MARATHON MONTH OF AUGUST!
By Carole Oglesbee, Needle Nose Crew

Many thanks to everyone who helped with the fifteen days of staffing at Expressly Portraits in the Mission Viejo Mall. I know, I know . . .the mall is really, really slow. Please remember though we did earn $626 for our fund raiser this year and next year will be a marvelous event. The mall is now a beehive of activity with all the new stores moving in and setting up. By the time next July and August roll around, we will never know the place as the same one we have spent the last three years. Thanks also to Jennifer Gibson and her staff for making us feel welcome and supporting our wonderful greys. We'd also like to thank all of you out there who staffed a shift at the Anaheim Home & Garden Show. Although this show is always great exposure for us, this year really exceeded our expectations. We raised double the funds we have in the past three years and passed out an equally large number of literature packets. To the best of our knowledge the first adoption from our participation in the event went home from GPA-LA to Huntington Beach just one day after the close of the show. We know from experience that many more adoptions will begin with those who see us at the Convention Center. So pat yourselves on the back and let's enjoy the overall great successes of the Dawg Days of August.

Y2K . . . "YEAR 2000 KALENDARS"
The Needle Nose Crew

Just because the turn of the millennium is here, we decided to branch out our calendar order for the year 2000. We have purchased three different types of greyhound calendars for everyone to choice from and enjoy. We have been able to receive excellent pricing from the publishers, so the proceeds from all three types will benefit our ongoing greyhound promotion efforts. Our orders have arrived and are already being sold to early shoppers. Remember, these wonderful pages make marvelous Christmas and Chanukah gifts as well as decorating your own homes and offices. The stock is over at the Gallas/Oglesbee household and, of course, at our regular show and tell events. Be sure to make arrangements early, as many folks who waited last year were disappointed when the stock was gone and no more could be ordered. To all of you, thanks in advance for your ongoing support. We cannot promote the greys as actively as we do without that support. LOVE

MAKES LOSS SO PAINFUL . . .
By Mike Gallas

This has been a summer of losses. Friends have suffered the loss of loved ones. The nation suffered the loss of JFK Jr. and mourned with his family. And on a more personal note, I lost a dear friend in Ace and in our eldest dog Megan. Loss is the unfortunate, but inevitable flip side of loving anything. A time will come when one must say good-bye. How one handles such losses can help immensely in coming to terms with the reality of the situation. I would never be so bold as to instruct someone in the fine art of grief. We all must grieve in the manner we find appropriate. Yet, I do have some suggestions that may help one deal with the loss of a beloved pet, Greyhound or otherwise. RITUAL - Rituals can help one work through the grief of loss and help put some closure on the event. I am very grateful to Sharon and Dick Lehman for allowing Carole and I to take part in Ace's passing. We were with him a few short hours before he died, to sit with him, to stroke his ears and to tell him how much he is loved by all of us. It was of comfort to him and also to me . . . we said our good-byes. We also shared in a small quiet service a week or so later at which Aces's ashes were laid to rest. Ace will never be forgotten by any of us, but the service made it easier to move beyond the grief. Unfortunately, Megan's passing was much more abrupt. Ace suffered from kidney failure, and his body was in a declining state for several weeks until he no longer had the strength to go on. Meg, on the other hand, began to seizure one night without warning. Medication proved ineffective, and after several hours, the only humane option was to let her go. Megan was sixteen years old with a long list of age related health problems, yet none of them proved life threatening until this. I too opted to have Meg's ashes returned to me, and Carole and I released her on the Laguna shores. In her younger days running down by the waterline was her favorite activity. We spent hours there. It was a fitting place to lay her to rest. I still feel a great deal of loss where both these dear souls are concerned, but I know and take comfort in the fact that they are somewhere beyond their pain riddled bodies, at peace and at rest. SUPPORT - One can find great comfort and release in the company of fellow "dog people" who have some idea of the relationship between "dog owner" and dog. Nothing could be more damaging in this situation than to have one's feelings discounted by statements such as "He was just a dog". A dog can take over a large part of one's heart, as we all know. In turn, his passing is a very real and devastating event. Misery does indeed love company if only to validate that one's grief is real and warranted. Allowing others to help one through the pain and unanswered questions, to allow one to express grief and to know that others have been in the same situation can be a big help. Also, remember that others may be grieving as well and may need to take part for their own well being. MOVING ON - At some point, one must move beyond the pain and loss and get on with the art of living. How long one spends actively grieving is a personal choice, but at some point one must move on. Now What? Some want a new dog as soon as possible. Others choose to wait until that "special personality" catches their heart and holds on tight. Once again, this is a personal decision. Keep in mind though 1) Dogs, like people are irreplaceable: all are special in their own way. Just because they may look alike doesn't mean they will be alike. 2) When a new dog will enter one's life should be in one's own time. Do not let others push you into a new relationship before you are ready to deal with it. There is an infinite number of wonderful dogs waiting for homes, Greyhounds and others. When the right one catches your eye and/or heart will determine when it is time to consider starting anew. Finally, may I thank all who have sent their condolences and best wishes. Your concern is truly appreciated. I wish Ace and Megan a safe journey. If there is a couch in heaven I am sure Ace has already found it and is lying smack in the middle with a very satisfied grin on his face. Megan on the other hand, is much too busy investigating every corner in true terrier style. We have left you both in gentle hands, dear friends. We love you...Sweet dreams.

POSTSCRIPT:

Dick Lehman, mentioned in the above article, is a marriage and family counselor who has practiced in the Orange County area for many years. Recently, Dick has expanded his practice to include pet loss and bereavement. If you, a friend or loved one could use some help working through the grief of a newly deceased pet, I urge you to meet with Dick to discuss your situation. Dick's empathy and gentle nature are well-suited to your needs. His wisdom and support may be just what is needed to see your way through the grief of loss. You can reach Dick by using the information listed on the enclosed brochure.

ADVENTURES WITH DIGNITY
Dictated to Joni Campbell

Humans are odd creatures; just when you think you've get them figured out, they execute another unexpected move. I knew something was brewing early Wednesday morning as I lay snuggled among my pillows. My human female, Joni, roused herself from bed without any coaxing, pulling, or bribery on my part. It's quite amazing, as she's on summer break and likes to sleep in whenever she can. Usually a slow-mover upon rising, Joni quickly showered and dressed. Before I knew it, I heard the familiar jingle of my walking collar and leash. Joni moved toward the hall door that leads out to the garage. "Come on, Dignity. We're goin' bye-bye." Oh boy! I love road trips. Were we going back to Expressly Portraits to take more photos? The dude with the camera was pretty cool. His legs smelled so good! Was she bringing the collapsible water bowl? That's always a positive sign. "Sniff, Sniff," my nose tingled with anticipation. I smelled IAMS biscuits!! This was going to be an outing of immense proportions. As I jumped into the trusty, silver Volvo wagon, I began to take in the whiffs of summer air drifting through the open windows. With the back seat down, I could stretch out, and snooze as we careened down the 5 Fwy. Ah, life off the track was one happy adventure. I looked up to see we were in Laguna Hills! As we pulled into the black asphalt driveway of Villa Valencia, I spotted him! It was Lee, my shy buddy from Mike Gallas' training class. This was also a favorable omen. Anything involving other greys had to be worthwhile. As I stood by our car, a sweet woman with snow-white hair approached us and asked if she could pet me. Was she kidding? Honey, I live for this! Her voice soft and gentle, she knew just how to cup my chin as she scratched my ear. I began to list to the right, my head woozy. Little stars danced in my eyes, and I would have lost consciousness if Joni hadn't whispered my name while stepping toward me. The pitter-patter of paws snapped me back to reality. More greys on the scene! We gathered together like a swirling, brindle swarm. Excitement crescendoed we marched toward the building. We were going in! I was beside myself with joy. I entered the large room of the retirement home, and quivered as I noticed all of the warm, cuddly humans scattered about. They seemed to be waiting for something. (Me, of course!) "I'm here. Come bestow me with caresses, kisses, and hugs," I told them with my large, dreamy eyes. And they did. The afternoon was a hazy blur of soft, wrinkled faces breaking into amiable smiles as I schmoozed my way up and down the halls of the assisted living building. Some of these kind-hearted humans couldn't walk, talk, or hear. Who cared! They all loved me. If the oldsters were unable to come to me, I went to them. In the next unit, I deftly navigated passed wheelchairs, walkers, monitors, and I.V. poles. With uncanny instinct, I approached stroke victims on their good side. Bed rails were no obstacle. I had this down. I was born to work the crowd in the acute care facility. All in all, it was a very satisfying day with innumerable perks. My ears were expertly tickled, my back tenderly stroked, as I was lovingly crooned to in German. I nearly lost it when I drooled at the sight of the large stuffed, fluffy, white cat I spied while visiting one of my many admirers. And, I still can't figure out why that huge, yellow, Sandicast lab never bothered to come over when I besieged her with my come hither look. Oh, and then there was Abby! My heartstrings still tug when I recall her dainty, brindle face. My tail beat to the pounding in my chest when I spotted her. Abby's human works at Villa Valencia, and she came along to fulfill her destiny, and meet me. We nuzzled noses, walked together down the corridor of the medical wing, and shared cool sips of crystal clear water before we parted ways. Though I haven't seen Abby since, my days abound with excitement and surprises. I anticipate the wonder, waiting to see what will happen tomorrow. I experience each adventure as it comes . . . with just a touch of dignity.