News from American Greyhound recapping July and looking forward to August

July Rescue Results
July was awesome!
AG took in 17 dogs. 10 retired racers from Moible, AL and 7 puppies (also from Mobile) We hauled 1 dog for another group.  We had 27 adoptions! 

This makes our year-to-date totals 111 adoptions, 108 AG rescues, and 8 hauled for other groups.
Mobile Greyhound Track

On July 31, the National Greyhound Association announced that Mobile Greyhound Park will be closing on August 19.  A statement from Mobile Greyhound Park states that approximately 400 greyhounds will need to be relocated or adopted. Some hounds will be relocated, meaning continuing their racing career at another facility. Many will not have that opportunity. That is where American Greyhound will be stepping in. It has been just over two weeks since we brought in the last haul of hounds from Mobile, which means our foster homes are full.  Can you find it in your heart to foster a greyhound that has nowhere to turn? Fostering a greyhound does not mean you are making a lifetime commitment; this is a short-term commitment to housing them until they find their forever family. You are in no way obligated to continue fostering once your foster is adopted (although we would LOVE for you to do so!). Whether you foster one hound or one hundred, the greyhounds in Mobile need you. Please contact me at 219-395-4423 or [email protected] if you can help with this endeavor.  We will be seeing an effort from rescues all over the country. Let's fill the hauler with hounds for American Greyhound!
 
Nicole Graves
Foster Coordinator 
Picnic Volunteers Needed!

It is time again for our annual picnic!  It is one of my favorite events of the year.  The McKinney Family has been gracious enough to invite all of us (and our hounds!) to their home.  I love being able to socialize with other greyhound lovers and meet people I have developed an online relationship with.  My dogs love coming for the doggie pools.  They were huge pool hogs last year, I promise I will try to make them share this year!! 

The Picnic requires a lot of work before, during, and after the event.  Many hands make light work.  Do you have a few hours to give to help us get ready (or clean up)?!  We would love to have you!

I am trying a new way to manage our volunteers for the picnic this year.  I have signed us up for a (free!) website called Sign Up Genius.  Please click the link below to access our picnic volunteer sign up.  We have open slots  on FridaySaturday, and  Sunday.  Once you have accessed the sign up sheet, click the green "Sign Up" button and then click the brown  "Submit and Sign up" button at the bottom of the page.  It will then send you to a confirmation page that will ask you to make an account with Sign Up Genius (its quick and relatively painless!).  Once you have your account, you can go back and change your sign up if your availability changes.  It will also enable me to easily send emails to those people willing to volunteer.

Can't figure out the sign up form?!  No problem!  Just contact me directly, and I can add you to the list!  


Have an opinion about Sign Up Genius?!  Loved it, hated it, it was too complicated - let me know!  

Blood Donors Make a Difference

Just a quick reminder, we really want to develop a list of potential donor dogs to support our local vets (and of course those dogs in need of that blood whose lives hang in the balance).  It's a tremendous feeling when YOUR dog is able to make the difference for a sick or injured dog.  And, it's not terribly uncomfortable for them either.  Just like human donors, they give the blood and then enjoy some treats.

If you think you'd be interested in helping out, please give Jeff Coggins a call at 9219)771-0892 or email at [email protected].

Thanks!
Champaign-Urbana, Illinois AG Families Representing in Pride Fest

On September 16th at 4:00, American Greyhound families will be marching in Champaign-Urbana's Fifth Annual Pride Fest Parade.  Sarah Laufenberg, who is coordinating our group for the event, has taken her hound to the event over the last five years, and her pup has always been spoiled with attention.  

AG friends far and wide are welcome to join us!   Because of the time of year and short distance of the parade, it is perfect for our greyhounds.  The theme this year is Uniting Pride.  In addition to our American Greyhound banner, the group's children will make signs consistent with the theme, such as, "Unity Makes America Greyt" and "Dogs Love Everyone".  We will be meeting at 3:30 ahead of the parade. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Sarah at [email protected]
Pup-date

On July 23, 2017, a litter of 7 puppies came to American Greyhound. The cute pups captured the hearts of many, and we wanted to give everyone a glimpse of greyhound life that rescue groups rarely see: puppyhood.

Brandi writes:  Quasar is doing really well. She's been bonding with her grandma and grandpa. She is ALL puppy for sure and takes the landshark title to heart, but she also has no problem relaxing. She loves laying under tables for her naps and loves to be outside and play in the dirt! She's a cuddler, but can also be feisty when She doesn't get her way. She starts working with a trainer  on Monday  so I'll let everyone know how it goes and keep you updated. She's a breath of fresh air. Her older siblings are being...tolerable! 

Justine writes:  Our little pup, Suki, is as cute as can be and adapting well to home life. Although small in size, this little girl sure lives up to the nickname, "land shark!"  We've quickly learned to offer her plenty of chew toys to avoid the bite of those tiny, sharp teeth!
Suki is a smart little pup who has taught herself to go up and down stairs as quick as lightening. She also loves to run around the yard trying to keep up with our older two Greyhound girls, Shelby and Stella. We love watching her learn and grow, and will continue to provide updates on our little ball of energy!

Mike writes:  Enzo is doing greyt!  He seems to grow larger every day.  Trent has accepted him as a little brother although he does get tired of him after a while.  Trent was a little jealous and took over Enzo's bed.  Porsche is too old to keep up with all of the energy Enzo has so they just trade barks.  Enzo has two cousins (our daughter's dogs) that come over to play during the week.  Petey, a Chihuahua mix, is about the same size as Enzo and they play tug of war all morning until both are warn out and fall asleep (second photo).  It is so funny to see Enzo walk under the other greyhounds.  He has increased the distance of his evening walks.  We are going to have to buy elk antlers in bulk in order to save our fingers and toes.  He is a very welcomed addition to the family!
Volunteer Round-up

Crown Point Library Event

We have been invited to the Crown Point Public Library on Friday, August 11 at 1:30 pm for an event with author Elizabeth Berg.  We have a great opportunity to show off our Foster hounds to a group of people who may not see us anywhere else.  Elizabeth Berg is a huge dog lover, and has personally requested that adoptable dogs be at her event!  We were asked over many other rescues in the area, and I don't want to disappoint.  Family dogs are welcome at this event, but we were asked specifically to make sure we have plenty of adoptable dogs.  I know it is a  Friday afternoon, which is hard for those who work a regular 9-5 job.  Can't make the event, but have a foster we can borrow?  Let me know, we have a few volunteers available to pick up and take care of the fosters for this event.  I have already talked to a few families on Facebook, and will be in touch with more details as soon as I have them.  

Eastern Indiana Volunteers

Thank you to those who answered the call for Eastern Indiana Volunteers!  The more the merrier, so if you are able to give any amount of time, please let me know.


Have questions or concerns?  Want to get involved, but don't know how?  Email me at  [email protected].  

Kelli Manigrasso Gianotti
Volunteer Coordinator
Around Town with Your Hound

School is just about to start and I find myself wondering where summer went. Don't despair, there's still some time left to attend some of these fantastic events happening at some of American Greyhound's fellow Greater Valparaiso Chamber Members or supporters this month or coming up! 

Event

Location

Date

Time

Cost

Hound Friendly

Game Night w/ Simko Signs

Ironwood Brewing Co.

Valpo, IN

August 8

4:00 P.M. CST-Close

Free!

No.

Bring your Dog to the Market

Valparaiso Farmer's Market, Central Park Plaza

August 12

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Free!

Yes!

Zoo Bque

Washington Park Zoo

August 26

4:30 PM -8:30 PM CST

$15 for adults, $10 for kids.  Includes BBQ dinner with zookeepers, admission to zoo and special lectures, behind scenes look of Vet clinic and Big Cat house as well as up close meet and greet with some animals.  Advanced purchase is recommended:

http://www.washingtonparkzoo.com/get-involved/events/53-zoo-b-que-2

No.

Folds of Honor Foundation Scholarship Fund Golf Outing

The Course at Aberdeen Valpo

August 27th

1:00 PM CST

$100 per player, $400 per team, register at www.fohnwi.com

No.

Warsaw First Friday

Warsaw Courthouse Lawn

September 1

5:00 PM - 9:00 EST

Free!

Yes!

 

If there is a fun community activity in your area that's greyhound friendly or showcases one of American Greyhound's fantastic 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

[email protected]

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