Tucson, Arizona

~ SUMMER 2007 ~ We are very excited about the restart of GAL’s Newsletter and hope you enjoy the articles and pictures.  We have decided to go “GREEN” to help the environment and conserve on paper and ink.   The newsletters will have a permanent place on GAL’s website and the money saved on mailings will be better put to use taking care of our greyhounds waiting to be adopted.   Please let us know if you have any comments, suggestions, articles or pictures you would like to see in the upcoming issues!  Our print schedule is as follows:  June 1st, September 1st, December 1st and March 1st. “Rattlesnake Vaccines”   A rattlesnake vaccine has been developed by Red Rock Biologics (redrockbiologics.com) and is available at Tanque Verde Pet Hospital.  The vaccine stimulates your dog’s own immunity to rattlesnake venom.  Protective antibodies made by your dog in response to the vaccine start neutralizing venom immediately.  This means that vaccinated dogs experience less pain, recover faster and have a reduced risk of permanent injury from a rattlesnake bite.   The first year your dog is vaccinated, he/she should receive two doses of vaccine spaced one month apart.  Dogs weighing over 100 pounds will benefit from a third dose in this initial sequence.  Dogs here in the southwest should receive booster doses of the vaccine twice each year usually at four to six month intervals.  The cost per dose is $42.50 and to date we have not seen any adverse reactions to the vaccine.   Snakebites are always an emergency!  Vaccination is not a substitute for emergency treatment.  If your dog is bitten it is necessary to get him/her emergency treatment as soon as possible.  Vaccination can reduce the overall effects of a snakebite and reduce or eliminate the need for antivenin but that is for your veterinarian to determine.    If you have any questions or would like more information please feel free to call Tanque Verde Pet Hospital at (520) 886-1279. TINY'S STORY Snake Awareness:  A Tale of Tiny’s Encounter By:  Kristine Bentz   Have you ever gone out in the yard with your greyhounds before bedtime? Looked up at the night sky while they did their business? Yep, me too. On April 9th around 8:00 PM that is what I did with Tiny and Lacy, my girls of eight years and one year respectively. Nice sky that night in Tucson and a gentle breeze, too. Then it happened.   Tiny went sniffing in her corner of the yard and WHAM, the night became a bloody blur. In the blink of an eye, a rattler hit Tiny in the nose while she explored the ground she sniffed countless times before in our backyard. With a loud snort/bark she began sneezing blood. A thin blood bubbled and spewed from her nostrils. (Venom stops clotting.) Within minutes, her whole snout began to swell. Blood was everywhere. I did not hear or see a rattler. I freaked out, called Wanda Abeyta and then called Doc Comer. He had graciously given me his mobile phone number during a visit for Tiny a few days prior. He kindly listened to me describe Tiny and said, “Get her in as quick as you can, sounds like a rattler.” Tiny bled so profusely I feared for her life. I wrapped a beach towel around her head and a kind neighbor helped me drive to the emergency clinic on Speedway. Dr. Scott and her team were amazingly good to us. One look at Tiny’s wounds and swelling head and they knew the story. I told them how Tiny and Lacy had recently had the first of their snake vaccinations at Doc Comer’s office and was to receive the second tomorrow. Their response encouraged me. The estimate did not. A piece of paper listed the needed treatments and cost estimate of $1,500 to $1,900. Ouch. Two options were placed in front of me: to either accept or decline the treatment. With blood still pooling on the floor and Tiny’s horribly labored breathing by this time (neck swelling too) her only chance at living was for me to accept the treatment.   One vial of antivenin, multiple blood tests, 30 hours, lots of care and $1,700 later, I took Tiny home. When I picked her up, Dr. Scott and her staff warned me at least seven times that Tiny’s head and neck were very swollen still. When they brought her to me, my heart sunk to my toes. (See her photo a few hours after coming home.) As you can see, breathing, drinking and eating were extremely difficult for my Tiny girl. Swelling gradually crept into her two front legs, as well. It took a full week for her to become herself physically, minus about 7 pounds on her frame. A full month and a half later, she is just becoming her playful self again. Lessons learned? Yes, here you go: 1) Get your dog(s) vaccinated for snake venom. If not for her vaccination, I learned Tiny would have required two to three vials of antivenin and had a harder time recovering, if at all. 2) A rattlesnake can hit your dog anytime really, even if you live in town and are sitting three feet away from her. 3) Take any precaution you can think of to protect your outdoor spaces from rattlers. After the incident, we added a two-foot high layer of wire mesh around the base of our ocotillo fence, with the bottom 2-4 inches buried under the ground. 4) Be thankful you live in a community where so many Greyhound lovers live nearby and build mutual awareness about grey-care. I am eternally grateful to Wanda and Doc Comer for their care and many kindnesses.  Something old, Something new By:  Wanda Abeyta   Only a few years ago an average month for Greyhound Adoption League would have been hauling trips to California, Seattle, Idaho among other locations, offering a new start on life to many of Tucson’s greyhounds that no longer found a place in the local racing industry.   Each Monday GAL's kennel brought in upwards of 25 greyhounds that were waiting in local racing kennels to be petted out.   The process of figuring out which greyhounds would go to each greyhound rescue was a difficult one to say the least.  Each group submitted a list of what they required in each individual dog.  This list contained things such as cat tolerant, small female, large male, quiet personality and so on, you get the idea.   This tedious task was handled between Lorri Tracy and Mary King.   Once the best possible matches had been found came the next project before the dogs could go on their journey…spay or neutering, having a dental done and vaccinations.  A majority of the greyhound rescues would require this for a number of reasons.  Their medical was preformed at Tanque Verde Pet Hospital in Tucson.  The number of greyhounds requiring medical being done at times was overwhelming to the staff at the clinic and the volunteers who provided transportation for them.  Each month the trips were driven by two volunteers who gave up their weekend in order to start a new life for Tucson’s ex-racing greyhounds.   Before each haul could leave a safety check of GAL’s hauler was done and the greyhounds were loaded.   Each group was given an estimated time of their new greyhounds arrival and once completed it was off to the next rescue.  Once done the exhausted drivers headed back to Tucson and for many back to work the following day.    Today, as many know, GAL no longer has that large kennel and only is able to have around 12 available dogs at any given time.   The majority of these dogs are in foster homes.   A regular group of volunteers assemble every weekend at either Petsmart or Petco locations with the greyhounds that are looking for their forever family.  With adoptions being slow this year I came up with the idea of making a California haul with 6 dogs this last May.  With Lorri Tracy as my co-pilot we set out at sunrise in my Durango and arrived at our Oceanside, California destination by 2 PM.  Four of the dogs went to Greyhound Connection whose volunteers were eagerly awaiting their arrival and the other two were for Greyhounds 2 Go and were picked up that evening so we only had to make one stop.  Because this trip was so successful, I will be doing the California trips every other month so more Tucson ex-racers can start a new life.  The numbers are nowhere near what GAL once did each month but to those 6 dogs who now call California home instead of a racing kennel…it made all difference in the world.  ROO ROCKET JOEY POWER DENA CRUZN Greyhound Adoption League ~ Fall Reunion ~ Saturday November 10, 2007     Mark your calendar, this years Reunion is shaping up to be fabulous.  There will be plenty to do while seeing old friends and making a few new ones.    Here are just a few things that have just been finalized.     There will be plenty of exciting vendor booths for both greyhounds and those folks accompanying them. GAL Volunteers will be serving Arby's sandwiches, chips, a beverage and dessert off their "Help The Hounds" dollar menu this year. GAL will have lots of fun games and contests for your greyhound to compete in and win a prize. Many available greyhounds that will be looking for new homes. This years Reunion will be held out in Marana at GAL's old kennel off of Tangerine.   Our 2007 Fall Reunion page will soon be up and running and you can see all the new and fun things that will be happening so you won't miss a thing! If you are a vendor and would like to attend our event please contact Wanda at afishcalled@msn.com . KRUSH & HAWK PHOTO SHARED BY STEPHEN AX NIKA PHOTO SHARED BY TAMERA MASON & MARK KOCSIS We know that Greyhound owners are the smartest of all dog owners but here are a few reminders to keep your pet safe this summer.    Greyhounds are not outside dogs, you need to remember that all of their racing life they were in a climate controlled environment.    Early morning and late evenings are the best time to walk your dog.  A dog’s body temperature is normally between 101° and 102° F.  An increase of 3° to a temperature of 105° is all it takes to send your dog into a dangerous situation.  At 108° F the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and intestinal track start to break down and the damage can progress at an alarming rate.   Early signs of a heat stroke are rapid breathing, dry mouth and nose, rapid heart rate, and gums that loose their healthy color.  Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are emergency situations and can be fatal!!  Hose your dog down with cool water; apply an ice pack to his/her head and transport to your veterinarian in an air-conditioned vehicle ASAP.   Many dogs will play until they drop.  You must supervise your dog’s activities and determine when it is time to stop.   Never leave your greyhound in a parked car.  Not even if you crack the windows or park in the shade!  On a 70-degree day the interior temp of your car can rise to above 150 degrees in minutes.  This is the number one cause of heat stroke and causes many needless deaths each year.   Always provide plenty of fresh water for your greyhound in hot weather.  Greyhounds can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting.  Evaporation from the wet surfaces on their mouth and nose helps lower body temperature but greatly increases the amount of water they need for proper hydration.   Watch out for hot pavement, cement, sand and dirt.  Sensitive paws burn easily.  When greyhounds go outdoors they need to be provided with a shady covered area protected from the direct sun where they can stay cool.  A gentle spray with the hose or a child’s wading pool in your dog’s yard provides quick relief from high temperatures.   Greyhounds can sunburn too. With the short coats and light skin, it is always best to limit exposure to the sun. As with people, sunburn can be very painful to your companion and can cause serious complications.  It is always best to keep sunscreen on hand for the summer months and use it on them just as you would a child.  Have a safe and healthy summer!! Special-Needs Greyhounds   Special-needs greyhounds are typically just your normal, loveable greyhound who simply just needs it's adopter to give them a bit more care.  Some have medications which they need on a regular schedule, such as a pill daily, and some must have special care, such as a house with no stairs due to an injury or careful monitoring due to certain medical conditions such as diabetes or seizures.  Special-needs greyhounds still make loyal and devoted pets, they just need a bit more care than the average pet.   Special-needs greyhounds have a heart made of gold and personality more special than anything.  Sharing a home with a special-needs greyhounds is an experience that the adopter will remember for a lifetime.  The love they share with their family will never be forgotten, nor will it every leave their hearts. Handsome Single Male Looking To Share Love, Laughter And A Soft Bed!   Looking for a home for a very special boy.  His name is Bella Long Legs (Legs for short).  He is a beautiful big brindle with a personality that won’t quit.  He loves everyone and if you pet him he leans against you, if you try to move away he moves with you and won’t let you go!  He has Valley Fever (very low count) and is on medication twice a day.  If he’s adopted, GAL will supply any needed medication and tests for his Valley Fever.  Legs is 3 years old and has been in a foster home with other Greys and a mixed breed previous to being diagnosed with Valley Fever.  You can’t go wrong with this one!! GREYT VOLUNTEERS   Tyler Hawkins is GAL's youngest volunteer.  He is 12 years old and has been seen volunteering at GAL adoption sites and other events since age 6.  His Grandmother is Sheila Hawkins, who for the past few years has graciously taken on overseeing the Petsmart Show & Tell for GAL at the Broadway & Pantano location.  Tyler started out helping his Grandmother at the adoption site and has been hooked ever since.   Tyler says, "The Greyhound Adoption League is a great organization.  They help many greys find homes.  I really do enjoy the company and personalities of the greys."  Says Tyler "They are also great athletes.  I know first hand how fast they can run.  Tyler's Grandma has four of her own, Daddy, Joe, Greycie & Zoie La Roo.  "Joe is my Buddy", says Tyler.  He is so playful and curious plus very loving.   Tyler said he enjoys the physical work of helping set up & take down the equipment needed for the Show & Tells because his Grandmother cannot do it alone.    His goal in life is to develop software for computers and maybe start his own company to develop computer games.  In the meantime he plans to continue helping GAL greyhounds.   When asked what his wish for greyhounds was, he did not hesitate at all but quickly responded "that they would all find good homes, be loved and cared for like they deserve."   Please come out and visit Tyler, Sheila, GAL volunteers and the available greyhounds at Petsmart on Broadway & Pantano the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 10 - 1. ** KENNEL KORNER **   It isn’t a glamorous job but it is a rewarding job.  Working in the kennel leaves you tired, dirty, sweaty and with poop on your shoes.  It also leaves you with a sense of fulfillment.  The dogs are so excited to see you that it puts a big smile on your face.  They love to get out and run and it’s a wonderful sight to see!    As Mary King, Kennel Manager, will tell you it isn’t possible to care for all these animals without the countless hours of volunteer time.  Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers that take the time to make sure these animals are well taken care of.  Kennel volunteers include:  Rachel & Hank Lieber, Alyce Dobbs, Alix & Doris Tissin, Ellen Lichenberger, Lavon & Roger Mertens, Shirley Schlinker, Dave Miller, Laurie Michener, Michelle Milensky and Jill, William & Kyle Maucher.  Mary would also like to thank Ron Carr and Karen Rogers with AGR who are always willing to help with the other dogs when they are finished taking care of AGR’s pooches!!    If you would like to volunteer even to come out and spend TLC time with the dogs please give Mary a call at 591-3568. “A True Tail” By: Laurie Michener    When I adopted Sophie two years ago, she had some separation anxiety issues.  She goes to work with me everyday and she was never left alone for more than an hour or so at a time.  One day I returned home to find that she had shut herself in the bathroom.  Thinking she felt more secure in there or that she just wanted some privacy I didn’t think much of it until she started doing it every time I left her.  One day I came home and the bathroom door was shut so I went to let her out only to find the door locked.  This was not one of those “push in” locks but one you had to twist.  I still have no idea how she did it.  I ended up having to take the door off the hinges to get her out! SHOW SCHEDULES at 4625 N. Oracle Road Auto Mall Petco 1st Sunday of each month 11:00 - 2:00     at Broadway & Craycroft 3rd Saturday of each month 11:00 - 2:00 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ at Broadway & Pantano 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month 10:00 - 1:00   ~ Take Time To Share ~ If you have an interesting story or photo you would like to share, please email it to us at galgreyhounds@msn.com for our next newsletter out September 1st. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A special "thank you" to everyone who sent us your favorite greyhound pictures. LANA PHOTO SHARED BY TAMERA MASON & MARK KOCSIS MAXINE PHOTO SHARED BY DEBBIE ROBBINS