VoI 10, issue 2

June, 2005

It has now been almost four years since the Needle Nose Crew has had an active volunteer who is qualified to offer training classes to members, their greyhounds and other large family canines. The opportunity to train our greys has been sorely missed by long term members and new adopters.

We are delighted to welcome Dennis and Carol Lannon into our organization. They have recently relocated to Orange County from Key West, Florida and come with experience in not only greyhound promotion volunteering but greyhound adoption as well. Dennis has marvelous qualifications as a trainer and has agreed to help us out by teaching a class this summer. If all goes well, we hope to convince him to continue with future classes.

If you are interested, please read Dennis’ following article, check out his web site and give him a call. We would love to see this first class filled to capacity.

GREYHOUND TRAINING CLASS

A five week group training class will begin Thursday, July 7th at 6:30pm. Classes will be held at an Orange County park location to be announced and will last an hour and 15 minutes.

This class will be taught by positive trainer and behaviorist Dennis Lannon. Dennis, who apprenticed with nationally respected trainer Pat Miller, has had Greyhounds for 14 years and trains using reward-based techniques. For more information on Dennis, see his web site: PAWSitive-solutions.com.

The curriculum will include sit, down, wait, stay, limited recall, leave it, and polite greeting behavior. In addition, strategies for "problem" behaviors will be addressed, as well as training in a multi-dog household.

Why train? Dogs who can control their own behavior do better in the human world, and as a result, they have fuller lives. In addition, reward based training helps to build confidence in timid dogs. You are welcome to enroll more than one dog; however, there will need to be a handler for each dog. Medium and large, non-Greyhound breeds are welcome. The fee for the course is $75, with a portion of each fee being donated to the rescue organization from which the greyhound was adopted. Class size is limited.

For additional information or to enroll, Dennis may be reached at (949) 218-7841 or Denniskwf@aol.com.

Ace as Goofy

The one thing you can always count on is things will change. Just when you settle into a comfortable routine BAM something happens and everything changes. I've learned to embrace life's little detours, for better or worse.

A year ago, I had Vinnie and Zipper, two big brindle boys. They were littermates, and everyone thought they were twins. Both were laid back, sweet, and could handle any situation. They had a special bond -- always hugging on each other and both loved attention. Vinnie loved people and would give hugs freely. Zipper was the goof ball, always doing something unexpected, like falling into the lake butt first, or jumping into the car before the door was open. OUCH. These two were the perfect balance of good looks, charm and sense of humor.

The three of us had settled into our routine. The boys came to work with me. Vinnie and Zipper charmed the guys in my office into more belly rubs than I can count. Show-n-tells were where the boys really shined. Vinnie would charm them and Zipper would slide in for a neck rub. No one could resist those eyes.

Late last summer Vinnie got sick. He had cancer. Worried that Zipper would have a tough time if we lost Vinnie, I started fostering for Southern California Greyhound Adoption League. This certainly livened up our quiet household. My first two fosters: Card and Award, both found wonderful homes. My third foster, High a.k.a. Ace decided to stay with the brindle brothers and me. Zipper and Ace really hit if off, so Ace officially joined our family in October. Now Ace was much shyer than Vinnie and Zipper. But with his two big brothers protecting him, Ace began to gain confidence and soon settled into our crazy world. He was a sweet cuddle bug like Vinnie and a real goof ball like Zipper.

In late November we lost Vinnie. It was hard on all of us but Ace helped to make this change a bit easier. This shy boy would cuddle with us, and helped us through this sad time. Thanksgiving weekend I got my fourth foster, Fling. I only had him for a few days as his new family fell in love with him at first sight.

Then along came a little spitfire named Dallas. To say I was reluctant to take this little girl is a gross understatement. After much hemming and hawing, I took this adorable brindle girl home with me as my fourth foster. Dallas was a mini version of Zipper but with the energy of a puppy on caffeine. She was so cute and that little needle nose worked her way into my heart in less than 24 hours. Dallas brought a spark to our family. Now things are never dull. This girl knows how to play, after all she was retired for interference. Not to mention she looks pretty in pink and makes wearing pearls look normal for dogs.

So here I am one year later with three wonderful dogs. Zipper, my big goof ball, has turned into the rock of our family and a great big brother. Ace, my shy handsome boy, who gives kisses.  And Dallas, my sweet baby girl, has added such joy and has become a real showboat at show-n-tells. Vinnie would be so proud.

Things do change and most of the time you have no control over how things will turn out. My advice is, sit down, hang on and enjoy the ride. As long as you have a greyhound that loves you, the ride is well worth it!

And Zipper as Tigger, Too

By Donna Arcaro

A "Greyt" big thanks to everyone who responded about participating in the osteosarcoma (bone cancer) study currently being conducted (see March 2005 Needle Nose Notes for details). Your participation is greatly appreciated! However, there is still a need for more Greyhound participants, both with osteosarcoma and those without this dreaded disease. Hemopet, located in Garden Grove, has generously volunteered to assist with the study by offering, free of charge, all services necessary to obtain and submit the blood samples, including shipping charges. Hemopet’s offer applies to ALL Greyhounds, regardless of the rescue group from where you adopted your Grey. You can make an appointment at Hemopet by calling 714-891-2022. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, and also on "Bubble Bath" days.

If you have any questions, or you and your Greyhound(s) are interested in being a part in this critical study, please contact me to obtain the necessary paperwork (Hemopet also has paperwork available). Please e-mail me at: vims@sbcglobal.net or call 626-568-6657 or 818-352-6320 (answering machines at both these locations).

Important -- for either method of contact, please leave your phone number.

The results of this study could play an important part in the lives of our beloved Greyhounds. Thank you for your consideration.

PARSLEY!

Getting regular dental cleanings for our greyhounds is so important. It cuts down on bacteria that can "float" through their bodies and cause substantial health problems if gone unnoticed. Another good side-effect of a dental cleaning and checkup is that nice, fresh breath when receiving pup kisses all over our faces! Well, to keep those kisses fresh, I add a teaspoon of dried parsley to Kali, Freckles & Pagosa's meals. It doesn't take much, but it sure works. And, with that little extra green plant in their diet, they have a tendency to chew less on grass. They get their greens and fresh breath all at the same time!

	David and Laticia Speer and Family for their loss of the active Hilmer
	Joy Moss for her loss of the ever cheerful Champ ♥
	Colleen Summerfield for her loss of the fabulous Fawn
	Cliff Barber and Diane Dixon Barber for their loss of sweet Belle
	Sharon Cole and Linda Newby for their loss of best boy Trooper

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