Life changing billboard

Opportunity comes around where you least expect it. The year was 1998 and I was sitting in the Oakland Airport waiting for my flight back to L.A. My eyes focused on a billboard that changed my life.

I had been thinking about getting a dog now that I was on the road to self-employment. All my adult life I wanted a dog but worked too many hours to consider it. I had started to do online research and was leaning toward poodle rescue because that was the dog I grew up with. I thought I wanted a small dog that didn’t shed.

I looked up and there was a billboard of a greyhound wearing a stocking cap. Greyhound? The only greyhound I had ever seen was painted on the side of a bus.  Maybe it was the absurdity of the stocking cap or the kind look in the dog’s eyes but I wanted to know more. I wrote down the URL.

Once back home it took me all of 15 minutes to complete an application online. Then I read voraciously about greyhounds. Within the week, I received a call saying someone had to come to my house and talk to me and all the occupants. The adoption rep (Lynda) came with her greyhound who promptly vomited all over my patio; she said he was carsick. He (Cody) was a beautiful gentle giant.

Lynda made some recommendations for making my home and yard dog safe. I told her I wanted a petite female. After I was approved by the adoption group, it was time to meet some greyhounds. The first place they sent me was Garden Grove. I lived in Redondo Beach. After about six freeway interchanges and several wrong turns, I met Painter who was a big black and white male. He was kind of shy but walked well on leash.

The next day they told me I could meet a petite female but I had to drive to La Habra Heights, more freeway interchanges. I decided Painter was the one. While some people make their dog-choosing decisions on temperament, cat tolerance, or age – I based my decision on drive time.

Painter – a big hunk of greyhound love

Painter entered my home on the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 1998 at 4 ½. He was my best friend until he went to the Rainbow Bridge on December 10, 2006 at 12 ½.  He was an ambassa-DOG and loved by many.

Being a greyhound adopter has changed my life in so many ways. While I love all dogs (I’m allergic to cats), there’s something magical and magnetic about the soul of a greyhound. Adopt one!

You can read how the airport billboard campaign happened and lucky for me that I was in the right place at the right time.

Thanks to The Greyhound Project for permitting me to use the billboard graphic.

Here are 10 facts & myths about the breed.  Please consider adopting a greyhound:

–In Tucson:

Arizona Greyhound Rescue

Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption

–In Sierra Vista:

AZ Greyhounds Inc.

–In Phoenix:

Greyhound Pets of Arizona

–Nationwide & Worldwide

Greyhound Adoption Directory

Greyhound Blitz Events April 2013

April is National Adopt-a-Greyhound Month. Get Blitzed! Greyhounds have touched my heart and soul, and my pocketbook since 1998, and have altered my life in ways I never imagined. Greyhounds are addictive; they are like potato chips — you can’t just have one. If you haven’t met any greyhounds recently, I hope you check out one or more of these events.

Saturday, April 6 – Antigone Books – Meet & Greet – 11 am to 1 pm -Adopters and their hounds are invited to walk the 4th Avenue Merchant District. Stop by Silver Sea Jewelery (look for the blue awning & mermaid in the window) at 330 N. 4th Avenue to meet Lizzie Mead, greyhound adopter. Dogs will be treated to made-in-the USA dog biscuits and water bowl. With any store purchase, greyhound adopters will receive a free pair of animal-lover earrings. Location: 411 N. 4th Avenue (stop at the bookstore first for a list of dog-friendly restaurants).

Ebay auction for a UA Sweet 16 autographed basketball benefiting SA Greys – check it out! (ends April 7)

Saturday, April 6 – Loft Cinema Farmers Market, 8 to 11 am – Come stroll the market, support your local farmer or vendor, meet some greyhounds. Location: 3233 E. Speedway Boulevard.

Sunday, April 7 – Greyt Vines Wine Tasting Fundraiser at CataVinos Wine Shoppe - 4 to 6 pm – Taste 6 animal label themed wines, plus nibbles & nosh, double plus exciting raffle prizes. Admittance $20 ($10 tax deductible); $10 for non drinkers. Must be 21; sorry, no dogs. Artist Courtney Kelly sells her whimsical dog art; 10% of sales will be donated to SA Greys.   Advance ticket sales includes 2 free raffle tickets or just show up and pay at the door. Enjoy an adult beverage; bring your wine-drinking friends; support a locally-owned business. Location: 3063 N. Alvernon Way (1 block south of Ft. Lowell; plenty of street parking).

Fast dogs, Fast planes

Saturday, April 13 – Pima Air and Space Museum – 10 am to 2 pm – Meet the greyhounds in person. Pet the fast dogs while viewing the fast planes. Fee is required to enter the dog-friendly Museum grounds. Location: 6000 E. Valencia Road.

Sunday, April 14 – Dog Wash Fundraiser sponsored by Arizona Greyhound Rescue - 9 am – 1 pm – Wash & nail trim any breed, $10-15. The event happens at Pantano Animal Clinic located at 8333 E. 22nd Street from 9 am to 1 pm.

Mayoral Proclamation – Mayor Rothschild will proclaim April 19, 2013 as Tucson Greyhound Adoption Day!

Friday, April 19 – Rainbow Remembrance at Reid Park – 7 to 9 pm. Non-denominational ceremony conducted by Darla Norrish/Tucson Pet Cemetery. The event remembers beloved greyhounds who crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge. All greyhound adopters are invited regardless of where your hounds came from or if you your are new in town and not affiliated with any organization. Location: Ramada #17.

Sunday, April 21 – 19th Annual Tucson Earth Day Festival & Parade – 9 am to 2pm – Community event at Reid Park. Location: Country Club entrance. Free admission; bring your family for a day of fun. Volunteers wanted.

Wednesday, April 24 – Greyt Bites – California Pizza Kitchen – 11 am to closing – 20% of your bill will benefit the greyhounds when you present a flyer. Download the flyer here. Location: 4500 N. Oracle Road (Tucson Mall).

Thursday, April 25 – Royal Kia Tucson  – Meet & Greet – 11 am to 1 pm – Meet greyhounds who like to ride in cars. Location: 4343 E. Speedway Blvd.

Plus: Meet & Greets – Regularly scheduled at Petco and Petsmart. See Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption event calendar on website. Check out available greyhounds for adoption.

Adopt “Sweet 16″ to benefit greyhounds

UA Wildcats are fantastic athletes and we salute them for a job well done, playing their best, getting to the Sweet 16. Go team! Tucson is proud.

Former racing greyhounds are retired canine athletes who deserve a second chance to have a good life as beloved pets.

Now here’s your chance to adopt an official 2012-2013 University of Arizona autographed basketball. The ball comes complete with a glass display case and certificate of authenticity. The winning bid benefits Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption (SA Greys).

The ball’s signatures include Wildcat players fresh from the NCAA March Madness and their appearance in the “Sweet 16.”

Signatures include:

Coach Sean Miller

21  Brandon Ashley

30  Angelo Chol

51  Quinton Crawford

50  Jascob Hazzard

44  Solomon Hill

33  Grant Jarrett

3  Nick Johnson

31  Matt Korcheck

2  Mark Lyons

20  Jordan Mayes

55  Drew Mellon

35  Kaled Tarczewski

52  Max Wiepking

1  Gabe York

Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption is an all-volunteer 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to finding forever homes for retired racing greyhounds. Most of their expenses are veterinary services & medications and kennel housing. Recently, these medical expenses included fixing two broken dogs. April is National Adopt-a-Greyhound Month; greyhounds make greyt pets any time of the year!

Here is your chance to have a slam dunk with a winning bid on eBay. Go Cats! Go Greyhounds! Please share this far and wide with sports fans everywhere. The needle nose dogs thank you…

Wine tasting greyhound fundraiser

Greyt Vines Greyhound Fundraiser

My apologies to Marvin Gaye but this song has been in my head all day. Let’s all sing:

I heard it through the Greyt Vines
not much longer would you be mines. (sic)
Oh I heard it through the Greyt Vines,
Oh and I’m just about to lose my minds.
Honey, honey yeah.

Attention wine lovers: You know who you are — You like to sample wines. The theme is wine with animal labels, six glorious samples.

Join Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption (SA Greys) on Sunday, April 7 from 4 to 6 pm at CataVinos Wine Shoppe for wine and wonderfulness, plus nibbles & light nosh.

Cost: $20/pp ($10 – tax-deductible) for wine drinkers. Non wine-drinkers and designated drivers – $10/pp. A non-alcoholic beverage will be available.

You can buy tickets online and receive two free raffle tickets ($5 value) or show up at the door. CataVinos is located at 3063 N. Alvernon Way (1 block south of Ft. Lowell; plenty of street parking; 323-3063) You must be 21; leave the kids & pets at home. This is your time to drink adult beverages. BYO Friends.

Win Prizes: A raffle where you can put your tickets in the bins of what you want to win. There are NINE fabulous raffle baskets, something for everyone; here are a few:

–Be Kindle to Yourself
–Putting on the Ritz
–Mostly for the Man Cave
–Kitschy Kitchen Confidential
–The Unconditional Love My Dog Basket
–Cycles of Pink

…and more…Gulliver’s Basket, Silhouettes, and The Greyt Package

Courtney Kelly’s whimsical, colorful art will be on sale; she is donating 10% of sales to SA Greys throughout the event.

After the wine tasting, all glasses of wine are only $5/glass or you can buy a bottle to drink on the premises and not pay the corkage fee. Support a locally-owned wine store; buy wine to take home. Have fun. Meet a greyhound looking for his forever home.

Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption transitions former racing greyhounds into beloved pets. Most of their expenses come from veterinary services & medications and kennel housing. Recently, these medical expenses included fixing two broken dogs. This all volunteer-organization is always looking for more volunteers, especially foster homes and kennel turnout helpers (in Marana). Donations are tax-deductible. The Arizona Daily Star recently wrote an informative article; you can read it here.

Basco is looking for a forever home

Racing machine or beloved pet?

Humane Animal Legislation sounds like an oxymoron to me after living a dozen years in Arizona. What a concept. To his credit, State Senator Steve Farley introduced two animal cruelty bills.

SB1161 institutes a public animal abuser registry similar to a sex offender registry for those convicted of felony animal cruelty so that kennels and other places that adopt out animals can make sure the prospective owner is a safe guardian. Members of the public will be able to see who is in their neighborhood, too, so they can avoid walking the dog in the vicinity of the abuser’s home, and perhaps keep their kids away as well.

Start-up costs will be paid for by donations from the Animal Legal Defense Fund. This has strong bipartisan and law enforcement support, including the backing of Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

SB1167 adds dog fighting, cockfighting, and other animal fighting to the list of crimes to which the RICO racketeering statutes can be applied, allowing prosecutors to seize not just the animals, but also all property belonging to those convicting of those crimes. This is another strong deterrent that has the effect of taking away the resources of these fighting rings who otherwise take their money and move their operations into other communities.

Both of these are great ideas. I hope these bills pass! Thank you Senator Farley.

According to Farley, stopping animal abuse is not just important for those of us who care deeply for the welfare of animals — it also stops human violence, since many studies conclusively prove the connection between abuse of animals and later abuse of humans. This is another small piece of the puzzle as we seek ways of reducing the possibility of future mass shootings.

Judging by all the emails Tucson Tails received, what about some legislation regarding greyhound racing?

Traditionally, Democrats in the legislature have not made that leap in leading the way. Greyhound legislation is a bipartisan issue. In the past few months, there has been an avalanche of media regarding Tucson Greyhound Park. None of the media has been positive. The majority of people on planet Arizona and beyond find dog racing inhumane and repulsive. The only people who want it to continue are the people who make money off of it.

Here are some ideas for legislative bills:

–Remove the hardship tax credit. Tucson Greyhound Park has enjoyed a hardship tax credit since 1995. The hardship tax credit was created through legislation. Tucson Greyhound Park’s hardship tax credits are reported in the Arizona Department of Racing’s Annual Report each year.

F/Y        Tax Credit            Track Revenues    
2003        $ 450,159             $ 5,138,760
2004        $  364,234            $ 4,689,776
2005         $  418,883            $ 4,473,920
2006         $  443,259            $ 4,377,744
2007        $  320,798            $ 5,118,705
2008        $  217,037            $ 3,878,441
2009        $  232,750            $ 3,166,066
2010        $  371,807            $ 3,560,158
2011        $  472,604            $ 3,773,306
2012        $  488,582            $ 3,772,735

10-yr totals:  tax credit – $ 3,780,133
10-yr totals:  revenue  -   $41,949,611

What other businesses where dogs die and are routinely injured receive hardship tax credits? What other businesses receive hardship tax credits period? Tucson Greyhound Park does not pay income tax on its live dog racing or simulcast pari-mutuel revenues.

Also, Tucson Greyhound Park profits do not make their way back to the Arizona economy; the track’s owners are two out-of-state millionaires, and according to reports, they have not paid taxes on their Arizona earnings. What other business owners don’t pay taxes on their incomes? Where are the fiscal legislative champions?

–Remove the loophole Tucson Greyhound Park uses for not producing injury reports. Perhaps this is something for the Goldwater Institute to investigate?

–Pierce the Dome Agreement! Arizona is the only state where the horse racing industry has to share money with the dog track. Where are the horse-racing lobbyists?

–Tucson Greyhound Park’s broken leg dogs should not be forced to lie in their kennel crates for days.  They should be immediately removed from the kennels and taken to a specialty veterinary clinic to have their legs fixed promptly and properly on the track’s dime. Then those injured dogs should immediately be retired to adoption groups.

–Pass this bill! HB 2329 (Kwasman & Livingston – Rs), is a bill brought on behalf of the owners of Tucson Greyhound Racing and their lobbyist. Currently, TGP has to race dogs 100 days per calendar year and needs the consent of a majority of kennel operators to race fewer days per year or to end live dog racing entirely. They previously had 9 kennels but now have 7 kennels. This new bill HB 2329 would allow live dog racing to end; no consent from kennel operators needed. TGP could stay open for simulcasting other races which is the bulk of its income anyway.

Live greyhound racing or not, remove the hardship tax credit.

Now is the time to contact your AZ legislators about what matters to you! Share this blog post far and wide. Greyhounds deserve better!

for the love of dogs fundraiser

For the Love of Dogs

January 26, 2013 – 4 pm
Location: Handmaker Services
2221 N. Rosemont Blvd.
(south of Grant Road)

Bring your greyhound/s (or any well-behaved dogs of any breed weighing more than 50 lbs) and enjoy the mingling, speakers, and food/beverages…

The speakers are:

Animal First Aid by Dr. Kayla Boyer, DVM  (4:15 pm)
What are thebasics of pet emergency treatment? Come find out as it might save your pet’s life. Dr. Boyer, Speedway Veterinary Hospital,  will give you some tips and guidelines on pet first aid and suggest items you should have in your pet’s first aid kit.

Sonoran Herbalist John Slattery  (4:35 pm)
Good herbs; bad herbs. John Slattery of Desert Tortoise Botanicals will share his knowledge of traditional herbalism for the improvement of health and lifestyle both for humans and the fur-kids.

Animal Communication by Judy Ferrig, M.S.  (5 pm)
Are you curious as to how animals communicate? This is your opportunity to let Judy Ferrig explain the phenomena and get some answers to your questions. You can have a one-on-one communication session for $15.

Valentine Photo
Hearts, love, red, sweetness, love. Celebrate Valentine’s Day early by having a photo (wear red) taken with your 4-legged friend and made into a Polaroid Mini Post-It. Cost: $5

Cost: Admission includes food and beverages – $20 by January 20 / $25 at the door.

Tickets can be purchased with PayPal at SA Greys website or by calling 520-409-4347.

Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption is a dedicated group of veteran greyhound adopters and volunteers, who are committed to seeking the very best forever homes for greyhounds in our care. They are a 501 c3 non-profit and totally volunteer run organization, so every dollar goes to the care (veterinary services, kenneling, etc.) and promotion of the dogs. Follow on Facebook.

Free to run not race

Going Home, Greyhounds Leaving Tucson Dog Track

For the month of December 2012, Beading Divas to the Rescue is raising funds for Going Home, a project of the Greyhound Protection League. Project Going Home provides safe transport for dogs leaving Tucson Greyhound Park as well as veterinary services when required, tick & flea medications, supplies, and food. So far dozens of dogs have been transported to a few adoption groups in the West. The goal is to get more dogs, many more dogs off the track. If you’re a TGP kennel operator or a breeder/dog owner with dogs racing at Tucson Greyhound Park, please  contact GPL directly. Confidentiality assured.

You can buy bracelets this weekend at the 4th Avenue Fair under the Silver Sea booth which is directly across from 330 N. 4th Avenue; look for the mermaid in the window and then look directly to the booth. Bracelets are always for sale at this store.

Every one of a kind beautiful handmade bracelet is made from donated beads. Bracelets cost $20 and are made from memory wire for easy on/off. Each bracelet comes with a paw charm. Bracelets make great gifts for animal lovers and women with a penchant for bling. The entire $20 goes to the charity. Cash or checks made payable to GPL (earmark Going Home) are accepted. (Sorry no credit cards)

Greyhound Protection League has been in existence since 1991 and spent many of its early years exposing the widespread use of greyhounds in research and obtaining the dogs’ release to adoption groups. You can read more about their efforts here.

California dreaming

Recently GPL was contacted when someone found greyhound puppies that were thrown in a sealed trash bag in Texas. Puppies were cared for by a Texas adoption group and then flown to a California adoption group where they have since found loving homes. Greyhound Protection League was the organization that busted Tucson Greyhound Park for the heinous 140+ missing greyhounds in 2005-2006. GPL also was responsible for flying more than 250 Guam racing greyhounds to the United States in 2008-2010 when that track closed in Guam and gave the dogs away like kittens on a corner.

Beading Divas to the Rescue is honored to be selling bracelets to help Tucson racing greyhounds leave the track safely and find forever homes far and wide through suitable adoption groups.

bracelets at 4th Avenue Fair

If you cannot make it to the 4th Avenue Fair this weekend (the fence is down!), you can still buy bracelets 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)
-A K Jensen Apparel, (St. Philips Plaza), 4280 N. Campbell Ave., Suite 212, 529-2775

And you can buy bracelets online via Etsy – add $5.50 (S&H).  Orders are usually shipped within 2-3 days.

Thank you in advance for helping the greyhounds.

Disclosure: Karyn Zoldan is one of the original seven Beading Divas to the Rescue. You can learn about the Divas’ good deeds here.

Dine out for the greyhounds

Dine out for Tucson greyhounds – Rubio’s – Dec. 6

Greyt Bites is Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption’s dining out fundraising campaign.  Eat at Rubio’s (this location only – 2906 N. Campbell Avenue @ Glenn) and Rubio’s will donate 20% of your check to the greyhounds.

But first you must download and present this flyer to the cashier at time of payment in order for the donation to be valid. The offer is available from 2 pm to closing.

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. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

Rubio’s is home to “the original fish taco” as well as other tacos, burritos,and salad bowls. You can view the menu here.

Win the Hansa Holiday Bear

Holiday Bear Fundraiser for Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption

10 Reasons to Buy Tickets for Holiday Bear Raffle

1.    Big white bears make great holiday gifts;
2.    Handcrafted by Hansa, known for cuddly plush toys, which are respected as close-to-nature reproductions, in this case a polar bear;
3.    The big white bear will make you smile repeatedly;
4.    The holiday bear requires no house training;
5.    Your obsession with stuffed animals grows up;
6.    Win the holiday bear and use Mr. Cuddly for your own fundraiser;
7.    It’s a bear market;
8.    Bears have a beloved place in our society and are considered good luck in some cultures;
9.    Go wild and get bear naked;
And…
10.  The number one reason is that all ticket sales benefit retired racing greyhounds transitioning from the Tucson dog track to forever homes.

Your dollars provide spay/neuter, tick & heartworm preventatives, medications, special needs treatment, initial kennel expenses, and more.

The bear’s value is $190; the length is 38-inches from rear claws to nose; weighs 4 pounds; free shipping & handling within the continental U.S. Thank you to Mostly Bears for their generous donation!

Please help the hounds by purchasing some raffle tickets.
Raffle Tickets: 5 for $5; 11 for $10; 24 for $20; 65 for $50.

You can buy tickets online via Mostly Bears (click on “new charity auction”) or by sending a check to Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption, PO Box 1517 N. Wilmot Road,  Box# 175, Tucson, AZ  85712. – Please note “holiday bear” on the envelope.

The deadline to buy tickets is November 25 and the drawing will be held on December 5. Winner will be notified by email or phone and will be announced on the web, blog, and on Facebook.

Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides the opportunity to better the lives of ex-racing and rescued greyhounds by finding them loving and qualified forever homes in Southern Arizona area.

For questions, email communications@sagreyhoundadoption.org