Give Greyt Thanks

BRIAN’S JOURNEY…

By Colleen Summerfield

It was a cool clear day toward the end of January 2001 when Betty De la Rosa and I set out for Arizona. We were carrying ten bags of dog food to Greyhound Adoption League in Tuscon, and we were to pick up three greyhounds to be placed in foster homes in Southern California. We arrived late in the afternoon, and after unloading the food, spent a pleasant evening talking greyhounds with the Tracys. The next morning we headed to the GAL pet kennel. One of the greyhounds we were to pick up had been injured and couldn’t travel, so we loaded up Brian and Faye. Brian is a sweet black boy, extremely quiet and shy, and Faye a happy little fawn girl, only two years old and very playful. What a contrast they are. On the way home, we stopped for gas, refreshment and a restroom break. Faye took it all in stride. Brian would have none of that; so much was happening so fast. He seemed in a daze. As we got closer to San Diego, the sky kept getting darker and darker. We drove through snow and rain. After dropping Faye off at her foster home in San Diego, we headed back to Orange County and finally dropped Brian off at his foster home. It was a very long day through rain and snow. We were tired, but it was a job well done. Two more greyhounds have now found their way into the hearts and homes of their new families.

When Southern California Greyhound Adoption League got a call from our parent group, Greyhound Adoption League of Tucson, Arizona, asking if we could foster a "spook", we said "of course". They had a dog who was so afraid of everything, he would not come out of his crate at the pet kennel. When Colleen and Betty arrived at my house with Brian, he was firmly glued to Betty’s side and showed no interest in any of his surroundings. After a quiet evening, I got him settled on a dog bed and quilt in an x-pen in my bedroom. He seemed very grateful for the "protected space" of the x-pen. Next came the tests of patience. During the first few days, Brian would flinch when I touched him. I began spending the first, and last, ten to fifteen minutes every day, just sitting and stroking him. Whenever I moved too quickly or made a loud noise, Brian would run for the protection of the bedroom and his x-pen. Treat times were trials. He would not accept anything from my hand, only taking the treat after I had put it down and backed away. The first few walks were very short and scary for Brian. And once I tried to take him out by himself. He panicked. Very slowly I started seeing improvements. I nearly cried the first time I got a little tail wag – what a break through. And then we got a call from a lady who wanted to meet Brian. How was I ever going to be able to judge whether this would be the home for him – I was so protective. Mike Gallas went with me on the home visit, and we both agreed that it would be a wonderful loving home for Brian. So although it was very hard to see him leave, my job was done… I had to let him go.

My name is Rupert, formerly known as Brian, and I wish to thank all the wonderful people at GAL who made my new life possible. I never thought life could be so much fun and enjoyable. Before you took me into your care, my human contact was always linked with some kind of unpleasant duty, or worse. However, from that special day forward I have been shown kindness and love just for being me. This was something I didn't recognize, so I responded with great caution and reservation. It took me a long time to accept kind words and gestures as such. And, I have learned more. I now know that being stroked does not mean being evaluated. I know that being fed means meeting my need, and not maintaining my desired racing weight. Going for a walk means getting to know the neighborhood and not testing new turf, and a backyard is not a training ground or just a potty area. It is a place to enjoy myself, and I can go there anytime I feel like it. Company at my new home is a friend of my family and not a new handler, sigh :-)) I still have my own security area, but without barriers. I decide when to go there. I have my very own bed and I am free to arrange and re-arrange it to my preference. Most of all, I now know that not all people and hands cause pain -- they also bring love and kindness. I also know that it will take me a little while longer to not have any more flashbacks. At times, I think it is all just a dream. Then I hear someone call my name - Rupert - and I know it's real. I'm still with my new family. Sigh :-)) I'm beginning to understand what happiness is.

CONGRATULATIONS TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

When the request went out from the Greyhound Adoption League of Arizona to help obtain a brand new "pre-owned" greyhound hauler, we knew that the Southern California greyhound owners would come through.  We were sure that at least three "holes" would be sponsored from our area.  We hoped we might even make it up to four or five.  Little did we know how wonderfully generous so many groups and individuals would be.  When the final count was in, Retired Racers in Acton, Southern California Greyhound Adoption League of Orange/San Diego Counties and Idyllhounds in Idyllwild., had all sponsored holes. The Needle Nose Crew received enough individual donations to sponsor and match funds for two holes. Several of the Needle Nose Crew members sent donations directly to Greyhound Adoption League.  Finally, several volunteers donated funds in order to sponsor individual holes.  Our thanks go out to Gerry and Tami Hegger for sponsoring a hole and Denaire Rigney for sponsoring a hole. In addition, our thanks go to Randy and Kimber Elston and Lauren Miskinnis for contributing funds for a shared hole.  All total, the Southern California area contributed enough funds for eight... count them... eight holes. The trailer arrived in Tucson at the beginning of September and has already made a trip into our Southern California area and up into Idaho. If you would like to get a glimpse of what is now called "Gary's Grey Getter", log on to GAL's web site at www.azgreyhounds.com.  Watch for additional pictures showing great trailer graphics that acknowledge the wonderful support of all hole contributors. Our thanks go out to everyone who sent in much needed funds, whatever the amount.  Each and every contribution has made it possible for GAL to continue delivery greyhounds to Idaho, Washington, Northern California, Southern California, Arizona and Texas.  Thank you one and all and again congratulations for your wonderful generosity.

After many long months of planning and renovating, Hemopet has completed the move to their current kennel of 100 plus greyhounds.  Although the office and lab will remain at the Irvine facility for the next few weeks, the kennels are moved, installed and filled with wonderful greys just waiting for walks and loves from any and all volunteers.  There are newly expanded volunteer hours that we hope all of you will take advantage of. The morning hours are from 8:30AM to 11:30AM and the afternoon hours are from 1:00PM to 3:30PM.  Remember, the hours are good seven days a week; three hundred and sixty-five days a year.  Please stop by and say hello to the staff and greys and get a tour of the new digs. With the winter coming on and the new facility up and running, the Hemopet staff have asked for blankets and comforters for the greys’ comfort.  If you have one or two old ones around or can stop by a garage sale, please bring them with you.  Most importantly though, pay a visit to these wonderful greys who look forward to all the attention volunteers can give. You will find the new kennels at 11330 Markon Drive in Garden Grove. They are located on the southeast corner of Patterson and Markon.  You may come from Knott south off of the 5 Freeway or north off the 22 Freeway to Patterson.  Markon is just one block along Patterson.  For those of you not familiar with the area, Patterson is between Orangewood and Katella off of Knott.

• Michael and Gina Weiser for the loss of Lisa

• David and Valerie Trozelle for the untimely loss of Rosie

• Vicky MacKinnon for the loss of Miss Hannah

• Mary Beny and Brittney Petty for the sudden loss of Angela

• Mike and Judy Bushnell for the loss of gentleman Jack