January/February, 2004
HAPPY NEW YEAR GREYHOUND LOVERS!
2004 started off with our computer’s hard drive crashing and taking the organization’s data with it.  Fortunately we were able to retrieve almost everything.  We were off-line for about three weeks.  If any of you sent an e-mail that was not answered, this is why.  Please resend it as we are up and running again.  A huge THANK YOU to John Morales, (Gus’s dad), for all his help in getting us back on line.  Jennifer Morales is his wife and our web-master.  She is responsible for keeping it updated and posting your pictures.  She has just added another new feature, pictures of the Greys that are currently in our foster program.  Be sure to check it out. 
Can I see some ID?
All of you should have received your new tags by now.  If you did not receive one, please let us know and we will reissue one for you.  The new tags are to be placed on your Greyhound's collar and the old GPA-OC/GLA tag should be taken off.  The purpose of the new tag is if your Greyhound should get out, they will be able to call a local number rather than the Los Angeles number to get your Greyhound back to you faster.   Another way to make sure your Greyhound is properly tagged is to have him/her chipped.  Many of the local Humane Societies are offering special deals on chipping right now.   If you live in or near San Francisco, the San Francisco Animal Care & Control is offering free micro chipping on the second Sunday of every month, January – June, from 1 – 4 pm.  For more information call them at 415-822-5566.  You do not need to be a resident of San Francisco.  The Santa Clara Humane Society is offering micro chipping for $20 through February.  You want to have your Greyhound chipped at the Humane Society where you live or at your local veterinarians.  The reason is that they do not yet have a universal reader for the chips and you want to be sure that your local Society can read it.  Fortunately, even if they can’t read it, they can tell if it is there. 
News Bulletin!
In January, we will be sending out new "dog" tags for your Greyhound.  These will have their new Greyhound Adoption California ID number and where to call if they are found.  If we do not have your current address, please let us know as soon as possible.   
Help Write a Book!
Received  a very interesting proposition from Elizabeth Johnson of Greyhound Friends West, Gr. Barrington, MA.  She is putting together a coffee table book about Greyhounds and has asked us to participate.  15% of the sales of the book will go to Greyhound organizations who submit pictures and stories that are used in the book.  If you are interested, you can send your pictures and stories to:  Greyhound Friends West, P.O. Box 26, Lakeville, Ct. 06039.  Write the name of your dog and the organization lightly on the back of the picture.  You can also e-mail stories to greybook@comcast.net.  The deadline is May 3, 2004. 
Event Roundup
Show & Tell season starts with the Fresno Home Show March 5 – 7.  Jill still needs help on Sunday, so let her know if you’re available. This is a fun Show & Tell.  Last year, people were lined up to talk to us and we had lots of fun. 

If any of you are interested in setting up a Show & Tell at your local pet store or any other venue, let me know and I can help you with the fliers and information that you will need.  It’s fun to show off your Greyhound and to talk to people about how wonderful he/she is. 

Our next Show & Tell is the San Juan Bautista Craft Fair, April 17 and 18.  That same weekend, we have been invited to participate in the Western State Police K-9 Championships at Golden Gate Fields.  Be sure to mark your calendars. 
Flea and Tick Season
It’s getting to be flea and tick season so don’t forget your Advantix and Interceptor for heartworm.  This is very important if you take your Greys to dog parks where they interact with other dogs.  Also, if you are noticing your Grey's eyes are watering more, it could be spring. 
Be a Foster Parent
We are still looking for fosters.  This is a wonderful way to help a rescued Greyhound make the transition from track to home.  It is very rewarding as our current fosters can tell you.  The next group of Greys will be coming in the second weekend in March.  The Greyhounds are coming from the track in Tucson and are doing very well in foster care.  The average time in and out is two weeks with a few exceptions here and there.  Contact Sherrlyn Lancaster if you are interested.
A Star is Born!
Speaking of fosters, one of the Greyhounds in the last group is a beautiful blue female named Tina.  When her blood work came back, her numbers were off the chart so we had to do further testing to make sure she was healthy.  We took her to Cameron Veterinary Clinic for the tests last Thursday, the same day that my Shadow was having his dental work done. While she was there, a preschool came through with nineteen 4 and 5 year olds for a tour.  The only dog available was Tina since Shadow was still coming out of the anesthesia.  Tina stood still while Dr. Kate Cameron used her to point out specific features.  Then, she patiently allowed the nineteen children to listen to her heart through a stethoscope and to pet her.  Because of her cooperation, we were not charged for her tests.  Way to go Tina. 
New Adoptions
We have lots of new adopters to report. 

Leon & Enna Kutz adopted Molly (Dancer).  Molly is one spoiled little girl and loving her new queen sized pillow.  When she arrived, even the neighbors came over to help celebrate her arrival.  She sat on her new pillow and surveyed her new kingdom, nodding her approval. 

Juliette & Kurt Ferguson adopted Blitzen.  Blitzen has a slight allergy cough and Juliette & Kurt live near the ocean.  The sea air is perfect for him.  Juliette found out that Blitzen’s racing name was Valley Hector and is now looking for his siblings.  Their racing names also start with “Valley.”  Good luck Juliette.  Also, Blitzen’s sire was Wigwam Hoss.  This means he is related to several of our other adopter’s Greys. 

Jack & Darlene Morris adopted Donder.  They now refer to themselves as “Donder’s housekeeping staff.”  Donder’s racing name was Extra Lines.  He is making quite a name for himself up in theRedding area. 

Donna Ayres adopted Vixen.  Kris Burkel reports that Donna took Vixen on a huge shopping spree and she is very well outfitted now.  What a lucky girl…a new home, someone to love her and shopping!  Wow!

Tracy Burns and Jason Crawford have adopted Dasher.  Scott Sanders took Dasher along with his own Greys, Sprocket and Shadow, on the home visit.  Dasher decided he wanted to stay and did everything he could think of such as head in lap, leaning, etc. to get them to fall in love with him.  It worked.  The next day Jason took him riding in his truck to show him off.  They had a fun time riding all over town. 

Brian Harrington & Tim Donovan adopted Prancer.   When Ashley, their placement rep, called to see how she was doing, Ashley had the feeling they really would rather play with their new girl than talk.  They are thinking of calling her Emma.  Cute.

Dick & Delene Dunne adopted Marshall.  Marshall joins Isis, Marcus and Howard along with two cats and of course, Heather and Corky Joe, the pigs.  He is a very outgoing and happy boy and will be a wonderful show & tell dog for them. 

Congratulations to Carol and Evan Strovers and Rufus Buffalo.  Tee Pee Rain was finally retired.  Tee Pee Rain is Rufus’ brother.  His new name is Phoenix and he is very unusual looking with his multi-colored fur.  He is one handsome boy.  He and Rufus are doing very well together. 
You Say It's Your Birthday!
We have lots of Birthday Greys for January and February:
January:  Guiness, Ecco, Daisy, Vinnie, Holly, Checkers, Tabitha, Gracey V., Fiona and Clarinet.
February:  Brutus, Lucy, Zoe, Good Boy, Rover, Nikki, Kate, Raven, Seadra, Vixen and Cotton.