by Laurie Walz
Many of you have been following the dramatic events in the life of young Greyhound pup Alaska, who suffered a fractured leg with complications before he entered the Steel City Greyhounds adoption program. He underwent several surgeries, endured painful physical therapy and a long recovery. It was always unclear whether he would be able to walk again, or even keep his leg.
We are pleased to announce here that, thanks to your concern and generosity, Alaska has fully recovered, although he will inevitably suffer from early onset arthritis.
Mr Alaska has asked us to release the following statement to the public:
Dear Friends:
There is an old saying, 'If you want someone to feed you an omelet, you have to break a leg.'
The Chinese philosopher Shih Tsu wrote that there is a yin and yang in all things, and thus it has been with recovering from this serious injury. On one hand, the pain was awful and the therapy excruciating at times, but on the other hand, since I've come to Steel City Greyhounds, I've had more babes cooing and fussing over me than George Clooney at 1:00 am in the Cheetah Club on Rodeo Drive. I am still a young dog with a long life ahead of me, which leaves me much time to milk this for all its worth with my Mom, Terry. For the rest of my life, all I have to do is look a little pathetic, cue up the Theme from Lassie, and sirloin is going to be on the menu (medium rare this time, Terry -- don't make me tell you this again).
Now freed from day-tripping to the vet, sleeping off anaesthesia in recovery rooms and lying around whimpering, my schedule is wide open. I have accepted a seasonal job with KDKA forecasting the periodic flooding of the Mon Wharf, which I can feel coming on when the throb of arthritis in my leg beats out the rhythm of "Tea for Two."
Most of all, I have learned how it feels to be loved, and am humbled that so many kind, good-hearted people care about what happens to a silly little Greyhound pup in trouble. My Greytful thanks to you all.
by Laurie Walz
A New Needlenose News Feature
In This issue: Massaging your Greyhound
Greyhounds originated in ancient Egypt as the hunting and palace companions of the pharaohs, and for most of their history were owned exclusively by royalty and the aristocracy. Therefore, they may have a genetic predisposition to enjoy pampering and innate sense of entitlement to it.
Soothing light massage can become an adjunct to your hound's usual regimen of cuddles, scritchie-scratches, and cootchie-coos. Please note: this is not the same as therapeutic massage for injuries, arthritis relief, or healing-enhancing post-operative massage by a trained professional. This article is limited to pampering massage to soothe, relax, and indulge your Greyhound with comforting touch. You may already be intuitively doing much that is described here, but you might find a few new things here you haven't tried that your Grey will also enjoy.
Find a quiet area and keep distractions to a minimum. A home massage is most effective when your Grey is lying down, although this cute video, "Joplin Gets a Foot Massage" demonstrates one woman's massage technique on a standing Greyhound, which, judging from the look on his face, seems to work well. It is advised to do massage as a regular routine at the time of your choosing, or otherwise, when your Greyhound finds out how good massage is, he or she will pester you constantly for it .
To begin -- use common sense: only massage a hound who is already comfortable with continuous hand contact. Avoid any areas that are painful, and apply only light, gentle pressure. Never stroke the bones of your Grey, and only massage the areas next to them. Pay attention to your hound's response to your touch and adjust it to his or her comfort level.
Start with long, slow strokes with the flat of your hand down the length of his or her body from the neck to the base of the tail. As your Grey relaxes, use 2 fingers to rub behind their ears in a circular motion. Most dogs love to have their ears rubbed, and if your Grey noticeably relaxes or even groans, you might apply slightly more pressure and spend more time here. Then, with 4 fingers, make slow, circular motions on his cheeks. Again with the flat of the hand, slowly stroke back and forth under the chin, but make sure you avoid his windpipe.
Turn your attention to the face. With the heel of your hand, stroke his or her temples, starting at his eye brows, and stroke upwards -- only upwards -- several times, perhaps with deeper pressure if you see that your Greyhound is responding positively to it, and work your way over to his or her ears. Then, placing your thumbs at the base of the front of his or her ears, make sawing motions back and forth several times, Then, holding his or her ear at its base between your thumb and fore finger, knead each in a circular motion. If you're doing it right, your Grey will be uncontrollably groaning and maybe even making the "goonie face" as he or she sinks into a state of canine euphoria -- by far, the base of the ears is their favorite spot to have massaged. Don't be in a hurry to move from this spot, but eventually work your way up the ears with this kneading motion, and spent some time kneading the tips of his or her ears.
Then turn your attention to the neck. Using 4 fingers and slightly more pressure -- this is okay because the neck has more mass than other parts of the Greyhound body -- massage in a slow circular motion. Go on to the top of the shoulder blades, and with the edge of the hand just above the bone, massage the area back and forth in short strokes.
Ahhhh - now comes the back rub. Starting at the base of the shoulder blades, place your thumb and index finger on either side of the spine and stroke up and down in medium sawing motions all the way down to the base of his or her tail. Take your time. Then with the flat of your hand, go to the top of the flank, and stroke upward and back towards the spine near the base of the tail, repeating back and forth several times. Finish by repeating the first part of the back rub, when you placed thumb and fore finger on either sides of the spine and moved slowly downwards to the base of tail.
End the massage with a few very delicate, very slow, long strokes from the neck to the base of the tail.
Your Grey will be in a state of serenity, perhaps so relaxed that he or she appears to be in a hypnotic state or
melted. He or she may just doze off into a peaceful nap, soothed and comforted not only by your touch, but reassured of your love, feeling more closely bonded to you than ever. And you will probably feel the same way too.
If you want to learn more about canine massage, there are some good books available. Look for "Canine Massage: A Complete Reference Manual" by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt, and "The Healing Touch for Dogs: The Proven Massage Program for Dogs" by Michael W. Fox.
Next issue: Recipes for healthy and delicious home-made treats for your Greyhound
Notes in the margin: Keep your Grey's nails trimmed -- monthly is best. Tips on how to do it yourself are
here. However, if it is difficult for you, or your Greyhound guilt-trips you too much when you try, take him or her to PETCO. They have a walk-in policy for nail trims. They will take 2 dogs at a time, so leave the other 3 at home and rotate them later. The charge is $10. You're welcome to stop by the Golden Bone and treat your Grey to a trim for $12. A grooming studio near you can also keep your Grey's nails neat.
by Laurie Walz
"Bark in the Park!" That's all I have to say to get my Greys helicoptering and dancing like Lipizzaner Stallions. It means we are going to a place they love second only to their pillows -- the dog park. There they can enjoy a sprint and relive their days of glory on the track, play with other dogs, or, in the case of love bugs like my June, just walk from person to person, shamelessly sucking up to them in order to get a hug.
Dog parks are fun for people too -- a gathering place for other dog lovers, where you can talk about your dog, their dog, dogs in general, exchange tips, share experiences, and enjoy the entertainment of watching happy dogs frolic and play in an enclosed area. Greyhounds can become dog park favorites, because people are awed to watch the fastest dog on earth and admire their beauty, as well as enjoy their sweet personalities.
There are general guidelines on visiting dog parks available, which frankly lay out the fact that there are potential dangers you must be aware of. Please read it carefully. This article will merely address the special characteristics of our distinctive hounds you need to consider to make their visit enjoyable and safe for you and all other visitors.
Remember:
In visiting a dog park with your Greyhound, you are assuming a level of risk, just as if you were riding a motorcycle or bungee jumping from the 40th Street Bridge. Take all precautions for the safety of your hound. Be very watchful of the other dogs and the overall atmosphere during your visit. Keep your hound under control at all times and be prepared to take immediate action to leave if you sense conditions are unstable.
Don't take your Greyhound to a dog park until you know his or her disposition well enough to trust him around several dogs of other breeds. If it's their first time at the dog park, try to choose a time when few other dogs are present. Walk your Greyhound in on lead, introduce yourself to the other owners, tell them this is your hound's first time, and if it's alright with them to let him off lead, then respect their comfort level about the "rookie." You can always come back and try another time.
Always, when off leash in the dog park, monitor your Grey constantly, and never let your attention stray. Have the leash handy and keep him or her under your watch and control at all times.
Letting your Greyhound off lead can be like launching a Cruise Missile into the dog park. In there already, the poodles are prancing, the labs are leaping, the retrievers are wrestling, the mutts are in motion, and suddenly something flies by and they all stop what they are doing, bewildered, as if to say, "Huh? What the heck was that?"
There are certain breeds that seem to make perfect playmates for Greys, usually the more active sporting breeds like poodles, border collies, and boxers. They may not be able to outrun your Grey, but they have the stamina and spirit to keep up with him or her and enjoy a playful race.
However, other dogs who might otherwise enjoy running and chasing may freeze when your Greyhound runs with them, even though your Grey is not aggressive towards him or her. They are simply intimidated by the extreme speed of Greys, and think that this rocket on legs is just too weird for them to handle. It's your responsibility to deal with it. Assume control of your Grey, and either take him to another area or leave the dog park entirely. Don't spoil the fun of another dog. Just come back another time.
Our Greys are normally so sweet and docile that we don't remember that they are large dogs who can be intimidating to smaller dogs. Always respect the feelings of other dogs towards your Grey. It's not only sparing another dog from feeling overwhelmed, but will help keep your Grey safe -- remember: some dogs when fearful might snap, which can lead to an unpleasant confrontation or dog fight.
Unlike other breeds, Greyhounds generally don't like to wrestle and find it annoying. If while monitoring your Greyhound you see a dog trying to initiate a playful wrestling game, control your Grey and tell the owner that your Grey does not enjoy wrestling and it's best if they discourage their dog for playing this way with them. If other dogs persist getting all WWF on your Grey, leave.
Use common sense. If Big Bad Leroy Brown brings his junk yard dog in to socialize with other dogs -- get the heck out of there immediately. If there is a dog with alpha issues, leave. If some dogs have unpleasant confrontations with each other, it can build a level of excitement and instability among all the dogs that can trigger aggression in some, so grab your Grey and go. But also be aware that danger can occur unexpectedly, even when the owners are nice people and the dogs seem friendly. The key to safety is to have control of your Grey at all times, and monitoring how the dogs are interacting. Stay safe.
by Laurie Walz
Summer is a time of ease, fun and recreation, but the effects of sunlight, heat and humidity can be dangerous, even deadly, to both humans and hounds.
Tips for summer: don't walk your Grey on hot pavements -- it can burn the pads of their feet. Greyhounds can also get sunburn, especially those with light coats and white skin. While these sun-related ailments can be painful for your Grey, the dangers of heat exhaustion and possible heat stroke are far more grave.
Greyhounds as a breed are sensitive to extremes in temperature, but as your pet Greyhound was a professional racer, it is highly likely that he or she has already suffered heat stress or other over-exercise ailments. Such hounds will have a predisposition for future episodes and perhaps already have compromised kidneys and other organs affected by heatstroke. Any future heat stress may further exacerbate these underlying problems.
Close attention to heat and humidity in the environment is paramount in protecting our sensitive Greyhounds from heatstroke. Never, ever leave your Greyhound in a parked car, even for a moment -- the heat inside will kill. Keep your Grey indoors, in an air-conditioned environment if possible, but at least indoors in a well ventilated room that is darkened to keep the temperature down, with an electric fan circulating the air. While your Grey should always have access to clean, cool water to drink, it is especially critical in the summer months. Wetting your Greyhound down, particularly the chest, inner thighs and feet, will aid in keeping them safe from heat ailments. Take short walks with your Greyhound only in the coolest parts of the day - early morning and late evening. Wetting him or her down before your walk is a wise preventative against heat stress.
While most Greyhound owners are aware of the dangers of heat and humidity, most are not aware of the dangers of exercise in the hot months of summer.
Great care should be taken to protect them from over-exertion. Your Grey may not be able to gauge a safe level of activity for himself, so it is your responsibility to do so. Don't let them run or become excited, when they might bark and jump. Limit them to mild or moderate exercise, and only under supervision. Older Greys, or those out of shape or perhaps overweight are at higher risk of developing heat related problems.
If stressed from heat, your Greyhounds will tire quickly, pant excessively, and/or appear to be reluctant to move after exercise. Get him or her into a safe cool environment immediately. Do not allow this heat stress to develop into life-threatening heat stroke!
Signs of heat stroke vary: your hound pants heavily, drools, and has a bright red tongue and gums. The tongue may be swollen and appear foamy. He or she may show sensitivity to touch and muscle tremors, a tendency to drag the hind legs or collapse, and extreme difficulty in changing position from standing to lying or vice versa. In any case, the situation is urgent.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can kill your Grey! The hound must be taken to a vet immediately in an air-conditioned car. On the way to the clinic, you must do what you can to cool him or her down with wet towels or a soaking with cool -- not cold!! -- water, but be careful not to induce a shivering response.
Veterinarians will use all medical treatments at their disposal to pull your hound through this life-threatening crisis if they can. Even if your hound survives, you must be aware that there is no quick or easy recovery from heat stroke. An episode will require weeks of painful convalescence, and increased vulnerability in the future.
Enjoy summer with your Greyhound, but take care to protect your hound from the dangers of summer weather. His or her life depends upon it.
Remembering Sharon Hack
On a cold winter day
you quickly went away
The wind swiftly blew and the trees stood bare
Your wonderful life was filled with care.
You gave us a chance
Your love never waned
You gave us shelter, food, and love
Your smile-- the voice of comfort.
We never knew when we were born
That later in life we, too, would mourn
your passing is sad
we miss you, we love you, watch over us.
So many of our kind need your protection
Don't ever forget us, as we won't ever forget you.
Love,
Your beloved Greyhounds,
Mika, Maura, Mack, Mocha, Misty
On January 17 earlier this year, Steel City Greyhounds volunteer Sharon Hack left this life. We mourn her passing, and extend our deepest sympathies to her son Chuckie Hack, one of our most active volunteers, and her husband Charles. Retired racing Greyhounds and Galgos in need of loving homes lost one of their best friends, as she dedicated her life tirelessly to their welfare.
This photo of her (at center) is a portrait that tells more about her than any words ever could - always among her friends at Steel City Greyhounds, and always holding a leash with a Greyhound (or two) on the other end. This is how we will remember her forever. We miss you, Sharon.
| Two Greyhounds named Mike and Tyler, were talking to each other.
Mike: Hi Tyler, what's wrong, you're looking kinda down.
Tyler: Yeah, I've been feeling depressed lately. I don't know what to do about it.
Mike: Maybe you should go see a psychiatrist.
Tyler: Oh, I would, but I'm not allowed on the couch.
|
| Turbo Toes the Greyhound wore her brand new winter coat on a walk, and met up with her friend Bagel the Beagle.
She went over to her good friend Bagel, and asked, "Bagel -- does my butt look big in this?"
Bagel answered, "You're a Greyhound. Your butt always looks big!"
|
| A man was walking down the street when he heard a voice, "Pssst-- you! Come over here!" He looked round and saw no one but a Greyhound. "Yes, over here!" said the Greyhound. "Look at me -- my irresponsible jerk of an owner has me tied up here in this yard. Get me out of here! Why, I could still be racing! I won 47 races in my career, you know!" The man thought to himself, "Oh my -- a talking dog. I have to have him. I'll be on Oprah and Letterman, on the cover of People Magazine, and be famous everywhere. He'll make me rich!" So he knocked on the door of the house to talk to the owner.
The Greyhound's owner answered the door, and the man said, "I'd like to buy your Greyhound. Is he for sale??" The owner says "No, buddy -- you don't want that Greyhound." "But I do!" insisted the man. "I'll give you $1000 for him."
"Okay," said the owner, "but you're making a big mistake." Handing over the money, the man asked, "Why do you think that?" The owner replied, "Because that hound is a darn liar -- he's never won a race in his life!"
|
| A man going into a small shop sees a sign on the door saying "Beware of the Dog".
Going in a bit cautiously, he sees a Greyhound asleep in the middle of the floor.
"Hi," he says to the shopkeeper. "Is that the dog you're warning about?"
"Yes, that's him alright," says the shopkeeper.
"Well he doesn't look dangerous, does he?" replied the man. "Why do you have that sign up?"
"Before I put that sign up," said the shopkeeper, "people kept tripping over him".
|
| How many Greyhounds does it take to change a light bulb.
None.
They rather be in the dark than get up from that comfy pillow.
|
Is your hound making you go "huh"? Puzzled by your pooch? Need answers or advice?
The knowledge our SCG Volunteer Greyhound Gurus have accumulated from their experience with Greyhounds can answer many questions or address issues you might be experiencing.
Don't hesitate to contact them with questions or concerns.
However: All medical matters must be discussed only with your veterinarian. No exceptions. Health issues are not within the general scope our SCG behavior consultants.
Our Greyhound Gurus are so smart that they know what they don't know, so if they cannot assist, they will help you find the professional who can.
Funny or touching Greyhound online videos
Singing Greyhound
Sleeping with Greyhounds
Talking in his sleep
Two Minutes in the Life of a Greyhound and Her New Puppies
Greyhound Moments
Why Everyone Should Own a Greyhound
Keystone Greyhounds
Notes in the margin: It's okay to own just one Greyhound.
Recent Steel City Greyhounds Events:
Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show, March 7-16: Once again, the eyes of Western Pennsylvania were upon us. Approximately 300,000 people attended this event, meaning our 50 participating volunteers exposed Greyhound adoption to tens of thousands of people. Our beautiful hounds fit in perfectly among the luxurious home products and accessories. People stopped to meet the Greyhound Ambassadors and often got a cuddle in return from one of the participating hounds. Many donated generously to our organization, and some even requested information about Greyhound adoption. Some Greyhound Ambassadors took a break from all the commotion to lounge on their cushy pillows, acting as "Floor Models" to demonstrate what life with a Greyhound in one's home is like.
Hounds on the Town, May 17, 2008: This year's "Greyhound Invasion of Shadyside" was a huge success. Chic Walnut Street shoppers contributed generously to the cause of Steel City Greyhounds, and three Greyhounds were adopted as the result of this event. We extend our thanks to Jean Haller, owner of the Bellefonte Street shop "Journeys of Life," and the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the event. Here's a little photo essay of the day's events.
Celebrate Pittsburgh Week, Kennywood Park, June 30 - July 6: Pittsburgh celebrated its 250 Birthday during Celebrate Pittsburgh Week at Kennywood Park. It was a huge event that attracted droves of happy families. Steel City Greyhounds was at this high profile event, thanks to organizer Denise Brown. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to show off our hounds to the thousands of families who attended in the festive atmosphere of Pittsburgh beautiful amusement park. Here's a little
photo essay of one of the day's events.
Notes in the margin: It's perfectly normal to want another Greyhound.
Notes in the margin: Did you know that a Greyhound can run as fast as Kennywood's Racer (40 mph) and Jack Rabbit (45 mph) roller coasters? That's something to think about next time you're holding on for dear life and screaming your head off as you ride the dips of these classic wooden roller coasters.
View the video series "The Adopters' Guide to Life with Greyhounds," donated for free online distribution by the wonderful folks at World Wide Greyhounds. Learn helpful tips, and listen to other Greyhound owners just like you talk about their personal experiences.
View the whole series here,
watch specific chapters on YouTube, or purchase the DVD.
Buckhead Saloon Meet and Greet
Station Square
5 - 9 pm
Next dates:
Saturday, July 26
Friday, August 29
|
Bar none, this is our most profitable Meet and Greet, plus a Greyt way to socialize with fellow Greyhound owners.
Volunteers in the lobby offer Buckhead Saloon patrons a Greyt deal: donate $5 to SCG, and receive a $10 voucher for food and drink in the Saloon.
It's a Hound Happy Hour for SCG Greyhound owners too. Everyone is invited to join us there for Greyhound gab over fabulous cocktails and food. Buckhead has a "Humans Only" policy, so unless you're with one of the official Greyhound Ambassadors, don't bring your pooch to party. |
The Wexford Starlight Car Cruise
Fridays 7 - 9:30 pm
May 30 to Sept 5
North Way Christian Community
12121 Perry Highway
Wexford, PA 15090
Coordinator: Sue Yanakos
|
Some of the sleek Vroom-vrooms racers here are dogs!
The Starlight Car Cruise is the largest car cruise in the Eastern USA. At least 500 classic cars, racing cars, and magnificent motorcycles are featured every week, and folks from all over attend. Steel City Greyhounds' presence is now in its 3rd year. It's a great venue to show off our beautiful pet Greyhounds and showcase our adoptables before an enthusiastic crowd. This event raises generous donations every week, and has resulted in the adoption of a number of Greyhounds. |
PETCO Pet Adoption Festival
July 12, 12 - 6 pm
Trinity Point Shopping Center
Washington PA 15301
Coordinator: Bev Bader |
Hot dog!
(and grilled corn too)
In keeping with their mission to help all pets find loving permanent homes, PETCO is holding its first outdoor Pet Adoption Festival, and it promises to be huge. Many local adoption groups will be participating, and Steel City Greyhounds will be there too. Steel City Greyhounds is going to have a fund raising concession there, "The Funtastic Greyhounds Grill," which will sell hot dogs and grilled corn to a hungry public, as well as show off our beautiful hounds and educate the crowd about what wonderful pet companions our formerly fleet-footed retired racing Greyhounds can be. |
Movie Night at Sandcastle Water Park
July 6 through August 10, 6 - 9 pm
Coordinator: Denise Brown |
Lights. Camera. Greyhounds!
Steel City Greyhounds Meet and Greets are the Short Subject before the Main Feature on Movie Nights at Sandcastle. where fun folk gather on Sunday evenings for food and entertainment. |
Bowling for Greyhounds
August 3, 2 pm
Coordinator: Susy Durso |
Like to bowl? Love to have fun? Love to help Greyhounds?
Come join us for the 3rd annual Bowling for Greyhounds! For just $15, you get 3 games of bowling, shoe rental, a T-shirt and LOTS of fun!!! We will have a silent auction, chinese auction, door prizes and even a 50/50 raffle to help the Greyhounds. Don't delay -- deadline for entry is July 18 --so send in your entry form today to reserve your spot in this popular, fun afternoon. |
Steel City Greyhounds Benefit Baseball Game
PNC Park
August 12, 7 pm
Coordinator: Susy Durso |
Take yourself out to the ball game, and help us knock one of the the park for Greyhounds!
Enjoy watching the Pirates take on Cincinnati under the stars at beautiful PNC Park. Tickets are $22, and Steel City Greyhounds gets $5 from the purchase of each ticket. In addition, you get a free hat and t-shirt. Download an order form and get it in by August 1 to join the fun. |
Second Annual Fore! The Hounds Golf Outing
September 27
First tee time: 9:30 am
Suncrest Golf Course, Butler (map)
Coordinator: Ruth Scheller |
Hit a Hole in One for Greyhounds.
Come out and join the fun! Hackers and pros alike are welcome! 18 holes of golf with cart, buffet style dinner, prizes, raffles and more. All proceeds from the event will benefit Steel City Greyhounds. Download the registration form here, and be sure to have it in by August 30. |
Notes in the margin: Why don't you consider being a volunteer for Steel City Greyhounds? Just look above at the events we have planned already -- it's a lot of fun! Does your Greyhound have
The Right Stuff to be a Greyhound Ambassador? Go ahead -- show him or her off, tell the world what a joy he or she has been in your life, and it will help other retired racers in need of homes find love with a forever family. Lots of other ways to help out too.
Email us, and we'll help you find an opportunity that fits into your schedule and that you will enjoy.
The generosity of our supporters and volunteers is what makes the difference in the lives of the hounds that enter the SCG adoption program. On behalf of all the happy hounds now in loving homes or in our program awaiting adoption, we give Greytful "Thank Roos" to the following:
| For "Alaska the Hard Luck Hound's" Colossal Medical Expenses |
| Michael B. Breinig |
Melissa Bytner |
Kelly Cahill |
| Sharon Chao |
Danielle Durst |
Emily Evans |
| MaryJane A. Krohn |
MaryJane A. Krohn |
Tara Loux |
| Francis Martinelli |
Clifford Mull |
Andrea Noble |
| Alicia and Lewis Nordan |
Prachi Patel |
Leslie Rankin |
| Regina Rogowski |
Ruth Scheller |
Kathleen Spurgeon |
| Liisa Stolar |
Carol Walton |
Mr. Worldwide LLC |
| Robert Vesely |
Sue Yanakos |
|
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
We gather here at the steps that lead to the Rainbow Bridge to mourn our losses and comfort our friends.
| In Loving Memory of |
| "Skye" Rankin |
from Charlie and Leslie Rankin |
| "Skye" Rankin |
from The Healey Family |
| "Skye" Rankin |
from Laurie Walz |
| "Toby" Catanzarite |
from David and Marci Anderson |
| "Toby" Catanzarite |
from Bev Bader |
| "Toby" Catanzarite |
from Emily Evans |
| "Toby" Catanzarite |
from Lois Folino |
| "Toby" Catanzarite |
from Julie Lind |
| "Toby" Catanzarite |
from Ruth Scheller |
| "Toby" Catanzarite |
from Laurie Walz |
| "Toby" Catanzarite |
from Sue Yanakos |
| "Zoe" and "Marco" Evans |
from Clinton and Louise Evans |
Remembering Jasmine
by Ruth Scheller
I didn’t know the slightest thing about Greyhounds when I adopted Jasmine. I came across a Meet & Greet and just couldn’t tear myself away. I filled out an application and held my breath until I could come and choose a hound.
My beautiful girl, I know you're in a better place. A place where you're young again and full of life, romping in green meadows, the sun shining on your happy face. Someday we'll be reunited on the other side. Until then, I hold you close in my heart.
I chose Jasmine not only for her sweet good looks, but her quiet temperament, which I thought was best for my elderly golden retriever Shelby.
I packed her up and headed home, very excited for Shelby to meet her new playmate. Much to my naive disappointment, they didn’t seem to care the least bit about each other. Shelby was clingy, and Jasmine seemed frightened, and whimpered constantly. I started to think I’d made a terrible mistake, but committed to give it the weekend and see how things went. That Monday morning when I got up for work and said good morning, she wagged her tail. Just once back and forth, but I knew then we’d be just fine.
Over the next several years, I watched this dog blossom from a timid little girl into an extraordinary diva who expected and demanded adoration from everyone she met!
Because of her, I started volunteering with Steel City Greyhounds. I have met so many wonderful people through my involvement with this group, several of whom I am blessed to count among my friends. Because of Jasmine, I have found a passion for these dogs that knows no bounds. Because of her I will never again be without Greyhounds in my life.
One dreary day last fall Jasmine stopped eating and no amount of coaxing or special treats could tempt her. After several weeks of vet visits and many, many tests, she was diagnosed with lymphoma. Two weeks later she was gone – almost exactly eight months to the day Shelby crossed the bridge.
I still miss her terribly, and I know I’ll never have another hound quite like her. I believe for every human there is a canine soul-mate, and Jasmine was mine. But deep down I know she’s not really gone, she just stepped aside to make room for another little soul who needs a home.
The Thing About Toby
by Kyle Catanzarite
Those of you, who know me and my passion for finding homes for hounds, have heard Toby’s tale. For everyone else, this is his story.
He was a sickly pup and only one of three survivors in a litter of eight. At just a few days old, he had become dehydrated and was barely clinging to life. With permission from the breeder, I took him home with me in a cardboard box on an April night in 2005 from the Greyhound farm in West Virginia. For the next several days, the puppy (who was yet to be named Toby) was coaxed back to health with my loving care and cow colostrum generously donated by a farmer who knew it may be this puppy’s only chance for survival.
We bonded, the puppy and I, during the nights when I would feed him with a tiny bottle and burp him when his little belly was round and full. I talked to him about a lot of things, but mostly about how he needed to hang on for both our sakes. And sure enough he was listening! By the time I returned him to his mother and littermates, he was a healthy little hound.
Along with his littermates, who I eventually named Tino and Tina, Toby grew up and went on to train for a racing career. Along the way, I saw him once in Kansas at the training facility and I’ll never forget the sores on his nose from the muzzle he wore constantly. I wiped away a tear and told him that I would wait for him. And I did.
Once I got word that Toby would not follow in the footsteps of the hounds who set speed records, I asked and received permission to move him, Tino and Tina into Steel City’s adoption program. A few weeks later, to my devastation, I learned that the trio’s lives were taking a detour to Arizona for additional training in Tucson. Deterred, but not defeated, I waited patiently for the day when Toby and his siblings would say goodbye to the racing life
The next setback came when I discovered that Toby and Tino were sent from Tucson to Caliente, Mexico to race. For anyone who knows anything about Caliente, the description “dead end” track says it all. Tina had fared much better and had already been released to an adoption group in San Diego. I knew that if Toby and Tino had any chance of crossing the U.S. border again, I needed to act quickly. After a few frustrating hours of trying to find out if Toby and Tino were still alive, Tom and Joyce McRorie, two angels who are affiliated with Greyhound Pets of America in southern California, were not only able to confirm that the brothers were alive, but also offered to bring them, pending the breeder’s consent, to their home for safekeeping. My heart was pounding. Toby was alive!
After receiving confirmation form the breeder that the brothers would be released from Caliente, I called Marci, my dear friend and partner in all things Greyhound, and asked her to make the trip with me to pick up Tino and Toby. Without hesitation, she not only agreed to head west with me, but offered the use of her vehicle so the hounds and we humans could travel in style and comfort!
We traveled 5,000 miles together (with stops at the Grand Canyon and Sedona) in five days and actually slept in beds a total of three nights! We were treated to lunch and a house full of hounds when we arrived at the McRorie’s home. After a short visit, it was time to beat a path to Pittsburgh!
Toby, Tino and their friend Renegade, who was with them at Caliente, settled into their home on wheels as Marci and I took turns driving east like we had a tornado chasing us! We became very proficient at making our hounds comply with whatever pet policy we encountered. Three large hounds magically morphed into one small dog at a hotel in Oklahoma. Who knew?
We finally arrived home tired, but happy and after “convincing” my husband, Bob, that Toby would never survive without me, we welcomed him into our home and our hearts. Little did we know that Toby would share our lives for only a short time.
While Bob and I were traveling in early June this year, my daughter let Toby outside with our other three hounds into the enclosed area in our yard. While they were outside, Toby and Indi (our oldest hound) got out of the enclosure. I will wonder forever how they were able to escape. Were the gates not locked securely? Did they somehow jump the fence? Did they force open the locked gate? In the intense heat of the day, Toby and Indi’s lives were in jeopardy.
Indi and Toby went to a new housing development just a short distance from our home. They were seen in the neighborhood and their presence was reported to the local police. Indi was detained by construction workers in the neighborhood and driven home in the back of a pickup truck. He was suffering from heat exhaustion, but after a soaking with cold water, he was fine. Toby, on the other hand was still on the run, and by the time he was found, he had collapsed and died from a heat stroke.
There are many things to be thankful for, despite this tragic accident, but mostly I am thankful for the short time that Toby and I shared. I love you and miss you, handsome!!
Letter from Steel City President Marci Anderson
Do you long for more information about Greyhounds? "Celebrating Greyhounds" magazine has consistently been voted the best breed magazine on a national level. This magazine offers information from medical treatments and suggestions to volunteer ideas to ways to help your hound through quirky behavior! Click here to subscribe,
Currently Available Greyhounds
Get off that couch right now!!!
-- because a night on the town, romantic dinner, or family meal can now benefit retired racing Greyhounds! 
