The Annual American Family Pet Expo is scheduled this year for April 7th, 8^th and 9th. As many of you know, the Needle Nose Crew has participated in the Expo for the past five years. It has always been a delight and has resulted in many adoptions and new volunteers. However, it also has its disadvantages such as distance, expense and long hours. Due to several new opportunities that have come up for the Crew to be involved with this year, we have decided not to participate in this Expo. We urge all of you to consider attending the show and to take full advantage of all the wonderful sites that are offered. There are a large number of vendors, almost every dog breed group is represented and, of course, there are other creatures to see besides the canines. Please do yourselves a favor and get on out to Pomona for a marvelous day or fun and education. Be sure to stop by and say hello to the volunteers at both the Operation Greyhound and Greyhound Pets of America booths. They deserve a friendly hello and appreciation for their efforts and dedication.

I know, I know!! It is still raining and darkness still comes too early for most of us. However, spring really is just around the corner, and it is time to start thinking about getting some serious socialization and manners for your greys. Daylight Savings Time is scheduled for April 2nd and orientation for the spring set of dog classes is scheduled to begin Monday, April 3rd. There will be Monday and Wednesday night classes with plans for a Tuesday night session if the demand is there. Each class session is an hour long and the total course is nine weeks long. The cost for a single dog is $65.00 and $50.00 for a second dog. Remember, one dog - one trainer only. Even though many of you have already let us know you are interested in a class, please call 949 552-1373 to confirm you really do want to register for the spring session. We will need to know which night you prefer and how many dogs and trainers will be attending from each family. We are looking forward to seeing many of you out in the park this spring.

SUPER SIGHTHOUND SLEUTH!

I do have nine lives, but I'm not interested in wasting one on a greyhound. I insist they wear muzzles, and be held firmly by the leash at all times. Then, and only then, will I venture out of my hiding places, or down from my loft. My human watches carefully, for much depends on my reactions to these creatures. Some of them I just plain don't trust, and show my displeasure by hissing. I even swatted at one! But, there are some greyhounds that are okay. I mean, they are canines, but I don't hold that against them. There was one dog that even seemed afraid of me. Imagine that! These greyhounds are called Canine Causes fosters, and I get to test them before they go into foster homes. The ones I don't like have to go to humans that aren't lucky enough to be owned by a cat. Poor people. Some of the ones I do like get to stay here with me and my greyhounds until they find a new home. That fraidy dog stayed here and we actually got to be pretty good friends. Shadow (the greyhound in the picture) stayed with us for a couple of weeks. The latest fellow is funny. My human calls me, and he thinks she's calling him. Thinks his name is Silver? Silly Sylvester! There was a greyhound I didn't like, but my human thought was okay. Well, as long as I was still and quiet, everything was fine. But that creature jumped up and wanted to chase me every time I moved faster than a crawl! Almost scared me out of one of my nine lives, and then who would test these critters? My human agreed when she was
told, Silver is much more valuable than gold!

Can we ever really prepare for the loss of a pet or loved one? Expected or unexpected, it's always an emotional experience beyond words. It is not, however, beyond tears. Our hearts truly go out to those who have lost their pets, with the hope that their hearts heal swiftly. Having said that, we send our deepest condolences to:

• Randy and Marion Phillips, fro their early losses of Eagle & Accent.

• Steve Donald and Andy for their loss of seven year young Sterling.

• John and Kindra Wiley for their loss of eight year old Lady.

• Jason & Carol Connor for their loss of Ten year old Ramsey.

I am sure everyone has heard the expression "Gone to the Dogs" at one time or another. Yet, "Gone to the Greys" or better yet, "Gone Greyzy" is not quite as common. In fact, not common at all! In fact, I just made it up!! 

Those of us who have faced the truth and are willing to admit it can attest to the fact that "Going Greyzy" is a real life altering condition afflicting many of us in the greyhound community. How does one know if they have gone "Greyzy"? Is this a progressive condition? Is there a cure? "Greyziness" starts subtly. One walks by a show-and-tell or sees a neighbor walking their greyhound(s) and is instantly drawn to the dog(s). 

Days go by after this chance encounter, yet the greys remain on one's mind. "I'll just volunteer" is a common first thought. Yea Right! Volunteering sounds like a great idea, for about a month. Then it starts; "But he needs a home", then "He needs a friend", followed by " I have room for maybe one more", etc. etc. Once the "Greyzies" have taken hold, the remaining symptoms of twisted logic (at least to those non-greyzy types) will most likely follow. These symptoms include the
following:

Buying extra produce because the bags come in so handy on dog walks.

Dreams of a cute little sports car are quickly replaced by the need for a "Land Yacht" capable of hauling all one's greys and essential grey stuff.

One learns just how comfortable a dog bed can be and has totally forgotten what the couch looks like.

Bedtime is one big never-ending slumber party.

The kitchen contains more dog dishes than people dishes.

That convenient little "coat closet" down the hallway is now full of collars, leashes, dog coats, surplus produce bags, extra dishes, etc. Even if there was room for a coat, one couldn't find it.

Dinner involves every room in one's house. Dog dishes are everywhere! Common topics of discussion include countersurfing, separation anxiety and cures for loose stool.

One comes to the conclusion that re-carpeting is simply not an option. Linoleum or tile is the way to go.

One come to the realization that Architectural Digest will not be visiting anytime soon.

Is there a cure? I certainly hope not! Greyhounds are indeed contagious. They will alter one's life, logic and ideas of what is important. However, they deserve every adjustment we make for them. Simply put, greyhounds are wonderful.