Harvey and Jackson Were There

Friends, I have been working on a post about what's been happening at the low-end Greyhound tracks in Florida.

I'm having trouble finishing it, as it's such a hard topic to address. In the meantime, there's this to read. And, if you're a resident of Florida and want to help, please click here.

Easter on Parade

We had a wonderful time at yesterday's Easter on Parade. Harvey and Jackson did such a good job showing folks that Greyhounds Make Great Pets! The GPA Richmond booth was a real draw, and we collected badly needed donations by selling people and pet treats. The hounds did their part by sporting donation jackets, which had to be emptied frequently!

Thank you, Richmond!!

As promised, a few photos from the day.

Jackson works the crowd.

Begging for gyro leftovers!

A Whippet, and Italian Greyhound, and two Greyhounds...

Jackson says Hi to Meg the Doberman, who lives in our neighborhood.

Harvey takes a rest.

Jackson made lots of new friends!

We met another hound, Cowboy (wearing the bunny ears), who looks like Harvey's twin!

A future Greyhound adopter?

Towards the end of the day.

Tuckered out.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Harvey and Jackson did a great job at today's Easter on Parade festivities! Jackson didn't eat his flower necklace, but he did manage to grab Harvey's bunny ears, and a few unattended stuffed animals (from kids, oops!).

We'll post a bunch of pictures later, but for now...

Jackson, proving that practice does make perfect.


Here are the boys post parade... they're exhausted!

Getting Ready for the Easter Parade

Harvey and Jackson are expected to "represent" at the annual Easter on Parade festivities tomorrow. Jackson spent part of today practicing... which meant learning not to eat his flower necklace, or his bunny ears!

Best Buddies

Amazing Technicolor Hound Coats

Contrary to popular belief, Greyhounds are not all gray! In fact, Greyhound coats come in many, many colors.

Some of Harvey and Jackson's friends agreed to model their colors. We'll start with the colors shown on the American Greyhound Track Operators Official Color Chart, followed by the rest of the rainbow!

Thank you to everyone who provided photos for this post... what beautiful hounds!!

The American Greyhound Track Operators Official Color Chart

Blue Brindle

Fawn Brindle

Red Brindle

Light Brindle

Dark Brindle

Brindle

Fawn


Black Brindle

Blue


Black

Red Fawn


Red

Black and White

White and Black

White and Brindle Ticked

White and Brindle

The Rest of the Rainbow!

White

Blue Fawn



Blue and White

White and Fawn

White and Red

Silver Brindle

A Message from the President of Greyhound Pets of America

Friends, I hope you have time to read this post in full. And, if you can, please consider making a small donation to help with this situation. Please use PayPal and reference the email address greyhoundadoptions@yahoo.com. (Or visit www.greyhoundsvirginia.com and click on "news.")

Some of Harvey and Jackson's friends are at this kennel, and I mean that literally. Thank you so very much, and feel free to contact me at houndlife@gmail.com with any questions.

Deborah (Harvey and Jackson's mom)
_______

Message from Rory, National President of Greyhound Pets of America:

All, I want to share an e-mail that I received this morning and I think this e-mail says it all. We, as an organization, need to help out our own. I think we all need to be aware of what a fellow GPA brother/sister is dealing with, and I believe we need to come together to support a fellow family member that is in need.

I have asked GPA National to help with sending funds, but we are limited in our resources as well, and when our well is dry, its dry…so I am asking…no, begging, that if any of you have an extra few bucks that you could spare without risking your own operations, please consider one of our very needy chapters. At this time, I am not at liberty to state which chapter needs this assistance. We are currently working with the State Racing Commission, the NGA and AGC regarding the situation at this particular track and I don’t want to jeopardize those proceedings and discussions. I also know of 3 other chapters that deal with situations like this, and I know they could also use some support.

You can send the money to GPA National if you want and mark it for this chapter, or mark it for the general fund to support our own. If you know of a chapter in need, then please send it straight to them. If you send in for general support, you have my promise that GPA National officers will get it to these chapters that need it most.

I will be spending my day on the phone working to see what can be done, I can’t promise a miracle today, but I will keep working to see that a difference is made.

Last year, we had a chapter that had to move 60 plus dogs from a track, not many of our chapters in the area stepped up to help a fellow brother/sister that was disheartening. I now more than ever want our organization to be the shining example, to be an organization where we take care of our own. We are bothers and sisters in this journey, so let’s set sail together and make for a brighter tomorrow.

I’m more than committed to fight for you, to fight for our dogs. I thank you all for everything that you have done for this organization, I know that you have contributed to so many miracles, and I’m very humble as someone who does not contribute as much as you do to be able to represent each and every one of you.
Rory
_________

Rory, XXXX has convinced me that is okay to ask you for help, so here goes... I don't know that you want to share all this. Feel free to edit as you see fit!

I constantly struggle to figure out how to best spend my time. The choice has always gone to the dogs. And, it is never, ever enough. I nearly lost my job over all of this. I finally realized work time has to be work time. So, my available time for dog-related matters has been somewhat reduced.

I'll be happy to provide more detail, but here's the "short" version:

I just paid our kennel helper, XXXX, the last $300 we had in our adoption group account.

Next week, we need another $300 for him, $355 for dog food and $150 for insurance on the dog truck.

We also have lined up sending 8 dogs to adoption groups at $70 per dog, but the hauler is willing to wait on his payment.

We buy 20 bags of kibble at a time and it just went up to $17.75 per bag. That's $355 for two weeks.

Our weekly expenses, just for feeding and turning out the dogs run right at $500. That doesn't count insurance/gas/maintenance on our old dog truck (we only use it to go to the vet and back), wormer, cleaning supplies, flea/tick stuff, vet bills, etc., etc.

Hauling dogs to other groups has gone up to $70 per dog. So, we've been doing as much of that as we can ourselves, and paying the gas, etc. ourselves.

Last year, the track was helping on a fairly regular basis (approximately $4,000 total for the year). Now, they are not providing anything. I asked for money twice since the first of the year and have received no response.

We send out letters to the dog owners, asking them to help with their dogs' expenses. In past years, we have received about $50 per dog. Recently, we have been lucky to get $20 per dog. Our actual expenses are close to $150 per dog, not including any vet expenses. I've done a bang-up job, convincing the "good owners" not to send their dogs here. So, we mostly get dogs from owners who don't care what happens to their dogs.

I'll admit, we've been robbing Peter to pay Paul... Our vets have been extremely kind. As a result, we now owe them nearly $5,000.

I don't believe we can continue to operate the kennel at XXXX. It just isn't doable without support from the track.We need to pay off the vet bill and figure out a new, scaled-down mode of operation. I hate to say that. It just means more dogs will die. But, we have to be realistic.

With all the track closings, and other tracks going back to seasonal operation, dogs are flooding into XXXX every week. At one point, we were taking approximately 50% of the "retiring" dogs here. Now, we MIGHT be taking 30%. In addtion to the dogs that actually show up on XXXX racing programs, there are many other dogs who come here simply to die. There are few outlets for killing dogs outside this area. The vet who used to kill dogs died recently, so there is nobody South of here willing to kill greyhounds en masse. They now haul them up here to have them killed. Some are killed by a vet. Others are going up into xxxx to be shot. I'm not making that up. I've heard it repeatedly from trusted sources in the racing world. This has become the latest "killing ground" for greyhounds.

I have personally witnessed the kill truck being loaded three times in the last few months. The most recent experience was on the morning I had to euthanize my dear, sweet xxxx. I took him to the vet very early on a Thursday morning. On my way home from the vet's office, I stopped by the track to pick up some paperwork. I arrived just in time to see them loading up the kill truck. They weren't expecting to see me there and we had a cartoon-like moment of panic. But, there was nothing I could do. I just picked up the paperwork and left.

The kennel folks at XXXX are not shy about telling me what is going on. I often get the "pleasure" of hearing how many dogs they killed this week. They are sad about it. They know I care and they unburden themselves to me.

I know I've not done a good job of managing all of this. I got myself in over my head. Now, I have to figure out how to dig myself out of the mess I've made.

On the positive side, a couple thousand greyhounds have found homes.

XXXX

Statements in the post contain personal opinions and are made by Rory himself and do not reflect on management of this board, or organizations that Rory may be associated with, and may contain statements about expected future events and as such are forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ. Rory undertakes no duty to update information contained in this post via this forum or in any other public disclosures at any time.Permission required from Rory S. Goree' in writing to redistribute in part or whole.Copyright Rory S. Goree' 2008

Greyhound Glossary

Are you a new to Greyhounds? Or, maybe you're not new, but you're confused by some of the Greyhound lingo? Maybe this will help.

Below is an unofficial glossary of Greyhound terms. The glossary is geared towards life after the track. We'll try to keep adding to the list, so if you have know of any Greyhound "slang" that's not here, please let us know!

(Disclaimer! We're pulling definitions from many resources, including Adoption Group sites and online dictionaries.)

GREYHOUND GLOSSARY

Baboon Butt (Bald Butt): Some Greyhounds lose the fur on their "behinds" as a result of the bedding placed in their crates and/or from the transport to and from the tracks. Others might lose their fur due to stress.

Blue: There's a myth that Greyhounds are mostly grey in color. There are approximately 17 color variations of Greyhounds and the dark smoky gray color is only one of them. (Chocolate being the rarest) Blue, blue fawns, blue brindles and white w/ blue patches are rare but sometimes seen as well.

Blue slip: A form you can send to the Greyhound’s original owner to formally transfer ownership to you. For more information about how to request a blue slip, contact the NGA.

Bounceback (or Bounced): A dog that has been returned by its adopter. Often Greyhounds that are "bounced" from their first home go on to find bliss in their second home.

Brindle: Various degrees of dark striping on a lighter background much like a tiger. The backgrounds can range from a pale fawn to a deep mahogany.

Chattering: The teeth chattering that Greyhounds do when they get excited. It often looks like they are cold or scared. They literally vibrate with excitement. They are just letting you know that they are so happy to see you!

Chip (or Chipping): No, not the kind you eat. Surely you've heard the old saying, "Greyhounds are like potato chips, you can't have just one." You haven't? Well you should have. Chipping is adopting another Greyhound. You have room for just one more Greyhound, don't you? Of course you do.

Countersurfing: Often a favorite indoor activity, next to sleeping or eating. Counter surfing is when a Greyhound will reach up onto a counter (or other surface on which humans leave interesting tidbits) to either (a) steal something or (b) make sure there isn't anything there to steal. Because they are so tall, and have such long necks, this is a quite easy thing for them to do.

Double Suspension Gallop: At high speeds, Greyhounds and some other sighthounds have two points at which all four feet are "suspended" in the air. One point is at the fully-extended stretch (or "bus" position). The other is when all four paws are closest together beneath the dog."

Escaped Tongue Syndrome (ETS): ETS (also know as Extended Tongue Syndrome) is an "affliction" that affects hounds at rest. While the hound is sleeping or daydreaming their tongue slips out of their mouth and hangs aimlessly. If you see a Greyhound exhibiting ETS, don't be alarmed... you just witnessed a very content and relaxed hound!

Fawn: A blonde or tan coat color. It ranges from a pale champagne colour to a deep dark gold. Cissie is a champagne fawn.

Forever home: Greyhounds that are retired and placed with adoption groups often times live the first part of their new lives in a foster home. This home volunteers their time to train the dog, feed them, care for them, nurse them and love them. The family that finally adopts that dog, is the "forever home" and the foster home is only a temporary one.

Gotcha Day: Adoption day. Some adoptive families celebrate this day just like a birthday. It's a great reason to celebrate with extra treats, toys, or even a party!

Helicoptering: What some greys' tails do when they're especially happy. (Move in a circular motion, instead of side-to-side.) Some hounds have such exuberant helicopter tails that their tails must be bandaged to prevent breaks!

Leaning: Anyone who has a Greyhound will know the lean! It’s their version of a Greyhound hug. It's a show of affection and trust. Make sure you have both feet firmly planted on the ground when a Greyhound is around!

Nitting: A sign of affection. The dog's tiny front teeth are moved in a fast chomping motion against the beloved's skin. Varies from adorable to excruciating and probably won't produce a wearable sweater.

Needle Nose: Have you ever actually looked at a Greyhound profile? They have loooong, needle like noses, with a pointy end, all the better to greet you with.

Play-bow: Behind is in the air and forelegs are stretched out on the ground. Sometimes they'll sort of slap the ground with the forelegs. This is an invitation to play, or it can be a nice stretch after a nap in which case it is done much slower.

Red: A color ranging from that of a new penny to a deep auburn red coat.

Roaching: Lying on the back with all four legs in the air. Most Greyhounds are excellent roachers!


Roman Nose : (AKC definition) A nose whose bridge is so comparatively high as to form a slightly convex line from forehead to nose tip. Ram's nose.

Roo: AKA howling, but with style and even harmony! Greyhounds will sing together, in four part harmony - get one started and a whole group will quickly follow suit if they are within ear shot!

Scritch: This is a Greyhound scratch usually behind the ear or at the base of the tail. Best done in short fast furious strokes. If you hit just the right spot you may get to see that involuntary hind leg spasm that is guaranteed to produce a fit of giggles.

Sighthound: Sighthounds are dogs of the Greyhound type which hunt game by sight. Their focus on distant objects is very sharp. Please note that they also have an excellent sense of smell, but not as highly developed as the scent hounds, such as the Bloodhound. Generally included in this group are the Greyhound, Saluki and other desert breeds, Ibizan, Pharoah, Whippet, Irish Wolfhound, Scottish Deerhound, Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound), Afghan Hound, Italian Greyhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Lurcher. Some definitions also include the Basenji. But don't forget, Greyhounds are the fastest of all dogs."

Smiling: A greyhound smile almost looks like a snarl, except the top of the muzzle isn't pulled back. They have a way of lifting their front lips and to show their teeth and it looks like much like a human smile.

Sphinx: Greyhounds will often assume the same position as the Egyptian Sphinx. Because of the way they are built this position is much easier for them and many greyhounds find it uncomfortable to sit in the standard sitting position.

Tuck: This refers to the Greyhound shape, very narrow around the waistline with a large chest and ribcage. The "tuck" or "tuck up" is the area just in front of the rear legs where the greyhound is the thinnest.

Yellow Slip or Bertillion: Official Registration Document provided by the NGA with the dogs complete description, owner at time of registration, tattoo numbers and markings all the way down to the toenails described. Also listed are the sire and dam, their parentage, and date of birth.

Zoomies: Greyhounds love to run! Sometimes they'll run in circles or crazy-eight patterns, sometimes called zoomies. Zoomies are short sprints with lots of turns!