK CARTRIDGES
TO HELP ARIZONA GREYHOUND RESCUE
Turn them in at Cartridge World and designate AGR as the
beneficiary. Cartridge World will then pay AGR for those
cartridges. The two participating Cartridge World locations are:
9431 E. 22nd
St, Suite 147 and 7292 N. Oracle Rd.
It’s an easy way for AGR to receive much needed funds
for the hounds. Why not start collecting from others?
16 Roos & News
ARIZONA GREYHOUND RESCUE
Last year, AGR found out we would be losing Barb Gadola, our extremely
capable and hard-working Kennel Director. After many discussions, we concluded that a different approach was needed for our kennel-care focus due to the significant amount of time required to accomplish the myriad of tasks Barb was involved in with managing the hounds‟ welfare. Therefore, we have created a new model for animal care which supports the belief that AGR will continue to grow, which recognizes we are volunteers with other obligations, and ensures that the welfare of our dogs is always first and foremost in our actions. Some of these changes will be visible and some will be behind the scenes, but the reasons for these changes have become obvious. Those working with me towards this new and improved direction are:
• Liz Troudt - Kennel Coordinator, manager at the Tangerine Rd kennel - Managing the intake of dogs from our various trainer and track sources; - Ensuring the welfare and safety of all kennel dogs until fostered or adopted; - Directing daily turnout volunteers and ensuring new volunteers are trained; - Overseeing daily turnout, feeding and cleaning activities; - Ensuring initial medical screenings are done for all new dogs; - Coordinating the movement of dogs with the other coordinators.
• Cheryl Bennett - Adoption Director and interim Foster Coordinator - Identify dogs that will benefit from placement in a foster; - Finding, approving and developing new foster homes; - Serving as primary contact for foster families, providing support, resources and information, and answering foster family questions; - Authorizing vet care for foster dogs as needed; - Monitoring the progress of dogs in foster.
• Cindy Hall - Veterinary Services Coordinator - Coordinating with Kennel and Foster to establish priorities for veterinary care; - Arranging for vet care appointments; - Ensuring transportation is available for dogs to and from the clinics; - To find short and long term fosters for greyhounds in need of home care and monitoring after surgeries or other significant vet care.
The critical supporting cast for Animal Care includes all of our hardworking daily turnout volunteers, other kennel volunteers, transport volunteers, foster families, and several additional very key people: Karen Rogers, handling the veterinary/medical part of the intake for each hound; Glenda Taylor, our author-in-residence who pens the biographies of the dogs; and, Tej Grewal, dog photographer for our web portraits and Meet & Greet photos.
As the Animal Care Director, I will try to support this great group of people and make sure they have the resources they need to accomplish their jobs. I have no illusions that I can fill Barb‟s shoes, but I have a lot of very capable and knowledgeable volunteers to help share the load. Thanks for all your support and for all the hard work you do for AGR and for our greyhounds. I look forward to working with you in my new role. My email address is [email protected]. Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts, ideas or suggestions.
from John Clark
Summer 2009 17
www.azgreyhoundrescue.org
It all began with
an email. There was a hound with happy tail and he was in danger of
needing to have it amputated. Tweed wasn‟t just any hound, he was a brindle… a personal favorite. I offered to bring him here from the kennel and to try, for the very first time, to foster.
Just as our adopted Lennon, also brindle, had tried pool walking within the first few couple of hours of living here, such did Tweed. However, opposite to Lennon‟s straight legged, head submerging insistence that the bottom must surely be close, Tweed raised his head and began to doggy paddle. I am happy to say that neither one has tried that stunt of divinity again.
Tweed began his house manner training immediately as I found out rather quickly that he liked hiking inside the house - everywhere - once per spot. At the time we didn‟t have a doggy door - so we got one. It wasn‟t until later, at a Meet & Greet tabling, I was told Tweed had the kennel handle of “The Marker.” I am happy to say the doggy door 100%cured the inside hiking; although, the tabling signs became fair game.
It didn‟t start right away; but after a week or so, I began to get a wake-up call as a cold wet nose stuck in my eye. I quickly learned to turn over. He quickly learned to bark instead. I tried replying with an alpha growl. His response, to this day, is to bark
even more. Hopefully, he‟s just a dawn riser. We‟ll see come autumn as sleep deprivation isn‟t my gig.
You‟d think the two greyhounds would hang out together. Nope. Tweed hangs out with our Chow mix, Candy - also a brindle. They go lizard hunting together and it‟s been hilarious to watch. That is, until Tweed split his leg open on some flagstone. Luckily, the dripping blood looked a bazillion times worse than what the wound really was. I received quick authorization to take him in; and, when I picked him back up, he was sportin‟ 11 staples. He did great - no collar for our boy! He returned to lizard hunting right away.
The final straw in our decision to only foster this guy came when I found a Barbie doll with amputated arms on his bed. The crime scene was gruesome as was the reaction from Barbie‟s „mom‟. Tweed was in trouble… until we discovered he was NOT the perp, it was Lennon! Lennon, who already had a prior conviction of eating Barbie feet! Lennon had framed Tweed. Why? Here‟s why… he had to see it coming. With our Grey mix, our C h o w m i x , Lennon, and now Tweed, we have adopted four brindles…. and you know what? I‟m loving every event and wouldn‟t trade any of it for anything!
by Pati Pate
18 Roos & News
ARIZONA GREYHOUND RESCUE
Wh en ma g n i f i c en t , g e n t l e
greyhounds enter our lives, we are given a precious gift. When it‟s time for them to leave, our tears and a piece of our heart goes with them. This spring, we lost a dear friend. Bennett, a Greyhound Adoption League [GAL] greyhound that was a permanent resident at the kennel and beloved by all who knew him, crossed over the rainbow bridge on April 30, 2009. He was twelve. Bennett, or Benny as he was affectionately known, was adopted and then rebound, allegedly for biting. While Benny was a loner and d i dn ‟ t ca re m uch fo r t he companionship of other dogs, he sure loved people; and, in the nine years he was at the kennel, he showed no aggression. But, because of the allegation, GAL thought it prudent to keep him at the kennel and he became their mascot. Benny‟s „condo‟ was the first one on the left as you enter the kennel. His good looks, charm, and affectionate personality immediately won over Mary King; and, she gave him this condo because it had the largest back yard, it was close to the action in the kitchen area, and he could visit with the volunteers each day. Benny delighted in bolting around the meet and greet area, kicking up sand, and having a ball. He was one affectionate greyhound – the more cuddles the better. Standing close to the person doing the petting, eyes half closed, soaking up the love, was
sheer bliss for our big boy. On the weekends, when the rug guys were working, Benny would roam free around the front area, cruising for cuddles, or stretch out and take in a few rays until it was time to return to his digs for a nap on his plush doggy bed. In 2008, Benny developed a bad case of valley fever. After several months of treatment the valley fever was practically under control, but Benny‟s spark had begun to diminish. Age was closing in on Benny; you could see it on his face and observe his slower movements during daily activities. Benny‟s quality of life was slowly deteriorating. For those of us that loved this guy, we knew it was just a matter of time before the Greyhound angel called him home. Benny was doing fine one day, but the following day when Mary King arrived at the kennel, one look at Benny told her it was time to rush him to the vet. The vet took an x-ray of Benny‟s chest and told Mary that it was full of fluid around the heart and that Benny was in pain. It was time for him to leave us and he did so, peacefully. Benny‟s ashes will be brought to the kennel as a reminder to all who loved him that he was a precious gift that will never be forgotten.
by Glenda Taylor
Summer 2009 19
www.azgreyhoundrescue.org
Racing greyhounds lead a miserable life as they are hauled from track to track. Most spend up to 22 hours a day of their young lives in cages. When greyhounds no longer generate money for their owners, they are removed from the racing system. Millions of greyhounds have died in the 77-year history of dog racing in the United States. Thousands have died in Arizona. Even now with 300+ rescue groups in the United States, there are still more than 8,000 greyhounds put to death every year. Arizona Greyhound Rescue is one of the many organizations across the United States trying to place these beautiful animals into their local communities. Please consider donating so we may continue helping them.
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Arizona Greyhound Rescue is a non-profit all volunteer 501(c)(3) corporation.
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Mission Statement: Arizona Greyhound Rescue, believing that every
greyhound deserves to be healthy, safe and well-loved, seeks to nurture the
lives of these dogs by providing quality care, responsible adoptive homes and
by promoting humane treatment through education and awareness
Arizona Greyhound Rescue 8987 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
PMB 309 / 153 Tucson, AZ 85749
Phone: 520-886-7411 www.azgreyhoundrescue.org