Gary and his wife Lorri began Tucson Greyhound Adoption League operations in 1985 and each year place over 800 dogs in loving homes. The Tracys maintained close contact with the breeders, trainers and Tucson Greyhound Park personnel, and ensured the dogs received the best possible care and attention and that the maximum number of greyhounds were rescued each month.

Just This Side of Heaven is a Place Called Rainbow Bridge.

]When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made strong and whole again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent, the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous union, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

On Monday, July 23, 2001 the Needle Nose Crew held a memorial service simultaneously with the service for Gary in Tucson. Dick Lehman graciously agreed to lead our service in Corona del Mar on the bluff overlooking the ocean. Thirty-three people, including Gary’s two brothers, John and Cliff, and their wives, attended. Also in attendance were thirty-four greyhounds, most of them a direct result of Gary’s rescue efforts. It was a beautiful tribute to a man that some knew in name only. The Rainbow Bridge was one of the readings, here in California and also in Arizona. Dick brought a portable stereo to play a song at the end of the service, but after a few minutes it was evident that there was something wrong and we would have to do without the song. We turned to Tanner, who loves to sing, to start a "roo". Most of the greys (and the humans, too) joined in the song. We all decided it was very appropriate, and that Gary must have been sending the message that he’d rather hear the greys. Later we found out that when Dick got home, he pushed the play button and it worked.

The last major project Gary Tracy was working on before his sad passing was to obtain another dog trailer in order to keep the flow of ex-racing greyhounds moving out of Tucson and into such rescues as Greyhound Connection, Southern California Greyhound Adoption League, Hemopet and Retired Racers.  Without transportation our wonderful companions never make it to the many Southern California groups from which we have adopted our marvelous friends. Lorri Tracy has been successful in obtaining a used, 12 hole, road-ready hauler.  Of course, as with all things in life, these trailers do not come cheap.  In order to afford the trailer, Lorri would like to obtain sponsors for each of the "holes" for a donation of $700.00.  With each hole having the name of the sponsor printed on it, the trailer will make a great impression as it carries greyhounds from as far south as El Paso, Texas to as far north as Seattle, WA.  It will truly be a great way to advertise our greys! To all of you receiving our newsletter, the Needle Nose Crew is proposing a matching funds offer.  We will match your individual donations from our general fund for up to a total of two trailer holes or $1,400 total donation from members and our general account.  So please, open up your checkbooks and send in a donation made out to the Needle Nose Crew and designated for the Greyhound Adoption League trailer fund.  If you prefer you may of course send a check directly to the Greyhound Adoption League for the trailer fund.  Mail your checks to Greyhound Adoption League at 4310 S. Calico Lane, Tucson, AZ 85735.  We are sure that the rescue groups who obtain their greys from GAL will also be setting up funds in order to sponsor a trailer hole.  If you would prefer to contact your rescue group and make a donation, please do.  Just be sure to hug your own wonder greyhound, open up your checkbook and help out with Gary's last project.

• Greg and Diane Maust for the loss of Miss Mattie
• Simon and Roxanne Whitmey for the loss of Belle

Send your articles and pictures to: Joy Moss, Editor, Needle Nose Notes 4857 Royce Road, Irvine, CA 92612 greytjoy@msn.com  Contributions are always welcome and help our cause. Needle Nose Crew, P.O. Box 3012, Laguna Hills, CA 92654-3012  

Editor: Joy Moss

(949)552-1373 or (949) 951-5444

or e-mail gogreys@juno.com