Greyhound Adoptions of Florida - Latest Blog Entries

Minnie is blossoming into a sweet and happy greyhound

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:50:00 -0500

This tiny little girl (51 lb.) came to us out of a shelter. We found she is heartworm positive and we will be treating for this condition so she will be here at Grey Haven for at least the next three months.

She was totally petrified when we picked her up but it didn't take long to see that all she craved was some human kindness. In the few days that she has been here we can see her blossoming into a sweet, happy greyhound who is grateful to be safe and clean and comfortable.

And to show what a small "greyhound" world this is, many, many years ago, Minnie's mother came to Grey Haven and found a family of her own! So now we can do the same for Minnie!

To learn more about Runner and/or Greyhound Adoptions of Florida's adoption process, e-mail me at mvarnberg@embarqmail.com or call (352) 671-5333.

Hooray for Bear: A permanent home

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:48:00 -0500

After waiting a long, long time, Bear as been adopted and is in his new home!

Way to go Bear. We will miss you at Grey Haven, but you are welcome to visit anytime.

Runner: Handsome boy who loves people

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:12:00 -0500

Runner is a very handsome boy who truly loves his humans! He is active, playful, full of fun and ready for a family who will enjoy his silly personality. He gets along with the other dogs and will live with cats.

To learn more about Runner and/or Greyhound Adoptions of Florida's adoption process, e-mail me at mvarnberg@embarqmail.com or call (352) 671-5333.

P.S. We're still in need of donations for our upcoming online auction. Click here and help greyhounds in need today!

Dascher and Dale featured in Take Your Dog to Work Day article

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:49:00 -0500

Dascher and Dale, who were adopted by GAFNE volunteer Kelly Bateman, are featured in an awesome piece for Take Your Dog to Work Day.

"On occasion my two retired racer greyhounds accompany me to the office where I work for a small business. The ability to bring them in as needed or just because is a highly valued perk. The benefits are many, drawbacks are few, if any. So long as the hound is a well behaved one and none of your co-workers is allergic or adverse to the idea, it can be a highly rewarding experience for everyone in the office."

Read the article: Working harder when dogs come to work

Please meet Cheyenne

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:50:00 -0500

Cheyenne is a little brindle girl with a huge heart!! She loves the world and is thrilled to meet new friends.

She is perfect with the other dogs here at Grey Haven and is just a happy, happy greyhound.

Life is an adventure for her. Cheyenne spent a few years in a vet's office as a blood donor and is more than ready to find a special couch of her very own. Not sure about cats yet!

Please take a second to write a message to Cheyenne on her wall and let her know what a pretty girl she is.

To learn more about Cheyenne and/or Greyhound Adoptions of Florida's adoption process, e-mail me at mvarnberg@embarqmail.com or call (352) 671-5333.

P.S. We're still in need of donations for our upcoming online auction. Click here and help greyhounds in need today!

Your help needed: Donations for GAFNE online auction

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:49:00 -0500

Thanks to Alisha Navarro, Mary LaHam and our BurpDogLady, Diane Jackson, GAF will again be the beneficiary of a super-bigger-than-life online auction!!!

We will begin this biggest and best auction on Sunday, July 5 and end it on Monday night, July 13. It's not just the highest bidders who make auctions like this a success ... it really starts with those special folks who donate the most wonderful items known to man!!

HOW YOU CAN HELP: We NEED stuff...really good stuff from all of you. No pressure here, but remember, the future of so many wonderful greyhounds depends on your donations first.

All we ask is that you take a digital picture of what you are donating. We need the picture along with a wonderful description and all of this needs to be e-mailed to Diane by Friday, June 26, 2009.

Please let us know if you are willing to pay for postage to ship the item also.

These auctions are not easy to do and we welcome the wonderful Mary LaHam who is spending all her spare time learning the software! This will be her first auction and we hope that you will be kind to her and have all the proper information in to Diane in time for her to organize it and send it on to Mary.

Everyone involved with these auctions volunteers their time ... above and beyond what they already give to the greyhound community. Let's make this one easy for everyone and a huge success for our dogs. This economy has hit us hard and we are struggling to do what's best for all the dogs at Grey Haven. Their futures depend on you!!!

If you have questions, please email me or Diane.

Thanks to all of you from me and all the Grey Haven kids including the wonderful Essie (pictured above) ... a ten year old brood who is waiting for that special home ... thanks to your generosity, she will leave here healthy and happy!!

Ebony: Sneak peak at Grey Haven recent arrival

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:25:00 -0500

Ebony is a recent arrival at Grey Haven. We're still getting her info added to the site, but we wanted share a sneak peak of this beautiful dog.

About Ebony: Ebony is a race track drop out! She had no desire to chase the lure but sure does love to chase the other dogs around the yard!

She is young, not yet two, very active, loves to go after all the squirrels and is not very experienced socially. People are still something she is trying to figure out.

She would be most secure in a family that has another dog and is willing to take the time to teach her that being a pet greyhound is fun and nothing is going to happen to her.

For more information about Ebony and/or Greyhound Adoptions of Florida's adoption process, e-mail Marilyn Varnberg.

The Greyhound's Attitude to Life

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:10:00 -0500

I wish I could have the greyhound's atttitude towards life - that wonderful sense that allows them to go off on another adventure when they find a forever home. They get into a vehicle with yet another stranger and off they go, seemingly content and anticipating the best. Not that I am advocating getting into cars with strangers - but I do so admire how these dogs, most not having had the best experiences with humans, (until they got to Grey Haven, that is!) simply accept what situation confronts them and blithely go forward into a whole new life. I wonder if we could all learn something from this? Acceptance, anticipation of the best and a willing attitude to go forward. Sounds like a plan to me!

Everyone falls in love with Celebrity

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:00:00 -0500

Celebrity is one special little girl! She is a lover; it is doubtful that she has ever met a stranger.

Celebrity is happy and active and gets along with all the other dogs here at Grey Haven; male and female! She will also be able to live with cats.

Everyone who meets Celebrity falls in love with her ... and we are really enjoying her here in the kennel!!

Celebrity is looking forward to the day that she meets her adoptive family. She will make a great addition to a family!

To learn more about Celebrity and/or Greyhound Adoptions of Florida's adoption process, e-mail me at mvarnberg@embarqmail.com or call (352) 671-5333.

>>> Write a message to Celebrity on her wall

A New Crop is in.....

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:18:00 -0500

When I visited Grey Haven last Sunday, I met the "new crop" of home-seeking greyhounds. Most of our old favorites have found their forever homes and this new crop has moved in to take their spaces.

There is Cheyenne, Celebrity, Shiloh. Ebony, Cole, two gorgeous broods and more. I am sure their pics will appear soon on the website. They are a sweet bunch - full of life and enthusiasm and all looking for their special person. A mixed "bouquet" of boys and girls in various colors and styles. Come see!

Barb P

Cole: Small boy, big heart

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:34:00 -0500

This very handsome young greyhound came to Grey Haven at the end of May and has settled right in!! Cole was a little shy at first but once he gets to know you he is happy and playful!!

He hasn't had a lot of experience with crowds of people so someone needs to show him that life is fun and safe. He loves to lean on you and is happy to bring you a stuffie to try to entice you to play.

Cole is a small boy and would fit perfectly into a family that loves the boys but cannot handle a huge male! Still not sure whether he likes cats or not but is fine with the whippets here at Grey Haven.

For more information about Cole or any of our adoptable greyhounds, e-mail Marilyn Varnberg: mvarnberg@embarqmail.com.

You can also write a message to Cole on his wall and/or consider sponsoring Cole as he waits to be placed in his adoptive home .

Look at all these wonderful greyhounds

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:00:00 -0500

We've amassed quite a few pictures of greyhounds, GAF events and Grey Haven over the last year.

Check out all our pictures on our photos homepage or click on the Daisy picture below. (You can also susbcribe to our photos rss feed and get instant notification when there's new pics!)

And of course, check out our adoptable dogs to see the herd at Grey Haven; you can even write individual messages to the greyhounds on their wall!

Greyt News June '09 edition is here

Sun, 31 May 2009 11:46:00 -0500

Summer is here, which means it's time for another issue of our newsletter, Greyt News.

Here's a sampling of what editor Barb P. has this time around:

-GAF Extreme Makeover featuring Karla

-A visit to Freedom's Garden and reflection on how greyhounds touch our lives everyday

-Greyhounds in Gettysburg recap

-Summer reads and delicious cheesecake recipe

-How Runner, Fannie and Rina came together

Click here for the Summer '09 edition of Greyt News.

GAFNE doggie wash, Saturday, June 13, 2009

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:47:00 -0500

Is your dog in need of a bath? We can help!

Come join Greyhound Adoptions of Florida's Northeast chapter (adoptagrey.org) for its summer Doggie Wash in Hockessin, Delaware.

When: Saturday, June 13, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Where: Concord Pet Food and Supplies, 697 Yorklyn Rd., Hockessin, DE (map)

What: Wash and towel dry your pet! All breeds and sizes welcome. Proceeds benefit GAFNE and help us continue our mission of finding responsible and loving homes for retired racing greyhounds.

Fee: $15.00 per dog.

Contact: For more info e-mail Lisa Fontalbert.

Click here for a printable flyer

Help us spread the word! Use the Share This function below to add to your Facebook account, etc.

GAF greyhound Katie featured on dogoftheday.com

Wed, 27 May 2009 15:49:00 -0500

Katie, a greyhound who found her forever home through Greyhound Adoptions of Florida, was a featured dog on dogoftheday.com!

From Katie's Dog of the Day profile:

"Katie is the most loveable and social creature, and she and I were meant to be together. I had unexpectedly lost my first greyhound just weeks prior - my sweet, beautiful Rita - and decided I needed to get away.

I planned a drive to Florida to visit my friend, Michelle. She called that very night, before I even told her I was coming to visit. Michelle had just returned from Greyhound Adoptions of Florida, a rescue farm near her home run by a very devoted and special woman, Marilyn Varnberg.

Michelle told me all about this lovely, young brindle girl she had just seen at the farm, and the next thing I knew I was arranging with Marilyn to pick up my new girl, Katie."

Congrats to Katie and GAFSE adoptive mom Tracy!

Greyhound Adoptions of Florida RSS feeds

Tue, 26 May 2009 18:55:00 -0500

Lisa wants you to know that Greyhound Adoptions of Florida currently has three RSS feeds available:

Blog
Photos
Forum

Tip: Try Google Reader for an easy-to-use RSS reader. It's free!

Letter from Pete w/ awesome photos

Fri, 22 May 2009 14:52:00 -0500

Here's a letter that Pete, a greyhound placed with an adoptive family through Greyhound Adoptions of Florida, wrote to his "Grandma Marilyn."

Dear Grandma,

I had mommie take some pictures of my day at home on a warm Spring day in Kentucky so that you can see how rough my life has become.

Daddy takes me everywhere with him almost and when I can not go I cry but at home I have a baby sitter- my Uncle Richard. He use to work for mommie and daddy but is in college now. He lives with us because this is a better home for him.

I have two sisters now- BB and Cleo. Mommie calls them cats but I don't know what that means. I love my sisters and they love me too. They sleep in Richard's room at night but in the morning after breakfast I go back to bed there until Cleo wakes me up.

My brother Chico and I play alot. We have our own couch in the family room. Just for me and him. We went to the Drive In theatre last week to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua. Chico's cousins were in it. We also go to Sonic every Tuesday night. Chico and I order French Fries, but daddy eats most of them.

Here we are hanging out together:

I have a real big backyard and a fenced in pasture where I get to run and play with daddy or my Greyhound friend Hector when Aunt Jessie brings him over. It's fun. Daddy and I have a special rope toy we toss around in the pasture and I carry it out there all by myself.

We get to stay home until the end of next month then we get to travel again. I like my truck. It has a special made back seat bed just for me and Chico. And I have made lots of new friends at the horse shows. Human kind, horse kind, dog kind and even a traveling cat friend named Moxey. My picture has been in 3 magazines, mommie says that is good because it will help my cousins with you. I hope so.

Here I am enjoying some ice cream with Chico:

I miss you alot Grandma but am real glad you found me mommie, daddy, Chico, BB, Cleo, and Richard to take care of. They say they are glad too. Hope you like my pictures each one has a title to tell you a story. Well it's time for my noon nap.

I love you Grandma,
Pete

P.S. Chico wants to know are you his grandma too now?

GAFNE Music Fest Fundraiser, June 20, 2009

Fri, 22 May 2009 13:03:00 -0500

Come join Greyhound Adoptions of Florida's Northeast chapter (adoptagrey.org) for its first ever Music Fest Fundraiser in Wilmington, Delaware.

When: Saturday, June 20, 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight.

Where: Wings to Go Ballroom, 1800 W. 6th St., Wilmington, DE (map)

What: Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and one complimentary drink between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. From 8pm to midnight, it's music by The Cameltones, Kyle Swartzwelder and Montana Wildaxe. Plus door prizes!

Admission: $15.00 online in advance (buy now), $20.00 at the door.

Contact: For more info e-mail Lois Houff.

Click here for a printable flyer

Help us spread the word! Use the Share This function below to add to your Facebook account, etc.

Karla: Loving home wanted for this smart, loyal greyhound

Thu, 21 May 2009 16:06:00 -0500

Karla had either broken a hock or ruptured her Achilles tendon years ago when she was on the track.

Karla used to struggle as she tried to run and play and experienced pain and discomfort as she went about her daily routine.

Over the years we have taken dogs from the track with this sort of injury and fixed each of them well.

We have found some dogs with this injury that had healed like this and again, even with years passing, we have been able to help give the dog back it's mobility.

Here is how Karla looked with her broken leg:

She came to Grey Haven in Fall 2008 and shortly thereafter had surgery to restore mobility in her leg.

Here is Karla after surgery, with her leg beginning the healing process:

The post-surgery results are a huge improvement!!!

While her leg is not perfect, Karla gained roughly an 80% correction.

Here's how she looks now after surgery:

Karla is quite the different lady since she has healed from her surgery.

She is now able to keep up with the other dogs in the yard. She has no trouble chasing squirrels to the fence. And she can dig a cool spot in the sand in a heartbeat! Karla is not fond of cats but should be able to live with smaller dogs peacefully.

Karla is strong minded, smart and loves to be near the people she cares about. The only thing she asks for (besides a good dinner!) is a fenced yard.

Since her leg will never be perfect, it will be easier for Karla to get her exercise at her own pace in a yard rather than trying to walk on cement all the time.

Karla has waited a long time for a family of her own ... and she really deserves it!

>>> See Karla's photogallery
>>> Write a message to Karla on her wall
>>> Sponsor Karla while she waits to be adopted

To learn more about Karla and Greyhound Adoptions of Florida's adoption process, please e-mail Marilyn Varnberg at mvarnberg@embarqmail.com.

GAFNE 2009 picnic photo gallery

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:48:00 -0500

Thanks to everyone who helped make GAFNE's sixth annual picnic a success and fun time. Mmmmmmm. Cake.

Check out the GAFNE 2009 picnic photo gallery!

If you have picnic pics, drop me a line at dmcgurgan@gmail.com.