Here's GAFNE volunteer and greyhound owner Amy's story and pictures about her Spring 2009 visit to Grey Haven.
My husband and I adopted our first greyhound, Ulan, from Greyhound Adoptions of Florida (GAF) in September 2008.
Ulan broke his leg racing in June 2008 and GAF was contacted to see if they were able could take him. Most of the greyhounds rescued by GAF spend some time at Grey Haven before they settle in with their new family or foster family.
However, Ulan could not go to Grey Haven because at the time there were already three other broken leg dogs at Grey Haven, Dancing Bug, Cowboy and Rosie, and that was the maximum number that could be taken care of at one time.
Luckily, GAF was willing to financially support Ulan’s recovery, if someone else could foster him during the process. One of the many wonderful GAF volunteers, Kathy, was willing to take Ulan into her home and care for him until his leg healed and he was ready to be adopted.
Because my family lives in Pennsylvania, we have been able to volunteer with the Northeast Chapter of GAF (GAFNE), but hadn’t had the chance to witness first hand how the greyhound rescue process begins.
My husband and I were fortunate enough to visit Grey Haven in March 2009, while Ulan had a sleep-over party at Kathy’s house.
Upon arriving at Grey Haven, we were graciously greeted by 15 adoptable greyhounds, all of Marilyn’s greyhounds and her two silly whippets, named Chip and Dale.
I asked Marilyn how she started Greyhound Adoptions of Florida. She said that it was not something she had planned; but that it all began when she and her late husband Bob adopted their first greyhound.
Marilyn told us that the land where Grey Haven is located used to be a breeding farm and about how she and Bob started Freedom’s Garden in memory of a little black greyhound named Freedom.
While visiting Grey Haven, we were also able to watch the famous Jerry Murray play with his jolly-ball, and to hear stories about Marilyn’s dogs, including the story about how hard she fought to rescue Luke and about Loopy, who loves to sing.
Although many of these dogs have had a tough beginning, it was not evident by all of the wagging tails and smiling dogs at Grey Haven. Each dog was so friendly and happy, as if they knew how lucky they were to be at Grey Haven and that their life was about to change.
Going to Grey Haven has shown me a different part of the greyhound rescue process that I had not experienced before. Seeing what a beautiful and loving place Grey Haven is has strengthened my commitment to help greyhound rescue, GAF and GAFNE.
Marilyn and Bob, as well as countless volunteers, have worked so hard to create this wonderful haven for greyhounds and to make it possible for these dogs to start the new life that they deserve. Thank you so much for all of your hard-work and for opening your home to us!
-Amy
P.S. Check out all of my pictures from my Grey Haven trip!
Post a Comment