Happy Bunny Dreams!

Many things seem to come in batches, both good and bad. Unfortunately, the Needle Nose Crew is having a rather long string of sad good-byes to say. This month we send out our thoughts and sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of a fine lady and wonderful greyhound owner and volunteer, Ginger Cole. Ginger passed away last month after waging a long battle with cancer. We first meet Ginger almost four years ago when she asked for our assistance. She had been trying to adopt a greyhound from one rescue and adoption group and had run into personality differences. A mutual friend mentioned the Needle Nose Crew to Ginger, and after several conversations, we were able to match her up with another group with whom she was able to work. Ginger was soon the proud owner of a wonderful, black, handsome boy and an active volunteer with the NNC. Less than a year later, Ginger began to think about the possibility of another greyhound. We spotted one that seemed to be a very good potential while working our booth at the American Family Expo, suggested a home visit to the foster family and the rest, as they say, was history. Thus two wonderful black beauties, Trooper and Dorito, were to share their lives with Ginger until her recent passing. Ginger was a wonderful person, a loving friend and a true lover of our marvelous greys. We will always cherish the opportunity we had to help her in her search for the special companions who made her life better in every way. She will be missed by all of us who knew her and shared her interests.

"It’s raining, it’s raining and…" no, you don’t know the rest. There is no snoring going on, I can assure you, when it’s time to take a mule-headed greyhound out in the rain. To Irish, a black five-year old, 68-pound female retired racer, everything is a brand new, frightening experience. The most hardened heart melts when her deer-like legs quake uncontrollably for what, to us, appears to be no reason. When I bring out my big black umbrella, to shield me from the torrential rain, I see a look of terror on her face as she averts her eyes. Irish looks quickly up at the menacingly large shape. Anyone carrying a stick or raising something above his head has brought about the same reaction in the past. Dressed in her red polartec coat, topped with the newly created high-fashion garbage bag raincoat, it’s time to venture into the rain. To avoid the slippery two flights of stairs from our condo to the street, we exit down the carpeted steps to the garage. I mistakenly think it’s going to be quicker access to the street. This turns out to be very slow going since Irish is afraid of these steps as well - they too are slippery. Steps like these don’t exist in kennel living in the racetrack setting. Finally, with much coaxing, we’ve made it. However, the sound of the electric garage door opening starts another panic attack. Once we’re out, the noise of the rain, the strangely filtered headlamps of cars, and the unusual street noises cause her skinny pointed ears to stand straight up while she freezes in position. How do I make Irish understand that rain or no rain, this is the moment to turn on the golden showers faucet. We have no back yard and to date, the oil pan lined with grass on the balcony only intrigues Mai Thai, the Siamese cat. She thinks it is a great eating experience. Success at last and we can run for cover - until next time, that is. Every day affords a new life experience. It’s fun to watch Irish conquer the obstacles.

MY DOGS

My dogs Nikki and Tacky are very wacky.

They sleep all day and do not play.

But when it comes to walks they go crazy like a ton of birds getting electric shocks.

Sometimes I say, "Do you what to play?"

But all I get is a snore like every time before.

I guess it’s just the walks that get them going every day.

Before they were mine they were not taken for walks.

They were race dogs, you could tell by the number on their smocks.

On the track they’d run as fast as can be.

The trainers yelled, "Win one for me."

They would scold them for racing slow and say, "next time you need to go! Go! GO!

All greyhounds eventually lose, so it’s off to adoption if they choose.

I treat them with love and care.

My heart is open to share.

I will love them forever.

Treat them bad never!

BREAK OUT THE PICNIC GEAR

As is the case each spring, several of the eight greyhound rescue and adoption groups in Southern California put on their annual reunion and picnic events. These events are open to all greyhound lovers and owners; no matter from which group you may have adopted your greyhound(s). Each of these events is filled with great food, wonderful games and camaraderie, not to mention many marvelous vendors who have terrific "stuff" for those of us who thoroughly enjoy spoiling our greys. We encourage all of you to make plans to attend at least one of these fun filled events. You will be able to show off you own greys, swap notes with other greyhound owners and add your much needed support to the group whose event you attend. If you have the time, we hope you will plan to attend more than one reunion. Each is a little different from the other in their day’s activities. The first event is Greyhound Pets of America’s on May 5 from 10am to 4pm at Central Park in Huntington Beach. You may obtain additional information about the event on their website at http://www.fastdogs-fastfriends.com/ or by calling 562 693-3450. For the next events, we’ll head south into the San Diego area. Operation Greyhound will hold their reunion on June 3 from 10am to 3pm at O’Neill Lake in Camp Pendleton. You can find details about this event on Operation Greyhound’s website at www.operationgreyhound.com or by calling 619 588-6611. The last of the spring events will be put on by the Greyhound Adoption Center. This event will be held June 10 from 9am to 3pm at their new Canine Sports Center in El Cajon. Details can be found on the GAC website www.greyhoundog.org or by calling 877 478-8364. We all understand that not every greyhound owner has the time to become active in greyhound rescue. However, this is your opportunity to show those who do dedicate their free time to helping our wonderful greys just how much their tireless work is appreciated. So grab your family, greyhounds and any friends who might be interested in joining you and head for the parks.

We adopted Harley during May 1995 from Hemopet in Garden Grove.  We have been living in Louisville, KY since December 1996 and Harley has adjusted very well.  He even likes the snow!  Though Harley is getting up in the years (his face is almost all white) he is still very active and keeps us busy throughout the day dog proofing the house.  Harley seems to have a taste for bread and anything else we forget to put away.  He even managed to open a can of chicken noodle soup without using a can opener and didn't spill a drop.  He still loves to run around the yard and keeps our chihuahua on his toes. Harley shows no signs of slowing down and continues to fill our lives with his love. A special thanks to Carole for helping us almost six years ago pick out the perfect greyhound for us.  Harley has changed our lives.

Ok, we’re walking Jazzy and Zeret down by the lake and we pass the coffee shop.  Outside are two women engaged in conversation. As we pass one says, "Those are beautiful dogs. I wonder what they are?" The second lady without a moment’s hesitation says, "Oh, those are Italian Borzois."

REMEMBRANCES

• Marty and Patty Westerman for their loss of 10 year old Chad.
• Helen Turin for the loss of Miss Reba McEntire
• Ron and Barbara Pavek for the loss of 11 year old Domino