(Article reprinted from Needle Nose Notes, November 1997)

The holiday season is upon us once again, the time of year when the household becomes a winter wonderland of new sights and smells, especially for our pets. Please keep this in mind as it becomes time to decorate. Christmas lights, figurines, etc., become dangerous toys for unsupervised greys. Remember, anything left within a greyhound’s reach is fair game as far as they are concerned, and will more than likely be borrowed as some point during the holiday season. It is best to keep all decorations out of reach, or even better, out of sight. Dogs that have free run of the house may need to be confined during unsupervised hours. Many of the plants used as holiday decorations are toxic if ingested. Holly, Poinsettias, and Mistletoe to name a few. Ask before purchasing such items, and if they are toxic to animals, keep them out of reach, or use artificial alternatives. Even if your dog isn’t a grazer, it may try chewing leaves or berries just to see what they are. Christmas trees have proven irresistible to many greys who feel it is their duty to keep the tree "watered" (girls too!), or just find it convenient to have a tree in the living room. (It’s so cold out this time of year!) An exercise pen has proven useful in curtailing this behavior. Once the tree is positioned and decorated, simply wrap the exercise pen around it as a barricade. Both tree and dog will be better off. The foods of the season, though tempting, can make for a sick dog. The two main culprits are chocolate and alcohol. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to many domestic animals, including dogs. Alcohol (many dogs like the taste) is also toxic. Both of these holiday traditions have proven fatal. Food gifts are also best kept out of reach. Many a greyhound has sampled gifts intended for another. They may be sighthounds, but their noses work pretty well, too. Finally, remember to make time for your greyhound buddy during this busy season. Shopping, parties, and preparations have a way of crowding in on already busy schedules. Your dog depends on your for your companionship and love. Share the joy of the season with your pal. Happy Holidays from all of us at the Needle Nose Crew!

I remember the day I first met Rian like it was yesterday. Oh what a cliche, but how true. The word that comes to mind about that day is NOISE. Great, gracefully clumsy beasts called Greyhounds bounding around in their kennels like ping pong balls and sounding off a ruckus that could wake the dead.  We saw more Greyhounds that day than I ever thought possible - all different colors and personalities.  And my mother's words ringing in my ear: "We aren't looking for a dog, we're here to help".  Sure, no problem. Throughout our tour of the kennel, there was a continuous chorus going on in one corner that would quiet down whenever we heard "Rian! Charcoal! Quit!" then start up again. When we reached the kennel of the troublemakers all I could see was the one dog, though there were two.  Stocky build, beautiful fawn coloring, rakish scar on his face, big ol' chocolate gold cow eyes, I was a goner. 

He quieted down some, looked at me, and that was it for both of us.  Without taking my eyes off him I told my mother "This is the one.  I want him". I was nearly fifteen at the time. For a year I begged to visit, walked him twice when we did, and sat with him on the couch as long as possible and even took a summer job there to be near him. Everyone knew he was mine – and then on my 16th birthday he was. I'm 23 now, we had him for a wonderful 7 years.  He and I have been through so much; long walks; a run in with a bush that gave him a second scar (you should see the bush) quite a number of dogs through the house; family fights; and two different years of separation.  He never once lost his love and devotion for me, and I could never quit grasp the concept of his unquestionable love. The thrill of seeing the recognition and excitement when you walk through the door, no matter how long you're gone. Then came September 11th, 2001.  On that day we were at the Irvine Dog Park letting our loyal pups romp and play as we socialized and took the morning off.  I always got a kick out of watching Rian stalking the perimeter on his own trying to sniff out every message and pee on every bush.  On our way out we heard about the attacks. We all rushed home to turn on the news, call loved ones, find out all we could and hang on as the world seemed to end. America stood frozen in shock and horror as our neighbors, friends, loved ones and fellow Americans were murdered.  We watched, many believing it to be a surreal movie, as two monuments to our country’s wealth and power, and the base of our nation’s military were destroyed. We felt pride in our hearts for our heroes, those we expected, and those who never should have been called upon to die for their own.  We raged, we cried, and many who I now call brothers and sisters in arms stepped forward to take up the fight. I never felt such a need to stay home with my mother and pup in all my life.  But I went on to work, Mom giving me a lift with Rian coming along in the backseat.  My mother turned to me and said "I know you're going to join in on this.  I know you're going to enlist.  No matter what, know I'm proud of you".  I couldn't say a word. On February 10th, 2002, five months after the attacks I was on my way to San Diego to fly to Chicago to join the "World's Finest Navy".  It was the last day I saw Rian.  He succumbed to osteosarcoma with my mother by his side telling him we loved him, I loved him, and that he was the greatest of them all.  I always knew it would be cancer in his bum right shoulder that would take him from me.  I never knew I wouldn't be able to be there to say good-bye. I'm not a real spiritual person, but I like to believe he will always be with me.  Please, especially during these uncertain times, whenever you can: hug your pets, give them love and spoil them.  And please don't take them for granted.  MAKE TIME!  I can't stress that enough.  If I could come up with an award, it would be to the Pet with the Biggest Heart, and though I would bestow it to Rian first, I would then award it to all other animal companions that have given us so much.

This past June, our 10-year old Collie, Prince, passed away and left a void in the hearts of my husband and myself, but most of all, our 6-year old Sheltie, Chelsea. Chelsea grew up with her pal, Prince at her side and now her zest in live had dwindled. We knew in order for all of us to move on, we needed to find a way to heal and get back for Chelsea that spunk that had always made her such a character. Through a family friend, we were made aware of greyhound adoptions, and that was the beginning for all of us to smile again.  Though it took a while, with the love and concern of greyhound volunteers, we were introduced to "Fancy". We fell in love and bonded with Fancy instantly, and the rest is history. Fancy showers us with more love than we ever imagined, and she just loves to be loved in return. As for our Chelsea, her spunk is back and so is her zest for life. Fancy has mended our broken hearts and we are truly lucky to have adopted her into our family. Greyhound adoptions give so much to so many in ways that can only be described from the heart. For our family, Fancy was an early "Thanksgiving"!

Our previous server decided to end all the donated sites to local non-profit groups.  Due to some fast work on Phil Epler's behalf and his generous donation, we have a new web site we hope will last this time around.  Our new URL is www.needlenosecrew.org.  We ask that you please pass this information on to anyone you think might be interested.  Also, remember to update any links you might have with the Needle Nose Crew.

	Howard, Norma & Alan Schlesinger for their loss of Jeff
	Larry & Linda Brown for their loss of Shayla & Ollie
	Lorri Tracy for her loss of Lizzie
	Kristi Mattauch & Kristopher Van Wicklen for their loss of Mickey
	Dan & Deborah Breakman for their loss of the incredible Poker
	Todd Freier & Rose Hedgepeth for their early loss of Stone
	Carole Oglesbee for her loss of the elegant Miss Addie