Something to THINK about…..

I came across this article in my newswire feed the other day:

http://tiny.iavian.net/1rjg

Something to think about - how many times have “humane advocate protectors” made threats, crass remarks, hate filled posts against those who do not follow their beliefs or fully support their cause? 

When has such behavior become "humane"? 

...............Paved with good intentions

For every prohibition you create, you also create an underground.
Jello Biafra 

It has been 80 years since the 21st Amendment repealed federal prohibition, which had been put into place by the 18th Amendment. Stop and think how many Americans were snookered by the advocates into thinking they would be supporting a righteous cause and that their monetary donations would rid society of crime and drunkenness forever. 

Today many individuals are snookered into donating money to the “humane advocate protectors” that make claims they will end greyhound racing, all the while pocketing thousands upon thousands of dollars. During the prohibition era people would get hooch from other countries. Today the “humane advocate protectors” castigate the American greyhound industry yet associate with individuals who send greyhounds overseas for racing and breeding, out of the American jurisdiction that is regulated and provides for adoption.

If you think the “humane advocate protectors” are going to end greyhound racing you are sadly mistaken. Their campaigns will only force racing greyhounds into locations where adoption and regulation are not of concern.

Prohibition proved to be a mistake. Do we really want to wait until the “humane advocate protectors” have destroyed the racing greyhound breed before we realize their experiment did nothing to end greyhound racing and in fact, would do much to put greyhounds into dire circumstances that could in no way be controlled?

Think before you support and if you must support do it locally. National “humane advocate protectors” are just squandering money while the local adoption programs struggle daily to care for the dogs as they work to find them homes.

Shoulders Back, Head High..............

While serving in the U.S.Navy, I found out that the person who had been my recruiter when I enlisted was on a ship that was at the same pier as the finest cruiser in the world, the USS Jouett CG-29. I went to the quarterdeck of my recruiter's ship and asked for him and was asked why I was visiting. I mentioned he had been my recruiter. They called him and said some guy he recruited was looking for him. He never showed up. I later caught up with him on the pier one day and chatted with him. I asked why he didn’t show up on the quarterdeck. He replied that he was afraid it might be someone ticked that they got stuck in the Navy due to some fudged comments he may have made to meet his quota.

Act today knowing tomorrow you can have no fear, let those with fear, fear the exposure of the truth!

Keep comments professional, let those who have based themselves on lies continue to make the comments that expose them for what they are – Ones who can’t speak truthfully about the greyhounds!

Let others fear the childish behavior they continually stoop to, trying to drag down those of us who have the truth and dogs on our side!

MINIon Me.............................

Minion-Me [ˈmɪnɪonˌmiː]

n Informal

1. A humane advocate protector supporter who uses own views based on lies and falsehoods and represents those  views as another in order to influence legislative members. 

A few years ago, many greyhound adoption individuals were disturbed upon learning that a “humane advocate protector” organization had an attorney send out threatening letters to greyhound adoption programs that did not follow the mission of this “humane advocate protector” organization.

A few months ago, many were shocked to learn that a self-proclaimed supporter of this same  “humane advocate protector” organization was sending threatening correspondence to greyhound adoption programs, telling them if they did not follow the ways and mission of this “humane advocate protector” organization, the individual would use his political connections and money to crush them.

And now, it has come to my attention that a “humane advocate protector” has sent correspondence via electronic means to a U.S. Senator in my name. We have long suspected these “humane advocate protectors” of fraudulent activity and now I know beyond a shadow of doubt. I encourage all of those involved in real welfare activities of the greyhound breed to be aware that the “humane advocate protectors” may be using your name as well in trying to influence legislative members.

Shame, Shame, Shame on them – until we rid from the table those who will lie and cheat in the name of greyhounds, we will never have true, productive discussions regarding the welfare of greyhounds. It is time for those who dislike greyhound racing to take a stand and rid themselves of those who have created a big scar on the anti-greyhound racing movement.

Giving Thanks............

It's been a very busy couple of months and while I have several blog entries in works, I wanted to take this time and thank everyone who has taken time to stand up for the greyhounds. Often times it is easy to feel down and out or beaten to a pulp but trust me, reactions speak the loudest and the actions of some “humane advocate protectors” indicate that 2014 shall be a huge year for the greyhounds and all those who honestly care about and work with the greyhounds.

Continue the good work of telling the truth and keep it professional.

May all of you have a true and blessed Thanksgiving.

Clueless Cat............

A few weeks ago I visited a greyhound farm in Kansas. As we approached the farm I noticed a cat in one of the turnout areas. I mentioned that the cat must be brave to the kennel operator. The kennel operator quickly informed me that it was a clueless cat for being in an area that a greyhound would venture into. I thought about it and yes it made sense. The cat was not brave, and like many who cloak themselves as “humane advocate protectors”, this cat had no clue about dealing with or understanding the nature of a greyhound. The cat was clueless for venturing into areas it had no knowledge of or experience with but acting as if it knew all.

Why would anyone support “humane advocate protectors” who spend donated money to tarnish and defile anyone who questions them? Why would anyone support these “humane advocate protectors” who have zero experience with understanding greyhounds? Why support “humane advocate protectors” who personally profit from the donations of individuals that accept without question what is placed before them and thus allow the “humane advocate protectors” to continue to discredit anyone who questions their tactics?

Don’t be a clueless cat – get out and learn about greyhounds and their history and the people who share their lives from birth to adoption - after all the only thing you have to fear is the truth.

Let’s Roll

As my plane landed Sunday night, the flight attendant made the announcement that she and crew wanted to thank all those on board who have served or are currently serving our country and thanked those on board with loved ones in the military.  I and fellow passengers broke out into a loud applause.

Twelve years ago in our country's darkest hour we stood strong and together. Let us always remember the lives lost on that day. 

Make each day a day that we stand together and say “Let’s roll”.

Got Some 'Splainin' To Do....................

Whenever I see those gnashing teeth, snarky emails, I have to smile. Could it be that the “humane advocate protectors” are angry that they are being questioned about things they want to sweep under the carpet and not address? 

Things like...why they profess to hate dog racing yet have a co-founder/friend/board member involved in dog racing and never willingly and openly make the donation giving public aware of it?

Or why they never attack the unregulated dog racing but attack with unrelenting viciousness against racing that is highly regulated? Is that because a co-founder/friend/board member enters dogs into and judges the unregulated type of dog racing?

Or why they have yet to denounce the racial comments made by a board member and distance themselves from this person...unless they agree with the comments?

Or why they have yet to explain why they claim to accept zero money from gambling and racing interests, yet various reports show they been partaking in the cash flow from these interests?

Why have they  yet to apologize for the deeds of an attorney who sent threatening letters to greyhound adoption programs...unless they feel attacking greyhound adoption is part of the mission?

Have they ever explained why they told volunteers and members not to work with a large greyhound adoption program, well again like above unless they feel that attacking greyhound adoption is part of the mission of greyhound “humane, advocate, protectors”?

Is anyone aware if they have chastised the actions of volunteers who put pet greyhounds at risk during protests...or are greyhounds just a means to a donation in the eyes of the greyhound “humane, advocate, protectors”?

And why did one “humane, advocate, protector” organization grant board membership to an individual who has been associated with a group with a leader selling greyhounds to overseas buyers for breeding and racing?

It sure seems like actions of the “humane, advocate, protectors” who claim to hate dog racing and care about the greyhounds, contradicts the stated mission and goal.

The reality is... they got some ‘splainin’ to do!

The day I knew..............It was not about the dogs..........A blast from the past!

Occasionally I will circle back and share a blast from the past - here is this months blast...........Enjoy!

My first dog was named Cinnamon. She was my BFF from the time I was four years old.

Cinnamon would lay on the edge of the yard waiting for me to return from school every day. I always enjoyed getting out of school and rushing home to romp around the yard with my dog.

Just a boy and his dog, enjoying life and being together.

One day as I came home I could see the front yard was empty - no Cinnamon. I walked into the house expecting to be greeted by Cinnamon who was most likely napping but no Cinnamon. 

Where was my Cinnamon?

The news was broken to me - someone purposely drove 50 feet off the road and ran over Cinnamon who had been sleeping on the edge of our front yard waiting for me to return from school.

Why would someone purposely kill Cinnamon? 

What sort of person would deprive me of my dog?

Over the years I have come to believe that the individual(s) involved in killing Cinnamon had a heart full of hate, living a meaningless life void of honesty and integrity. I can only hope that over time the individual(s) have changed, for me and for Cinnamon any change came too late – this person's hate deprived a boy of his dog.

Several years ago I was driving home from work. What I was about to hear had such an impact on me I still remember exactly where I was - Grand Avenue and 19th. Rumors had spread that Tucson Greyhound Park might shut down. I was on the phone with a person in a nearby state that had high connections with an “advocacy” organization. When I mentioned that the adoption groups may not be able to get all the dogs, this person just blurted out, “Won’t that be fabulous!!"

“What?” I replied in total shock. "Dogs could die if the adoption groups cannot handle a huge influx of adoptable greyhounds"

And her cold, hard comeback was “But won’t that be fabulous – no more racing”. 

I replied “That is sick, dogs will die and you are happy to have dogs die to end racing?"

In my 18 years involved with greyhounds, I have come to the conclusion that some individuals hide behind the banners of “advocacy and protection” while their hearts are void of honesty and integrity. Their lives are consumed by their hatred of greyhound racing and will stoop to any level to end it...even if it puts the greyhounds they claim to "protect" and "speak for" at risk.

Care to join me as we do what we can to protect the greyhounds from those with hearts void of honesty and integrity and help protect the greyhounds from individuals who have hearts so full of hate that they will do anything to deprive a future boy (or girl) of his future dog?

Few have virtue enough to withstand the highest bidder...............

We all know “humane advocate protectors” hide the truth about themselves, their real identities or their agenda from public scrutiny as they troll for comments from anyone that is against them or questions their activities and actions. They never address the questions put forth to them. Have they addressed why they claim to hate “dog racing” yet have a co-founder/friend/board member that is involved in dog racing? Have they answered why they take money from racing and gambling interests, yet claim they will not/do not? Have they ever publicly condemned hateful racist comments from board members? Do they ever retract their false statements or admit to errors when they are incorrect?

They are neither professional nor truthful. There is a cash cow to protect. And it appears that it will be protected however it has to be protected, no matter who or what is harmed in that wake. To anyone paying attention, the money is far more important than the greyhounds. 

Fellow lovers of the greyhound breed, it is time to stop the “humane advocate protectors” who do not use their donations to assist a single greyhound, yet hide behind thousands of greyhounds in order to collect donations that pay their salaries and expenses and to spread their agenda yet continue to claim anyone against them profits from greyhounds.

Let us take it up notch and professionalize ourselves. We are not supported by public donations and grants. We have jobs and professions and families to support. Most important is the safekeeping of the greyhounds in our care.

There will be a time to laugh and joke once they are exposed and can no longer use donations as salaries and expenses.

Continue to demand accountability and transparency from the “humane advocate protectors” and do it as the professional individuals you are. Stop them from using your words to play on the public for donations.

No Need To Feel Down – There Is A Place We Can All Go……

Let us take a moment and imagine you are preparing to become a marathon runner, or maybe a sprinter. Using some quick common sense, think about what you will need to do in order to prepare yourself for such an endeavor.  

Over the years we have been subjected to the two faced broken record of those who have ZERO experience in the lives of greyhounds but are however highly compensated lobbyists telling us that racing greyhounds are not cared for, are fed bad meals, are kept in their crates almost 24 hours a day and are not touched by humans/have no human contact.

Want the facts? Step away from your computer and go visit a track and watch a few races and then ask yourself– could these athletes perform with bad meals, no exercise and no care? 

Some two faced profiteers have profits to protect and the "dog racing" that they are tied up with and the monies from gambling they are collecting and will say anything to do so but one thing they can’t cover up is common sense – think about it. 

It’s fun to go to C-O-M-M-O-N  S-E-N-S-E! 

Pull Back the Veil of “humane advocate protectors” secrecy!

Remember a few years back when “humane advocate protectors” got their biased opinions of greyhounds into every nationwide news story that dealt with any type of mass animal graves? Even when the stories turned out to have nothing to do with ex-racing greyhounds, “humane advocate protectors” managed to get their venomous hate of greyhounds into the news, claiming this is the fate of greyhounds.

What sort of journalist would simply run with the hate of the self-proclaimed “humane advocate protector” experts rather than research the full story as well as issue a follow-up when it was announced that the animals found were not greyhounds? Does bad news sell more newspapers? Do “humane advocate protector” tie into anything to keep those donations rolling in, even when it does not involve ex-racing greyhounds?

The “humane advocate protectors” count on the fact that most people will not look for the errors in a story and will just believe what they read on the internet.

Have you ever noticed that the “humane advocate protectors” specialize in not answering questions, changing the subject when it comes to their dealings and demands for transparency and accountability? Why do they turn the tables, crying out that they are the truth and those who question their facts, their motives, their practices or do not join their case are the "unholy"?

The next time you see a post or comment or letter to the editor from a “humane advocate protector” quoting chapter and verse of their agenda, ask yourself a few questions as you formulate a response:

1 – Who has made the statements? (Is the writer representing or is a supporter/member of an organization with a biased agenda?)

2 – How does the writer present their information? (Is the writer a member of an organization using biased agenda resources generated by the same organization?)

3 – What’s missing? (Did the writer give a complete picture - what did the writer fail to talk about - is the writer using deceptive statistics that have not been verified by uninterested parties - does the writer receive any type, any form of compensation from the organization)

4 – Does the writer address and answer follow-up inquiries or is the response a change of subject/an attack on the person asking questions/responding to nothing addressed in the question. (Often those with something to hide may use counsel to provide a legal-sounding response that does nothing more than deflect the lies, distractions and biased opinions)

Why do "humane advocate protectors" accuse all individuals not in 100% agreement with them of being "with the industry" and lying?

Perhaps it is just a simple case of an individual truly looking to learn the truth about questions and statements that are obviously one sided or misleading. 

It is time for people to let the daylight in upon the "humane advocate protectors" and point out that they are part of biased organizations and personally profit from biased or misleading statements that they themselves circulate.

Who Ya Gonna Call?

Many moons ago after adopting my first greyhound, I like many of you wanted to get involved in finding homes for these wonderful dogs. I was awestruck and wanted others to know the joy I had come to know.

In my preparation work to become an adoption placement rep I asked what was apparently a forbidden question - 

”Do we work with the trainers at the track and garner information from them about the greyhounds personality”

I received a scowling look and was told that the trainers at the track had nothing of value to contribute and knew nothing about personalities of dogs. Now I may have been young and stupid, but one thing I have always had in my favor was a dogged (no pun intended) curiosity.

Moving to the Phoenix area I set out to feed my curiosity with a several boot-on-the-ground trips to a track. I would pack up Thermoses of coffee and warm bagels from the coffee shop I owned, then stop for several dozen Krispy Kreme donuts and spend many a Sunday morning with the trainers. Over time I came to respect the knowledge they had about greyhounds, and a respect for the amount of time they put into caring for the dogs and yes I developed some friendships that to this day have stood the test of time.

When I formed my own adoption program and then eventually merged it with another adoption program, the trainers never let me down whenever I asked for their assistance. If I asked for a particular personality and told the trainers about the personality of the dogs currently in home they provided me with the right greyhound for that home. My job as an adoption representative was to learn as much as I could about the potential home and then let the experts assist in finding the right dog.

While not currently involved in the adoption side, to this day I rely on the friendships I built years ago to put the right greyhound in my own home.

It’s just one dude's opinion but the trainers never let me down and I feel that they never let me down because they know and love these dogs. Yes love. I have seen their tears when they are getting their beloved greyhound ready to leave for its next career as someone's pet.  I have heard the sound of their voices when they call to see how their beloved greyhound is adjusting to life as a pet. And I have been there to share the grief with them after many years as they learn that one of their beloved greyhound has passed.

Curiosity got the best of me and it benefited many greyhounds. I asked "Who ya gonna call?" when it comes to learning about your pet ex-racing greyhounds. You contact people who have experience training, breeding them, people who have spent hours learning the personalities of each dog. People who have taken the time to educate themselves on all aspects of greyhounds and have become experts in the process of taking a greyhound from racing career and integrating it into new career as a pet.

And I can tell you who I did not call - I did not call people with zero experience who are nothing more than highly compensated lobbyists with an agenda.

Trust me on this – real boots-on-the-ground education with people who know greyhounds will strengthen the bond between you and greyhounds.

Boogie land – The best of…………

Occasionally I will circle back and share a blast from the past. As I know my readership has been growing I felt now would be a good time to start sharing some older posts……..Ok, I just saw Olga chowing down on a Arizona sundried dog turd and well……….Here you go

Posted December 6^th 2012 – Respect the Dogs

A few days ago as I was sitting in the office yard enjoying the Arizona "winter" weather, one of  my greyhounds came by and immediately grabbed a bit of dog poop and woofed it down. I instantly recalled all the debates regarding 4-D meat over the years and wondered if what Olga just ate was fit for human consumption? 

Of course not! Yet some individuals, who are more than eager to attempt to destroy the livelihoods of law abiding citizens with smear campaigns, claim 4-D meat is not fit for human consumption and should not be fed to dogs.

Hummm...screeching breaks here! 

If the argument is that 4-D meat is not fit for human consumption and should not be given to dogs – just one question – should any attention be given to individuals or organizations that are unable to distinguish between a human and canine?

Now while I have not personally witnessed any dog poop piles marked "Not Fit For Human Consumption", I’m pretty sure it is safe to say it is unfit for human consumption. If anyone out there would like to chow down on a bit of Poop and prove me wrong, go right ahead. In the same vein, many medications that are formulated for our pets are clearly marked for animal (or specifically dog, cat, etc.) use only. Animal medication is not fit for human consumption. 

Canines, no matter what breed they are, can and do consume things that are not fit for human consumption. It is their nature. I love my dogs with every fiber of my being, but my dogs are not human.

Where The Heck Did They Learn To Do THAT?

While trying to fall asleep last night with our newly adopted greyhound of just a week snuggled up against me and kissing my nose every time I try to shift, I found myself asking why is this new greyhound so "at home" so quickly? She sure must have been given lots of love and snuggles by the kennel staff be so comfortable with a stranger.

We keep hearing the "humane advocate protectors” continually making statements that the greyhounds are not socialized and get no human attention. Yet here I am, trying to sleep with a newly adopted greyhound, just one week into her retirement, snuggled up against me exactly like Bobo, my adopted greyhound of 7 years. She chose to be next to me, not me next to her.

The negative rhetoric that some like to spew about greyhounds does the breed a huge disservice! 

For my actual boots-on-the-ground, with my own eyes education,  I chose to sit down and watch the lead outs at the track I was at last week as they handled the greyhounds coming out of ginny pit and being prepared for the race. The greyhounds would nuzzle the lead outs; the lead outs would pet the dogs. What I observed is something that anyone in the public could witness for themselves if they are at the track. Many adopters often mention how their adopted greyhounds nuzzle up to them looking for a pat on the head or a tickle under the chin.

I then watched as the dogs would be loaded into starting box. "Humane advocate protectors” level accusations that the dogs are crying in fear but watch and listen and when you see the bunny lure starting to make its way around, you will discover the dogs are howling – not in fear or pain – they are howling in anticipation that the hunt is about to begin.  Many adopters often mention how their adopted greyhounds howl and roo and become excited in anticipation of playtime, mealtime or seeing the mailman coming up to the front door.

So next time you come across a “fact sheet" by organizations and individuals who have zero experience with raising, training and/or transitioning racing greyhounds from their racing career to their pet career, ask for the rest of the story – ask for the truth.

July 4th Safety tips

http://www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_multi_top_ten_fourth_of_july_pet_safety_tips#.UdQbDfmThzc

Color Me "Perplexed"

What am I to think of  "humane advocate protectors" that preaches the evils of dog crates...excuse me, they insist on using the term "cages" - and now come across a photo being circulated via social media that indicates a "humane advocate protector", a greyhound and a "cage" (??!!?!?) - again, their term, not mine - in the "humane advocate protectors" office.

Perplexed comes to mind as well as hypocritical.

I do not crate my greyhounds, so in my house you will not find a crate. But let us, for sake of discussion, say that if I did use crates for my greyhounds you would expect to find crates in my house. I have never thought that a crate was a "cage". Many greyhound adoption programs suggest the use of crate to their adopters as well as use industry standard crates for ex-racing greyhounds awaiting forever homes. Point is, if someone uses a crate, you will find a crate in this person's possession. If "humane advocate protectors" vilify the use of crates you would not expect to come across photos of the "humane advocate protectors" office with a crate...excuse me..."cage" in it. 

Would you expect to see photos with what appears to be an industry crate with shredded paper in the possession of a "humane advocate protectors" office that has greyhound(s) there yet states:

“They are confined for long hours each day, with shredded paper or carpet remnants as bedding”

In the name of TRANSPARANCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRITY, I believe the public is owed a full and unvarnished explanation as to why they may have a crate in the office and how many hours a day are they possibly confining a greyhound in it and what exactly are the dimensions of this crate? Sorry I keep saying crate. The "humane advocate protectors" insist on calling it a "cage". Does that include when they themselves use them? 

So what’s next? Are we going to discover that a ”humane advocate protectors” founder/board member is involved in whippet racing………………?

Boom, Boom! Out go the...oh wait, never mind...the lights are on.

Just a couple of weeks ago, the greyhound adoption community had the opportunity to be lectured via social media regarding kennels at a greyhound track:

Have you actually ever been at a track and been inside the kennels?
Did you know the kennels in Arizona are NOT air conditioned?
And the lights are off 24/7?
And they wear muzzles 24/7?
And they live in cramped urine soaked cages 24/7?

So being curious I set out to learn for myself rather than blindly accept the words of those who support and follow "humane advocate protectors".

I arrived at the Arizona track around 5:30 pm on a day when outdoor temperature, according to my vehicle, was approximately 110 degrees. I took off my shoes and stepped out on the track and went for a slow, measured walk. Not once did my feet feel any heat. I did feel the cool sand between my toes and was not uncomfortable and the pace of my barefoot walk allowed me to detect any inconsistencies in the track surface, I then walked over to the metal starting box. I found the starting box located in shade. I stuck my head inside and did not feel uncomfortable at all. I took my hands and felt along the walls and found it was not hot to the touch at all.

After observing a few races, I then went with several trainers to the kennels as they returned the dogs that just finished racing. Low and behold I found lights on in the kennels and as I walked around petting dogs I found not a single dog wearing a muzzle. As I gazed into the eyes of the dogs, which were happy, playful and showing absolutely no signs of heat distress, I noticed that I felt temperate and comfortable. Yes, there were fans on in the kennel but I walked outside and looked at the roof top and there it was...a metal box pumping cool air into the kennels.

And the entire time I was at the track and in all the kennels I walked into, not one had the smell of soaked urine, not one greyhound was soaked in its own urine or any other canine body secretion.   

Before you accept the incorrect statements of a "humane advocate protector", go forth on your own and learn the facts for yourself. You will find the facts are more truthful than a fake French model.

GREYHOUND-GATE???

Several years ago an attorney for the "humane advocate protectors" made this comment “This is a Nixonion pattern of intimidation and harassment by the track owners.”

Since that comment, the "humane advocate protectors" have:

-  Circulated an email urging supporters to “refrain from interacting” with an adoption program.

-  Had an attorney send letters to various adoption programs threatening to "report" them to the IRS.

-  Called adoption leaders “Dog Killers”

In recent months, “humane advocate protectors" and supporters:

-  Have taken images without permission from adoption groups which the groups use to raise money for adopting ex-racing greyhounds.

-  Circulated posted graphics that call greyhound adoption group members by name saying they are "animal abusers".

-  Attempted to damage the reputations of individuals in greyhound adoption and their abilities to find homes for ex-racing greyhounds.

-  Sent an email to a group indicating greyhound adoption provides an "opt out" and the "humane advocate protectors" are ready to use their resources and political connections against those who do not share their mission.

Now who exactly is showing a pattern of intimidation and harassment? When did the "humane advocate protectors" decide that attacks and threats to those involved in greyhound adoption were acceptable, encouraged and/or condoned? 

Demand the "humane advocate protectors" end the intimidation tactics they launch daily against anyone who disagrees with them. It is time for the self-anointed leaders of the ”humane advocate protectors" to take action and end the reign of terror against any and all involved in the adoption of ex-racing greyhounds into loving homes.

Truth or Dare

I dare those dating the French models to prove what they say to be true. No strike that - I double dog dare yah!

Lots of "truths" being tossed around by the "humane advocate protectors" are long on propaganda and short on fact. Think about it...do you really think someone sat in a track kennel for seven straight days of 24 hours each to back up a statement like the lights are off 24/7?? 

But if you do happen to find this person, can you let me know.

Little Things Do Mean A Lot - Pistol the Mamma Dog............

Last week my wife and I said good-bye to our mamadog Pistol. First, I would like to share with you the tribute my wife wrote about Pistol.

Dear Pistol ~
How did a teeny-weeny monster tomboy mamadog who was so supercharged on a leash I needed both hands to hold on turn out to be the gentle mama to all of us at The Grey Lodge? You ran like crazy, jumped, barked, whined, "talked", put your toes in the water dish and flew thru the air with the greatest of ease as you lept across the floor and onto the bed before breakfast and dinner and anytime I even thought about sleeping past 5:30 a.m. But most of all you helped me thru the best of times and the worst of times. You licked away my tears and you chattered in my ear as we shared our secrets. When you put your head on my shoulder and snuggled your nose into my neck, I cuddled your soft as velvet fur and knew that our world was a good and happy place.

You were made of so much good stuff ~ from your puppy ears, to your forever young face, to the "white spats" on your toes, to your joie de vivre to your pure & kind heart ~ that when we met Dove & Crystal and saw so much of you in them we knew that if we ever found another of your puppies, they would join the tribe. Of course Olga is nothing like you, but deep down she has your heart and she has your soul and she is very special. You were a good mamadog.

This was not the day we wanted to say goodbye. In truth, no day would have been the right day yet life has a way of changing things. Some things just have to be. The day's joy is now mingled with sadness but they are just dates and dates do not make up a beautiful life. Today will forever be Pistol Day and you will be remembered with joy. You and your beige bunny romp with the Better Angels of our tribe and Winston & Buggle. You keep a close watch over Harley (he loved you lots) and do your best to to get Nutmeg to play (but she will just look at you like you're silly) and give Sharon a kiss.

Pistol. Pistolina. Teeny Weeny Pistoliny. Pissy (how I swore I would NEVER call you that). Our time with you was a blessing. You are forever loved.

Pistol 
7.14.2002 ~ 6.14.2013 

In May of this year, I along with a friend of the greyhounds, purchased several Mother Bunnies for The Greyhound Inmate Experience. Yesterday I received a touching 4 page thank you card from the program. Without a shadow of a doubt, the inmates and dogs love the bunnies. One note on the thank you card read in part - “I pray that you feel the joy of these dogs” - and as I wipe the tears from my eyes, trust me, I feel the joy every day.

I’m happy to announce in Pistol’s memory, the inmates and greyhounds will be getting another "litter" of Mother Bunny bunnies, which was her favorite toy. I feel that The Greyhound Inmate Experience (as well as other similar programs) help so many - greyhounds, inmates, adoption groups and future greyhound adopters - in so many ways. The addition of a cuddly bunny stuffed toy to a greyhound-inmate team is just a small kindness to those who play a part in a racing greyhound's journey to retirement.

If you would like to help honor Pistol's memory with a Mother Bunny bunny and contribute to the Pistol Bunny Fund.please contact: 

The Greyhound Inmate Experience

PO Box 75

Dearborn, Michigan 48121

Together we can make a difference in the lives of greyhounds and our fellow man.

I miss you my sweet mamadog Pistol

Rory