Tucson, Arizona

~ FALL 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. VESTIBULAR SYNDROME   For some unknown reason, dogs can suddenly develop vestibular disease.  We have seen several greyhounds with this syndrome and the problem seems to be due to inflammation in the nerves connecting the inner ear to the cerebellum (which controls balance and spatial orientation).  It usually lasts between a couple of days and three weeks.  A few dogs have remaining signs beyond this time, such as a head tilt.  The disease usually affects dogs that seem normal up until the signs appear.  There is a sudden loss of balance with many dogs unable to stand.  Rhythmic eye motion is usually present.  Many pet owners believe their dog has had a stroke.  Dogs may be nauseous from the "sea sickness" effect of vestibular disease.  Most dogs will not eat or drink unless hand fed or given water by hand because they have a hard time with the fine motor movements needed to eat or drink from a bowl.  There is no known treatment (Dramamine can be given to help relieve the symptoms) and almost all dogs will recover.  Some dogs have relapses but most do not.   Vestibular syndrome has symptoms that can be confused with more serious illnesses such as inner ear infections and cancer affecting the cerebellum.  Always contact your veterinarian if your dog displays any symptoms of this disease. A TALE OF TWO TAILS On June 21, 2007 while preparing for a quiet evening of watching TV with my greyhounds, my eight-year-old boy Joe followed me into the bedroom.  I noticed as he walked in front of me that he had a slight wobble in his hind legs and it took him much longer than normal to jump up on my bed.  When he finally did get on the bed, he fell to one side and began to struggle to right himself.  He appeared to be blind and unable to focus.  He was not able to stand, was disoriented and had lost all control over his body. I was terrified thinking my sweet boy was having a massive stroke.  He was unable to stand at all and had to be put in a bedspread and hoisted in the car. At the emergency clinic he was given IV fluids and Valium.  At my great relief, he was diagnosed with Vestibular Disease.  He was released the next evening and moving around on his own accord.  His appetite returned after three days and his energy and personality were back to normal within a week.  I am so happy to say that he seems to have had no residual damage at all! By:  Sheila Hawkins ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was a normal run of the mill morning with nothing different or unusual.  Our foster girl Beth was bouncing and playing with the other greyhounds while I was fixing their breakfast and my husband Mike was getting ready for work.  I looked out in our family room and noticed Beth standing on our couch but she just looked odd.  I stopped what I was doing and called Mike in and that is when we noticed something was terribly wrong with Beth!  She was standing but had all her weight leaning as hard as she could against the back of the sofa just to stay upright.  Her head was pulled so far back against her left side that it was completely flat against her rib cage, as if she had been snapped in two.  She could not see us, so we just kept talking to her calmly in hopes that she would know we were there.  I immediately called Lorri Tracy and told her what was happening and she said it was Vestibular Disease and I needed to give her Dramamine. Over the next couple of hours she started coming out of it and by the end of the day she was back to her same old playful self.  It was such a horrible thing to watch and we felt so helpless.  Beth did not go thru the symptoms as long as most have, but we were very grateful that we had the support to help her immediately. By:  Wanda Abeyta ~ A WHOLE NEW WORLD ~   Hi, my name is Bella Meson but everybody just calls me "Meson".  I'm four and a half years old and have been in the kennel for a couple of years now.  I raced 85 races, and the last 5 were in Mexico where I broke my hock, which brought me back to Tucson.  I have become very well known at the kennel because I bark at strangers and things that intimidate me.  One day, this nice GAL Volunteer decided I should be given a chance to see what pet life was like, so she started bringing out her greyhound, Sophie, to see if we would get along and soon, Sophie & I became best friends!  We would run and play in the big round pen and I heard people say they were so glad to see me having a good time.  I am happy to say that this wonderful GAL Volunteer is now my Foster Mom!  She started me out by taking me home on the weekends.  Everyday my Foster Mom gives me new challenges to help me get more comfortable with things.  At first it took two people to get me into the car and now I jump right in and like looking out the windows.  I have also learned so many things from Sophie, she is good teacher and I just love her.  It took me a little bit to get settled down when I first got home but I gained more confidence with each weekend.  I still follow my Foster Mom around but have learned that I can lie on a dog bed and get comfortable and she always comes to check on me.  My Foster Mom has made arrangements for me to stay at home with Sophie while she is at work so I don't have to live in a kennel anymore.  I am still afraid of many things but I get more confident everyday.  As much as my Foster Mom and Sister love me I'm still in need of a permanent home.  If you might be able to see it in your heart to love me, I would like to get to know you. Meson   FOSTER MOM NOTES:   Meson has come a long way.  He is housebroken, gets along with other greyhounds, has never shown any aggression, has been around a poodle and did fine, has not barked since being in a home, is learning to play and is adjusting well to his new lifestyle.  He needs adoptive parents, who are "greyhound" knowledgeable and can be patient and will take the time to work with him.  Because of being on the timid side, Meson would do best in a home without children and other canine companionship.    I would keep Meson in a heartbeat if Sophie and I didn't live in an apartment.  Sophie went to work with me everyday but now stays home with Meson to keep him company.  She's a little "tweaked" about that but always has a good time with her Foster Brother.   A SPECIAL THANKS TO LAURIE MICHENER & SOPHIE FOR GIVING THE GIFT OF LIFE, LOVE AND CARING TO MESON.  WITHOUT LAURIE'S KINDNESS, MESON WOULD STILL BE IN THE KENNEL! ~ METHOS ~ Methos has found a wonderful home with the Horn family.  He now lives happily with three female and two male greyhounds in Vail, Arizona.  Methos came to our group, Greyhounds 2 Go Adoptions, back in late November of 2004 where we fell head over heels for him.  He is no longer on medication for seizures and lives life to the fullest.  Methos loves to go on our greyhound walks and you can usually see him being walked by one of our ten-year-old volunteers.  He is a true joy to have in our lives and we would not know what to do without him. STORY SHARED BY JENNY & ERIC HORN ~ FRIEND ~ We first met Friend in 2006 while she was fostering with Wanda Abeyta.  She was a sweet, calm girl just watching what was going on while our grey, Duncan, was going nuts trying to check out The Lazy Grey.  We knew one day we wanted to get a brother or sister for Duncan but we weren't quite ready for a sibling just yet and Friend was soon adopted.  Months passed and we would often mention "that sweet, beautiful brindle girl at Wanda's".  Christmastime came when we noticed Friend was back with Wanda.  It just so happened that we were boarding Duncan at The Lazy Grey.  When we returned, we inquired about Friend.  The minute we saw this precious girl, looking so thin yet full of life we knew we had to have her.  We began fostering Friend in January to be sure she would continue to eat and officially adopted Friend in February and life has been so great!  She now spends her days playing with toys (and hoarding them, too!), napping on all the dog beds, running with her brother, and getting as much loving and rubs as she can. STORY SHARED BY JENNIFER & YOAN JOHNSON Greyhound Adoption League ~ Fall Reunion ~ Saturday November 10, 2007 Noon  -  4:00     MARK YOUR CALENDAR THIS YEARS REUNION IS  SHAPING UP TO BE FABULOUS! ELIZA PHOTO SHARED BY TOM RUSSO SOPHIE PHOTO SHARED BY LAURIE MICHENER TRUE COMPANIONSHIP I would like you to meet a very special little four-year-old named Greycie.  Some might remember this adorable fawn girl as "Brass Monkey" when she was one of GAL's greyhounds waiting to find her forever home two years ago.  All it took was one look into Greycie's beautiful brown eyes and Sheila Hawkins knew she was in love.  Instantly, she realized that Greycie was smart, kind spirited and full of spunk!  Greycie's family includes her greyhound Brothers, Daddy & Joe and her greyhound Sister, Zoe.      Greycie started her training at Handi Dog just two weeks after her adoption.  The training time to become a certified Handi Dog is based on the individual dog and their abilities.  Not all dogs become certified but can go through different trainings in order to help their owners with certain needs.  Greycie is going for her full certification!   Greycie and Sheila's primary instructor is Phyllis Allen, who also has a GAL greyhound.  She is very familiar with greyhound behavior and works well with them.  Greycie has shown her proficiency in helping "brace" Sheila while she is dressing or walking, she is able to pick up objects from the ground and give them to her and can push the handicap button to open doors.  Her next stage in training begins in September and she will be working on appropriate Handi Dog behavior while out in public.   At the end of each training session the dogs all get to play a game.  Can you guess which one is Greycie's favorite?  It is the one that they race from one point to another - she always wins!   At home, Greycie loves to cuddle up with her toys on the bed and watch Animal Planet.  She especially likes to watch the canine agility contests.  Maybe that will be her next training! Excerpts from a Dog's Diary   8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing! 9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing! 9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing! 10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing! 12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing! 1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing! 3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing! 5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing! 7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing! 8:00 pm -Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing! 11:00 pm -Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!   Excerpts from a Cat's Diary   Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.   Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Cretins! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.   Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now... BELLA MILADO MADE HER WISH AND SOON SHE CAME INTO GAL FROM THERE, SHE WENT INTO HER TUCSON FOSTER HOME MILLIE HAS GIVEN UP ARIZONA FOR A NEW LIFE IN CALIFORNIA MILLIE WENT TO LUNCH WITH LINDA, MARY & WANDA WHILE SLEEPING, THIS WONDERFUL AROMA CAME TO HER TABLE HER FRIENDS SHARED AND SHE ESPECIALLY LIKED THE ROAST BEEF MILLIE, MARY & WANDA ENJOYED THE BEACH WHILE IN CARLSBAD MILLIE & MARY ENJOY A LASTING MOMENT AT THE END OF THE DAY BETH (aka Hitech Babyletgo) ROCKY (aka Hi Tech Rambo) FRIEND (aka Hitech My Friend) ~~  JENA SNOW  x  GABLE DODGE  ~~ November 15, 2002 Theresa Sims has never owned a greyhound of her own but has been volunteering her time with them for the past seven years.  Theresa's involvement with GAL began after her daughter adopted a greyhound.  She loved her grand dog so much that volunteering to help the greyhounds seemed the natural thing to do.  Theresa and her husband Don started volunteering at the GAL kennel five days a week on the morning shift.  They would start at 6:45 am and finish up by 9:00 am.  Theresa loved doing the "hands on" work with the dogs and could always be heard saying  "They all have such different personalities".  The greyhounds just love being around her and she is great with them.  She only wishes that someday they would only be bred as pets.   Theresa & Don have one Daughter, Gaye and three grand puppies, Mika, a mix breed and two papillion's, Oliver and Maurice.  The Sims chose not to have any pets because they spend a lot of time away from home.  Theresa was originally from Illinois where she worked as an administrative assistant for a small engineering firm.  Prior to that she worked as a legal secretary.   Now days you can find Theresa getting her "greyhound" fix volunteering at the GAL's Petsmart adoption site on Broadway and Pantano on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month and she would be very happy to assist you in choosing a wonderful greyhound friend of your own. Solomon is a high energy, four-year-old boy out at the kennel.  When we found him lying in his kennel, not getting up as we approached, we knew something was wrong.  He had all the symptoms of vestibular syndrome, minus the rhythmic eye movement.  He had lost his sense of balance, was unable to stand on his own, was very disoriented and seemed to be in great distress.  Before the symptoms came on, he was a perfectly happy and healthy boy.   After consultation, it was determined that "yes" he was suffering from vestibular disease.  Since there is no known treatment for this syndrome it just has to run its course.  Solomon was given Dramamine to help with the "sea sick" feeling that accompanies this disease.  It was also a challenge to keep him hydrated.  He refused to eat for many days but would drink small amounts or chicken broth and water if held to his mouth.  He didn't have the motor skills to make his way to his bowl.   It was a good week before we saw any significant improvement.  His recovery was slow but steady.  He soon started eating and drinking on his own again.  After a few more days he was eating 3 square meals a day.  After a few more weeks, Solomon is now back to his old playful self!  If you might be interested in meeting Solomon contact Mary King.   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. GREYHOUNDS 2 GO ADOPTIONS PET WALKS Summer weather is coming to an end soon and so our greyhound walks are going to start up again.  Walk with us every Saturday and help promote awareness for Greyhounds.  This is a good time to get out with your dogs and enjoy the company of other greyhound owners.  You can also meet some of the available dogs we have for adoption.  Enjoy spending time together with the other greyhounds and their families.  We stop for all attention that our greyhounds can get from people we walk by. We walk three Saturdays a month at Rancho Sahuarita Lake and one Saturday a month at Reid Park.  Just because it is a Greyhounds 2 Go event does not mean that everyone with a greyhound is not invited.  Come and enjoy a fun time.  Visit our website www.greyhounds2go.org for more information.  Look at the Tucson events for times and location.  Hope to see you there. Single Tabby Feline Looking For Frisky Buff.....Oh, wait, this is an article about my hobbies.  Well, my name is Miss Bell, but you can call me Tink.  When I'm not searching the classifieds for victims I'm usually getting myself into mischief.  When I'm feeling energetic, I like to hit the gym (we like to call this 'The Post') where I stretch my paws and sharpen my claws.  I find entertainment in jingle balls, well not necessarily the balls themselves but the people who throw them for me though I rarely chase them (just between you and me, I really do love playing with them, but shhhh, dont tell). In between this tight daily schedule, I find time to supervise the actions of the toddler and harass the mean old white cat, Sassie (really, she is all meow and no claw).  I usually take about 15 breaks to lounge around and nap with my sister, Rat.  Occasionally, I actually have to work, you know someone has to keep them greyhounds in line.  It's a tough job, but what can I say, I'm a single tabby feline enjoying the fabulous frisky feline life. Handsome Single Male Has Found Love, Laughter And A Soft Bed!     Our darling Legs has a wonderful new home with Rob & Shirley Hutson in Benson, Arizona.  Rob and Shirley are retired and devout much of their time to their new family member.           The Hutson's lost their beloved greyhound "Bat" four years ago due to heart failure.  He was six months old when they got him and he had a broken leg.  He was nursed back to health and a cherished member of their family for 12 years.   Rob & Shirley decided to look into getting another greyhound.  After seeing Legs on the website and meeting him in person at a Petco show, they knew he was the dog for them.  He has been spoiled ever since, eating "doggie" safe ice cream, lounging on a futon and going in and out of his doggie door to terrorize the rabbits that wander into the fenced back yard.  They just recently purchased another "squeaky" toy that Legs picked out because he had squeaked all the squeak out of his old ones.   Legs accompanies the Hutsons once a week to visit Shirley's Father, Harry, in a nursing home here in Tucson.  He is the center of attention and brings much joy not only to her Father but also to all the other residents.  Legs was a special guest at Harry's recent 96th birthday party!   When the Hutsons leave Legs home alone, which is not often, he starts jumping up and down on the front door and barking when he hears the car pull in.  He has adjusted very well to his new home and we couldn't be more pleased that he went to such a wonderful couple. 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 December 1st.