Sharin says, "Brindles Have More Fun!"

Many people have asked how the NNC knows if what we do works.  Our answer is always yes, since we receive so many calls, e-mails and cards from successful adopters thanking us for our referrals to the various greyhound rescue and adoption groups throughout the Southland.  Several weeks ago, we received a call from out of our area.  In fact, the call came all the way from the San Francisco Bay Area, which is certainly not the norm for the inquiries we receive.  There was no reason to tell the caller we don't handle the Bay Area and just leave her hanging.  So we did what we usually do.  We passed her information on to four of the Bay Area rescue organizations hoping that one or more might get in touch with the woman and help her out.  The following is a reprint of an e-mail sent to us by Ann Sanders of the Greyhound Adoption California group operating out of Sunnyvale, California.  It was a delight to receive Ann's acknowledgement of our referral, and we think it is well worth passing on to our members. Hope you all enjoy the events and the outcome.

Hi Carole! Your e-mail is what started this whole amazing story.  I called Aila as soon as I received it.  The story begins with our adopter, Deb Goff.  Deb has extensive experience with sight hounds and said she wanted a "special needs" dog and she didn't care how needy.  A bounce named Elqui had just been received.  She was given up by people who had her for 4 years.  She is beautifully trained to sit, stay, lie down, roll over and shake "paw".  Deb was supposed to get Elqui on Sunday, the 15th.  Deb's boss, at the last minute, sent her on a business trip to Des Moines.  She called to see if we could foster Elqui until she got back on the 25th. We said sure.  Meanwhile, we received your information about Aila, who had just lost her greyhound of 4 years.  She was very lonely without Satin as she had also lost her husband several years ago.  In talking with her, I realized that Elqui would be perfect.  I e-mailed Deb and when she called, I told her about Aila.  She immediately saw the match and told me that, by all means, Aila should have Elqui.  Besides, she said, this means that two dogs find homes instead of just one.  Yes, Deb is very special.  We are driving to Solvang next week to get Matesse, a seizure dog, for Deb.  Meanwhile, Aila was thrilled that she would get her new dog in only three days.  She started to cry when I told her we would be bringing her dog to her on Sunday. We drove Elqui up to Aila, and they immediately bonded.  It was wonderful to watch.  Our last sight of Aila and Elqui (now Sara) was of the two of them walking slowly down the sidewalk together.  It was very heartwarming.  Have since spoken with Aila, and she and Sara are doing beautifully. It was an amazing set of circumstances, and we know someone was definitely watching over all who participated in this adoption including you.  Thank you for the referral and this experience. 

Having been involved with the greys of Hemopet Pet Life-Line for five years now, the care entailed has become second nature. While many people come in to our kennel on a day-to-day basis to volunteer/adopt, the duties that must be fulfilled every day in a commercial kennel often go unseen. It can be rigorous, as well as multi-tasked, working with fifty plus dogs, but the rewards of playing with and getting to know each and every dog’s personality is well worth it. So for you curious greyhound parents out there, I thought it would be interesting and helpful to briefly go through a day at Hemopet. For instance, have you ever wondered why your grey(s) are up and ready to go before the crack of dawn? Being aware of their life before they got to your couch may give you a better understanding of them and their behavior. For the greyhounds at Hemopet, the day starts long before the sun comes up, at about 4:00 a.m. Slowly shaking off the layer of sleep that invariably hangs over their heads, they begin the wait and anticipation for breakfast, with tummies grumbling. We arrive at 5:00 a.m. and boy, do we receive a welcome greeting! First on the list of chores is to start the laundry (Hemopet is infamous for the unwavering task of washing and drying). Next we remove all blankets, whether clean or dirty from the cages, and remove any excrement left during the night. We then prepare and serve breakfast and since some dogs get different amounts of food in the morning depending on their weight, this usually takes a while. Now content, the dogs are then given their particular medications before we begin the task of completely cleaning and drying each cage. During the course of the morning, prior to walk time, the food bowls are washed, treatments are given, and every dog is individually wiped down from head to tail with a warm damp cloth. While walking and sunning the dogs, we take time to answer questions and assist potential parents and volunteers with dogs. Once walking is completed, blankets are again pulled out of each cage as we prepare to feed the hungry hounds their lunch. Mid-day medications and treatments are also given once more to those with special needs. Bowls are washed once more, water bowls get topped off with fresh clean cool water, and each cage is refreshed with a dash of deodorizer. Following this, we begin turn-outs of two pairs at a time. This is done twice for every set of dogs until 5:00 p.m. to ensure them fresh air, a romp in the hallway, a chance to use the bathroom, and a break from the kennel. Late in the afternoon, evening treatments and medications are given one last time, and the laundry unable to be dried is hung up in every place imaginable. Within the operations of a commercial kennel, routine is vital, and there is a lot involved in a day’s work. At the racetracks also, routine is very important with set times for feedings and turn-outs. This type of environment is the only kind most greyhounds have ever lived in. They are more comfortable and secure in knowing what to expect.

Perhaps upon reading this you will understand when we say it is important to follow a set routine with your greyhound at home.

DEAR FOLKS…

We just wanted to say thanks for forwarding the newsletter to us up here in Oregon. We’ve been in Coos Bay one year now, and it’s beautiful. But I always look forward to getting the greyhound news from home. The articles about how our dogs really are the ones that choose us made me smile. That’s exactly how our Tawny and Ellis came into our lives. When I was looking for a greyhound, I didn’t have any particular type in mind, but I did especially like the fawn colored ones. Ellis was the first one I approached at Hemopet. His beautiful eyes and face just spoke to me. As soon as I sat on the edge of his kennel, he warmly greeted me and laid his head in my lap as if he had known me all his life. Needless to say, I fell in love with him then and there. Tawny was his kennel mate. She was a timid dog and had been passed over many times because of her shyness. Gradually, I won her over with soft words, gentle scratches and, of course, the treats that I hid in my coat pockets. This scared dog took a chance with her feelings and began to trust me more and more with each visit. There was no doubt that she had chosen me. As we awaited their adoption, Tawny and Ellis very quickly bonded with my husband, Mark, and me. We were always amazed at how much they recognized us when we came to visit. They came home with us in January 2000 and we haven’t looked back. For those of you who may remember, Ellis went by the nickname of "pig pen" at Hemopet. Well, he is still the same old dog he was back then. Ellis hogs all the treats, toys and attention. Tawny has bloomed into a playful and energetic girl. She can hold her own around the house and will boss Ellis around when he really needs it!

• Bill and Jackie Dahl for the untimely loss of their new boy Jimmy

• Neal and Elaine McCarthy for the loss of their gentleman Cairo

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

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