Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner or breakfast, lunch, AND dinner at Mimi’s Cafe and 15%  of your check will be donated to Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption. Mimi’s is open from 7 am to 11 pm.

Mimi’s Cafe is convenient to both the northwest (4420 N. Oracle Road/Tucson Mall) as well as the eastside (120 S. Wilmot Road/Park Place Mall).

In order for the greyhounds to benefit, you must present an event flyer to your server when paying the check. The flyer can be downloaded here.

Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption is a 501 c3 non-profit organization transitioning retired racing greyhounds from the Tucson dog track into forever homes. Dogs are spayed/neutered, teeth cleaned, receive medication as needed, and are microchipped. Currently, they are raising money for Basco, a broken leg dog who needed $4,000 worth of veterinary care. Basco is recuperating in his foster home.

In the past few months, there has been an avalanche of media about Tucson Greyhound Park, the steroids, and all the problems associated with this dying sport where yes—dogs still die, break their legs, are injured. In case you missed any of the articles, they are all compiled here for reference as well as quoted excerpts that are colorful, full of crap, and/or complicit. Bookmark this page for future reference.

(Note to media: Thanks for the coverage.)

April 12, 2012 – Tucson Weekly

Shooting Gallery
South Tucson’s greyhound track skirts the law by doping dogs outside of the city

This article started the snowball effect. Thank you Tim Vanderpool!

“Serna says that’s not the case. “The comment made by Tom Taylor is absurd,” he says. “My conversations with him, from the very beginning, dealt with why he was allowing these people to continue to do that stuff in violation of our ordinance.”

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August 27, 2012 – KGUN9
Unethical? Greyhound Park’s racing dogs injected with anabolic steroids in Tucson
Greyhound Park CEO admits to ‘skirting the law,’ allowing injections banned by South Tucson

“Doan: And you have no qualms about it?

Taylor: Not at all.

“Taylor allowed our cameras to shoot the greyhounds’ kennels – what he calls “perfect conditions” for the pooches – and insists that animal rights activist are wrong in wanting greyhounds to be treated like people.”

(Note to Tom Taylor: What about the investigative video which showed dogs living in cages with their muzzles on? We don’t know of any people who are treated like your dogs. Do you?)

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August 31, 2012 – KGUN9
Greyhound Park’s CEO: steroid injections are safe form of birth control
Dozens of veterinarians signed petition, supporting ban on greyhound steroid injections in South Tucson

“In the story that aired Monday, CEO Tom Taylor admitted operators were skirting the South Tucson city ordinance. “

“Most animal lovers will tell you this is the safest way of giving birth control because after you take them off it, they can have puppies – healthy puppies afterwards – with no problems,” Taylor said.”

(Note to Tom Taylor: After the dogs finish their racing careers, the vast majority (hopefully) go to adoption groups where they are spayed or neutered ASAP. No racing greyhound dog goes to his or her forever home intact. The only people who want puppies are the racing industry. Healthy? Your words show that you have no clue as to what happens to these dogs during the rest of their lives.)

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September 6, 2012 – Tucson Weekly
Doping Dilemma

The city of Tucson may put the squeeze on a doc’s greyhound antics

“Tom Taylor argues that “it has been decided” that his dogs don’t need licenses, because they’ve already been vaccinated.
Apparently, that was “decided” by Tom Taylor alone; Janes says he’s just awaiting word from South Tucson to proceed with licensing enforcement at the track. That move could raise several thousand dollars, and offset the cost to South Tucson taxpayers for PACC’s services, which topped $57,000 in fiscal year 2011.
But this extra revenue is apparently not a priority for South Tucson leaders—despite the fact that they perennially cry poverty when asked about lax enforcement at the track.”

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September 7, 2012 – Arizona Daily Star
Racing greyhound steroid shots continue despite ban

“”It’s what’s best for the dogs,” Taylor said. “And we will always do what’s best for the dogs.”

And that’s why they started driving dogs into Tucson to continue the injections.
Taylor said the misperception arose from past practices, where kennel operators would be the ones administering the drugs.”

(Note to Tom Taylor: And when you shut down TGP, you better make sure that every one of those greyhounds under your watch safely arrives at an adoption group. Nothing less would be acceptable as that is what’s best for the dogs.)

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September 11, 2012 – Arizona Daily Star – Opinion
Dog-racing industry a model of disregard – Our view: Ban practice of greyhounds getting anabolic steroid shots within city

“We are not surprised Tucson Greyhound Park has skirted around a South Tucson law that bans anabolic steroid injections for dogs.”
The track has long shown little regard for the concerns expressed by greyhound activists for the health and care of the dogs. By sending the racers into the city of Tucson for their steroids, Tucson Greyhound Park doubles down on disregard.

“It’s what’s best for the dogs,” Taylor said. “And we will always do what’s best for the dogs.”

Will Tucson Greyhound Park always do what’s best for the dogs?

History says no. The greyhound racing industry again and again has shown disregard for the dogs.
We all, hopefully, remember the that 140 greyhounds who went missing from the track Tucson Greyhound Park between 2005 and 2006.”

(Note to Arizona Daily Star: THANK YOU!)

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September 11, 2012 – KGUN9
City of Tucson slams the door on steroid injections for greyhounds
Tucson Greyhound Park CEO vows to fight to change the law
“”Are there other laws in the city of South Tucson that you knowingly and willingly disregard in such a manner?” Uhlich asked.  (That was the million dollar question!)
Taylor replied, “No. I wouldn’t break this one if it wasn’t so important for the dogs.”
Taylor and his supporters say the dogs have never been treated better than they are now.”

(Note to whomever: And, since it has become apparent how the TGP greyhounds are being treated now, that comment raises even more concerns.)

(Note to Tucson City Council: THANK YOU!)

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September 11, 2012 – Tucson Tails blog
Tucson Opinion on Greyhound Steroids Ban: Thank Dog – Update

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September 12, 2012 –  KGUN9
Dog fight: CEO and local lawmaker at odds over greyhounds and steroids. Watch the video.

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September 12, 2012 – Tucson News Now

The race-track CEO told us they will shoot up greyhounds with steroids wherever they have to in order to keep the Tucson Greyhound Park race-track open.

(Note to Tom Taylor: Pinal County or bust?)

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September 17, 2012 – KGUN9
Hundreds of dogs at Tucson Greyhound Park are not licensed
Pima Animal Care: greyhound caretakers must soon start paying fees

“TGP has been in the headlines recently, after CEO Tom Taylor admitted to skirting the law of South Tucson, by injecting the dogs with anabolic steroids – as a form of birth control – outside city limits.

Enrique Serna, the city manager of South Tucson, said that money would have come in handy.

“It would’ve been really helpful to be collecting fees that would’ve offset money out of the general fund, when we’ve been trying to cut salaries, lay off people, things of that sort,” Serna said.”

(Note to South Tucson: Don’t come crying to the Pima County that you cannot pay your bills.)

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September 17, 2012 – Arizona Daily Star

Track has never had any dogs licensed
Pima looks at how greyhound park sidestepped rabies-vaccination tags

“During the mid-1990s, dog- and horse-racing tracks saw their revenue plummet as the rise in Native American casinos and other factors cut into their profits. So the Legislature passed a law designed to give struggling tracks a helping hand and implemented a “hardship tax credit.”

Since that time, Tucson Greyhound Park and other tracks have paid next to nothing in state taxes.
Over the past five fiscal years, Tucson Greyhound Park took in around $17.5 million in track commissions and has received more than $1.6 million in tax credits.

Over the past five fiscal years, Tucson Greyhound Park took in around $17.5 million in track commissions and has received more than $1.6 million in tax credits.”

(Note to all especially TGP kennel operators: One of the two Florida billionaire owners of Tucson Greyhound Park had his residence written up 10 years ago in the Robb Report — “Our house in Miami seemed too large and too formal to accommodate Art Deco…But this apartment on the 31st floor seemed New Yorky and glamorous, the perfect setting.”  Robert Consolo, Jr. of Zapcon, Inc.,  co-owns the Tucson Greyhound Park in Arizona.)

(Note to all: Tucson Greyhound Park should pay taxes like every other business.)

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September 19, updated September 26 -  Tucson News Now
Dog track going all-male, stops giving anabolic steroids to females

“The problem is they [the track] may not get enough dogs to come in if we only accept males. It may not happen, but it is a concern,” Taylor said.
The Greyhound Protection League has offered to help pay for the transportation of the female TGP greyhounds and assist with adoptions.
“We want to make sure that every TGP kennel operator and greyhound owner knows that our offer is on the table,” said Greyhound Protection League President, Susan Netboy in a press release provided to Tucson News Now. “This is a chance for these dogs to experience life as a beloved pet; that’s the life they deserve.”

(Note to Greyhound Protection League: What a great idea! I hope if Tom Taylor really cares about the dogs as he has claimed repeatedly that he takes your organization up on its generous offer.)

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September 19, 2012 – Arizona Daily Star

Greyhound Park to stop accepting female dogs

“Taylor said spaying the dogs was not an option because it presents a serious risk to the dogs’ health.
“We’ve been advised by veterinarians across the country that this is the best course of action,” Taylor said. “There’s too much danger in spaying a female greyhound. They don’t take anesthesia well and there can be a lot of complications in the spaying process.”

(Note to Tom Taylor: Every female greyhound that goes into an adoption group is spayed asap. You’ve shown that you really know nothing about their life after racing. Unbelievable!)

“Because what’s better for the dogs is better for the track.”

(Note to Tom Taylor: Aha! It has nothing to do with the dogs and everything to do with the track. Business as usual.)

“Dog-racing critic Councilman Steve Kozachik lauded the change as a good first step, but said more needs to be done.”

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September 21, 2012 – KVOA
As Tucson Greyhound Park ceases shots concerns still remain

“This track has skirted the law too much and frankly it’s the Pima County Animal Care Center who has been asleep at the wheel on this,” Kozachik said, adding later: “They’re the ones who should have been out there charging these fees.”

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September 24, 2012 – KGUN9 (watch the video)
Reports at Greyhound Park reveal poor track conditions, dozens of injuries

“You might hear those words in promotions for the sport of greyhound racing, but there are other words you won’t hear: fractures, pulled muscles and lacerations. Injuries are the dark side of racing.

“Everything we do here at Tucson Greyhound Park is what is good for the greyhound,” Taylor said in an August interview.

In March, one inspector complained about TGP’s delays in repairing equipment and wrote: “This neglect will not be tolerated.”

(Note to all: State sanctioned animal abuse piled high with excuses and neglect. So what else is new?)

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September 28, 2012 – KGUN9
Tension heightens between Councilman Kozachik, Greyhound Park’s CEO
They have strong words for each other

“Some people might think so, but many others would not. Quite frankly, this is about the welfare of the animals and it’s a sleazy industry and the guy is all over it,” Kozachik said. “He ought to spend time maintaining his track making sure dogs aren’t injuring themselves.”

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October 9, 2012 – Tucson News Now

Steroid use for dogs now prohibited in Tucson

“Tucson News Now caught up with the park’s CEO last month, who did not attend the council meeting Tuesday. He said the steroids were being used as a form of birth control for female dogs.”

(Note to all: If females are in heat, they cannot race. If female dogs cannot race, they cannot make money but female dogs still have to be fed. Steroids keep the females running. No rest for the weary. Steroids has nothing to do what’s best for the dogs. As said above, it’s what’s best for the track.)

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October 10, 2012 – Tucson Tails blog

Tucson Greyhound Racing Updates

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October 11, 2012 – Tucson Weekly
Bad Track Record

Almost 70 greyhounds were injured over a two-month period at TGP—and the state handed out no punishment

“The records are scathing. “Tucson Greyhound Park needs to do a lot better job maintaining their equipment and fix broken equipment immediately,” says one ADOR inspector’s report, obtained by the Tucson Weekly. “This neglect will not be tolerated.”

Such negligence outrages Tucson Ward 6 City Councilman Steve Kozachik, who’s been waging a one-man jihad against the track, even though it lies beyond his jurisdiction, in the tiny burg of South Tucson.”

(Note to all: Tucson greyhound racing is state sanctioned animal abuse where track personnel and the state just CYA to protect their paychecks. You have to wonder how these people sleep at night.)

“It seems odd, though, that this situation was allowed to continue as long as it did, considering that proceeds from the licensing could offset the nearly $60,000 that South Tucson pays to Pima County each year for animal-control services.”

===================

Here’s a petition to close Tucson Greyhound Park. Please consider signing. Looking for 1,000 signatures…as of this writing, 75% completed. If it were that easy, TGP would be closed down. The only people who want to keep the track open are the people who are making money off the dogs. The rest of you are shocked that this kind of appalling animal abuse is still allowed to exist in Pima County. Thank you to Animalia Latina for starting the petition.  Signatures are forwarded to Arizona Department of Racing, City of South Tucson, Pima Animal Care, and Arizona Governor Janice K. Brewer.

(Photo courtesy of Perry W.)

During the month of October, Beading Divas to the Rescue is raising money for Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption or SA Greys.

SA Greys is a fairly new group (with 501 c3 status) but has many seasoned adopters and volunteers and there’s always room for more especially while there’s an operational dog racing track in its backyard.  Their mission is to successfully transition retired racing greyhounds from the track into forever homes. Currently, they have an outstanding expense caring for a hound (Basco pictured) with a complex broken hock who needs $4,000 in specialty vet care.

SA Greys has gone hog wild selling the bracelets. I’ve heard that one industrious woman sold 25  in two days and another woman sold 8 at the dentist. These bracelets are hand-made with beautiful donated beads and no two bracelets are alike. Every bracelet comes with a paw charm.

You can buy these dazzling $20 bracelets (the entire amount goes to the group of the month) locally at:

–Silver Sea Jewelry & Gifts, 330 N. 4th Avenue, 624-9954
–Clues Unlimited Mystery Book Store, 3146 E. Fort. Lowell Road (SE corner Country Club), 326-8533 (closed Sun/Mon)
–Sissy’s Pet Grooming Salon, 7350 N. La Cholla Blvd (in Albertsons Shopping Center), 229-9898
-A K Jensen Apparel, (St. Philips Plaza), 4280 N. Campbell Ave., Suite 212, 529-2775

The above locations accept cash or make a check payable to Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption.

Or if you are not local, consider buying them from the secure online Etsy store (add $5.50 S&H).

This weekend October 20-21 if you are out and about you can also buy bracelets at the two-day Art in the Park at St. Philip’s Plaza. SA Greys has a tent near Limited Additions. Come meet some greyhounds and buy bracelets.

Every October, Beading Divas to the Rescue, tries to raise money for greyhounds because October 20, 2008 was a fateful day for Lizzie Mead (a greyhound adopter/small business owner). She was on the way to the dog park with her then two greyhounds when her vehicle was part of a multi-vehicle hit-and-run accident at the corner of Speedway & Alvernon Way. Not only did Lizzie suffer injuries but her two greyhounds suffered $14,300 in vet bills. In the end, both dogs lived and are still living. Six fellow greyhound adopters (this blogger among them) came together to help raise money to pay off her vet bill which we did in six miraculous months! Lizzie wanted to give back to the community which helped her and so the Beading Divas kept on giving.

 

Check out these very worthy adoptable dogs and cat waiting for their forever homes from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona and Tucson Cold Wet Noses.

Skippy – #735973 – 10 Months Old – Shar Pei Mix – Male

Skippy has 10 months of love pent up inside of him! When you meet Skippy, you’ll understand just how much affection this guy is willing to share: Infinite amounts! Found as a stray near San Xavier, Skippy was picked up and waited for many weeks at a shelter. When he started to come down with the sniffles, Skippy was transferred to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona so that he could recover and continue his search for a family. He’s all better now and so happy to share his gratitude in the form of hugs. Although Skippy had a rough start, he will certainly make a perfect companion for anyone interested in a medium-sized, playful dog. Could you be the tail-wagging worthy ending Skippy has been dreaming of?  Don’t forget – Skippy has a waived adoption fee through October as part of the ASPCA $100K Challenge.  Watch Skippy’s video.

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Mr. Kitty – #713425 – 11 Months Old – Domestic Short Hair – Male

World’s nicest (and most fashionable!) feline in search of a BFF. Dear Mr. Kitty is a cordial lap cat who simply wants to be around people and will do whatever it takes to get your attention. This outgoing gentleman loves hugs, toys and compliments. Surrendered to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona when his family learned that they were expecting a baby, Mr. Kitty is now in need of a kind and committed caregiver. In exchange for his endless loyalty and affection, Mr. Kitty has a few requirements. Due to his ulcerative dermatitis, Mr. Kitty has self-inflicted scratches and wounds on his body. But he’s getting better every day. He just needs hypoallergenic food, over the counter topical treatments and a shirt to cover his body. Good thing he doesn’t mind wearing clothes and already has an impressive wardrobe amassed that will go home with him. The extra care and attention Mr. Kitty needs is well worth his unyielding love. If you could offer this deserving sweetheart a life of comfort and companionship, please get to know Mr. Kitty today at the HSSA’s Park Place mall PAWSH adoption center.

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Pixie – Greyhound/German Shepherd/Alaskan Malamute mix – Tucson Cold Wet Noses

Loyal readers may remember Tucson Tails wrote about Pixie when she was going to be PTS (killed) and then when her $800 vet bills needed to be paid. Pixie is now well and looking for her forever home.

She is a petite 50-pound Greyhound mix who is between 3-5 years old and a love bug. She is calm, affectionate, completely potty trained with or without a doggie door-though she is not a fan of crates. She likes walks, but would rather cuddle up and keep you company while you read a book or watch TV. Not an excessive barker at all, she will let you know when someone comes to the door with a couple of barks. She does “perimeter checks” in the yard to keep her friends safe. Pixie is people oriented, likes to know what the people are doing. She is happy to greet you warmly when you get home from work with some little kisses and wanting a back scritch or a belly rub (her favorite!). Her life started out a little rough, she had a wound on her leg that is completely healed. She is a bit head shy, but is coming around beautifully and blossoming into a confident girl. She is learning to play with toys, and cow hooves are a favorite pastime. She is spayed, healthy, UTD on shots, microchipped and ready to move into her forever home. She loves to be loved, and is looking for a gentle adopter to show her kindness and affection. She sits, lies down, and catches a treat out of the air like a pro. She will also go to her dog bed if you point to the bed and say “go lie down.” She walks well on a leash, when she’s excited she wants to take the lead and get the show on the road, but responds to direction to walk next to you. She is beautiful, graceful and sweetly curls into a ball to sleep on her dog bed-She would *really* like to curl up in the people bed with you!
Miss Pixie is well behaved when she meets dogs her size, but doesn’t live well with others. She would really like to be your one and only. She’s got a lot of love to give, and doesn’t want to share with other pets.

No cats/small dogs
With training, effort and supervision, and a savvy adopter she could be with a medium or large dog-but her preference is to be your one and only.
She has met several children and was well mannered (not crawling all over her but gave her a hug)

Available thru Tucson Cold Wet Noses, adoption fee applies-vet records transferred from Benarda Veterinary Clinic (with full blood panel) and rescue records from her spay.

 

Good News: The Tucson City Council ban on steroids for racing greyhounds is official . Thanks to Councilman Kozachik for leading the way. Let’s hope Pima County makes the same strides in good judgment. Let’s hope there is a leader and animal lover among the Board of Supervisors to advocate for the health and safety of racing greyhounds.

Kudos to Tim Vanderpool of the Tucson Weekly for another hard-hitting story about the crap at the local Tucson dog track and all the tentacles attached to it including the hollow Arizona Department of Racing and the toxic bond between the City of South Tucson and some Pima County bureaucrats.

How many people will lose their jobs?
In previous media segments, the general manager & CEO repeatedly says that if the dog track closes 140 people will lose their jobs. That number is misleading.

In this past legislative session, a business bill was brought by Tucson Greyhound Park for the second year in a row. But in the 2012 session, the bill passed. The bill sponsors were Michelle Reagan & JD Mesnard. SB 1273 allows Tucson Greyhound Park to decouple after 100 race days. So far, 100 race days have come and gone since the bill was signed in May.

To decouple means the track could stay open without live dog racing and instead simulcast other races. Apache Greyhound Park in Apache Junction, AZ does just that.

If the track stayed open for simulcast, many people would still remain employed. Tucson Tails only wants the cruel “blood sport” of state sanctioned dog abuse to end. Gambling via simulcast? Have at it. Better yet, go to a Native American gaming casino where there is no gambling on blood sports and where no four-legged animals are injured, doped or die.

In a November 10, 2011 article in the El Independiente newspaper , TGP’s general manager said, “We have 135 employees, 65 percent of which are high school students.”

Let’s do the math: 65 percent of 135 employees are equal to 87.75. Let’s round up to 88 employees who are high school students, part-time after school. They don’t get unemployment benefits.

140 employees less 88 = 52 employees

Of the 52 employees, two are track veterinarians, working part-time; they both work at other vet practices. A third veterinarian is employed by the State, not the track.

52 less 3 = 49 employees

The kennel operators and kennel helpers are independent contractors not employees. If there are 9 kennels and approximately one dozen helpers, that’s approximately 21 people who won’t be getting unemployment benefits.

49 less 21 = 28 employees

According to the dog track website there is the director of racing, racing secretary, assistant racing secretary, programs manager, player development person, 3 track stewards (employed by the state not track), a chartwriter & data entry (2 people), a starter, weigh-in person, operator, and track announcer. Some of these people are part-time and have other day jobs.  Most likely these 14 employees will lose their TGP jobs.

If the track remains open for simulcasting like the decoupling bill gives them the option to, people have jobs such as a food & beverage manager (1 person) plus servers; security guards; human resources manager/office manager (1 person); controller; plant maintenance operations; IT personnel; pari-mutuels managers & tellers.

As you can see 140 people will not lose their jobs and will not be getting on the unemployment rolls. Misleading.

Tucson Tails is proud to give a heads up to its readers that Greyt Bites Fundraiser for Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption happens Tuesday October 9 at California Pizza Kitchen in the Tucson Mall.  Thank you to CPK for their generosity as they are giving back 20 percent of your dining checks to this well deserving non-profit group who transitions retired racing Tucson greyhounds to forever homes. “It doesn’t get any better than that!” says Jett Greyhound. “Help my greyhound pals find loving homes with lots of soft beds like me.”

In order for SA Greyhound Adoption to reap the benefits of your eating prowess, you MUST bring in a flyer which you can download here. Please make copies and pass out to  your neighbors and co-workers. The CPK donation is good all day from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and you can eat-in or takeout. Here’s a bright idea: Why don’t you eat in and take some for later? Or feed your entire office or Girl Scout troop?

CPK has the best BBQ chicken pizza. They also originated the BBQ chicken pizza. I like their BBQ chopped salad. My life is a salad. Check out the menu. Note the menu designations for kids, gluten-free, allergens, vegans, and vegetarians. Wow!

California Pizza Kitchen is located in the southern end of the Tucson Mall.

Download the flyer here and don’t forget to bring it with you. Thank you

 

Tucson Tails, the pet blog of Southern Arizona, has been a Tucson Citizen blog since Feb. 1, 2011…397 blogs and counting…

 

Update: At noon, Tucson Tails was informed by Lizzie Mead that Pixie’s vet bill is now covered including follow up visits. Wow! Last night along with this blog post, a message was sent to the Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption community and people stepped up. OMD! Also Pixie is out of the danger zone and recuperating with Lizzie. It was the right thing to do. Plus there’s a potential adopter waiting in the wings. Thank you all very much.

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This is to let interested parties know what’s going on with Pixie-the Greyhound-German Shepherd mix that waited at the pound (PACC) too long to be rescued. Pixie came to PACC as a stray and had a silver dollar-size wound on her back leg.

While at PACC, she got kennel cough, not an uncommon thing there. Then it moved into her lungs and now she has pneumonia. Pixie cannot eat or drink on her own.

She has rescue representation through Tucson Cold Wet Noses. They do absolutely phenomenal things in our community as far as rescuing dogs from PACC. Last year they placed 366 dogs who were slated for death. Awesome dedication!

Two greyhound adopters Lizzie Mead and Lori Riegel stepped up to foster Pixie. They both already do so much for the animal and people community already. Even though Cold Wet Noses couldn’t authorize the higher level of care because of the cost, Lizzie & Lori admitted Pixie to Benarda Veterinary Hospital. Without this level of care – Pixie will die. Pixie was crashing and the situation could not be a wait and see. She is on IV fluids and a Baytril drip. Both are confident that she will fully recover from this ordeal.

According to her foster mom, Pixie is simply the most perfect dog — a furry greyhound.

Okay, so here’s the pitch: Do you have it in your heart and budget to give a little? The bill will be around $800. If you can, please call Benarda Veterinary Clinic and pay it forward with a credit card or drop off cash or a check. Be sure to specify “care of Pixie – greyhound/GSD mix.” If 40 people gave $20, the bill would be paid for. Or 80 people gave $10. Every little bit counts.

Lori is a hard-working single mom and Lizzie has a business on 4th Avenue, unfortunately that part of 4th Avenue which is torn up now.

If you can help, no amount is too small. We will keep you updated on Pixie’s condition. I know we can’t save all of them but here’s one who has a chance. Thank you

Benarda Veterinary Hospital
2555 E Broadway Blvd,
Tucson, AZ 85716-5303
(520) 325-2997
Facebook page

(Photo: Courtesy Lori Riegel – Pixie on her way home from PACC.)

Update: The Council unanimously passed the steroid ban in the City of Tucson, now joining South Tucson in the steroid injecting ban. Thank you dear Council and Mayor. Karin Uhlich asked the dog track general manager how often and where else he skirts the law. Bingo! You can view the KGUN9 segment here. Please contact the media and thank them for keeping this important humane issue in the forefront. And don’t forget to thank the Mayor and City Council.

Four paws up from my house today for the Arizona Daily Star‘s opinion, “Dog-racing industry a model of disregard.”

According to the article:

“Will Tucson Greyhound Park always do what’s best for the dogs?

History says no. The greyhound racing industry again and again has shown disregard for the dogs.

We all, hopefully, remember the 140 greyhounds who went missing from the track between 2005 and 2006.

State authorities eventually assumed the dogs were killed by a hauler.

In 2010, eight dogs baked to death on their way to Tucson.

More recently, greyhound activists have released footage of dogs crammed into dark cages. In that video, a trainer discusses serving the dogs 4D meat, which is such a bad grade charcoal is mixed in to ensure people don’t eat it.

The law South Tucson voters approved bans this meat and ensures a minimum of time outside for the dog.

We support Tucson City Councilman Steve Kozachik’s effort to have the council adopt a ban similar to South Tucson’s.”

 

You can read the full article here

Thanks to Councilman Steve Kozachik for leading the pack on this important humane issue.

In my humble opinion, the only people who are in favor of dosing the female greyhounds with testosterone steroids are the people who make money off their backs.

Photo: Jett raced 150 times. Then he raced into my heart.

Greyt Bites – BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Everyone must eat so considering eating at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse on Tuesday September 11 from 3 to 8 p.m. Eat for Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption, a local adoption group which transitions retired racing greyhounds from track to forever home.

Diners must present a special flier. Then 15 % of your order for food sales benefits the non-profit organization.

You can download the flier here – click on the BJ’s logo.

Help the greyhounds by dining out. The menu offers something for every appetite (pizza, sandwiches, ribs, salads, etc.) including gluten-free items plus lots of brews and liquid refreshment for beer drinkers and designated drivers alike.

Tell your family, friends, and co-workers about this fundraiser at 5510 E. Broadway Blvd @ Craycroft.

2nd update: As it turned out Tucson Cold Wet Noses pulled Pixie and two greyhound adopters Lori Riegel and Lizzie Mead are going to co-foster her or as was told to me, tag team foster care. Also Ms. Riegel said Pixie is just the best “furry greyhound” ever. This sounds like a happy ending for this dog. We can never have too many happy endings.

Update: In the Arms of Angels will pull Pixie – female greyhound-shepherd mix with a foster home. Please contact immediately!

If you are able to help as a foster (for Arms of Angels Adoption), would like to consider her for adoption, or know of a friend, neighbor or coworker who might be interested, please, as soon as possible, contact:

Rachel Molyneux

 Rescue Coordinator

Pima Animal Care Center

(520) 243-5936

Rachel.Molyneux@pima.gov

From PACC Pets Need You Facebook page

Pixie is such a sweet girl and her wound is horrible, it looks like it is right down to the bone. This needs attention asap before it gets infected, in the event it isn’t already. She is a very gentle soul, you can for sure tell that there is greyhound in her. She didn’t want to cooperate with the camera, so the pic does not reflect how pretty she is.

Foster Home needed contact AZ Greyhound Rescue to complete the foster application!

Pixie 399095 Shep/Greyhound X F 52 9/2/2012 open wound

Message from Pixie: I would love to go home with you via “Special Needs Adoption” (SNA). I would go home with you today and you would take on her medical care/behavioral training, depending on my needs. My adoption fee is $60 up front, with $45 refunded after her alter surgery. You are adopting this dog for the cost of a license only. To our knowledge, numerous vets in town will do a free office visit so you will only pay for any medical care. The shelter’s contact information is listed below. If you’re interested in adopting, please contact the shelter immediately.

Please contact PACC about doing a special needs adoption at: 520-243-5962, 243-5936, 243-5987, 243-5932, or 243-5962 rachel.molyneux@pima.gov If you can’t get through at any of the above phone numbers, call 520-243-5900 and ask to talk with somebody about doing a special needs adoption.

Another option is to foster this dog through a local rescue group. The term for this is generally to “pull” through/for a rescue. Please see here for more information about fostering:

Check the Facebook page.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to message PACC Pets. We will get back to you as soon as possible!

***PLEASE NOTE THAT PACC PETS IS NOT DIRECTLY AFFILIATED WITH PACC AND IS RUN BY VOLUNTEERS. FOR ANY QUESTIONS WE CANNOT ANSWER, YOU WILL BE REFERRED TO A PACC EMPLOYEE. THANK

I would love to go home with you via “Special Needs Adoption” (SNA). I would go home with you today and you would take on her medical care/behavioral training, depending on my needs. My adoption fee is $60 up front, with $45 refunded after her alter surgery. You are adopting this dog for the cost of a license only. To our knowledge, numerous vets in town will do a free office visit so you will only pay for any medical care. The shelter’s contact information is listed below. If you’re interested in adopting, please contact the shelter immediately.

Please contact PACC about doing a special needs adoption at: 520-243-5962, 243-5936, 243-5987, 243-5932, or 243-5962 rachel.molyneux@pima.gov If you can’t get through at any of the above phone numbers, call 520-243-5900 and ask to talk with somebody about doing a special needs adoption.

Another option is to foster this dog through a local rescue group. The term for this is generally to “pull” through/for a rescue. Please see here for more information about fostering:

If you have any other questions, please feel free to message PACC Pets. We will get back to you as soon as possible!

***PLEASE NOTE THAT PACC PETS IS NOT DIRECTLY AFFILIATED WITH PACC AND IS RUN BY VOLUNTEERS. FOR ANY QUESTIONS WE CANNOT ANSWER, YOU WILL BE REFERRED TO A PACC EMPLOYEE.

(Blogger’s note: Greyhounds that go into adoption groups are spayed or neutered immediately.  Why so many greyhound mixes in our local community? How was poor Pixie wounded?)