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In May we had 10 arrivals, 4 hauled for other groups, and had 13 adoptions.
This makes our year-to-date totals 71 adoptions, 66 AG rescues, and 7 hauled for other groups.
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Soon We'll Have a Place to Call Home!
As most of you I'm sure are aware, American Greyhound has been actively working toward purchasing property on which to build a shelter. Our largest fundraising efforts have identified a permanent home for American Greyhound as our primary goal.
Well, today, I am happy to announce to you that we are one step closer to seeing our goals become reality.
About three weeks ago, we came to an agreement with a seller to purchase 10 acres of land between Valparaiso and Chesterton, Indiana. We have held back on making an announcement until now because there are zoning issues that must be addressed before we can close on the property (the zoning ordinance in Porter County is not what could be considered as dog kennel friendly). We really didn't want to announce we'd found a location, only to have to turn around and tell you the bad news. Earlier this week, we met with the most highly recommended real estate attorney in Porter County, who will help us work through those issues and who feels very confident that we can resolve them and build our home on this land.
I really would like to thank each of you for your support and dedication to this organization and the hounds whose welfare is our primary mission. That support is the primary reason we are in a situation where we are preparing to build a facility.
I'd like to put that situation we are in, into some perspective for you. And, please don't read this as egotistical, read it as pride. Pride that begins with our dedicated volunteers who make a difference for these dogs every day. Pride in our dog hauling equipment that allows us to help dogs no matter where they may be and frees us from relying on others to get dogs to us (another result of your wonderful support, and an asset not found at many rescues, even those much larger than us). Pride in the 1200+ greyhounds whose life was changed the day they became American Greyhounds. Pride in all we have accomplished by coming together and doing whatever was necessary to help our hounds. Simply put, we are in this situation because of all of you.
Now, as we move forward you'll be hearing updates on a regular basis concerning the progress of the project. Obviously, we are just getting started, but things will begin to happen at a very rapid pace. And, before you know it, there will be a roof over our heads. And, what's more important, our roof will be over some very lucky dog's heads as well.
Again, many thanks to each of you for all you have done to make American Greyhound what it is today.
Sincerely,
Jeff Coggins
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TGIE
TGIE partners newly retired hounds with specially trained dog handlers over a ten week period to help the hounds adjust to life as a pet. In just a few short weeks, this special group of hounds will be paroled and ready for their forever home.
We will be providing updates of last year's Back in Black crew
via social media
throughout June leading up to the new group's parole date, on June 29.
Check the doghouse for information on the next member of your power pack, and fill out an adoption application today!
We are always in need of foster homes for both incoming TGIE graduates and retirees straight from the track. If you'd like to be part of helping a hound to their happily ever after, contact Nicole Graves at [email protected]
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Greyhounds: The Universal Blood Donor
As many of you are probably aware, greyhounds are generally universal blood donors. And by universal we mean they are generally able to donate to almost any other breed of dog. Many times over the past several years, we have been contacted by McAfee Animal Hospital about bringing in a dog to donate blood. My own dog (actually he was my wife's dog) Walter donated many times to help other dogs in need of blood. In fact he donated a unit of blood that helped save my dog Curtis, when he was still a foster dog and was in dire need of blood (he is my dog, no matter what my wife says). What a wonderful feeling it is to know that your dog, who was helped by American Greyhound in his or her time of need, was able to help another dog in their time of need. Kind of reminds me of one of my favorite movies, "It's a Wonderful Life" and the hero of that story, George Bailey. Harry was able to save the life of all those men on that transport because George had been there to save his life.
And, many times we have asked your help in creating a list of potential donor dogs so that when the call comes in there will be a "George Bailey" to help make a difference. Well, we're asking again, we'd really like your help. And, to help emphasize the importance, we've included a story that involves a man who adopted a greyhound, who by donating his blood, made a difference in the life of another dog (not a greyhound), which of course, made a difference in the lives of that dog's family.
Yohan came to American Greyhound in November of 2013, from Birmingham, Alabama. He was adopted by Larry and Betty Engle of Warsaw, Indiana on January of 2014. Yohan was a wonderful fit in the Engle family and shared the home with a sister, Annie.
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| On the left Annie and Yohan at their Vet appointment. On the right Betty and Larry and Yohan on adoption day January 2014. |
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Upper left, Yohan immediately after donating blood. Upper right, Macy, the beneficiary of Yohan's blood donation. And, bottom, Larry with Yohan sporting his custom made winter coat.
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Larry and Betty had been contacted by Lake City Animal Clinic about providing Yohan as a blood donor to help a little pup named Macy who was in need of a blood transfusion. As you can see by the photos above, Yohan was there when Macy needed him, because American Greyhound was there when Yohan needed them. If that isn't "It's a wonderful Life" in a nutshell, I don't know what is.
Sadly, we were contacted in May with news of Larry Engle's passing. As a memorial to Larry's life and his love of his dogs, numerous donations were made to American Greyhound in Larry's honor and we received this note:
I don't know about you, but this is the kind of message that really makes me feel good about what we do. First, though he has passed on, it is very obvious that Yohan meant a great deal to Larry, and then, both Larry and Yohan were able to "pay it forward" to Macy.
Exactly the kind of message we want to pass along and give you the opportunity to be a part of yourself. Now, if after reading this, you'd like to be part of "paying it forward", contact Jeff Coggins at (219)771-0892 or
[email protected]. We'd love for your hound to be the next "hero"
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Volunteer Corner
Heather Peyatt is signing American Greyhound up for the Pet Expo in Ft. Wayne. The event is
June 24 and 25, from
11 am - 4 pm at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. She will be attending both days, and has room in her van for both people and pups! For more information, please contact Heather at
260-237-9501 or
[email protected].
In other volunteer news, the Disney Store of Southlake Mall has expressed an interest in volunteering at some of our events! Watch for our new voluntEARS at future events!
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Around Town with Your Hound
Summer is off and running! Before you get too busy with your summer activities, you might want to squeeze in one of these events happening at some of our fellow Greater Valparaiso Chamber Members or supporters this month or coming up! Be sure to swing by one on your way to or from an American Greyhound Meet & Greet!
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Event
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Location
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Date
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Time
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Cost
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Hound Friendly
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Game Night w/ Simko Signs
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Ironwood Brewing Co.
Valpo, IN
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June 13
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4:00 P.M. CST-Close
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Free!
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No
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Bone City Rollers v. Nap Town Roller Derby Bout
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Eastlake Skate Center, 3010 Frontage Road, Warsaw, IN
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June 17
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5:00 EST
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No
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As you can see, our list is a little light this month. If there is a fun community activity in your neck of the woods that's hound friendly or showcases one of our fantastic AG sponsors, I would love to tell everyone about it! Email, text or call me about it and I'd love to try to feature it in my monthly column-Around Town with Your Hounds! By the way, the event doesn't just have to be in the Valpo area either-the schmoopies and I LOVE a good road trip.
Sarah Gasienica
(219) 263-8742
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