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THE THIRD WAS A CHARM In Memory of Darla By Suzanne Brannan You would think that two greyhounds would be enough, well not for us. Not long after adopting greyhound number two, we started thinking about a third. All it took was a casual comment to Carole Oglesbee, next thing we knew we were driving out to Linda Brown’s Retired Racers to met Darla. Darla was seven years old and had ended up at Linda’s when her owner of five years had passed away. Knowing how difficult it is to place an older dog we were excited to meet her. We had been told she didn’t like men, was experiencing separation anxiety and colitis. In spite of all that, we hoped we could be her forever family. Linda was glad we were there to meet Darla, but warned us of the problems. Linda and I went into the stall first. We all sat on the couch together. Darla was shy but very sweet. Impatiently, Brian waited for his turn. He said, "If she’s going to be our dog she can’t be afraid of me". Well, she must have sensed this because she ran up to him, licked his face and then peeked at Brian from behind the couch. Linda was stunned. That was all we needed. We made arrangements to pick her up the following weekend. Colitis or no colitis, she was coming home. Darla appeared to be very mellow, but was extremely shy and nervous in crowds. She found a spot in the house where she could observe just about every room and all activities. She liked keeping an eye on all of us. Being an older dog she already had a few tricks to surprise us with. The first time I gave Darla a doggie biscuit she let out a bark. Our other two greys never did this. I was completely surprised and delighted. Quickly she discovered that by speaking and nibbling at my sleeve after dinner she could expect a cookie for dessert. This became our ritual, I would wait for Darla to ask for a cookie, the others knew what this game was about and they would all run to the cupboard and wait for their treats. As our greyhound family grew, Darla at eleven years old had become the Matriarch. We depended on her to teach the new arrivals how to use the doggie door and how to behave in general. Shortly after adopting our sixth greyhound, we had some work done on the house. Brian carefully kept the dogs indoors all day. When the handyman had finished, Brian asked him to make sure the gate was shut so he could let the hounds out to play. A little while later he noticed Darla, standing all alone scratching nervously on the patio doors. He quickly ran from window to window frantically looking for the other dogs, but they were nowhere to be seen. We live out in the country and we don’t have to worry about cars and busy streets, but we have lots of wild jack- rabbits, coyotes and miles of open space. Quickly, Brian jumped in his car and raced down our driveway hoping to find the dogs. About a quarter of a mile down the road he spotted two of them. As he called their names they happily looked up and started running back up the road toward the house. When the other four saw Brian, Jenny and Free, the pack instinct took over and they all returned safely to the house. Thanks to Darla’s persistence, the family was happily united. Adopting an older dog is uniquely rewarding. We shared four and half precious years with Darla. She taught us and the other greyhounds many wonderful lessons. |
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I don’t know how we could have managed without her. When it became clear it was Darla’s time to cross the rainbow bridge we wanted to make everything as comfortable as possible for her. She really hated going to the Vet’s office, so we placed her in her favorite chair with candles burning and soft music playing. Our Vet came to our house and she gently passed away being held and caressed by Brian and myself, surrounded by her younger companions. If you are thinking of adopting a greyhound, please consider an older grey. There may be one out there desperately in need of a home, who is full of love waiting to be your forever friend. GREYHOUNDS By Stacy Kemper G-reat
in every single way PICNIC TIME IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER Every spring we all start getting ready for the string of reunion picnics held in Southern California and beyond. It is always a wonderful time of year for greyhound owners. It is time that is guaranteed to present opportunities for fun and relaxation not only for us but also for our four leggers. So get out the blankets, shade covers, and sunscreen. Save up funds so that you can take advantage of some terrific greyhound accessory shopping and marvelous raffles. Most of all, pack up your expectations for some companionship with other picnic attendees. Spring is just around the corner! We start with the Greyhound Adoption League reunion in Tucson, Arizona on Sunday, April 6. About fifty percent of the greyhounds in Southern California come to us from the Tucson track through the efforts and hard work of the volunteers of GAL. If you can, please plan a trip to join in the festivities. The pet kennel was moved last year to a new and improved location that will be used for the annual reunion. The location at 8371 W. Tangerine Road is actually in Marana just north of Tucson off the I-10. For details, log onto the Tucson GAL website at www.greyhound adoptionleaguetucson.bizhosting.com. Back in our area, the first of the season’s reunions will be the Greyhound Pets of America event. This year will see a move of the picnic’s location from Central Park in Huntington Beach to "The Park" in La Habra Heights. As usual, the date will be the first Saturday in May… this year on the 3rd. Details about the event can be obtained at GPA’s website www.fastfriends.org. After the first events of the spring, we move into June and down to the San Diego area. Operation Greyhounds’ reunion will once again be held at Lake O’Neill within Camp Pendleton in Oceanside. Op Grey will start the month off on Sunday, June 1st. You may gather more info at www.operationgreyhound.com
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The last event for the spring will be the Greyhound Adoption Center’s reunion. As in the past two years, the GAC will hold their reunion at their Canine Sports Center at 4821 Dehesa Road in El Cajon east of the central San Diego area. The GAC has selected Saturday, June 7th for the celebration. Again, details will be listed on the GAC website at www.greyhoundog.org. There are three other groups in Southern California who will be holding reunions during the year. However, these groups, Greyhound Connection of San Diego, Retired Racers in Acton, and Southern California Greyhound Adoption League in Orange County have scheduled their events for the fall. We will list the dates and locations in the Needle Nose Notes later on in the year. Meanwhile, if you do not find the exact information you are looking for on the individual group website, please contact the groups by phone. They will be delighted to give you particulars and will welcome any help you might be able to offer for the day’s activities. Please remember how very important these reunions are for each group. It is one of the most important ways they have of raising much needed funds, promoting introductions and friendships among attendees, and showing off their wonderful group of currently available greys. Join in, help out, have fun, and Adopt A Greyhound!! BRAGGING RIGHTS Now that we have our own "real" web page, our webmaster took it as a cue to come up with a new idea. We are really delighted that he did and are looking forward to what might start showing up on the new page named Greyt Gallery. This is your opportunity to brag about your greyhounds, whether it is one lovable companion, or your own special pack of multiple greys. Click on needlenosecrew.org and take a peek at the Greyt Gallery page. Our webmaster, Phil Epler, has us off to a flying start with a wonderful picture of himself, his wife Toni and their three terrific greys, Alyeska, Heidi and B.J. Phil’s photo and profile will give everyone an idea of what we might all think about putting up for the world to see. Please don’t be shy. This type of communication often inspires potential adopters to go forward with their plans to bring a greyhound into their homes. It gives them a look at those of us who know just how marvelous our lovable kids can be and might be the one last push they need. Put together a picture, a paragraph about yourselves and send it off to our webmaster. It’s your turn to brag all you want to about your special greys.
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