Needle Nose Notes

VoI 10, issue 7

Adopt a Grey for Turkey Day!

November, 2005

THE SAGA OF LI’L BIT

By Kindra Willey

Li’l Bit is an adorable blue fawn girl who came to us from Greyhound Connection when she was just 20 months old. At first, we didn’t understand why she would be taken off the track so early, since it was obvious that she was very fast. She could outrun all the other Greys on our three acres without even trying. Rumor has it that although she was very fast, she was unable to keep her mind on business. If she was running around the track and saw something interesting, she’d run right over to take a better look, taking the rest of the pack with her. Blinders didn’t work, so she was retired and ended up with us.

Then it became increasingly clear – whether she’s one taco short of a combination plate, the lights are on but nobody’s home, or not the sharpest tool in the shed – the bottom line is the same. Li’l Bit is a beautiful girl without a brain in her head!!

She’s loving and great at show and tells (unless there are flies around, in which case she considers it her job to catch each and every one). On another occasion, she totally ignored the people with small dogs or cats, but alerted on the goats one of the kids was leading by the exhibit!

She loves to try to steal food from our table. Unfortunately, the table is glass, and she is underneath it, bonking her head on the glass and unable to understand why the treats stay out of reach. It is, of course, somewhat disconcerting to try to eat while periodically a little fawn head bumps the table from below.

One night Li’l Bit discovered the PEOPLE BED! She jumped up and snuggled, only to fall off on her head because she’d snuggled too near the edge. Undaunted, she jumped back up and got into the same position – and off she fell again. And, you guessed it, she did it again. Finally, when she jumped up the fourth time and we could stop laughing, she was guided to the center of the bed where she would be more secure. A couple of hours later, as Li’l Bit is sprawled comfortably in the middle of the bed and I’m clinging to the edge trying not to fall off, I begin to wonder just which one of us is one taco short …!

Li’l Bit faces each day with excitement, which she evidences by jumping on the bed and kissing the occupant awake (whether it’s time to wake up or not). One of our friends, when commenting on Li’l Bit’s exuberant personality said, “It’s not hard to be that happy when you can’t remember anything (especially the bad things) that happened before today.” She may be right. But as long as we have Li’l Bit around, we won’t need TV comedy shows!

GRAPE SEED EXTRACT

By Linda Brown

Grape Seed Extract has become one of the most popular herbs in the U.S. It contains antioxidant flavonoids called proanthocyanidins which are found in berries. Grape Seed strengthens capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in the body. As a result, what is good for the heart often protects against cancer as well. Grape Seed can block free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules) that are believed to be the leading cause of cancer.

I could write a small novel on Grape Seed benefits, but here are just a few:

1. Bolsters Vitamin C activity in the body.

2. Essential for collagen formation (great anti-aging herb)

3. Strengthens capillaries

4. Anti-inflammatory, including inflammation due to allergies.

For our hounds - no more than 50 mg (soft gel) daily

For us humans - up to 100 mg daily

For more information or questions, feel free to call or e-mail me at greyspirit@earthlink.net.

Pete (formerly Vinmaster)

just can’t seem to relax!!

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

By Linda Brown

I want to thank so many people for making my CA visit a memorable one. I can't remember having so much fun in one weekend. Thanks so much to:

1. Southern California Greyhound Adoption League for the gracious invitation to join their reunion.

2. Linda Ciampa of Duds 4 Buds for her invitation to the Bark in the Park Event, and her generous dog bed donation that Retired Racers raffled at that event. That raffle put $281.00 into Retired Racers building fund. Thanks to all that bought those tickets. Beau Baxter - Gene and Kathy's greyhound is now napping happily in that bed!!

3. Barbara Smith of Homestretch Greyhounds that set up our booth at both events complete with a beautiful banner made by her husband, Bob.

4. And to ALL of you that came to one or both of the greyhound events. It was so wonderful to see everyone - especially all those happy and healthy greyhounds that used to be part of my CA life. They all have such super homes.

Til next year... take care and keep in touch!!

HERE COME THE HOLIDAYS!

By Joy Moss

As holiday season approaches, remember to make sure your greyhound’s environment stays safe. With people coming and going, visits and parties, shopping and errands, please take care when opening doors. I have an exercise pen across my front door – I know it’s not “House Beautiful” – but the dogs can’t bolt out the door when visitors arrive. Make sure they always wear a collar with ID tags.

Pets are not garbage disposals for holiday leftovers – don't upset the season by making your pet ill. Dogs become accustomed to a regular diet and treating them to excessive fatty holiday leftovers can upset their entire systems. Stick with their normal diet and avoid giving them more than a scrap or two. Bones of any kind can be dangerous to your pet, but particularly splintery turkey bones. Aluminum foil that has been wrapped around meat and disposable baking pans are very attractive, so be sure to discard them securely. 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.

Keep in mind that many plants such as Holly, Poinsettias, and Mistletoe used as holiday decorations are toxic if ingested. Keep them out of reach, or use artificial alternatives.

Christmas tree decorations such as tinsel, glass balls and popcorn strands can cause serious intestinal complications. Trees have also proven irresistible to many greyhounds 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. 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.

Finally, remember to make time for your greyhound buddy during this busy season. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, pets become stressed. Your dog depends on you for companionship and love. Share the joy of the season with your pal. Happy Holidays from all of us at the Needle Nose Crew!

Fenton claims the octopus

	Craig & Heather Moothart for the loss of their gentle giant Morton
	John & Colleen Tobias for their loss of 14 year old Sue
	Mary Beny & Brittney Petty for their loss of 14 year old Alva
	Laura Hawkins for her loss of 13-1/2 year old Sweet Miss Mary