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 N.J. Home Stretch 
Volume 12 Issue 2 Fall/Winter 2009
Dear Greyhound Friends,
A picture being worth 1,000 words, perhaps nothing demonstrates what GFNJ does as well as the picture below – a group of volunteers enjoying the company of available black greyhounds at our July Open House – dogs that many other rescue groups won’t accept because they consider black dogs “unadoptable.” We love our motto, “There’s a home for every greyhound - it’s our job to find it,” and we feel that’s what sets us apart from other groups. All of the dogs pictured below are already in their forever homes and we know our adopters care about the whole dog, especially its personality, not just the color.
We’ve received so many wonderful dogs this spring and summer from Massachusetts, Florida and Alabama. We’ve also welcomed some special friends from as far away as Guam, where conditions are far from ideal. Suette and Mean Type are two of 149 dogs rescued from Guam, and we’re so happy to have helped them.
We also welcomed “Rogue Vanquish,” a two-year-old that broke his leg on the track. Due to complications, poor Rogue lost his back right leg. As it happens, none of his love, enthusiasm or confidence was stored in that leg. He is a funny, outgoing guy, waiting in foster care to go to his forever home.
Additionally, Greyhound Friends is happy to have helped Sweet Pea and Brooklyn Benny, two wonderful dogs that must have walked by a track sometime in their difficult lives on the street. When told greyhounds are in kill shelters, we will always investigate. Even though it is not our mission to rescue all breeds, we are pleased we were able to accommodate these two friends of greyhounds.
Fall is nearly upon us and I hope you check greyhoundfriendsnj.org to see the many wonderful events and fundraisers coming up. Please attend as many as you can. I especially want to invite you to join us for the 13th Annual Craft Show & Pet Expo, November 21-22, at the Somerset National Guard Armory. As always, leashed pets are welcome and we look forward to seeing you and the whole family.
Sincerely,
Linda Lyman
President
The Long Journey Home
By Lynn Heiler
Have you ever thought about how your greyhound got to you? Do you know what your grey may have endured before it arrived, found you, and settled on the fluffy pillow in your den? I didn’t. I didn’t know my sweet greyhounds may have been exposed to heat, cold, hunger, thirst and a lot of emotional stress during what can be a long journey. I sure didn’t have a clue about all the time, effort and thought GFNJ volunteers face every time a call is received that another greyhound is in dire need.
It starts at the track kennel when an owner decides that a greyhound isn’t fit to race, or is less likely to win. Maybe the dog’s not successful enough, is close to retirement age, or unhealthy -- that’s when the process to get the dog to a rescue group begins.
There’s so much that goes into it. It starts with the kennel’s adoption coordinator contacting several rescue groups to find out how many each will take. Interestingly, sometimes a formula is used to ensure that groups take black dogs. Groups will have to take a predetermined number of black dogs in order to get brindles, fawns and parti-colors. GFNJ knows all greyhounds deserve a loving home, so we take any dog regardless of sex, age, health or color, which means we sometimes have a number of black dogs.
The luckier dogs are fed and given electrolytes several hours before the trek begins, and won’t eat again until they reach their destination. Drivers put the dogs into haulers -- a low, stainless steel trailer holding 14 or more dogs behind individual, slatted doors in dark, hard cubicles called “holes.” Each hole is filled with straw, and one or two dogs are loaded into each space. The trip to GFNJ can be 24 hours or longer, with stops only to drop off dogs to groups along the way. The dogs are usually not walked until they reach their rescue group. The transport driver has a record of each dog, the group receiving them, their name, sex, color, age, and hole number.
Often when greys designated for GFNJ reach the general area, the hauler is met at a turnpike rest stop -- even at 3:00 am -- where the transfer is made. If we’re lucky, the truck comes to the kennel in Tabernacle and drops them off there. That’s when the real fun begins. Linda Lyman, Bill Broulliard, and a volunteer or two work with the driver to pull the dogs out into the fresh air -- often a frenzied moment. Everyone works fast. Closed up in the dark for a long time, most dogs scramble to get out when light streams in through the open door. To ensure they don’t escape, a secure collar and leash are quickly put on, and the dogs are taken into the kennel yard where they can relieve themselves. They are put into runs next to each other where there’s cool water available.
Recently, when all our greys were in the runs, we realized there were eight, not nine as expected. After checking the list carefully, the driver went back to hole #3 and found Flying Como, a small female grey, hiding under the straw. You can imagine what might have happened to her if the oversight hadn't been caught.
 Flying Como
But, this is only the beginning of their new lives. After a good walk around the kennel yard to stretch their legs and begin getting accustomed to their new surroundings, the dogs’ pictures are taken for the GFNJ web site. Personality profiles are developed, which is relatively easy, even with all that’s going on. I’m always amazed at the reactions of our new wards – some wag their tails excitedly and jump around, seemingly unscathed by their trip, while others may be a little tentative initially…I don’t blame them. The tired travelers are then fed and allowed to rest. Through all this, the heartbreaking thing for me is how eager they are for a kind word and a pat on the head.
GFNJ pays for neutering and spaying whether it’s done before they leave the track or after they arrive, along with dental cleaning, heartworm testing, shots and orthopedic surgery for broken-legged dogs. Adoption fees often don’t cover the basic procedures, to say nothing of the cost involved with rescuing an injured dog, which explains all of the ongoing fundraising efforts.
The next step is really something to see – cat-testing, to determine a dog’s suitability for a home with cats or small animals. A “volunteer” cat, one that’s been through the procedure before, is leashed and stands ready in a quiet kennel room. After a walk, each greyhound is muzzled for their test, one at a time. Sometimes it’s quite obvious that a dog is very interested in the cat immediately when it comes into the room. The cat knows right away, too, and reacts – with a hiss, a spit, or an arched back. No worries, the cat is protected. Others are flat not interested in the least. Some have to be walked by the cat a number of times and watched carefully before a true assessment can be made either way. Sex and size have nothing to do with whether a grey can be deemed cat-tolerant. The cutest, tiniest girl may have a very high prey drive, while a huge boy might not care about it at all.
I watched the black dog I ultimately adopted get cat-tested and he wouldn’t even look at the cat. In spite of his generally boisterous and happy demeanor, he was intimidated, and as much as Linda tried, he wouldn’t go near the cat. When we took him back outside, he was back to his cheerful self…without that scary feline around.
That step done, the greys are wormed, given heartworm preventative, and head for the spa - my favorite step. Most greyhounds enjoy being bathed and you can see their eyes glaze over with relief and joy, I think, as the warm water streams down their back and legs. It is not unusual for a grey to actually collapse in reaction to the relaxing, warm water. And they obviously love the dry cycle when they're massaged with a nice clean towel. It's been a long journey for these retired racers and they're definitely ready for a forever home.
A dog hauler owned by Greyhound Pets of America of Central Florida,
driven by President Dennis Tyler, arrives at Tabernacle Bed & Biscuit.
Thank You, Brooklyn!
By Patty Comerford
It started with an email – “There is a greyhound in the Brooklyn Shelter” and a photo of a cute brindle dog. The shelter was calling him “Benny” and they figured he was about five years old and a greyhound. Well, maybe they were stretching the greyhound part, but he sure was adorable. And maybe he was part greyhound…
And it was that possibility that sent Donna Patt and me on a greyt adventure. The first part of the adventure was just getting a phone call through to a staff person at the Brooklyn Animal Control Center (BACC). I finally made contact with a helpful employee who made arrangements for us to adopt Benny and put a note on his cage reading, “Don’t kill this dog – greyhound people from NJ will be coming to get him.”
The second part of our adventure was driving into Brooklyn. I was born in Brooklyn, but left for New Jersey when I was five years old, so little of New York remains in my blood. Luckily, just enough to maneuver the Belt Parkway, and this, along with Donna’s GPS system, helped us find the BACC.
The third part of our adventure was surviving an hour and a half in an animal shelter and leaving with only one animal. The BACC is a very busy place – people looking for lost pets, others dropping off pets and other folks looking to adopt. The adoption area has three walls of cats up for adoption. There are several rooms of dogs as well. Donna and I are probably the last people you would want to have standing in the middle of a room of adoptable cats for half a second, never mind an hour and a half. But thankfully tunnel vision set in and we were both able to focus on the task at hand – bailing out Benny.
For both Donna and me, it was love at first sight and this small, terribly thin, soft as silk brindle boy stole our hearts. He has dark chocolate eyes that reminded me of Max from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Donna and I walked out of the shelter feeling pleased with ourselves – we had done a good thing!
The original plan was to take Brooklyn Benny down to the kennel in Tabernacle. The ride home changed that – Brooklyn Benny continued to weave his spell as he rested his head, first on my shoulder, and then in the palm of Donna’s hand. As we headed down the Parkway, I knew that Brooklyn Benny wouldn’t be visiting the kennel – I had room to foster him for a short time.
As I write this (Friday, 7/31), Brooklyn Benny is lying on a bed at my feet. He is just a wonderfully amazing dog – sweet, grateful, anxious to please, and just so darn cute! Once he gains some weight, Brooklyn Benny will be incredibly handsome. Arrangements have been made for him to go into another foster home tomorrow, and I miss him already. But it’s crowded in my house, and Brooklyn Benny will get lots of love and attention in the new foster home.
As you drive into Brooklyn there’s a sign that reads, “Welcome to Brooklyn – How Sweet It Is!” Well, here’s to Brooklyn Benny – how sweet he is!
  
Mountainview Youth Correctional Facility
Greyhound Foster Program
By Susan Salvatore, Associate Administrator Mountainview Youth Correctional Facility
The program began on May 4, 2002, with three dogs, six inmates; today we have 11 dogs and a minimum of 22 participants. The participants consist of 11 handlers and backup handlers as well as trainees. The program is designed to save ex-racing greyhounds while providing inmates with a positive experience in caring for other living beings.
Since its inception, the program’s goal has been to prepare the dogs so they develop into household pets by providing care, affection and training in basic obedience. Ultimately, the greyhounds become accustomed to a less-confining environment and learn to accept love and attention.
Negative and disruptive behavior among inmates is a rarity in this program. In the seven-plus years the program has operated, only a few inmates were removed due to minor disciplinary behavior. Our offenders set aside their personal needs and differences and focus on the needs of the dogs. Incarceration often tests an inmate’s level of control, and the program residents have told us that daily interaction with the dogs has assisted them in developing self control and enabled them to channel negative impulsive behavior in a positive manner.
The program also exposes the residents to the multitude of possible career opportunities through the weekly training classes that encompass all areas in the field of pet care and treatment.
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| Jawa Petunia, currently in the
prison program. |
Highway Tegue, currently in the
prison program. |
Whytell Tickle, currently in the
prison program |
Cookie Duster, currently in the
prison program. |
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KB's Wenger “Wendy"
is a precious little girl who is not only very striking in
appearance but also very sweet. She came to us from
Florida where she was in a foster home and we were
fortunate to be able to place her in a foster home here.
She is initially a little timid to new experiences but she
is adjusting and is a sweet girl who is looking for her
forever home where she can enjoy life. This five-year-
old lady is cat-workable. She is living with children in
her foster home and doing well. Won't you consider
Wendy for your family? |
Fuzzy Snapper
is a gorgeous two-year-old boy who has blossomed in
his foster home from a timid boy into a happy, funny
and lovable greyhound. He loves to play with his toys
now that he has discovered them. He is living happily
and peacefully with greys and cats and doing very well
and has fit into the foster home very nicely.
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After the Diagnosis
By Patty Comerford
For me, it was love at first sight.
Sometimes we learn to love our dogs after they have lived with us for awhile. Sometimes it’s the back story that makes us fall in love with a particular hound. Sometimes it’s the dog’s physical appearance.
For me, it was the way JR’s Big Win looked me right in the eye – at that moment I think we both knew that we were meant to love each other.
In April 2006, GFNJ President Linda Lyman was arranging a haul from Florida and found out that a blue dog would be coming to NJ. In a conversation before the dogs arrived, Linda asked me if I knew anyone who had specifically inquired about a blue dog. My immediate answer – ME! I had lost three of my greys within a very short period of time and there was a big hole in my heart. The color “blue” (what a grey dog of any breed is called) in a greyhound is not common and as I do Meet & Greets, I thought it would be nice to have a ‘grey’ greyhound to show off to the public.
And that’s how JR’s Big Win came to live with me. I didn’t want to call him JR as I already had a JB, so I kept calling him “the blue boy”. The name stuck, and he just became “Blue”. A happy boy, Blue has light brown eyes, a white tipped tail and a loving, steady personality. He became my M&G ambassador, getting along well with everyone and impressing all he met.
Last October I noticed that Blue was favoring one of his back legs. I watched and worried, and after a week, made an appointment with the vet. I had lost my first grey, Niles, to osteosarcoma (bone cancer), so whenever any of the dogs limped I always imagined the worst. Well, in this case, the worst came true. Blue was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age five and a half.
I met with Dr Fred, an oncologist at Red Bank Veterinary in Tinton Falls. Dr Fred spelled out all of the treatment options available to Blue and how much time he believed each option would give us:
- do nothing (1 to 3 months)
- only pain management (3 to 6 months)
- radiation and pain management (6 months)
- radiation, chemo and pain management (up to a year)
- radiation, chemo, amputation and pain management (up to a year)
I believed that Blue would not be a good candidate for amputation, and chemotherapy is very expensive. I decided to go the route of four courses of radiation, followed by treatments of Pamidronate. Pamidronate is given intravenously on a monthly basis – it is used to strengthen the existing bone and create new bone. Increasing the strength of the existing bone helps to decrease the risk of fractures, and stronger bone is less painful. In addition, Blue receives four Tramadol pills every day for pain relief.
Ten months later, Blue is still going strong. Due to the radiation, he lost the hair on his back leg, so he has a big pink patch of freckled skin ringed by light grey fur. Blue uses his right leg and does not limp. I no longer take Blue to Meet & Greets as I try to keep his stress level as low as possible. He loves to lie outside in the sun, soaking up the rays. Blue did develop SLO (Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy) – an autoimmune disease that caused his nails to crumble and fall off. The SLO seems to bother him more then his bad leg.
We just met with Dr Fred this past week. Dr Fred was delighted that Blue has exceeded the six month timeframe that he gave in the beginning. Blue had a chest x-ray (the second place cancer usually spreads to is the chest) and it was clear; his blood work and renal levels are also good. Dr. Fred spoke to me about a new drug that is in clinical trials, Paclical, that we might use if Blue develops chest tumors or starts to limp. Paclical was developed to combat mast cell tumors, but has been successful in treating other forms of cancer.
In the back of my mind I know that a day will come when the cancer will win this battle. I appreciate every day that I have Blue still with me. I have dealt with various types of cancer in several of my greys, and I am often asked to talk to other owners about cancer in their dogs. The most important point for folks to remember is that there is no set treatment regime – whatever you decide to do (or not do) - you are making the best decision you can for your pet. The only decision that is not acceptable is to have your dog experience any unnecessary pain.
 Blue
Go Green For Greyhounds Clothing Drive
Greyhound Friends of NJ will again be hosting a clothing drive fundraiser this Fall. Not only will our greyhounds benefit by you donating your unwanted clothing, but also our planet will benefit by helping to keep landfills free of clothing. We will be collecting clean, usable and wearable clothing, shoes and accessories (handbags, belts, scarves, ties, and hats), also soft household items such as bedding, curtains, tablecloths, towels, also hard toys, and stuffed animals. Watch the website and e-mails for details or call 732-356-4370.
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Redwing is a gorgeous two year old
boy who is just so special and sweet
as the day is long. He is a shy boy but
has blossomed in his foster home into the
most loving of greyhounds - at least with
his family - he is still fearful of strangers
but makes every attempt to get to know
people. He is great with the other greys
and a small dog would be fine with a cat.
We would want him to be with another
confident greyhound that he could follow.
This love bug is just waiting for that family
who will understand him and allow him to
continue to grow into the great grey that we
know he is. |
Rogue Vanquish, an absolutely stunning
two year old, is so warm and wiggly it's
hard to believe he's had a rough couple
of months. Complications from a broken
leg required the amputation of his right
hind leg. After only a few weeks, his is
agile, enjoys playing with toys, loves
going for walks and exploring the backyard.
Rogue has no restrictions, is extremely
sweet and loving, and cat tolerant with
supervision. This tri-pod boy is ready for
his new and improved life! Won't you
consider him?
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Shelly N Leah is a very sweet lady
at nine years old. Her foster mom
describes her as "a gentle soul" - what
a nice way to sum up a senior grey.
She is playful, spry and loves to cuddle
and is living with greys and a terrier
and enjoying life. Won't you consider
this beautiful lady to become part of
your family?
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Serpens "Dyson" is such a gorgeous boy who is timid but is doing
well in his foster home. He is calm and very sweet--we all love this boy!
He will need the company of another greyhound so that he will
continue to grow and have confidence. He is learning to play and is
getting more relaxed day by day. This boy is living with greys, a
cat and children, and is fine with them all. Dyson is such
a sweet boy and deserves a home and a family
that he can call his own. |
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SAVE YOUR PRO PLAN WEIGHT CIRCLES
Weight circles from Pro Plan dog food bags help us pay our veterinary bills and buy food for the dogs in our prison foster program.
Please cut the circles from the side of the bag and send to Greyhound Friends of NJ.
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.
GREYHOUND PLANET DAY/FALL PICNIC
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th 11am-3pm ~ DUKE ISLAND PARK, BRIDGEWATER
Please come spend a relaxing and fun-filled day with other greyhound adopters and their wonderful greys - who could ask for more?
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
POT LUCK LUNCH (there is no grill) - please contact Patty with what you can bring – pac173@aol.com or 732 566-2226
Adoptable dogs available for pre-approved applicants
Blessing of the Hounds
TDI and CGC testing (hopefully)
"Change A Greys Life" - donate your loose change
Great vendors
Collecting items for the Spanish Galgos/ Prison Dogs - used dog medications, gently used coats, collars or leads
Collecting Pro Plan Weight Circles
Please bring your Coke Rewards point numbers
Contests (type to be announced)
VISA GIFT CARD RAFFLE DRAWING Taking a chance means giving a chance.”
Make a donation and have an opportunity to win three great prizes.
All proceeds go to the rescue, care and appreciation of the greyhound dog.
First Prize: $1,000. VISA Gift Card
Second Prize: $250. VISA Gift Card
Third Prize: $100. VISA Gift Card $10 PER CHANCE
RAFFLE COLLECTION FOR CRAFT SHOW & PET EXPO
We will start collecting raffle prize donations for the Craft Show & Pet Expo (11/21 & 11/22).
We request that the raffle prizes be new items - boxed and clearly marked with the name of the person who made the donation and the approximate value of the item.
For questions about raffle prizes - Maria Lutz at FLutz11331@aol.com or 732 521-8330.
For information about being a vendor - Terryl Jackson at greygal3@optonline.net or 908 203-0070.
For questions about the Craft Show & Pet Expo - contact Patty at pac173@aol.com or 732-566-2226.
Note: Greyhound Planet Day is a time chosen each year to honor the Greyhound and its relatives (Galgos, lurchers, etc.) throughout the world. The purpose of this international event is to raise the public's awareness of the wonder and magic of Greyhounds as pets, educate others on the current status of Greyhounds around the world and to honor those Greyhounds who have left us already.
13th ANNUAL GFNJ’s CRAFT SHOW & PET EXPO
GFNJ's biggest fundraiser is again being held at the Somerset National Guard Armory in Somerset (Franklin Township).
Saturday, November 21st 9am to 4pm
Sunday, November 22nd 10am to 4pm
Highlights include: ~ our raffle, which has gotten bigger and better each year ~ wonderful vendors ~ digital Santa photos ~ holiday bake table ~ GFNJ adoption table ~ and much, much more!!!
LEASHED PETS WELCOME!!!
Your help, as always, is greatly appreciated. Tell friends, family, co-workers and neighbors about the Craft Show.
To volunteer at the Craft Show please contact Ellen Ganopoulos at redreeper@aol.com or 973-759-0461.
For questions about raffle prizes - Maria Lutz at flutz11331@aol.com or 732 521-8330.
For information about being a vendor - Terryl Jackson at greygal3@optonline.net or 908 203-0070.
For questions about the Craft Show & Pet Expo - contact Patty at pac173@aol.com or 732-566-2226.
Special guest appearance by Elwood – a former “World’s Ugliest Dog”
Saturday, 11/21 from 10 to 3:30
For additional information, please go to the GFNJ website – www.greyhoundfriendsnj.org
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