Dear Greyhound Friends,

There were no lazy days of summer for GFNJ and the fall looks to be equally busy.  This is to say that some wonderful greyhounds have joined the GFNJ family and more are on the way!  In addition to the delightful, easy-to-place dogs that arrive each week, we've welcomed some stoic greys who come to us looking for protection and a home in which they'll be cherished. Aubrey is only 15 months old, tested heartworm positive and has scar tissue in her throat causing megaesophagus.  She has to eat several small meals each day and drinks from a bottle. But a more loving and charming grey we'll never meet. I would like to thank both Glenda Toth and Rose Comerford for fostering Aubrey and committing to a schedule that has allowed her to thrive. There are many Aubreys in the greyhound world and I hope you'll enjoy reading more about them inside.

With the seasonal closing of the Belmont track in New Hamspshire and Wonderland track in Massachusetts, we will be accepting as many dogs as possible and fundraising to make sure they get the care they need.  A bigger, better Craft Show & Pet Epo is being planned for November 22 and 23 at the Somerset National Guard Armory and I hope you will participate.

The pursuit of a GFNJ kennel is progressing - slowly.  We have appeared before the Zoning Board of Delanco, New Jersey and are scheduled to appear again.  The sale of the kennel to GFNJ is dependent on their approval of improvements we wish to make for the good of the greys.  Updates will follow as they occur.

I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events and hearing from you at any time you have a question or issue.

Linda Lyman

President

GFNJ was a 2008 sponsor of the Grapehounds Wine Tour in the Finger Lakes country in New York.  Not only was it a wonderful get-away for dogs and their owners, but some special reunions  occurred.  Last year Erica and Joann were two baby sisters rescued from a farm in Oklahoma.  Their adopters became friends and made it a point to visit, allowing for some girl talk with the great wine.

More Aubreys

Or

Why We Work So Hard!

Sometimes it seems we focus on fundraising as much as adoptions.  When we look at some examples of our special greyhounds, it puts the need for fundraising in perspective.

In the last year GFNJ has taken 98 greyhounds from Florida alone, where there are so many tracks and too many dogs. The average cost to rescue each dog and provide normal veterinary care is approximately $170, or $16,600 total for these Florida dogs. Some individual dogs require more extensive care.  Hallo Mr. Rooster is a big, friendly greyhound who demonstrated behavioral problems in his adoptive home and was returned. While in the Prison Program for trainingand evaluation, Rooster broke his leg. GFNJ's orthopedist, Dr. Gregory Zolton, found that Rooster had originally broken his leg in Florida, it had not been treated properly and he had been living in great pain. Dr. Zolton performed surgery; Rooster recuperated nicely in the prison, and is in a foster home waiting for his forever home.  To date Rooster's treatment has cost over $1,800.  Hidden Fortune was literally pulled off a truck to nowhere. No rescue group had agreed to take her because she had a lump on her leg.  For the cost of one x-ray Dr. Zolton determined that it was a trauma, needed no special treatment, and would heal completely.  Whytell June Q is a Florida rescue that arrived in May.  Happy and outgoing, Whytell had a swelling on her throat that was diagnosed as a ruptured salivary gland, requiring special surgery.  She recently underwent successful surgery and was adopted by her foster family--another happy ending.

In the past year GFNJ has helped more than 15 Massachusetts broken-legged greyhounds, at a cost in excess of $27,000, with a portion reimbursed by the state of Massachusetts. These dogs need to be stabilized and treated quickly, usually with orthopedic surgery. One Massachusetts dog,  M's Ashton Gino, has, alone, required another $4,000 in special care.  GFNJ received a call at 10:30    p.m. one evening from a Massachusetts track liaison asking us to take responsibility for Gino who had experienced a compound fracture of a front leg that evening during a race. Too ill to be moved, we were asked to guarantee payment for his treatment until strong enough to come to New Jersey.  Exuberant and outgoing, Gino was nicknamed 'Happy' by his foster and was adopted as soon as he was declared healed by Dr. Zolton. These are only a few of the examples of the wonderful dogs who find themselves injured and in need of our help.

GFNJ adopters must contractually return any dog they are unable to keep.  Additionally, as the oldest New Jersey greyhound group still placing dogs, Greyhound Friends frequently takes responsibility for older greyhounds originally adopted from organizations no longer in existence. Often, it is necessary to have the teeth of these dogs cleaned, and they frequently have medical conditions associated with old age, such as arthritis, thyroid imbalances, or eye problems such as pannus. These dogs usually require $200-$300 worth of veterinary care (often more) before being placed in new homes, and the adoption fee for an older dog is only $135. Ten-year-old Matilda had lived in a home with nine-year-old Leo for many years.  Matilda was adopted from another group that was no longer placing dogs and Leo was a GFNJ boy. Their owner could no longer keep them due to a divorce. The owner asked GFNJ to help, and sobbed when it came time to say goodbye. Both dogs are wonderful; Matilda is in her forever home and Leo is with a wonderful foster dad who gives him the daily eye drops he now requires.

GFNJ has taken more than 23 dogs from breeding farms in Oklahoma in the past year. Five were under a year old when they arrived and needed socialization and training to ensure proper behavior in their adoptive home (Erica and Joann pictured in the President's Letter). One dog was a "spook", requiring months of foster care to instill confidence.  Five were broods abandoned on a breeding farm when it was sold. 

Lonesome Highway, Oreo, LD's Miss Blue, LD's Sassafras and Just Daisy are dogs that were kept in cages for five months on the back porch of a dog trainer in Alabama. It's unknown why no other group would take them.  We were pleased to find  homes for them and fortunately all veterinary and transportation fees were covered by the trainer so there was no cost to GFNJ. We were happy to be able to welcome these and all the dogs to Greyhound Friends of New Jersey.

Sometimes requests come not from tracks or farms but private citizens. Sir Dane is an AKC puppy that was purchased by a family with small children.  We were asked to take the grey at the age of 11 months when he proved too unruly.  Sir Dane is a very handsome dog with a powerful and stubborn puppy personality.  He was placed in the Prison Program and the inmates gave him the socialization needed before he was adopted into an experienced greyhound family where he is thriving. 

GFNJ has never had to turn down a request to help a special needs greyhound. Fundraising is the only way to provide the best care to these dogs, and the support of everyone who volunteers and participates in the events ensures more dogs are helped.  

More Flower Power for Greyhounds

Last fall Greyhound Friends successfully partnered with Dutch Gardens for "Flower Power", a flower bulb fundraiser. The bulbs practically sold themselves. After all, who doesn't love tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring flowering bulbs? Building on the success we had in the fall, we offered a Spring fundraiser for summer flowering bulbs.  These two fundraisers enabled us to raise a total of $2,172. 

With fall quickly approaching, we are once again looking for volunteers to sell bulbs.  Each volunteer will be provided with a color brochure outlining the various bulbs available and an order form to use for friends, neighbors and co-workers.  The bulbs are 100% satisfaction guaranteed and each  completed order comes with planting and care instructions.  Greyhound Friends earns 50% profit on all sales.  You can help greyhounds in need and beautify your home and community at the same time.

If you are interested in ordering bulbs for yourself and/or volunteering to sell bulbs, please contact Cindy Mattson at crand@comcast.net or 856-981-7816.  Bulbs will be delivered by mid-October. 

Coming this Fall

Turn Oktoberfest into Greyfest!

Join your fellow greyhound lovers for a casual afternoon of food and fun. Date and details to follow soon...Watch the website

www.greyhoundfriendsnj.org. 

Northern Buff  is a sweet seven-year-old. She is a very loving and affectionate girl who likes the company of the people around her.  She is happy to share a bed with the other greys in her foster home as long as it doesn't get too crowded. She is very friendly and asks for pets from everyone she meets. Won't you give this lady a chance in your home?

Greyhounds Take to the Vineyards

On July 24th, 2008 hundreds of greyhounds and their owners from across the US and Canada made their way to Cayuga Falls, New York for the annual Grapehounds Wine Tour. The three day event  included wine tasting at many of the Cayuga Trails wineries, a BBQ and outdoor concert, greyhound vendors, an ice cream social, a reception sponsored by GFNJ and a dog walk at the magnificent Taughannock Falls.  Participants were able to take advantage of special hotel rates in the Ithaca area where four-footed guests were welcomed with doggie "goodie bags" and treats.

Jean Thomas, a GFNJ adopter and Grapehounds attendee, stated, "What impressed me the most was how the wineries and hotels were so welcoming to us and our dogs.  It was like a huge greyhound event with wine as a treat for the humans."  First-time attendee Sue Smith said,"We had a great time. We learned about wines   and could take dogs everywhere - it was a very unique experience." 

Plans are already being made for the 2009   Grapehound Wine Tour and, as in previous years, the number of attendees is expected to grow. Information on this years and next year's events can be found at www.grapehounds.com.

Go Green for Greyhounds

Clothing Drive

Saturday, September 13

Greyhound Friends of New Jersey is hosting a clothing drive fundraiser on Saturday, September 13, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at three convenient locations listed below. Not only will our greyhounds benefit from your donation of used clothing, but our planet will benefit by helping to keep landfills free of clothing. We will be collecting clean, usable and wearable clothing, shoes and accessories (handbags, belts, scarves, ties and hats). Soft household items such as bedding, curtains, tablecloths and towels, as well as hard toys and stuffed animals can also be donated. GFNJ will receive cash for each pound of items collected.

Fall is a great time to clean out those closets!  Please ask your family and friends to donate and help our hounds. All donated clothing must be in tied plastic bags. You can use  garbage bags, kitchen bags or shopping bags. 

GFNJ volunteers will be accepting your donations at the locations listed below.  If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Gehret at hgehret@yahoo.com or 856-863-5898.

Rusty's Place, 1141 Greenwood Lake Tpke, Ringwood, NJ 07456                                               

Hay Hill Kennels, 905 N Washington Ave.,

Green Brook, NJ 08812

Precious Pets, 5 E Somerdale Rd.,

Somerdale, NJ 08083

Honey is a beautiful eight-year-old girl who was returned due to her owner's illness.  She is friendly in a nice, quiet, polite way. She loves to run and play in her fenced yard. She is sweet as honey and comes nicely for pets and gives kisses. Won't you give this great grey lady her forever home?

Greyhound Friends of New Jersey Hosts First Annual Gala

The first annual Greyhound Gala was held June 14 at Concordia in Monroe.  Guests enjoyed fine dining, drinks and musical entertainment by DJ Keith Gipson in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.  Raffle prizes included many elegant items and a silent auction was held for two beautiful framed greyhound prints.

The highlight of the evening was an appearance by Great Scott and his magnificent parrot.  The  magician/illusionist "wowed" the audience and  even got the guests involved in the performance.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for this special evening.  The best part is that all the profits went to help the wonderful greyhounds.  We hope that our second annual Greyhound Gala in 2009 will be even bigger and better.

Third Annual Scotch Bowl Raises $6,500 for GFNJ

On August 2, the Holiday Bowl in Oakland, New Jersey was filled to capacity with more than 180 people participating in the Third Annual Scotch Bowl to benefit Greyhound Friends of New Jersey. Chris and Chuck Coslet, owners of Rusty's Place, a pet supply store in Ringwood, New Jersey, initiated the event and spearhead this very successful fundraiser each year.  Helping plan the day were Nancy Bowden, Tyler Harrington, Yvonne LaChapelle, Jane Lehmbeck and several other volunteers.

Scotch Bowl is team bowling with a twist.  Trick frames with unique approaches to the ball occur throughout the game with the emphasis on laughter.  A delicious buffet dinner, tricky tray sweepstakes of more than 50 gift baskets, 20 door prizes and doggie goodie bags left everyone a winner!

This wonderful event keeps getting better every year, and GFNJ extends special appreciation to Chris and Chuck for their generous contributions.  Mark the first Saturday in August on your calendars so you won't miss next year's Scotch Bowl!

Special thanks to Gino Nuzzo, owner of Image Makers Instant Printing in Wayne, New Jersey, for printing this newsletter. If you have any printing needs, he can be reached at 973-633-1771.

She'll Say It by Ear

By

          Nancy Waddell

Sugar, one of our dear greyhounds, lost her voice in July 2007  following successful unilateral tieback surgery to correct Laryngeal  Paralysis.  As the oldest greyhound in our home, Sugie saw  herself as the Matriarch of the Waddellhounds, and as such, expected and demanded the deference due her - the choicest treats, the most comfy bed, the prettiest collar.  But how, without benefit of snarl, bark or yodel, was she to make her point?

No ignorant lassie, she soon realized that Dick and I would respond with zeal to foot stomping, the cold nose in the eye ploy and an increasing number of physical postures and facial contortions.  Additionally, her ears have come to play a major role in her communicating. Both ears up and straight tells the other greyhounds in no uncertain terms to stay out of her space, stay out of her face. Aimed across the street or down the alley, her ears up posture tells us she has seen a cat or smells pizza.  One ear up and the other at half mast informs Dick and I that she's getting impatient with the length of time its taking to prepare her meal or hook on her leash.  However, it tells the other two dogs that she will exit the car first, and she will under no circumstances vacate her spot in the sun, thank you very much.

I do think Sugar was frustrated and confused when she first found that she couldn't verbalize her wishes and intentions.  Heck, wouldn't you be?  However, she and I are finding, as we age, we tend to be ignored more than attended to.  Being speechless just won't do. Sugie has perfected ear mechanics, fancy footwork, body language and nasal targeting to make her points. I, however, am working on my upper body strength.

Greyhound Friends begets Greyhound Friends.  Every Sunday a group of 12 human friends meet in Brookdale Park in Bloomfield, NJ to walk, share information and let their greys get some quality doggie time. If you're a new adopter living in this area, feel free to join this great group.

Electronic Newsletters

Beginning with the Spring 2009 edition of the newsletter, GFNJ will be offering the N. J. Home Stretch electronically.  Receiving the newsletter via email reduces printing and postage costs (resulting in more money for the dogs) and goes a long way towards helping the environment.  If you would like to receive electronic newsletters instead of the paper version, please send your email address to Patty Comerford at pac173@aol.com.  Please type Newsletter in the subject line.  We'd also appreciate having your address, phone and county so that we can keep your current information on file.

Never Judge a Book..

By

Irene Price-Gendron

Five years ago I made the decision to adopt a greyhound. I'd always started with a cute, cuddly puppy so this was a big change. My previous dogs were female and I believed they were more family-oriented and, well, being a woman, felt they were a tad bit smarter than the males. Sorry fellas - my mistake.

As I admired the greyhounds at a picnic my eyes were drawn to the white and brindle ones. Their beauty stood out. I don't want to sound picky but the black dogs didn't draw my attention. The adoption representative from the greyhound organization interviewed me, checked out our yard to see if it was greyhound friendly and called our vet reference. She said she would look for a female, not too shy because our grandchildren frequently visited; I went shopping for a fleece bed, raised dishes, crate and toys and read about greyhounds. She also asked that I consider adopting a male as they, too, make wonderful pets.

Soon she called to say there was a male who'd just arrived she thought that he would fit into our family nicely.   She didn't mention what he looked like but I checked out the website and was disappointed to see he was black. To top it off, his name was Gomer. Who names a racer Gomer?   That night I mulled it over. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be. Then I asked myself what was really important? Was it giving a dog in need a home or its color, gender and name?

I waited anxiously to meet Gomer. He stood tall and graceful and remained polite as our pug told him in no uncertain terms just who the boss was in our house. Gomer slowly wagged his tail and I reached over to pet him. He felt like velvet.  Those eyes, goodness, they were like melted chocolate! Right then Gomer (who never answered to that name...smart boy) became Dickens.

Since that time many people have mentioned to me that they've never seen a black greyhound. I found out that black dogs are the least likely to get a home because not many people are drawn to them. I am so thankful my vision cleared in time. People ask, "Did you rescue him?" I reply, "No, he rescues me every day!"

With a policy of helping any greyhound in need, GFNJ has found homes for hundreds of black dogs.

 Fuzzy Akon (left) and Knolls  are just two of the black greyhounds currently available for adoption.  Both are in the Prison Program. 

Sol Kinde is a sweet and loving three-year-old boy. He is very smart and learned house manners and stairs within a day. He has an endearing personality and even smiles to show how charming he can be. He is living with a greyhound and a Dalmatian and getting along fine. Won't you consider adding this handsome,  loving boy to your family? 

Zronia  "Amanda" is a sweet, sweet older lady at 11 years--she is spry and fit and loving life. She came from a breeding farm in Oklahoma with a longish, fuzzy, pale fawn coat. Just like a butterfly, Amanda has transformed into a lovely, shiny, gorgeous lady.  This "young at heart" grey is in foster care with a male greyhound and living a comfortable life. We would love to be able to adopt her into her forever home. Amanda is not good with cats but loves people.

BIGGER, BETTER CRAFT SHOW

NEW PLACE, NEW DATE

Saturday, November 22nd from 9am-4pm and Sunday, November 23rd from 10am-4pm

At the Somerset National Guard Armory, 1060 Hamilton Street, Somerset, NJ 08873

The weekend before Thanksgiving, join your Greyhound Friends at the 12th Annual Greyhound Friends of New Jersey Craft Show & Pet Expo.  Our past craft shows have been so successful that we're expanding!  There will be more vendors and plenty of parking.  The Armory is accessible from all major highways.

You'll find that special holiday gift - a new coat, collar and toy for your dog; and the MUST HAVE commemorative photo with Santa!  Then there's that awesome raffle and the delicious chili and corn bread.  And, shopping at the yummy bake table will save you work at Thanksgiving.

Vendors are already booking space, including Victoria Dream, Puddingstone Puddle, Greyhound Protection League and Greyhound Love - all returning vendors from last year.

Finally, you'll be able to rub paws with some newly arrived rescues hoping to be home for the holidays.  You can even adopt one if you're pre-approved!

Mark your calendars now and tell your friends.  Admission is $5 and children under 12 are admitted free.  LEASHED PETS WELCOME!!!

Your help, as always, is greatly appreciated.  Become a vendor or volunteer. Donate a raffle item. Buy/sell raffle tickets.  For more information please contact:

Vendors

Terryl Jackson Greygal3@optonline.net 908-203-0070

Raffle

Maria Lutz FLutz11331@aol.com 732-521-8330

Volunteers

Ellen Ganopoulos RedReeper@aol.com973-759-0461

 General Info

Patty Comerford Pac173@aol.com732-566-2226

Moved? Please let us know of any address or telephone number changes so we can keep our records up to date. 

Topaz Hojo is a beautiful five-year-old boy who has a loving and charming personality. He was returned as he was just overwhelmed by too many very small children even though his family loved him. He adjusted right away to his foster home and has not been a "minutes trouble". He walks nicely on leash which makes outside excursions a pleasure.  This boy is more than ready to settle into his forever home.

SAVE YOUR PRO PLAN WEIGHT CIRCLES

Weight circles from Pro Plan dog food bags help us pay our veterinary bills and buy food for the dogs in our prison foster program. Please cut the circles from the side of the bag and send to Greyhound Friends of NJ.  

Happy! Happy!

Joy! Joy!

Seeeee Ya! 

Flea Bag's headed home! 

Greyhound Friends of New Jersey, Inc. Membership Application

Greyhound Friends of NJ Membership Dues go for the care of the greyhounds.

For an annual donation of $25 or more, members will receive a newsletter   subscription and member decal; for $50 or more members will receive a newsletter subscription, decal and T-shirt; for the generous gift of $100, members will receive a newsletter subscription, decal and sweatshirt. Write your check    today, payable to Greyhound Friends of NJ, Inc. and mail it with this form to:

Greyhound Friends of NJ., Inc., P.O. Box 4416, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-0669.

Yes, I want to help Greyhound Friends of NJ care for the greyhounds.

Name___________________________________ Phone ___________________

Address ___________________________________________________________

Email Address _____________________________________

Amount Enclosed $______ T-shirt/sweatshirt size (M,L,XL) _______

 _____ I don't want a premium; please use the entire donation to help the greyhounds.