Brief Note Of Thanks...
By Eric A. Shelman

Thanks to all those who called and wrote to me in support of the feelings expressed in my article, A Rant For The Ages. Seems many of you agree. Also, a photo I took at Retired Racers' Fun Day will appear in the February Dog Fancy Magazine, along with an article on the day at Linda Brown's ranch. Be sure to pick it up. also, according to Deb, everybody should send a letter to the Dog Fancy editor letting them know that there should be MORE stories like this one so more attention will be given to greyhound rescue. Here's the address:

Betty Liddick
Editor, Dog Fancy Magazine
3 Burroughs Drive
Irvine, CA 92618-2804

The Quandaries of Moving!
By Penelope Tran

As we are all aware, finding a home for a greyhound has become a dedication for some and a life choice for others. Well, let us add into the mix another greyhound, two cats, a three year old girl, and her divorced mother all relocating to another state trying to find a home. After the initial panic, and of course, all the great advice that you must relinquish the responsibility of your greyhounds there is in fact light at the end of the tunnel. Here's my story: It started off as I'm sure quite a few do. Before I was advised to contact any of the groups, I was so panic stricken at the thought of moving and had been warned by many people that relocating with four animals would be next to impossible. I started out to find a foster home for my girls for perhaps a couple of months, as boarding was a little out of my budget. Again and again I was told this was not a viable option, and maybe I should return my dogs. Like I could do that. I called my friend Lauren, and within a day I was speaking with Carole. Within an hour, not only had I spoken to Greyhound Rescue Northwest, but also some people who had adopted a greyhound from them and lived quite happily in an apartment. Shortly after, not only had I been assured of a new home, but had been given the confidence to start to look a little closer to where I eventually wanted to be. Two days later, not only had I found seven apartment complexes but one was actually across the street from my sister's condo. If my trials and tribulations can help, here is a little advice; be proud of your dogs and mention the fact your dogs are greyhounds. After the 15th apartment complex advised me that there isn't an apartment in their town that takes that many pets, lo and behold there were five as soon as you mention that your dogs are greyhounds, a whole new world opens up. "What rescued dogs? Those poor racing dogs?" Soon, they're opening the door and letting you in. I found five apartments within a two mile radius. One greyhound group, PAWS, usually has a list of pet-friendly apartments and they're eager to help you. In fact, there are an awful lot of people willing to help and advise. If you've opened your heart and home to greyhounds, rest assured doors will be opened for you, as there really is a national help line. I would finally like to add a thank you to Carole for her advice, calming me down and setting me off in the right direction with a list of numbers. This thank you also comes from two very special ladies, Tasha and Hannah. Woof!

We have been enjoying your Needle Nose Notes since meeting you at the GPA picnic. Since then, we have adopted a beautiful sweetheart of a greyhound named Callie, who amazes us with her perfect manners and devoted love. There is nothing like being followed around by a greyhound to make your day. Please accept the enclosed donation to help with postage. You do wonderful work for the greyhounds. We look forward to upcoming editions.
With sincere thanks,

Jodine, Steve, and Callie Yamamoto

A New Era, But Some Must Stay Behind...

Our hearts go out to Gary & Lori Tracy for the loss of their 13 year old Grandma Gill. We pray her trip over the Rainbow Bridge was swift.

 

Ending the Old Millennium
By Carole Oglesbee

It is so very hard to believe that another year has now passed. It seems like yesterday we wrote a year end recap article. Suddenly, it is time to write another. The Needle Nose Crew is now entering into its sixth year, and we're happy to report we're doing it in fine style. 1999 saw us participating in 56 shows up from 48 the year before. Although we had to give up one venue, we are delighted to have added six new venues which are turning out to be very beneficial in promoting our beloved greyhounds. As in years past, we participated in multiple day shows such as the American Family Pet Expo, the City of Orange Cop Expo, the Anaheim Home and Garden Show and the Irvine Harvest Festival. These events are attended by many people from all over the Southland, and we certainly thank the show promoters for allowing us to participate. However, the single day events, which so often lead to the first contact local residents have with our greys, are very important and deserve our full participation and appreciation. To the planners of these events, often volunteers like ourselves, we are delighted to extend our thanks. We hope to see all of them again in the upcoming year. Last, but not least, thank you to each and every Needle Nose Crew volunteer who attended shows throughout the year. Those of you who bring yourselves, your greys and your positive voices to our events are what make our success happen. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and from the hearts of the greyhounds who have found homes due to your efforts. As we all know, sending out a monthly newsletter, printing literature and renting booth spaces costs money. To that end, we have also had a very successful year. We are solvent, have paid our own way and have increased our donations to local groups by sixty per cent over last year's donations. $330 was directly donated to community groups in Corona Del Mar, Irvine, San Juan Capistrano, Seal Beach and the Orange County Police Canine Organization. A total of $2675 was donated to greyhound rescue and adoption organizations. The distribution to the greyhound cause was Hemopet-Garden Grove (chews and treats) $150, Wings for Greyhounds $150, GPA/CA-OC/GLA $230, Canine Causes $250, Greyhound Adoption League $875 and Retired Racers $1020. We are delighted with the increases we have seen this year and realize these increases where made without a mail-in request or a Petsmart Santa photo shoot project. These funds can only be raised with contributions and support from each of you as well as the general public who continue to support us at every possible opportunity. Thank you one and all! This year is already beginning to take shape. We anticipate many activities both old and new in which we can all become involved. We hope you will mark your calendars, grab your greyhounds and join us whenever you can. Remember, that wonderful greyhound lying at your feet is there because volunteers all over the country said "It's time to help. It's time to make a difference. It's time to find a home for just one more greyhound." Please join us in making that difference... just one dog at a time.