Greyt News!

St Paddy's Parade!

2009-03-10T15:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came to march with the greys this year! We had a total 39 greyhounds dressed in green! To see lots of photos, go to our yahoo group and click into the "Photos" link in the left column.

Special shout out to the Denverites who made it down - Coffee and Susan, Naomi and Matt with Artemis and Apollo, and Becky with Jasper. Glad you could make it.

"Rescue Remedy" Warning!

2009-03-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

The following was posted on another greyhound list. As a vet tech, I think it's really great information, although a bit alarmist. Recent studies suggest (by no means conclusively) that in the pill form, Rescue Remedy - which is commonly used to calm dogs - may be harmful. Although the post says repeatedly that "small amounts" are toxic, that really is not true. It is harmful in amounts greater than 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, and possibly causes fatal liver complications in greater amounts. So take the following with a grain of salt, but as I said, it's good info to be aware of.

"Rescue Remedy" is an herbal concoction that can and does calm your dog, safely. However, there is some suggestion that when in the "Pastilles" (pill) form, it may have concentrations of a naturally-occurring chemical sweetener Xylitol which may be life-threatening in dogs (studies show possiblity of hypoglycemia and/or liver failure). However, it's important to note that the jury is out on this one: the World Health Association concluded after studies using high levels of Xylitol (more than 100 mg per kilogram weight of animal) that no adverse effects were present. It is important to note that not only do different studies suggest different conclusions at this point in the research, but in all cases very large doses were given.

But until there is more research, it might be a good idea to stick to the liquid form, which you can count on as being safe for use in dogs.

If you have concerns about the Xylitol content of any food or herbal substance, here are the suggested precautions:

To find your dog's weight in kilograms: weight in pounds divided by 2.2 = kilos (Remember that the weight in kilos is always a lower number than the weight in pounds.)

Over 100 milligrams Xylitol PER kilogram of body weight: It has been suggested that this could cause hypoglycemia. Symptoms: disorientation, vomiting, fainting, stumbling.

Over 500 milligrams Xylitol PER kilogram of body weight: It has been suggested that this could cause liver failure. Symptoms: vomiting, jaundice, severe lethargy.

Susie

I was looking for something to take the edge off of my old dog who has dementia. A lady at one of the pet stores recommended Rescue Remedy because they had some sort of chewable and I didn't want a liquid. I went to my local Vitamin Cottage and spoke to one of the clerks and explained that it was for a dog and she suggested I try the "pastilles" because that was the chewable form.

I bought it, took it home and gave one to her. It did ease her anxiety so I went
to their web site to learn more about it and I found a warning that the
"pastilles" form is not recommended for pets because it contains the artificial
sweeter Xylitol and it is highly toxic to dogs. Apparently this product hasn't
been out very long and people are getting confused because "Rescue Remedy" is
fairly commonly recommened for pets.

Yikes! My old girl is OK (too big to react to only one piece) but that was
almost a scary accident. There is no warning on the packaging to say that you
should not give it to pets. Of course, I should have checked in advance but I
didn't think about it.

It is only the "pastilles" form that is the problem. The liquids and creams are
OK.I didn't know what a small dose of Xylitol could do to a dog. And since it is a
sweetener it may be tasty so that dogs would seek it out. This is a good
article.

http://www.petconnection.com/blog/hansen-xylitol/"

Be careful! Xylitol is popping up in more and more places and a scary small
amount can sicken/kill a dog. I have some xylitol products but they have xylitol
in the name and I do keep them out of dog reach. I hadn't thought of what it
might be put into without any sort of advertising.

Picnic - Fun and More Fun!

2008-10-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I wanted you all to see the picnic, especially if you were not able to attend. Laurie Paddock has once again put together a greyt slide show for us! Thanks much, Laurie!

It turned into a wonderful day - the weather cooperated right up until we were cleaning up! We had a great turn-out, lots of costume entries, musical "chairs" (note the towels on the ground), fun bobbing for hotdogs (notice the hotdogs in the pool!), a great silent auction and CGA store set-up, plus great vendors and food this year!

"Master McGrath" at Feathered Gems!

2008-08-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered Feathered Gems thanks to our volunteer Dr. Lauren Halby. Lauren often wears a pendant with a greyhound on it, that turns out to be an old Irish coin, with an image of the famous Irish racer "Master McGrath" (pronounced McGraw). See the painting below. . . He was a tiny, 'weakling' greyhound - born 1866 - that no one thought would amount to much, and became to everyone's amazement the greatest racer in Ireland and England. See info about the pendant here. Read more about Master McGrath here.

Feathered Gems carries a lot of unusual greyhound-themed jewelry, and is unique in that it allows you to "design" your own by picking specific chains, gemstones, pendants and designs. They also carry horse-themed jewelry. Check it out!

Keeping Them Cool!

2008-08-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Lauren Halby, we who have done a lot of events this summer have made good use of an unlikely product to keep the dogs cool. You will find in your local Ace Hardware, Walmart, or anywhere with a good automotive section - cloths like the one in photo. This one is excellent: it is big enough to lay over the dog's back, and when wetted stays wet and COLD for some time. You'll find it displayed hanging, and do keep the plastic container for storage. Although there are several brands - the Absorber runs about $8 at Walmart - worth every penny.

What is Your Grey Thinking?

2008-08-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

I ran into the following today - I am trying to hunt down the actual author. It is really insightful, and a good read for anyone who fosters or owns a grey. While reading it, it occurred to me that it is remarkable that they adjust as quickly as they do to life in our homes! (Photo is of Leeloo, a beautiful young grey who passed away this past spring, belonging to Brooke Henry.)

"What is your new adopted greyhound thinking? This breed has never been asked to do anything for itself, make any decisions or answer any questions. It has been waited on, paw and tail. The only prohibition in a racing greyhound's life is not to get into a fight - or eat certain stuff in the turn out pen. . .

"Let us review a little. From weaning until you go away for schooling, at probably a year and a half, you eat, grow and run around with your siblings. When you go away to begin your racing career, you get your own "apartment," in a large housing development. No one is allowed in your bed but you, and when you are in there, no one can touch you, without plenty of warning.

"Someone hears a vehicle drive up, or the kennel door being unlocked. The light switches are flipped on. The loud mouths in residence, and there always are some, begin to bark or howl. You are wide awake by the time the human opens your door to turn you out. A Greyhound has never been touched while he was asleep.

"You eat when you are fed, usually on a strict schedule. No one asks if you are hungry or what you want to eat. You are never told not to eat any food within your reach. No one ever touches your bowl while you are eating. You are not to be disturbed because it is important you clean your plate.

"You are not asked if you have to "go outside." You are placed in a turn out pen and it isn't long before you get the idea of what you are supposed to do while you are out there. Unless you really get out of hand, you may chase, rough house and put your feet on everyone and every thing else. The only humans you know are the "waiters" who feed you, and the "restroom attendants" who turn you out to go to the bathroom. Respect people? Surely you jest.

"No one comes into or goes out of your kennel without your knowledge. You are all- seeing; all-knowing. There are no surprises, day in and day out. The only thing it is ever hoped you will do is win, place or show, and that you don't have much control over. It is in your blood, it is in your heart, it is in your fate - or it is not.

"And when it is not, then suddenly you are expected to be a civilized person in a fur coat. But people don't realize you may not even speak English. Some of you don't even know your names, because you didn'tneed to. You were not asked or told to do anything as an individual; you were always part of the "condo association"; the sorority or fraternity and everyone did everything together, as a group or pack.
The only time you did anything as an individual is when you schooled or raced, and even then, You Were Not Alone.

"Suddenly, he is expected to behave himself in places he's never been taught how to act. He is expected to take responsibility for saying when he needs to go outside, to come when he is called, not to get on some or all of the furniture, and to not eat food off counters and tables. He is dropped in a world that is not his, and totally without warning, at that.

"Almost everything he does is wrong. Suddenly he is a minority. Now he is just a pet. He is unemployed, in a place where people expect him to know the rules and the schedule, even when there aren't any. (How many times have you heard someone say, "He won't tell me when he has to go out." What kind of schedule is that?) Have you heard the joke about the dog who says, "My name is No-No Bad Dog. What's yours?" To me that is not even funny. All the protective barriers are gone. There is no more warning before something happens. There is no more strength in numbers. He wakes up with a monster human face two inches from his. (With some people's breath, this could scare Godzilla!) Why should he not, believe that this "someone," who has crept up on him, isn't going to eat him for lunch? (I really do have to ask you ladies to consider how you would react if someone you barely knew crawled up on you while you were asleep? No, I will not ask for any male input.)

"Now he is left alone, for the first time in his life, in a strange place, with no idea of what will happen or how long it will be beforesomeone comes to him again. If he is not crated, he may go thoughwalls, windows or over fences, desperately seeking something familiar, something with which to reconnect his life. If he does get
free, he will find the familiarity, within himself: the adrenaline high, the wind in his ears, the blood pulsing and racing though hisheart once again - until he crashes into a car.

"Often, the first contact with his new family is punishment, something he's never had before, something he doesn't understand now, especially in the middle of the rest of the chaos. And worst of all, what are the most common human reactions to misbehavior? We live in a violent society, where the answer to any irritation is a slap, punch, kick, whip, or rub your nose in it. Under these circumstances, sometimes I think any successful adoption is a miracle.

"He is, in effect, expected to have all the manners of at least a six-year-old child. But, how many of you would leave an unfamiliar six-year-old human alone and loose in your home for hours at a time and not expect to find who knows what when you got back? Consider that if you did, you could be brought up on charges of child abuse, neglect and endangerment. Yet people do this to greyhounds, and this is often the reason for so many returns.

"How many dogs have been returned because they did not know how to tell the adopter when they had to go out? How many for jumping on people, getting on furniture, counter surfing, separation anxiety, or defensive actions due to being startled or hurt (such as growling or biting? So, let's understand: Sometimes it is the dog's "fault" he cannot fit in. He is not equipped with the social skills of a six-
year-old human but you can teach him. . . With LOVE."

Anonymous

Need a Collar? Check the Closet!

2008-07-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered the Collar Closet. Although collar companies online are numerous, this one is worth checking out for several reasons. The biggest is that the martingales are the most reasonably priced I have come across. A standard greyhound-sized 1.5" is $10. ...

Those of you who know me know my dogs have a collar fetish. We do quite a bit of collar shopping! Those at Collar Closet are made of 100% cotton, so they are soft and easy on the neck; at the same time several layers ensure sturdiness. They are machine washable.

Collar Closet also carries buckle collars for your non-sighthound babies ($7.50), and even kitty collars. Glenda will do personalized martingales for $18. The greyhound standard is 1.5" wide, but martingales are available in 1" or 2" widths by request.

Check out the monthly contest, where you send in photos of your dog in the new collar, and compete to be the star of the month! Judging from the contestants for July - this is a fun and popular event!

A percentage of every sale at Collar Closet goes to support greyhound adoption. Greyhound-lover Glenda, the owner, chooses adorable prints, from watermelon slices to paws to holiday themes, marines and navy, baseball, nurses, you name it. Check them out!

The Collar Closet - http://www.collarcloset.com

$2000 Raised for Colorado Greyhound Adoption

2008-07-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

WOW! The Refund Raffle ended today for CGA at Northcoast Greyhounds, and they announced that a check for $2000 will be sent to CGA! Thanks to those who contributed.

Northcoast Greyhounds continues to offer greyhound-related items for sale and raffle, with 100% of the proceeds going to help greys across the country. Visit their website to see what they have for sale. Don't miss the "screaming monkeys"!

Lure Coursing Photos!

2008-07-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Several of us had a ball, lure coursing on July 12. We started early in the morning when it was cool and overcast. We were finished by the time it got too hot. Although we usually do a Sunday we did Saturday this time, and so didn't have the usual crowd, but the group who were there were great, and in the end Tom reported we saw 40 dogs there!

Malcolm cools off after a hard, but FUN, run around the course! (Photo by Jeanne Highline.)

It's always interesting to see who runs besides the usual sighthounds (borzois, greyhounds, whippets, salukis, afghans, Rhodesian ridgebacks), and Saturday's feature was a boxer....
He actually really tore up the field! We also saw a few herding mixes take a stab at it, and they did fine as well.

Please go see the pictures at http://www.kcssnaps.photoreflect.com/ Click on Fun Run 7/12, and then on "greyhounds" or any other hounds you'd like to see. You will recognize Malcolm and Morgan, Avalon (with Shani Vegoren) and Gracie (with Dr. Lauren Halby). Photos are by KC Thompson, who owns Zoiboyz Ranch along with her husband Tom.

For information about Zoiboyz and the next lure coursings, go to the link under the list at right on this page "Lure Coursing - Zoiboyz Ranch". Come to watch or to run a hound. . . We'd love to have you join us next time!

Renaissance Faire Slideshow, 7/5/08

2008-07-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

We continue to need volunteers every weekend at the Renaissance Faire greyhound booth. As you can see, we have a lot of fun. But the more dogs we can show off, the better to get some adopted this summer. Volunteer for half a day, or more if you like. Costumes aren't a problem - we have some, and you can rent at the faire as well. For further info email Kevin or Susie.

Greyhounds on the Agility Course?

2008-06-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

Having a dog is always more fun if you participate in some doggy activities together. Many people are unaware that greys do compete in agility trials! In fact, more do it all the time. Did you spot the greyhound in the video?

Agility consists of a sort of obstacle course: jumps, tunnels, A-frames, see-saws are set up in ever-varying patterns. The idea of course is speed and accuracy, but most people and their dogs do it simply for the fun of it. It is unusual in that is is a sport to do WITH your grey - unlike lure coursing where you are watching your grey do the work from afar. The classes teach both of you - your grey to handle the obstacles and commands, and you to be the leader . . .

If you have a grey that is high energy, agility may be a great activity. It requires a restless dog to use his brain. It also enforces your position as leader, and enforces obedience. Your dog must learn to read very subtle cues in your body language as you follow her through the course - for instance the direction you turn your shoulders or direct your sight. You also of course use vocal commands.

Several local organizations do agility classes and participate in trials. Here are just a few:

Lucky Dog
Two locations in Colorado Springs.

Friendship Academy
I have taken my border collie to these folks, and was very impressed not only with the classes, but with the trainer's skill in dog obedience. Really qualified trainers, and great classes.

In preparing your grey for a greyt first experience, work on some basic obedience, like sit (if possible!), stay, come. It will save some time and frustration once you get to class.

NOTE: If your grey is reluctant to sit, it may be painful - don't force it. Just substitute a lie down. Also, a good dog trainer will be aware of this issue in greys.

Meet Black Horse Design

2008-06-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

There are many greyt jewelry and art sites, and we plan to profile some for you here! Here is a favorite for Susie: Black Horse Design. Working in their own unique style, Black Horse features some beautiful hand-made jewelry, much of it based on beloved animals they have known.

Check out the greyhound collection - it's to die for. They also carry fun stuff for cat/horse/celtic/nature lovers, and carry some for Irish Wolfhound/Deerhound/Saluki/Whippet people too. They have new designs for donkeys and mules.

But we promise the greyhound line will take your breath away. . .

Renaissance Faire Time Again!

2008-06-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

This weekend marks the third in this year's Renaissance season. Colorado Greyhound Adoption occupies a permanent booth. We need volunteers for ideally 3-4 hour shifts, although any time is much appreciated.

Our booth is comfortable and stays cool and shady in the heat. The dogs just lie around on beds and look elegant and gorgeous. We humans enjoy the atmosphere and the company. There is no admissions charge for a volunteer accompanied by a greyhound, and you are welcome to park in the 'employees' parking area, which cuts down considerably on the walk to your car. It is not difficult to leave the booth for a break, see some of the faire, get some food - leaving your dog behind in good hands.

You are not alone at the booth - several volunteers are scheduled in a slot. You will be sitting, and talking to visitors about the greys, about adopting and about fostering. It's easy and fun!

If you have never experienced the Faire, this is a good way to see it cheaply! Volunteers are expected to dress in the Renaissance spirit - for advice contact Julie and Susie, and please be aware that there is on-site costume rental that is very inexpensive, and an ideal solution if you are nervous about the idea of dressing - they will do it for you. Also, Kevin and CGA keep a number of great costumes, contact Kevin for information on those.

Please consider signing up for a Saturday or Sunday shift! We do ask that you sign up ahead of time. Bring your grey(s) and/or a foster! Contact Kevin to sign up. See more info for volunteers at http://www.scrye.com/~kevin/faire-faqs.html

The Faire will continue every weekend through August 4. For more on the Colorado Renaissance Festival - http://www.coloradorenaissance.com/

Keep Your Dog COOL!

2008-06-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

While taking your grey out to events this summer, leave the house prepared to keep your dog cool. Heat stroke is something that can happen very fast, and if difficult to stop can kill your dog. Greyhounds are especially susceptible to heat stroke.

Dogs at risk of heat stroke register body temps above 102.5° F. At around 109° F, organ damage begins and your dog is seriously in danger of death. Carry a thermometer and some lubricant to check temp (rectally for accuracy!).

Two things contribute to a dog's temperature rising to a dangerous level: heat, and humidity. Heat is more difficult to expel in a humid environment. Although that isn't usually an issue in Colorado weather, do keep aware of it as a factor.

Dogs do not have sweat glands as we do, except for a small few in the pads of their feet. They pant to expel heat through their mouths. They also lose some heat through their ears. Excessive panting means muscles are working hard - and that can cause the dog to actually work up heat!

If your dog is panting excessively and for a long time, keep your eyes open. Try to keep the dog's paws on a cool surface - not hot pavement. Carry a spray bottle, and mist the dog regularly, especially on ears, belly, throat, and under-chest.

If after you have provided shade, mist, water, etc. for your dog he continues to pant hard and long, and refuses to drink, you may want to consider getting professional medical intervention. Signs like stumbling, disorientation or seizure are an extreme emergency.

Leave home with a plan for providing drinking water. Freeze it in the bowl the night before for easy transport. Take along a thermometer and spray bottle. Take a washcloth or towel which can be wetted and used to wipe down the dog. Some folks swear by "cool coats" as the one pictured above. This one comes from WildThingsForGreys.com . . . and Sighthound Gear also carries some nice ones. The object is to wet down these coats and visors and put them on the dog. Have fun, but do it armed with information and keep a vigilant eye on your dog's condition on a hot day.