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A monthly newsletter to keep you informed.
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Rescue Results for September
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In September w
e had 16 adoptions, and 14 new arrivals. 9 of those arrivals entered The Greyhound Inmate Experience.
That makes our year-to-date totals 102 adoptions and 108 rescues (93 to AG and 15 to other groups).
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Who knew being someone's super hero was so easy? Ear scratches, TLC, a couple of meals per day, and a roof over a hound's head is all that's necessary! The opportunity to save a hound is quickly approaching. This month, American Greyhound will be sending our hauler south to welcome a new group of greyhounds into retirement. We can't do it without YOU! When our dedicated volunteers pull into the kennels, we have a list of open foster homes. We can only load up as many hounds as we have open homes. Are there hounds left behind because we don't have enough foster homes? Yes, there are ALWAYS hounds that we can't bring back because of limited space. Fostering a greyhound has many rewarding aspects. However, one of the best parts of fostering is looking into their eyes knowing that the reason they are living life as a retired racer is because of your generosity. If you want to swoop in and save the day of a lucky hound, visit our website www.americangreyhound.org and fill out the foster application. Don't miss our on the opportunity to save a life.
I am more than happy to discuss fostering and any questions or concerns you have. Please give me a call or shoot me an e-mail at 219-395-4432 or [email protected]. Grab your cape and let's save some hounds!
Nicole Graves
Foster Coordinator |
Every so often, we receive a message from one of our adoptive families that really grabs ahold of you. Recently, we received such a message from John Gerba. For a number of years, John had been caring full time, for his elderly father. I met John's father about two years ago when he brought him out to help select a dog after the passing of his first greyhound, Aztec. I noticed that being with the dogs seemed to have a positive effect on him and even though he had never met these particular dogs, he was very much at ease and familiar with them.
Here's John's note:
I hope you have been well. It has been a long while. Sorry for that, but I have been really busy these last 2 years taking care of my dad. I wanted to tell you my dad passed away 2 weeks ago Saturday. It came as a shock, as he was healthy in terms of his vital organs. Then in a 12 hour swing all went bad. Arty was a great comfort to my dad right from the first day I brought him home. Arty would lay on his bed next to dad's chair. If I went into the kitchen and my dad was trying to get up and walk....Arty would come into
the kitchen. It was Arty's way of letting me know so I could go and make sure dad did not fall. Since May, I had to bring my dad's bed down in the living room. Arty would lay on a blanket at the head of the bed and sleep there so he could watch over my dad. When my dad would get out of sorts, he would pet Arty and that would calm and settle him down. The most heartfelt thing was the day of the funeral. After church, the procession went past the house. The hearse stopped in front for a couple of minutes. Arty spread the curtains in the front window and stared out, as if he was saying goodbye to his buddy!
Everyone in the procession saw Arty looking and they all teared up. Attached are a couple of photos of my dad and Arty. We are really blessed to have Arty.
What an inspiring message! What a comfort it must be to know that Arty was bringing peace to his ill father. An animal that really cannot comprehend the gravity of the circumstances in our lives yet is able to make the stress and anxiety caused by those circumstances evaporate by his mere presence.
John, thank you so much for sharing with us the difference Arty has made for your family, because sharing that has made a difference for me.
We all know what a difference American Greyhound makes in the lives of unwanted greyhounds. That's why we, the volunteers, supporters, adopters, fosters, etc, take such an active role. But, when you look a little deeper and can see the impact these dogs make in the lives of people they come in contact with, it reinforces the importance of American Greyhound, and what they do.
I'll tell you the truth, when I began volunteering with American Greyhound, my only goal was to help some skinny dogs who needed a break. However, after seeing the collateral benefit these dogs bring to those whose lives they touch, it tells me we are saving more than some skinny dogs.
-Jeff Coggins
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Sarah Gasienica-Your Polar Bear Chair
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Every New Years morning for the last nine, American Greyhound volunteers have braved the icy, sub-polar water of North Avenue Beach in` Chicago to make a difference in the lives of unwanted greyhounds. And, for the last few years the person chairing that event has been Sarah Gasienica-Someone You Should Know.
Sarah came to American Greyhound in 2010, adopting her first hound that summer. Entering her life was a big happy, brindle boy named Happy. He's a big, goofy guy who everyone loves. But, it was her second adoption that really sealed the deal as far as her committing herself as a volunteer with American Greyhound. Of course, that dog's name was Lonely Soul. Lonely Soul, or Soulie as she is called these days, came to us in June of 2010 on a hauler from Florida. Her ride north was air conditioned and she came off in relatively good condition. However, unbeknownst to us, she had likely stood for the entire trip, causing a condition known as Rhabdomyolysis to afflict her. Shortly after arrival, she began to quake until eventually she was in a full seizure. We rushed her to the nearest emergency clinic, where she was treated, but shortly thereafter we had to move her to another clinic as that one was about to close. Long story short, after a tremendous effort by our volunteers that morning and some super human efforts by our vets (North Central veterinary Emergency Clinic and McAfee Animal Hospital) and a sizable amount of money, Soulie made a full recovery. Soulie was adopted later that summer to Sarah and as many of you may recall was the guest of honor at our inaugural "Winning Hearts, Not Races" Auction.
Sarah became a very active volunteer and foster home, and in 2011 she joined us for the first time at North Avenue Beach for our 4th annual "Freezin' for a Reason" Polar Bear plunge. In 2013, Sarah took over the reins of the Polar Bear and has done a wonderful job. In fact last year she helped this event to a best ever $18,527 raised.
She is currently working on putting Polar Bear #9 together and our hopes are very high that this year will exceed last year's numbers and set another record. If you've ever thought you may like to give this a try, please follow the link from our web site www.americangreyhound.org and prepare for the best New Year's Morning of your life.
Besides running our Polar Bear each year, Sarah also holds the office of Vice President and remains very busy and committed to American Greyhound's rescue efforts year round. So, hats off to Sarah and all of the good work she does and has done for American Greyhound
One of the areas where we feel like we have possibly stumbled is passing along information about the people who make thing happen at American Greyhound. Look for more of these "Someone
You Should Know" articles in upcoming newsletters. And, if you have a person you'd like to nominate for recognition, please give me a ring at (219)771-0892 or email me at
[email protected].
-Jeff Coggins
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 When the temperature and leaves begin to fall it can only mean one thing, the seasons are changing. Before you know it, the polar bears, penguins and walruses will be coming out of hibernation for the
most exciting time of the year. Dust off your bathing suits, because American Greyhound's Ninth Annual
Polar Bear Plunge is right around the corner. January 1st is only a few months away, and all of the "seasoned" polar bears know the advantages of getting started early.
American Greyhound is determined to make this year's plunge bigger and better than ever and we need your help! Our goal for this year's plunge is to find as many people as possible to take the dive into Lake Michigan on News Year Day at North Avenue Beach.
Whether you want to dip in just the tips of your toes or go in over your nose, we have a level you can participate at:
- Polar Bears: Traditional level where the plunger goes entirely under the water. Brrrrrrrr!
- Penguin: These brave folks go in somewhere from their ankles to their necks.
- Walruses: these ferocious volunteers would rather plunge into their woolly blankets instead.
Each Plunger must donate or raise the bear minimum of $25 to receive a commemorative Polar Plunge long sleeve t-shirt and entrance to our post-plunge Warm Up Party at Old Town Ale House. We also have terrific prizes that will be awarded to the top fundraisers. To help you dive into your fundraising for the plunge, online registration is available
HERE.
Our online fundraising program makes it easy for you to create your own personal website where you can register, set goals, upload a picture or video
and email friends and family for their support.
As you're getting geared up for this year's plunge, don't forget the true reason for freezin'. American
Greyhound helps find homes for unwanted greyhounds. This event makes a tremendous difference for
our hounds as every dollar raised goes directly to support their journey to their forever couches.
If you have any questions or would like any more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at
(219) 263-8742 or [email protected]
Happy Plunging,
Sarah Gasienica
Vice President
Polar Plunge Coordinator
P.S. Don't forget to click here to sign up and we'll see you at the beach, if not sooner!
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National Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10, 2015. In connection with my day job, I work closely with many fire departments to help determine the cause and origin of fires. Lately, it seems everyone knows they should check the batteries in their smoke detectors, but many families forget about their family pets in times of crisis. I hope none of our American Greyhound families ever have to put these tips to use. Nonetheless, at least we can all be prepared so no one winds up in a cone!
If It's Not Safe for You, Take Your Pets, Too!
No one wants to think about it, but according to the Red Cross fire is the most common disaster in the United States. The best thing to remember is that if it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your pets either. Be sure to include your pets in your evacuation plans and fire drills.
Help Emergency Workers Help You
The ASPCA recommends posting stickers on the doors to alert emergency workers that you have pets in the home. If you take your pets with you when you evacuate, be sure to write "evacuated" on the sticker. Be sure that your pets tags are still legible and have current information on them, many people forget to change the information on these and with the microchip services making it more difficult to reunite you with your dog. Also, be sure to let American Greyhound know if you have updated your phone numbers or moved. Email [email protected] if you need to update your contact info!
Know A Safe Place to Take Your Pet
Many shelters won't admit pets. For example, Red Cross shelters cannot take pets due to health regulations. However, you can check with friends, family, and your local vet to see if they will watch your pet(s) for you. Also, many area hotels will allow your pets to stay with you. Some of these local hotels are:
- The Inn at the Aberdeen
- Gray Goose Inn
- Red Roof Inn
- La Quinta
- EconoLodge
- Waterbird Lakeside Inn
Pet Emergency Preparedness Kits
Don't forget your pets when it comes to assembling your emergency preparedness kits. You may want to include the following items for your pets in your kit:
- Medicine and medical records
- Leash, collar, harness, muzzle and carrier for the non-greyhounds
- Current photo or pre-made missing flyer
- Food, and water for several days
- Collapsible dishes and a manual can opener
- Blanket or toys if feasible
- Information on behaviors and habits in case you need to board your pet
Prevention As Benjamin Franklin said, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." The best way to avoid having to evacuate your pet during a fire is to prevent a fire. Here are five tips to keep your dog from causing a fire:
- Don't leave your pet unattended around open flames. They will investigate.
- Pet proof your home. Curious hounds like to chew on electrical cords and some have even been known to turn the stove on.
- Secure young pets when you are away from home.
- Keep your pets near entrances.
- Consider a monitored fire service like ADT.
No Birthday Candles on the Birthday Cake!
If anyone has any questions, or has any other pet emergency preparedness tips they would like to share, please give me a shout at (219) 263-8742 or [email protected].
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The store is now carrying hooded sweatshirts in both regular and zip up. Make sure to check out this great new addition as you prepare to keep yourself warm as chilly weather settles in.
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Mark your calendars because you won't want to miss these upcoming events!
- Adoption Events: check out our website to see if when we're near you! Events in October and the first week of November will take place in: Merrillville, Highland, Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Mishawaka, Orland Park, Homewood, Goshen, and Mokena. Hope to see you there!
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