Summer 2014

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~ HOT SUMMER FUN ~

GPALV 's Night at the Mob Museum Scavenger Hunt!

Saturday, August 16th, 6pm Our private scavenger hunt begins at 6 pm at the fabulous Mob Museum in Downtown Las Vegas. Tickets are $28, adults only please. Limited to just 40 Lucky Participants, please purchase your tickets early at GPALV.com. Tickets go on Sale July 5th.

Whine? Or Maybe Wine?

We are beginning the planning process for a new GPALV event in Jan or Feb 2015. An evening wine and cheese party to include a silent auction, a wine raffle and a wine and cheese tasting. We would love to hear your input and are looking for some talented people to help us put it together. If you would like to assist us please email Dana at stealthn@cox.net or Judy at greyhounds@cox.net.

Racy Tails Greyhound Pet Adoption Las Vegas

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~ FALL HOUND HAPPENING ~

20th ANNIVERSARY! GREYHOUND PICNIC IN THE PARK & ADOPTION REUNION

Saturday, October 25th, 11am-4pm

Floyd Lamb Tule Springs Park

Our major annual fundraiser of the year Highlights include Lunch, Senior Recognition Ceremony, Rainbow Bridge Tribute Ceremony, Silent Auction, Raffle*, Greyhound Themed Merchandise Galore and New Retirees! * Grand Raffle Prize is a Photo of YOUR Greyhound on a Retirement Bus Window! * Please donate silent auction and raffle items! * Please be a sponsor! * Please be a volunteer! * Please create a Logo! We are accepting picnic logo submissions through July 30th.

Tony Bralliar, “The Gentleman Pup”

GREYHOUND RETIREMENT BUS UPDATE

Look at Me!

Response to the sponsorship opportunities was fantastic and our Greyhound Retirement Bus is now properly outfitted with gorgeous Greyhound portraits and is spreading the word about Greyhound adoption everywhere it goes.

Our Beauties Adorn the Windows!

Business Sponsorships are Still Available with Your Business Web site and Logo on

the Retirement Bus Side Body! What a greyt way to show your support for Greyhound adoption & let customers know your business gives back to the community? It’s a win for everyone! Cost is only $350.00 for an advertisement approximately 2’ x 3’ for 2 years. All you need to do is supply the appropriate artwork format for our film printer. Please email Judy at greyhounds@cox.net to set up this very special opportunity for your business.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Did You Know?

OUR SPRING EVENTS WERE GREYT FUN!

Doggy Ice Cream Social & Fundraiser

Senior Picabo Paetz

Henderson St. Patrick's Day Parade Greyhound Adoption Float

Big Thanks to Dawn for Arranging Our Participation, Designing & Assembling the Float!

Additions to Our Greyhound Family

Retiree Adopter Tia Maria Ziola Reeses Cramer Minnie Warriner Annika Fielding Lace Wulfkukle Tilly Briggs Davey Evans Happy Girl Scharf Henry Pahl Woody Booher Otto Roberts Jessica Richter Troy Saxson Kurt Mertikas Tony Bralliar Mac Brown Rooster Arnold

Youngster Rooster Arnold at 3 1/2 Months old!

ADORABLE ADOPTABLE

“Affectionate Blinx”

Blinx is a beautiful red brindle boy who just turned 2. He is playful, silly, curious and very affectionate. Although still a pup, he likes to spend his days roaching on the nearest dog bed. He gets along well with other Greyhounds, but could probably be an only dog. He is small dog safe. His house manners are good and he walks well on a leash. He does have a few quirks. He is still learning that strangers are friendly and other dog breeds are not scary. He may never learn that the vet's office is safe. He also doesn't like to walk on rocks or gravel and will avoid them at all costs so he desires a nice yard with soft grass. Blinx will keep you smiling!

A Day in the Life of a Racing Greyhound

Reprinted with Permission from BayAreaGreyhounds.Org

You may have wondered what your Greyhound’s life was like while he or she was a

professional athlete. Catherine D’Arcy, a greyhound kennel owner and trainer, has

provided the following . . .

6:30 am ~ Rise and shine. I get to wake up to all of my caretakers letting us out. I go outside in a group of 15 boys, and we hang out outside for about 30 minutes. We sniff, smell and take care of nature’s call. We have 3 different pens that we get to go into . . . and more sniffing and smelling take place. At 7 am I come back inside.

7:00 am ~ 8:00 am—-My caretakers are cooking rice and pasta in the kitchen. This will go in our dinner once it’s cooled. My caretakers start cleaning all of our kennels. Some dogs get to leave the kennel and go exercising.

8:00 am ~ I get to go back outside with my group of 15 friends while my caretakers clean my kennel, check my shredded paper bed, change my water, and sweep up my bed area. I spend 30 minutes outside, relaxing and sniffing ~ and going through each of the 3 different pens. At 8:30 am, I come back in.

8:45 am ~ I get weighed and my weight is recorded in a kennel log. My caretakers groom me, check my feet, check my nails and my ears, and then brush me with a grooming glove. I get back into my kennel and nap till dinner time.

9:00 ~ 10:00 am—-Dinner time! I get a ½ lb. meat ball with some vitamins and vanilla Ensure on top. Yum! Because I got a ½ “snack” that means I am racing today!!!

10:00 am ~ I go back outside with my group of 15 buddies and we take care of nature’s call, do a little sniffing, watch some of the other kennels’ staff and just lounge around for 30 minutes, getting to go into each of the 3 pens attached to our kennel. At 10:30 am I go back inside to the kennel. When we come back inside, my caretakers sweep, mop, and clean the kennel so it’s all clean and comfortable.

11:00 am ~ 11:30 am—-I hear leads clinking!!!!! Woohoo, I am going racing!!!! My caretakers put a lead on me, and I go walking with 2 of my buddies. We walk from the kennel to the racetrack . . . we pass the grassy area with trees, and we sniff and take care of nature’s call . . . and if we are really lucky, we will see a squirrel!!! We love watching the squirrels run up the trees! We walk to the paddock area of the track, and get weighed. I have to be within 1.5 lbs. of my set weight or I won’t be allowed to race. I am 84.5 lbs. The clerk of the scale records my weight and my caretaker brings me to the racing kennels. A track employee takes me and puts me into a kennel, where I will stay until it’s time to race.

1:30 pm ~ Track employees called “leadouts” come and get me! They put my leash on, and we go and walk outside in the warm up area. A lady in a lab coat follows me as I take care of Nature’s call, and my sample goes into a plastic

container and a label gets put on it. The track vet is there watching us walk, and making sure that we are all okay. Then we get to go to the Paddock area, where the Paddock Supervisor will check my weight and then put on my racing blanket. The Paddock Judge comes and checks my ear tattoo to make sure I am the correct dog, and then he checks that my racing blanket fits correctly.

2:00 pm ~ I walk onto the racetrack wearing the green blanket of post #4. I am pulling at the leash, and the lead-out walks me onto the track for the post parade. We walk in front of the spectators, and I catch a glimpse of the tote board. . I am 5/1 to win my race. The leadouts walk us to the starting boxes, and we wait for about 5 minutes. I get loaded into the starting box, and I can hear the lure coming towards the start . . . the boxes open and I am in 3rd place. I close ground on the greyhounds racing in front of me, and when I turn into the home stretch, I accelerate and leave the field behind me! I won! I won! I won! I am so excited. The lure stops at the pick-up area, and we all stand there wagging our tails, so excited! The lead-out puts my leash back on, and I walk off the track to my caretaker.

2:15 pm ~ My caretaker brings me to the cool down area, and I get my feet cleaned and cooled off, and then I get to walk through the cool-down tank . . . It’s a cool water tank that we can walk through to cool down on a hot day. I walk back to the kennel with my caretaker, and when we get there they clean my face, feet, and wash my eyes. I go back into my kennel and drink some water. I nap for an hour or two. When I am all cooled down, I get my dinner!!! Meat, kibble, rice, pasta, and some vitamin supplements. Yum! Then about 4:00 pm, I go back outside for a few minutes to take care of nature’s call. I come back inside and get a couple of Milk Bone cookies!! Yeah!!

5:30 pm ~ My caretakers come and let me out with my 15 buddies. We spend about 30 minutes outside.

7:30 pm ~ The night races start, and my caretakers are in the kennel taking care of the other racers.

8:30 pm ~ 10:00 pm ~ My caretakers come and let me outside with my 15 buddies. We are outside for about 30-45 minutes. We get to go through the 3 different pens, and sniff, smell, lounge, and hang out.

11:00 pm ~ My caretakers wash dishes, sweep, mop, and tidy up the kennel. They leave about 11:30 pm and the radio is left on for us with some easy-listening music. We sleep and dream. I have water if I am thirsty, and a nice bed of shredded paper. I dream of winning races!

6:30 am ~ Rise and Shine!

At The Rainbow Bridge

We send out our sincere condolences to those families whose dogs have passed away and deeply apologize if your hound is not named. Please let us know about your loss so we can honor your dog and keep our database complete.

Ya Ya Minardi Denny Richter Velvet DiBasi

Sunny Sorenson

The Fragile Circle” By Irving Townsend

We who choose to surround ourselves with lives

even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often

breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live

no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary

plan

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Lady & Shooter Need a New Home

SPECIAL FOSTER HOME NEEDED for 2 SENIOR SIBLINGS

Hi All, GPALV has been asked to take in 2- 10 year old greyhounds that need to be re-homed. As you know, we do not turn down a greyhound in need even if adopted originally by another group. We have these two beautiful seniors needing a forever home. GPALV will take the responsibility for the costs of medical and other veterinary care for the life of each dog, but what we need is a loving home that will commit to caring for them. Summary from owner: “Lady was adopted first, in Jan/07 and one year later we adopted Shooter. They are coincidently sired from the same father, from litters just a month apart from each other; Shooter is the older brother. Lady came straight from the track to us, so we had to teach her everything about living in the “human” world. Shooter spent some time with fosters so he was already adapted (and spoiled). They are both turning 10 this year. They have lived with us in New Jersey, California and now Las Vegas. They adapt very easily and are fun and loving dogs.” Please let GPALV know if you would love to welcome Seniors Lady and Shooter into your life. They will give back unending love… Judy

The Secret of the Dog Bow By Dr. Jane Bicks, Wed, 26 March, 2014

Pet parents often ask me, “Why does my dog bow?” The answer is more complicated than you might think, as it often is with our wonderfully complex canine companions. Dog bows serve as building blocks of dog communication and also have a physiological function in the stretching referred to as pandiculation. The reason behind each bow depends on when the dog engages in the behavior. Let’s talk about this unique form of stretching first.

Pandiculation is a brain-reflex-action pattern in which many animals engage. The word originates from the Latin ‘pandere’, which means "to spread out" or "stretch oneself". Next time your dog gets up from rest, watch what he does. Most often, he’ll put his front paws out and lengthen his back as he relaxes his belly. Then he may pandiculate in reverse, by contracting the anterior muscles into a flexed posture. This “wakes up” the muscular system, particularly the rear extensor muscles responsible for running. In a very real sense, this motion activates the connection between the brain and the muscles.

Stretching and yawning upon awakening is one healthy habit that we could relearn from our companion animals. As children, we instinctively do this, but many of us lose the habit.

Remember when you used to stretch? You'd wake up, gently tighten your arms and legs, feel a yawn coming on. Then, you’d reach your arms above your head, then reach down to one leg and then the other. You would first contract your muscles, then lengthen

them, followed by complete relaxation. Try it some morning … you might be surprised at how good it’ll make you feel!

Dog bowing is most commonly expressed with what we refer to as the ‘play bow’. This common posture serves as a cornerstone of dog communication. Most often, it functions as an expression of ‘let's play!” Or, it can signal an apologetic tone, such as, "Oops, I didn't mean to bite so hard. I wasn't trying to hurt you. Let's keep playing!”

With a play bow, social hierarchy is not a factor. Dominant dogs can offer play bows to lower-ranked dogs and vice versa. When two dogs meet for the first time, they may initiate interaction with play bows as a way of making friends. Sometimes as part of the mating ritual, canines will initially assume the play-bow position to communicate amorous intent. Even if you don’t know exactly what your dog is attempting to communicate, the context of the behavior can help clue you in.

Want to try something fun? Try doing your own version of the play bow to your dog, and watch your pup go from serious to goofball in a heartbeat. Use a silly voice, plop down and invite your dog to play - you will likely be delighted at your dog’s response!

If dogs are not properly socialized, they may not know how to respond to another dog’s play-bow invitation. Rather than responding in-kind, they may feel threatened and growl fearfully. If you witness any fearful or aggressive reactions, I recommend working with a professional dog trainer.

If your dog invites you to play with a bow, accept the invitation! Chances are that you’ll boost her well-being, as well as yours, by simply engaging in purposeful play for only five minutes. It’s a great way to take a break from the day and begin a game of tug of war, tag or fetch. Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals.

Calling for Foster Families

Summer is an Especially Critical Time

Our existing foster families are often on vacation at the same time when sadly, summer is often a time of relinquishments and Greyhounds at shelters in crisis. So please, please consider helping out this summer.

We always, always need more foster homes.

With the acquisition of The Greyhound Retirement Bus, it is possible to transfer many more hounds to homes in our area but only if we have foster families ready to accept the new retirees into their lives for a short period of time or even be available for emergency situations or doggy sitting for a few hours or few days… We can’t say enough good things about our fabulous foster families who always step up to the plate when we call upon them to take a hound or two into their lives as we try to move as fast as we can to give joy to our excited and anxious families waiting to bring their loving hounds home.

We will provide you training, support, guidance and supplies. Your foster dog provides love, laughter, kisses and snuggles. If you can help foster, please contact your adoption rep or Judy at greyhounds@cox.net or leave a message at 702.392.5822.

Monthly Meet & Greets Spread the Word

We need your help to spread the word about Greyhound adoption. Most of the public is still unaware of the availability of ex-racing greyhounds as pets. The public is introduced to retirees at Meet & Greets held on weekends at PetsMart and PETCO. Go to Events Calendar at www.GPALV.Com to see where we will be. Come on by with your greyhounds! It’s an excellent way to meet new friends, socialize your dogs and help the hounds.

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How Can I Help & Make a Donation?

Donations can be made via PayPal:

A perfect way to donate via our website at www.GPALV.com. Click the PayPal button on the home page.

Donations can be mailed to:

Greyhound Pet Adoption Las Vegas (GPALV) PO Box 36748 Las Vegas, NV 89133-6748

If you have questions please contact us: Phone: 702.392.5822 email: greyhounds@cox.net

Greyhound Pet Adoption Las Vegas is a 501(c) (3) Non Profit Charitable Organization

dedicated to the welfare and adoption of retired racing greyhounds after their retirement from the life of a racer.

Smokey

Doctor, What is That Smell?

By Dr. Jane Bicks, Wed, 22 May, 2014

If you’ve ever noticed a foul odor wafting from your pet’s hind end, there's a chance that anal sacs may be the source of the problem. As any pet parent will tell you, nothing smells as uniquely terrible as the material emitted from these glands.

In some mammals, including dogs and cats, anal sacs are small pouches which store secretions from the glands between the internal and external sphincter muscles. A dog or cat can discharge the material collected in the sac through these ducts.

One thing this liquid has in common: it almost always has a terribly offensive odor, and one that is difficult to remove from carpets, beds and clothing.

The function of these small but potent scent glands is believed to be for territorial marking and communication. Those unfortunate enough to have unexpectedly frightened a dog may have experienced the canine’s ability to ‘spray’ their glandular contents - sometimes as far as six feet! Some biologists believe, for the ancestors of modern day dogs and cats, these organs were not only used in communication, but could also have been used as defense (much as a skunk sprays for self-preservation). I can assure you that when the trapped substances are released, they’re sufficiently foul to ward off any human predators!

In most animals, anal glands function completely normally. For the most part, if it’s not a problem, you’d never have a reason to know about them. Many pet parents don’t even know that their pet has anal glands.

However, for some dogs and cats, anal glands can be a real pain in the tukkis. With long-term inflammation, the sacs can become impacted and infected. In severe cases, they can actually rupture. The first sign of trouble is when your dog or cat hunches up and scoots his butt across the floor. That, or repetitively and excessively licks his hind end. If you notice either of these signs, a trip to the vet’s office is warranted.

If the problem recurs, pet parents can feel helpless in warding off this noxious – not to mention, painful - problem. Adding fiber to the diet (such as a tablespoon of sweet potato with meals) can provide some relief. Some pet kids (dogs more often than cats) will need to have their glands emptied on a regular basis. While some groomers offer this service, veterinarians and vet technicians are trained in techniques to completely drain the glands. Which is to say, if your pet is predisposed to this sort of problem, I recommend that a medical professional do the procedure (referred to as ‘expressing’). If the area becomes infected or impacted, understand that the condition is very painful, and should be addressed as soon as possible. They may require pain medication, and perhaps even a course of antibiotics. For some pets with chronic cases, vets may advocate surgically removing the glands entirely.

If you’re looking for a culprit, know that this is just an unfortunate consequence of genetics. While not unheard of, this medical issue is less of a problem for large and giant breeds. Even if your dog isn’t one of the small-to-medium size dogs predisposed to the difficulty, should you notice any signs of discomfort, don’t rule out anal sac problems.

“Good Time Troy” Saxson is Happily Home

There’s a Free Way to Help GPALV Raise Much-Needed Funds

Every time you shop at any of the 1,000+ online stores in the iGive network, a portion of the money you spend benefits Greyhound Pet Adoption Las Vegas (GPALV). It's a free service, and you'll never pay more when you reach a store through iGive. In fact, smart shoppers will enjoy iGive's repository of coupons, free shipping deals, and sales. To get started, just create your free iGive account.

Start iGiving at: www.iGive.com/GPALV

We Want Your Photos, Stories & Articles for the Newsletter

Submissions from our adopters are the most enjoyed by our readers. Do you have a touching photo or unusual greyhound story?

Please email your submissions to our editor at jvgreyhound@yahoo.com.

RESOURCES

Our Deepest Thanks to Our Veterinarians Who Help Keep Our Foster Dogs Healthy & Generously

Donate Discounted Services

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rainbow Animal Hospital, 702.363.1300,

244 S. Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, Northwest/West. Owner: Dr. Neil Patton.

Open 7 Days A week.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pecos-Russell Animal Hospital, 702.456.3848,

3488 E. Patrick, Las Vegas, South/SE.

Owner, Dr. Paula Paetz, is “owned by” 3 lovely greyhounds: Picabo, Mardi Gras and Cinderella who also work at the clinic!

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West Charleston Animal Hospital, 702.362.7387 7891 West Charleston Blvd.,

West Charleston & Buffalo.

Pet Sitters with Greyhound Experience

Hound Hacienda - Janice Ziola, 565-8892, Well socialized greyhounds stay in her home while you are away. Janice is also a Volunteer GPALV Foster Home.

Pets R Family Too - Scott & Kim Patton, 614-7663, Henderson, Greyhound adopters/volunteers.

Lots A Lovin’ Petsitters - Cindy Ferguson, 526-3125, Northwest.

Nala's Pet Sitting Services - Nancy Kamphaus, 349-9214.

Cupids Pet Service - Terri Baptiste, 785-2968, Shelly Bailey,743-1600 Danielle Brown, 672-3742.

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Animal Emergency Ambulance

Emergency Animal Transport Service to Your Vet

Call Dennis at 702-610-4036

24 Hours-A-Day Now Equipped To Administer Oxygen

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Check Out Our Favorite Vendors Who Support Us!

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GREYTDAZE Recycled License Plate and Reclaimed Wood Creations

Local GPALV adopters and foster parents, John and Lee Minardi, are the founders and artisans behind “Greytdaze”. They are creating unique, personalized and custom artwork, signs and plaques made from recycled license plates and reclaimed wood. A unique gift for the person who has everything! Examples of additional ideas can be seen at www.greytdaze.etsy.com where you can contact Lee to purchase, place custom orders or discuss idea you have in mind. Greytdaze donates 50% of your sale when you mention this newsletter ad.

Corrao Stained Glass

Made Exclusively for GPALV, for now anyway, these stained glass greyhound nightlights by Corrao Stained Glass in Waterford, Wisconsin can be yours for only $25. Andrew uses old world stained glass techniques to handcraft each and every nightlight perfectly. He crafts each one per order and then ships directly to us. If you would like to order send an email to greytmama2@cox.net and Carole will take care of your order.

Hale Pet Doors supports Greyhound Pet Adoption Las Vegas through a donation of 10% when you purchase a pet door and you will receive a discount of 10% off your order when you let them know you adopted from Greyhound Pet Adoption Las Vegas. Visit www.halepetdoor.com for more information.

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“Martingales of 47905”

We are proud to announce our new collar supplier! Jean of “Martingales of 47905” has generously

provided GPALV with a one year supply (45) foster collars at a “greytly” reduced rate. When the box of one inch martingales arrived, there were boy and girl

collars and not one single duplicate design. Truly unique collars for each of our new retirees.

See Jean's designs at her website: www.shop.martingalesof47905.com

Rio Grande Swirling Waters

This collar is adorned with a beautiful cotton fabric with a design that resembles the swirling waters of the Rio Grande. This design is done in royal blue, sky blue, brown, dark green, white, grey, taupe,

lavender, black and metallic gold. Since each of my collars is custom made I can offer you a choice of

having this collar done in a 2 inch or a 1 ½ inch wide collar for your pup. Price $16.00.

Why is Life’s Abundance Better? Life’s Abundance foods are veterinarian-formulated with select ingredients to help your dog achieve optimum health. We use a “fast-cook” process at low temperatures to help preserve the nutritional value of each and every wholesome ingredient. And we maintain strict inventory controls to ensure the quality and safety of our foods.

Life’s Abundance foods are made with the finest ingredients, including …A proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals. High-quality protein from chicken meal for strong muscles. An antioxidant system including vitamins A, C and E. A selection of nutritious vegetables and fruits. Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and strong bones. Dietary fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive tract

Since we use only wholesome ingredient, this formula contains …No artificial flavors. No artificial colors. No corn or corn gluten. No wheat or wheat gluten.

Life’s Abundance delivers concentrated nutrition in every bowl… A balanced blend of calcium and phosphorous to support growing and aging bones. Our kibble has tested extremely positively with both puppies and adult dogs, regardless of breed or size. Optimal protein levels for growing puppies and adults. Unique blend of antioxidants that support dogs throughout their life cycle

To Purchase or for Information Contact: please contact Carmen Gernhart ~ GPALV Placement Coordinator & Life’s Abundance Independent Field Representative. Phone 702-325-7384 or Email G7Group@gmail.com

www.lifesabundance.com/G7Group