GFNJ Home Stretch

Volume 14 Issue 2 Fall 2011

Dear Greyhound Friends,

I often feel apologetic when I need to bring up the subject of fundraising, but none of us should. In fact, people compliment our fundraising efforts, and they’re right -- we are always holding an event or a special raffle to raise the essential funds we need for our important work.

You’ll read in this newsletter about our busy Fall with the picnic, Wine & Greys wine tasting, Tricky Tray, and, of course, our Craft Show. Please remember, without this fundraising and your donations, your greyhound would not be with you.

Our $235.00 adoption fee does not come close to covering the cost of saving a greyhound. Transportation, food, medications, board and veterinary care add up. There are special needs greyhounds in our family whose ailments mean expensive veterinary care; among them are Echo with skin cancer, Lizzy with Megaesophagus and Jackson with seizures.

Have you thought about what went into getting that sweet dog into your home? You might be amazed at the long hours and dedication of the volunteers, vets and fosters who made your adoption possible. The process begins when I'm contacted by one of the folks who coordinate getting greys from track kennels or farms into rescue. I determine how many we can handle at that time, and a hauler is scheduled to bring the dogs to us. The coordinators invariably ask if we can take just one or two more – as I always say, "What's one more?" – so eight dogs becomes ten or twelve and sometimes even eighteen dogs at one time. The coordinators are always looking for a group to take special needs dogs – those with illnesses, broken legs, shy dogs in need of TLC and broods who spent their lives having puppies. Without our help, these dogs are in severe danger, so I agree to take one as often as we can.

Several of our most reliable volunteers join me to meet the hauler on the NJ Turnpike or at the kennel, often at dawn. We pull six to eighteen greyhounds out of small aluminum compartments into the fresh air. After spending up to 24 hours in the dark, without water or food, our new wards are eager to get moving. Holding leashes tightly so they won’t get away, we load the dogs into waiting SUVs to take them from the Turnpike to the kennel where we rent space. Imagine how it feels when a dirty, hungry grey who has traveled so far, leans on you, dying for someone to love. It melts our hearts.

After a walk, food and water, and a rest, we start to process them. We spend individual time with each new greyhound, giving them attention and assessing their personalities. Each one is bathed, given several medications including heartworm preventive, wormer and Capstar, which kills fleas almost immediately. Pictures are taken and cat testing is done. Some dogs go into foster homes immediately, some are adopted and some wait for an Adoption Day. Those in need of medical attention go to a vet, sometimes resulting in expensive surgery or hospitalization. And those who will benefit from extra attention go into our Prison Foster Program – an award-winning program, I proudly add. We love our greyhounds. When they were in dire need, GFNJ saved them, and that makes us feel so good. Aren’t you proud to answer, “Yes,” when asked if your greyhound was rescued? Is there anything more dear than the way your grey looks at you so adoringly? I gaze around my family room and see my seven greyhounds in different poses – some roaching, some watching me, or chasing something in a dream, and I get that warm feeling when I think about how much they love me. I know my life wouldn’t be the same without them. Warmly, Linda Lyman President

Tweetur

Why We Fundraise

by Donna Patt

As a non-profit organization, Greyhound Friends of New Jersey must organize a variety of events and raffles throughout the year to raise money to continue our valuable work.  We are so grateful for your continuing support and participation and want to share why fundraising is so important.   Sometimes it may seem that GFNJ volunteers have a leash in one hand and a donation jar in the other.  A quick look at these expenditures demonstrates why our $235 adoption fee does not cover the basic expenses for each dog in dire need we rescue.

Kwire

The basic requirements include:

Though considered a surplus commodity, tracks never give us dogs. Sometimes we have to help pay for the hauler who brings the dogs to us from far away tracks.  Fortunately, this is often covered by the rescue organization who helps us determine the greyhounds we are getting and arranged the haul.

Costs vary greatly depending on whether the greyhound has surgery before coming to GFNJ or in New Jersey, which is the only option in cases of emergency rescues. 

All dogs stay at the kennel for a time even if they go into foster care. 

Dogs arrive with only a plastic track collar – and no leash, so we provide them for adoptions. 

Some dogs only get one dose before adoption but many are with us for some time.  This is an estimate of average cost per dog. 

A foster home and the Prison Foster Program offer the newly arrived, returned, or special needs dog a place to adjust to his new life. Some dogs need extra time until they are ready to go to a forever home. GFNJ pays expenses for all foster dogs: dental cleaning and shots for returned dogs, blood work and medication if necessary, monthly heartworm medication, Frontline, and any other expenses that inevitably arise.

  Additionally, our Mission is to help any greyhound in need.  Since the last newsletter in the Spring, we’ve received more than 80 dogs from Florida, Alabama, and Oklahoma.  We have had many requests since January to take dogs with special needs, and a few surprises when issues arose after they arrived.  We receive more than 50 calls a year to help a dog no one else can. 

  Here are just a few of the dogs needing special care just in the past few months:

  Fuzzys Cajun suffered a broken leg while racing in Florida.  Before he came to GFNJ in March, his leg was repaired.  However, when he arrived, it was obvious that his leg was virtually unusable and in need of additional veterinary care.  He received orthopedic surgery in mid-March and recuperated in the GFNJ Prison Foster Program at Mountainview Youth Correctional Facility in Annandale, New Jersey.  Fuzzy’s veterinary care was about $2,500; $2,197 for the surgery and another $300 in additional x-rays, cast changes, and medications.  It was worth every penny to have seen him adopted in June by a lovely couple.

  GeeZee (Lizzy) was thin and obviously ill when she arrived from a track in March.  Unable to swallow anything, she was taken to a vet who diagnosed her with megaesophagus.  Her weight dropped to 46 pounds during the two weeks she was hospitalized.  The medical team fought to save her life.  Lizzy’s tough, though, and finally responded to treatment.  She is in a foster home where she receives three to four small meals of ground kibble mixed with water each day.  At mealtime, Lizzy stands with her front feet on a small stool allowing gravity to help her immobile esophagus move the food to her stomach.  We are grateful to her vet who donated most of her care while she was hospitalized, reducing the bill to $1500. We are still paying for daily medication. Lizzy is a happy, active three-year-old who seems to know we saved her life.

  Utimitt arrived from Florida in June with a rear leg showing a slight swelling.  By the next morning, it was twice the normal size, he was in severe pain and it was obvious he needed immediate veterinary care.  This outgoing three-year-old boy spent several days at the vet.  The veterinarian feels that Utimitt was possibly bitten by a  Recluse spider while in transport or just developed a raging infection.  He received antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and pain medication with his leg requiring flushing every two hours. He recuperated in foster care receiving wound care for skin that sloughed off from the swelling and infection.  Utimitt’s veterinary costs were close to $1,000. We are pleased to report Utimitt was adopted in July.

  Kwire came from Florida with a leg that needed surgery after it was broken during a race.  This handsome, affectionate boy went into a foster home to recuperate.  He does not know the average cost of surgery on a leg like his is $2500, he just knows he loves everyone. Kwire is healed and would make a great pet.

  We are so proud when we are able to accept these dogs with special needs and it is thrilling to see them thrive.  We have the most wonderful fundraising ambassadors – statuesque creatures with thin legs, long noses, wagging tails, and soulful eyes.  These dogs inspire our fundraising.

  The events described in this newsletter are as much fun and varied as the dogs they aid.  We hope you will  attend all those that appeal to you, your friends, and family.  You don’t have to own a greyhound to save a greyhound.  And, that is exactly what you are doing every time you participate.  Every raffle prize is a generous donation and venues are most generous in their pricing, guaranteeing that GFNJ gets the most bang for YOUR buck.  Please join us.

GFNJ Celebrates 25 Years! Come Join the Fun!!!

by Maria Lutz

GFNJ is celebrating 25 years of rescuing retired racing greyhounds! We have a lot planned for the Fall to make observing this milestone even more fun. Mark your calendars! Attend our great events! Share our pride!

Sunday, September 11: Sunday Funday 3-7pm

Kick off the football season with GFNJ and NorthStar VETS! Come watch the NY Giants take on the Washington Redskins. NorthStar VETS will host the event in their brand new facility with its two 52" flat screen TVs. Enjoy food, beer, wine, soda and an afternoon of football with fellow pet lovers, all for a $25 donation. Raffle prizes, a 50/50 and silent auction items with prizes to please everyone -- including the sports enthusiast.

315 Robbinsville-Allentown Rd., Robbinsville, NJ.

Sunday, September 18: Annual Fall Picnic 11:00am to 3:00pm

Celebrate the joy of owning greyhounds! Vendors, raffles, a pot luck lunch, games and, of course, greyhounds available for adoption. Your leashed greyhound and family can spend a day with your friends at beautiful Duke Island Park. Old York Rd., Bridgewater, NJ.

Sunday, October 2: 25th Anniversary Celebration & Tricky Tray

This event will be held at the Somerville Elks Club. Enjoy a buffet luncheon, 75 Tricky Tray prizes, a 50/50 and silent auction items. Bring your friends! Tickets can be purchased for $35. Details will be unfolding -- watch the website! These events are always a sell-out! 375 Union Ave (Route 28), Bridgewater, NJ.

Sunday, October 16: Wine & Greys

Bring your leashed hounds and your friends, enjoy some food and wine, vendors and win a raffle prize at Unionville Vineyards. Details are posted on the GFNJ website. 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes, NJ.

Saturday & Sunday, November 19 & 20: 15th Annual Craft Show

New location -- Westfield Armory! GFNJ’s biggest fundraiser of the year! If you would like information about becoming a vendor at this great event, contact Terryl Jackson at greygal3@optonline.net.

500 Rahway Avenue, Westfield, NJ.

These events are fun ways for us to raise funds so we can continue to save all the greys that need us…greyhounds like yours. Please spread the word to friends, family and co-workers. There is something for everyone and you don't need to be a greyhound owner to have a good time. And who knows, maybe there will be a future adopter in the crowd! It could be you.

Lastly, we thank our generous adopters who always donate such awesome raffle prizes to cover these events and volunteers who help run them. If you wish to donate an item please contact me at flutz11331@aol.com or 732-521-8330. Gift cards, electronics and theme baskets are always good choices.

Thanks for all your support and attendance throughout the year. You make these events a success and we are excited about all we have planned for the remainder of 2011.

Minute to Minute

On August 10th, we were asked to take four dogs that had to get out of the Florida kennel fast; no time to have them vetted there. At the last minute we agreed to take a one-and-a-half-year-old girl, Tipper, who broke her front leg several days earlier. Then, after the haul left the track, we got a call about a second broken legged dog that was supposed to go to another group but they changed their minds so the two-and-a-half-year-old had no place to go. Wild Shot’s right rear leg and foot were badly broken two months earlier and had never been treated properly. He carried himself on three legs with his crooked leg and foot held high. He was already in the hauler, could we turn him away?

Thanks to our fundraising efforts and the generosity of so many people, we had the funds to save these six dogs. We could pay for the neutering and spaying, get them shots, and dental cleaning. Tipper, who was obviously in pain, went directly to Dr. Wendy Ross for surgery. Wild Shot went in soon after. Fortunately, we had a few openings in our Prison Foster Program so some of the dogs could go there. Two others went into foster homes.

Greyhound rescue is a minute-to-minute business. We have to be flexible to respond quickly when a dog needs us. So, next time you put a dollar in a GFNJ donation jar, attend an event, or buy a raffle ticket, think about these dogs and those that will follow, you helped save their lives. Thank you.

Tipper arrives at kennel		Tipper with her newly broken leg
Wild Shot		Wild Shot's damaged leg and foot

Let's Meet and Greet

Did you go to a Meet & Greet before you adopted your first greyhound? Lots of people do. We encourage and often require it from a potential adopter. It’s a perfect place to learn about the breed, meet adopters, ask questions and touch actual greyhounds -- sometimes for the first time.

Meet & Greets are one of the best ways to spread the word about the joys of owning a greyhound. You have a chance to change misconceptions, like the one about how greys need to run a lot to be happy – we all know that is a myth.

Meet & Greets are usually held in pet supply stores, large box stores, parks, festivals, and street fairs, to name a few. A Meet & Greet should be organized so visitors get the most out of their visit. We provide a basic adoption pamphlet to hand out along with applications. There should be a banner or poster promoting GFNJ. Many volunteers print out pictures of adoptable greys to display and there should always a donation jar, of course. So, do you want to be a greyhound adoption ambassador? Do you want to tell anyone who stops by about these sweet dogs? Contact Linda Lyman at 732-356-5470 or lelyman7@verizon.net or Patty Comerford at Pac173@aol.com to find out how you can get started.

Volunteers

Please Don’t Sit so Close to Me!

by Heidi Gehret

Why do greyhounds get returned from adoptive homes? The number one reason is when the greyhound and the new owner misunderstand each other’s body language. Greyhounds spend their lives living with other dogs responding to their communications through body language before being placed into a home environment where they are now expected to live as pets. A high percentage of greyhound “bounces,” or returns, happen because the new adopter sits with or leans over their new greyhound and doesn’t understand what that means to the new dog. Greyhounds need time to adjust and understand the different body language and communication between humans and dogs. If another dog stands over him in a turn-out area at the track, the greyhound may interpret that communication to be a threat or domination, a sign the other is getting into his space, is “calling him out,” so to speak. A newly rescued greyhound doesn’t realize you mean something different and only have the best intentions. If you stand over your new grey while he’s sitting on his pillow or lying in the middle of your living room floor, he may react the same way if it were a dog trying to dominate him. Your grey may feel unsure or uncomfortable and will sometimes growl or snap at you. Adopters may see this as aggressive behavior when really the dog doesn’t know any other way to tell you that he isn’t comfortable with you in his space.

Craigie Dice in his foster home

That being said, it’s not okay for your greyhound to growl at you and it’s up to you to teach him appropriate behavior. The best way to avoid this situation is to allow your greyhound plenty of time to adjust to his new environment by setting rules for your greyhound, establishing a routine and building trust. Some greyhounds will never be comfortable sharing their pillow; they are all different, just like us!

If your wonderful new greyhound is not catching on, please contact us. We can help you both overcome this situation. Contact me, Heidi, at hgehret@yahoo.com.

Available Dogs

Sol Hercules — They don't get much better than Herc. He was returned through no fault of his own. He's in foster care where his house manners were described as "impeccable". He’s affectionate, gets along great with the other dogs in the house, and walks nicely on leash. Herc is six years old and is cat workable.			Prunellie "Nellie" is one gorgeous little girl. She's timid and in foster care where she is learning just how pretty she is and how good life can be. She would need the company of another greyhound and a fenced yard. The rewards for opening up your heart and home to a grey like Prunellie are boundless. She'll be three in September.
Bounty Hunter is the sweetest boy who was returned after four years through no fault after his own. He's doing well in his foster home and enjoying life again with his new Rhodesian Ridgeback friend. Bounty Hunter is six years old -- won't you consider opening your heart to this sweetie?			B's Dark Lashes, aka Leo is one nice and loving boy. He was returned through no fault of his own and has adjusted to his foster life just fine. This handsome four-year-old boy has great house manners, and is affectionate, but not pushy. Leo is cat tolerant with supervision.

Preconceived Notions Could Keep You From Finding The Grey Of Your Dreams

Male vs. Female?

by Lynn Heiler

Okay, you’ve decided a greyhound is the breed for you. You’ve done your research and maybe gone to a Meet & Greet or two. You are about to submit your on-line application, but how will you fill in the line asking if you’d prefer a male or female? Some put in one or the other right away, while other people fill in the words, “Whichever suits us best.” Wise people. Preconceived notions can actually keep you from finding the grey of your dreams. Lots of people think females are the best because they’re smaller and might be easier to housebreak. Girls are great – I have two of them. But, I was looking for a very affectionate, “Velcro dog” who would come when called (most of the time) and rarely do that aloof, sight hound thing, so I thought I’d consider a male. I’d heard good things. The boys are easy to housebreak since they alert you to their intent by sniffing or sidling up to the edge of a chair or cabinet. All you have to do is say, “Hey! Let’s go out,” and take him out. Mistake averted. They catch on fast. A girl doesn’t do that – she might just drop down and do her business on the rug with no warning. In my experience, both are easy to housebreak if you’re very attentive for a couple of days…boys are not more difficult.

Hank

Yes, the boys are bigger, but we’re talking about greyhounds, and we all know they spend most of their day curled up on a pillow, so what’s the difference? Boys aren’t any more aggressive, and they don’t bark more than the girls.

He’ll love you, and when you’re not watching, he’ll have his eye on you, maybe thinking how lucky he is that you helped save his life. You gave him a wonderful place to live and feed him well and he’s grateful…at least, my boy is. He suits me best.

 GFNJ's Annual Fall Picnic

Sunday, September 18^th 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Duke Island Park, Old York Rd., Bridgewater, NJ

Spend a relaxing, fun-filled day

with other adopters & their Wonderful Greyhounds

Pot Luck Lunch (monetary donation requested for your meal)

Great Vendors ~ Exciting Raffle

Adoptable Greys Available to Pre-approved Applicants

Blessing of the Hounds

We will be collecting the following: Un-used dog meds, gently used coats, collars, leads
for the Spanish Galgos & our Prison Foster Dogs
Pro Plan Weight Circles ~ Used Cell Phones ~ Coke Rewards Point Numbers

"Change A Greys Life" - donate your loose change

Tail Waggin' Tutors

by Ellen Ganopoulos

One of the most fulfilling experiences I have with my two therapy dogs, Orville and Wilbur, is visiting schools and libraries as part of the TDI, Therapy Dog International, "Tail Waggin' Tutors" Program.

The idea is to put a "shy reader" into a non-threatening setting, with an appreciative, seemingly supportive greyhound. The children participating in the program are encouraged to get comfortable and read aloud to the dogs.

I tell the children that the greyhounds are specially trained "reading dogs" and if the readers do a great job, the dogs will fall asleep. Knowing greyhounds, of course, they are more than willing to go along with this scheme so it always seems to work.

At first, the child is apprehensive about reading the book in public but they soon relax and read aloud to Orville and Wilbur. With the comfort of the dogs, and some encouraging words, the child begins to feel good about reading to us and often wants to finish the entire book despite his turn to read being over. So far, Orville and Wilbur have visited almost a dozen schools and libraries for this program and returned to the Glen Ridge, NJ library in August for their third visit this summer.

A child in a DVD prepared by TDI says, “It’s pretty fun!”  It’s pretty fun for Orville, Wilbur, and me, too.   If you’d like to join Tail Waggin’ Tutors, you and your dog must first pass the TDI Evaluation given by a TDI Evaluator and then register with the organization. For more information about this process, please contact:   Therapy Dogs International 88 Bartley Road Flanders, NJ 07836 Phone:(973)252-9800 Fax:(973)252-7171 E-mail: tdi@gti.net Website: www.tdi-dog.org

Greyhound Friends of New Jersey, Inc. Membership Application

Greyhound Friends of NJ Membership Dues go for the care of the greyhounds.

For an annual donation of $25 or more, members will receive a newsletter subscription and member decal; for $50 or more members will receive a newsletter subscription, decal and T-shirt; for the generous gift of $100, members will receive a newsletter subscription, decal and sweatshirt. Write your check today, payable to Greyhound Friends of NJ, Inc. and mail it with this form to:

Greyhound Friends of NJ., Inc., P.O. Box 4416, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-0669. 

Yes, I want to help Greyhound Friends of NJ care for the greyhounds. 

Name___________________________________ Phone ___________________

Address __________________________________________________________ 

Email Address _____________________________________

Amount Enclosed $______ T-shirt/sweatshirt size (M,L,XL) _______

  _____ I don’t want a premium; please use the entire donation to help the greyhounds.

Vendors Wanted for GFNJ's 15th Annual Craft Show & Pet Expo

Please click here for the flyer

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND RAFFLE

to benefit Greyhound Friends of NJ's Special Girls

Please click here for the RAFFLE FORM