Greyhound Adoptions of Florida - Latest Blog Entries

The First issue of Greyt News for 2012 is here!

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:56:00 -0500

The first issue of Greyt News for 2012 is fresh off the virtual press! There's a fun, new colorful format, wonderful contributions complete with photos, the progress of the Greyhound Decoupling Bill in the 2012 legislative session, Marilyn's Thoughts for 2012, upcoming events and more. If you didn't receive a copy in your inbox or find the link in your Facebook news feed you can get a copy here now!

All comments, suggestions, ideas are "greyt"fully welcomed. Thanks to our many contributors, this issue and for future issues! If If you

FASCINATING ARTICLE ALERT!

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:24:00 -0500

This month's National Geographic has an amazing story on dogs and how, from a genetic and DNA standpoint this same species evolved into the almost 400 breeds recognized today. Here's the story link: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2012/02/build-a-dog/ratliff-text And here's a fast and fascinating fact: OUR breed, the noble greyhound, has an enormous amount of "Herder" characteristic DNA (herders? our couch potato best friends??) which most likely indicates that greyhounds were used extensively in the creation of the herding breeds. Great article and photos and I highly recommend this!

SB 382 PASSED SENATE COMMITTEE

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:34:00 -0500

Yesterday 26 January the Senate Regulating Committee by a 6-4 vote PASSED the Greyhound Decoupling Bill...SO NOW IT'S ON TO THE FULL FLOOR VOTE IN THE FL SENATE!!! On the FL House of Representatives side, we are expecting the week of 30 Jan that the Business & Consumer Affairs Committee in the House will hear and debate our Bill. SO WE MOVE FORWARD!!!

2012 Florida Legislative Session

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:11:00 -0500

Visit the following page and click on "Bill Tracker" to keep up with the progress : http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0382

1/26/12 The Decoupling Bill, SB 382, passed the first committee in the FL Senate, Regulated Industries, 6-4.

1/17/12 Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach and Rep. Dana Young, R-Tampa, discuss legislation (SB 382, HB 641) that would end the requirement that dog tracks actually offer live dog racing in order to have card rooms

Here's the latest Fact Sheet on Greyhound Racing in Florida: http://www.grey2kusa.org/pdf/DecoupleLiveGreyhoundRacingFL.pdf It's plain to see, it's time for Greyhound Racing to GO.

Greyhound Bill Moves Forward in the Senate!

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:11:00 -0500

The Decoupling Bill, SB 382, has been scheduled in its first committee, FL Senate Regulated Industries for Thursday 26 January at 1:30 PM. Here is the official FL Senate site: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0382 and you can click on "Bill Tracker" to keep up with its progress. And here's the latest Fact Sheet on Greyhound Racing in Florida: http://www.grey2kusa.org/pdf/DecoupleLiveGreyhoundRacingFL.pdf It's plain to see, it's time for Greyhound Racing to GO.

Donations needed for on-line auction by 2/4

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:22:00 -0500

I can't believe it's time for our annual on line auction again! This year's auction crept up on me. We are used to a summer auction every year, but this year's has been scheduled to run on the 12th of February. We must have items ready to be "published" before the 4th of February. That means we desperately need you to send us a picture and description of the item so we can get it to our hardworking volunteers (and I do mean this!) before that date so they can work their magic and present the public with a lovely, fascinating, desirable auction line up!!

All items are welcome though we have found that greyhound or pet related items seem to be most in demand. Please remember that this is one of our major fundraising events for the entire year. It means better medical care, assistance for more greyhounds and the ability for GAF to continue to be the best name in adoption.

You may or may not wish to include shipping costs in the continental USA. That is totally up to you but we encourage you to offer this to the bidding public. People love to get a bonus after bidding high on these items! :-)

You may contact me at mvarnberg@embarqmail.com or Diane Jackson at djackson@snell-levin.com or Laurie Certo (from our SE chapter!) at lcerto5696@aol.com with questions or submissions. (Thank you again, Diane and Laurie for all of your help and time with this project!)

Please consider offering a wonderful item for the greyhound public to bid on. Each winning bid means the beginning of a future for yet another greyhound!

I know this is short notice, but I also know you will all step up to the plate and help our Florida dogs once again.

~Marilyn and those who waitPrince, now known as Tigger, whose life you helped save with your donations. This very special tripod is awaiting his therapy dog certification so he can visit hospitals and "talk" to children who face limb amputation. Way to go, Tigger DeLisle. We are so proud of you!

ON THE FLORIDA POLITICAL SCENE

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:08:00 -0500

THE EFFORT TO PASS THE GREYHOUND DECOUPLING BILL is well underway. This is Round Two on the bill that overwhelmingly passed both FL Senate and House of Representatives in the last session but was NOT pushed for a final vote before the session closed so despite the strong support, it did not succeed. BUT, we're back and we're determined that this will be The Year. Just to recap:

The Decoupling Bill will allow dog track owners to opt out of live racing -- this business is unprofitable at many tracks as well as widely unpopular (thanks to everyone who has vocally come out against dog racing and our numbers are growing...YAY). Leading the "push to pass" are, again, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the ASPCA and Grey2K USA, the advocacy organization whose goal is nothing less than the complete abolition of the institutionalized horror that is greyhound racing.

Bills have been introduced in both the FL Senate, SB 382 and in the FL House, HB 641, which are either identical or virtually identical to the bills that passed both bodies last year. The primary bill sponsors are also the same: the exceptional Representative Dana Young of District 57, Tampa, and in the Senate, the dedicated and hard-working State Senator Maria Sachs, District 30, parts of Broward & Palm Beach counties. The Florida Legislative session began on 10 January and lasts for 2 months. During this time those of us who can take the time will be in Tallahassee lobbying for these bills.

What can all concerned FL residents do? EMAIL AND CALL! To get your State Senator's full contact information, use this site: http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/Find and for your Representative's information, this site: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx then click on the FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE subhead, complete the required information which is street address, city and zip code. All Florida Legislators are at their Tallahassee offices through 9 March, so that's the best number to us. One phone call is worth dozens of emails...and it's easy to do. You most likely will not get the elected official but a staff member is just as good. Give your name & address, so they will know you are a constituent, and just say:

Please support HB 641 the Greyhound Bill (for your Representative) OR Please support SB 382 the Greyhound Bill (for your Senator), because this issue is very important to everyone concerned with animal welfare which is a GREAT proportion of your constituency. Thank them very much.

And that's it...last year I made 46 phone calls in less than 1/2 hour so this doesn't take a lot of time.

NOT a FL resident? You can still help. In a very concrete way...yes...donations. It is enormously expensive to fund a full scale lobbying campaign and there is a paid, full time professional lobbyist hard at work now in Tallahassee. There are also printed materials that need to be furnished and other expenses...phone/fax/etc...it's a huge effort. If you'd like to help, here's the easiest way to do it: http://www.grey2kusa.org/give/donate.html And the Grey2K USA site has all the updated information on racing, Action Alerts, and encouragingly, how the directed efforts of a small band of highly committed people are relentlessly chipping away at greyhound racing. Visit their facebook site as well for all the up to date FL Campaign information.

It was my honor to be asked to be one of the Florida Coordinators for this year's campaign. And now I'm asking for your help. Call, email, donate...and write or call me, Joyce Carta, 352-402-0412 joyce@joycecarta.com if you'd like to be part of the Lobbying Effort in Tallahassee. WE WILL GET THIS DONE THIS YEAR!!

Thank you. And, hug your greyhound(s)...they're all the lucky ones because their paths ultimately brought them to YOU.

For FL Greyhound People!! Humane Lobby Day is Almost Here

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:23:00 -0500

Humane Lobby Day is coming up soon...17 January in Tallahassee. This is the annual event organized by the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the U.S., co-sponsored by Grey2K USA, and it's your chance to learn about lobbying, then meet with your Representatives and their aides to promote the most important Bill to affect FL racing greyhounds IN YEARS. The Greyhound Decoupling Bill, if passed, will give track owners the option to offer OR NOT live dog racing while still keeping the other more popular, more lucrative forms of gambling. Amazingly Animal Welfare activists are on the same side as greyhound track owners in this -- we both want to see this passed. This same bill passed both FL Houses last session but unfortunately ran out of session time for it to be approved. We've got at least the same amount of support that we had last year and Humane Lobby Day is our Kick-Off Event. IF you would like to attend, please read full details here: http://action.humanesociety.org/site/Calendar/82779881?view=Detail&id=105221 It's a no-cost event but to go you need to be pre-registered by 12 January. I am attending and I have room for one person in my (little but comfy!) car and would be happy to have company on the drive to/from Tallahassee. I will be leaving around 5:30 AM on the 17th as it's about a 3-hour trip. I would expect to be back early evening. If you'd like to go, PLEASE REGISTER before 12 January. And if you'd like to ride with me please email to joyce@joycecarta.com OR call 352-402-0412. Thank you!

Save the Date for the 2nd Annual Extreme Bowling for Greyhounds Event!

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:42:00 -0500

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW

or CALL:

CAROL BELLAVIA – 352-753-6563 (anglia48@aol.com) or

MARGE CURTIS – 352-259-2755

Download the event flyer to print or share

Happy New Year from Jerry Murray Schwartz McClure Varnberg!

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:38:00 -0500

Seven years ago this past fall, Bob and I took in a badly damaged greyhound puppy who ended up with a very long name. (Thank you, Chelle!!!)

After seven surgeries we found ourselves with the most loving, amazing greyhound with three legs and some pretty interesting scar patterns all over his body and two front feet that had almost every toe broken.

You all know how much Bob loved this boy and now how Jerry and I are attached at the hip.....Kelly took some wonderful video of him yesterday and I wanted to share it with you. This boy is 8 years old and has barely slowed down. He loves life and adores everyone he meets. He constantly reminds me that what's important is not what you are missing, but what you do with what you have.

Happy New Year everyone!

~Marilyn

YOUR HOLIDAY PICTURES!!

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:18:00 -0500

I know so many of you very talented photographers have taken inexpressibly adorable Holiday Photos of your dogs. Please consider sending them to Greyt News for publication in our next issue! Please send them to Joyce, joyce@joycecarta.com and please include your name, your dog(s)'s name(s) and if you want to include a caption, so much the better!! Thanks to you all and Happy New Year!

12 Days of Greys

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:22:00 -0500

For those of you who enjoyed our 12 Days of Greys series, here's a re-cap with some exciting updates!

(Click on the photos for details about each greyhound)

Happy Holidays from all of us at Grey Haven!

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:11:00 -0500

Savannah
A Christmas Miracle

This is the time of year that we celebrate the holidays with our loved ones and are filled with good will to all. This is also the time of year that I reflect on what 2011 has brought us and wonder what 2012 will bring. It's a time of joy and good food and drink and laughter. All shared with the people we love. It's the time that all the greyhounds here at the farm know that they get special treats sent from all over the country and if they are REALLY good, they get a Holiday turkey, made special for them! Well, we don't have the pleasure of watching the children open gifts on Christmas morning, so years ago, Bob would cook a turkey and we would share it with all the dogs and watch the look of anticipation on their faces when they smelled dinner! It's a tradition I continue to this day.

I want to share my Christmas miracle with you. Almost 13 years ago, Bob and I took a litter of 7 "oops" pups from a local greyhound farm to raise. It was an experience I don't care to repeat but they sure did make us laugh in between the tears of frustration! Two of the little girls were adopted by a woman in North Carolina who was well know in the adoption and lure coursing circles. She was thrilled to be able to start two greyhounds on a coursing career at a young age. Over the years I lost track of her only to hear that she was accused of hoarding and over 40 dogs were taken from her home by the authorities. She and her husband were prosecuted to the degree possible in that state and the dogs were all confiscated. I frantically called each group, trying to find my girls as they would have been the only dogs not tattooed. I was told at each call that no dogs without tattoos were found. I mourned for the puppies that I put in harms way and allowed to suffer a horrible life.

The call came one day that "my" girls were safe. They had so many ticks in their ears that their caretakers thought they had tattoos. We brought our Scarlett and Savannah home as soon as they were healthy enough to travel. Scarlett immediately went into a home with one of her litter-mates in Lakeland and lived a happy life until cancer took her a few years ago. Savannah went to live with two of her other litter-mates up north.

I thought I had again done the right thing and found out last month that Savannah was again being given up at almost 13 years of age! Thanks to wonderful volunteers, Savannah hitched a ride from Philly to Grey Haven and is now part of the wonderful mix of misfits that I share my home and my life with. Full circle for this beautiful, tiny little greyhound. I owe her a joyful life. I owe her for everything she was denied for almost 13 years. We don't always get a second chance to right a wrong but what better time of year for this to happen?

And, yes, that's her picture at the top of the page!

Thank you all for caring about our greyhounds and for all you have done for so many this past year. May this holiday be a happy, healthy one for you and may you know that we are blessed to have you as friends.

From Savannah and all the amazing Grey Haven dogs, we wish you the best there is in life....for that is what you have given us.

~Marilyn

Goodbye Maple

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:33:00 -0500

Oh Maple, how I hated that they gave you up at 13…the only home you had ever known. I cried when I saw your emaciated body and your rotten teeth.

You came with your “sister” greyhound, Ruby…she too was thin and starving but she seemed stronger than you. She had two ear infections and you insisted on mothering her by licking her ears. I could tell you needed each other.

I hated that you wanted to run and you fell, too weak to do what all greyhounds love doing. But I marveled that you wobbled outside and watched the squirrels chatter in the big tree, your ears up straight and alert.

I watched you two girls eat….and eat…..and eat! I watched Ruby gain weight and strength daily but you struggled for every ounce.

I hated that your coat had never been brushed and your hair started to fall out and you needed a bath so desperately. I hated that you were so beautiful and proud and stubborn and no one appreciated how amazingly special you were. I loved brushing your coat and watching the huge clumps of dead, dull fur go flying in the breeze….I loved seeing the soft fur underneath begin to shine.

How I loved watching you curl one paw over your ear while you slept…..I prayed your dreams were happy ones.

I loved watching you become part of my family...no longer dependent on Ruby, but looking for me or Jerry or even Max.

I loved seeing the scale move a tiny bit every time we weighed you…..success was an ounce, not a pound. I think you knew I was so proud of you.

I couldn’t cook enough for you….I loved watching you enjoy every mouthful. I loved watching you blossom…..I was smug….we beat the odds….we made you healthy…..you were going to have years as an old lady in a home full of wonderful misfits. But I hated the limp I saw….I prayed , I begged, I promised anything if it would go away. I hated that it got worse, quickly. I hated to see you struggle again….feeble…..but so darn proud…..never a whimper…..not a sound.

I hated to see the light go out of your eyes when you went to that place where “they” promised me you would be young and whole again. I would love to think that is true…..it’s the only gift I could give you.

I love you Maple Sugar, Maple Syrup, Maple Tree….I love that I got to share even such a short time with you. I hate that you are gone….four months was not enough.

~Marilyn

Trim-a-Virtual-Tree for Our Greyhounds!

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:42:00 -0500

Jerry Murray wishes all his tripod greyhound friends a Happy Holiday!!!

Roper wanted to send his friend Jerry a Jolly Ball.

Joley (formerly Joleen) and her family wish all of her GAF friends and families a wonderful holiday season!

In memory of Sue

Merry Christmas to the Hounds from Greyhound Amy!

Merry Christmas from the Certo Family Greyhounds...Franky, Joanie & Ebby and In loving memory of Deacon & Bella Certo

Merry Christmas from Kathy & Chris!

Merry Christmas from Sam (York) and Maggie (Blue)!

Merry Christmas from Jake, Daisy, & Cheery and Amy who hopes her friends all find Jolly homes soon!

Happy Holidays from a very special friend

Happy Holidays to all the hounds, in memory of Andre and to celebrate Kool's forever home

Merry Christmas Bunny!

On behalf of his cousins, Dascher & Dale, Spirit wishes all the Grey Haven kids a very Merry Christmas

In memory of our dearest Brice, 4/19/01 - 12/5/11

In memory of my broods Dolcie, Suzie and Kami

Dascher & Dale wish all their friends a very Merry Christmas & the happiest of New Years

In memory of Glitter & Gator

Wishing you and all the pups a very Happy Holiday, Love Kerri, Abel & Debbie

Tigger's story

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:07:00 -0500

Tigger, formerly known as Prince

Tigger is a 3 year old retired racing greyhound who was adopted in August 2011. He has a tragic history but he doesn’t let it get him down! In June 2011 he was still racing and had an accident on the track resulting in a compound fracture on the hock of his rear right leg. His leg was bandaged by the kennel staff and through a series of miscommunications never got medical care. Tigger’s wound was left unattended for two weeks and became dirty, infested and seriously infected.

After two weeks a rescue group came to the track to rescue several dogs released for retirement. They were not told that one was seriously injured. When they saw Tigger and how horribly infected and painful his leg was he was rushed to the emergency vet hospital where they had no option but to amputate the entire leg.

After just a couple of days after his surgery he was up and about and learning balance. He flourished under the care of the rescue group founder and a month and a half later made the trip from Florida to Delaware to come live with us.

Tigger is so happy and doesn’t let anything slow him down. He smiles, jumps with all three feet in the air for dinner, races laps around the yard, and plays with stuffies like there is no tomorrow. He is a true survivor and lives life to the fullest! He is our inspiration and we love him so much!
Thank you to Tigger's mom, Valerie, for sharing his story and letting us know how well he has adjusted to life in a loving home!

Grey Haven exists because of your generosity

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:17:00 -0400

Grey Haven exists because of your generosity. Each dog gets that chance for a future because someone has made a donation. All adoption groups rely on the kindness of others to continue the work they love. The only difference here is the expense of keeping Grey Haven operating and, like everything else, the monthly expenses are becoming a bit difficult to keep up with. Food now costs us $32 a bag and we use at least a dozen bags a month plus the cost of food we cook to keep some of the special needs dogs healthy.

Without having any broken leg dogs here, our vet bill still averages between $1500 and $3000 a month depending on how many new dogs we bring in. Please remember we do more blood work and more testing than most groups. Our electric bill ran over $700 a month this past summer…..what a shocker that was! We have rent, insurance, auto maintenance, gas, general farm repairs, tree trimming, lawn care, phone bills and the occasional huge project like rewiring a good part of the electrical system or putting in a new well when the old one caved in. It’s a never ending job to keep Grey Haven safe for dogs and humans alike.

I am often overwhelmed by the generosity of so many of you, but like us, your expenses are constantly rising and that means that our donations have continued to fall a bit more each year. Our income last year was almost half of what it was 4 years ago. And that means fewer special needs dogs, fewer broken legs and fewer dogs in general come here. If the money is not here the dogs can’t be either. That’s the sad reality of life right now.

I don’t ask for help easily but this is for the greyhounds. This is for those already here and those who are waiting to come and begin the best part of their lives. Your dog, the one that you love so much and are so proud of, is alive because someone made a donation at the right time that allowed us to bring him/her here. Would you be so kind as to put your hand in your pocket once again and help one more dog to be ready when you come back for another?

To make giving easier, we have had an amazing offer from one of you who asks to remain anonymous. For every dollar over each $25 donation, that dollar amount will be matched by this friend so that no dog is turned away. If you donate a total of $150, that means GAF will receive an extra check for $125, bringing the total to $275! This offer will run until January 15, 2012. Limit for each donation is $125 over the initial $25 gift. Imagine what we can do with bonus, unexpected money all because of the generosity of one kind person! A broken leg, an old dog that now has no place to go after living her life in a home, six more sick dogs from a track who other wise would be put on the kill truck if no one has the room or the money to help them.

This is the time to help. The time when your donation can mean even more to so many greyhounds! From all of us here at the farm, our sincere thanks for your support. To our anonymous friend….thank you for your amazing offer. And to all of you, please come visit, the kids love company! Come see what you all have helped to make a reality for hundreds and hundreds of greyhounds.

~Marilyn
Co-founder and President of GAF

Make a tax-deductible donation - 100% of your donation will support our mission of finding new homes for retired racing greyhounds.

Please be sure to enter the name and e-mail or mailing address of the recipient in the special instruction field so we can send notification of your gift in honor or memoriam.

Greyt News is here!

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:54:00 -0400

The NEW newsletter is fresh off the virtual press! There's a fun, colorful format, wonderful contributions by so many AND a very moving article by a dear friend of GAF, Judy Paulsen, on her visit to Grey Haven 3 years ago. Best of all, in Marilyn's "Thoughts from the farm" there's fantastic news of a matching donation opportunity, and this truly could not have come at a better time. If you didn't receive a copy in your inbox or find the link in your Facebook news feed you can get a copy here now!

All comments, suggestions, ideas are gratefully welcomed, and many many thanks to all contributors, this issue and future issues! If If you

It's a Bling-Bling Benefit! Bling yourselves, Bling your pets, Benefit the Greyhounds!

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:20:00 -0400

Furry-Baby Fashions is teaming up with Lia Sophia Jewelry to benefit Greyhound Adoptions of Florida!

This is a great way to kick off your holiday shopping!

For the month of October, take advantage of an incredible sale at Lia Sophia and get a "Buy One Collar Get One Free" coupon from Furry-Baby Fashions with your order. All of the jewelry proceeds and 15% of the collar proceeds goes to the Greyhounds courtesy of Jeanine Certo and Julie King.

Lia Sophia October Super Sale!

Purchase one item at regular price and get two (most expensive) items at 50% off! Plus, we've reduced the prices on 27 of our most desired styles for this month only. Check out the website for details and the sale flyer for a sneak peak of the October specials. All pieces are backed by Lia Sophia's Lifetime Replacement Guarantee. Don't miss out...place your order by October 28!

Visit www.liasophia.com/jcerto and enter "Julie King" as the hostess.

Save the date! Carrabba's Fundraiser luncheon in Lady Lake, FL on 11/4

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 11:28:00 -0400

WHAT: Carrabba’s Italian Grill fundraiser luncheon

WHEN: Friday, November 4, 2011 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: 650 Hwy. 441-Rolling Hills Plaza, The Villages, FL (map)

WHY: Eat delicious food, visit with friends and help Greyhound Adoptions of Florida’s injured, retired and adoptable greyhounds.

MENU: Chicken Marsala, Caesar salad, bread, non-alcoholic beverage and dessert.

VEGETARIAN OPTION: For vegetarians, an alternate vegetarian entrée, Tagliarini Picchi Pacchiu (pasta in a sauce of crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and basil) is available on request.

Bar will be open on a cash basis.

Table service will begin at 11:00 a.m., one seating only, and will end at 1:00 p.m., as dinner service at the restaurant begins at 3:00 p.m.. This will give guests arriving later to complete their meals at leisure. Join us for a delicious meal (at a great price - purchased off the menu it would cost approx. $30.00!) that will benefit the greyhounds in GAF's care.

There will be some greyhounds outside to meet with you on your way out and in, and our volunteers will be happy to answer any questions about greyhounds as pets.

Carrabba's is located on Hwy. 441 in front of the Target Plaza in the Villages, FL. (map)

GAF is a registered 501-C (3) foundation and your donation is tax deductible. A receipt stub will be on your ticket.

All of us at Greyhound Adoptions of Florida wish to thank the wonderful folks, especially John Siple , Proprietor; at Carrabba's Italian Grill, Lady Lake FL for his generosity and help in hosting this fund raising event.