MSGAO’s annual  Dog Wash on April 26 is exempt from the Southland Park Gaming and Racing requirement that all dogs entering the compound be vaccinated against canine influenza. All adoptable dogs in the program have been vaccinated and the waiting period for maximum effectiveness will have passed by April 26. So we can proceed as planned! Please see the details below.

However, the requirement for boarding dogs to be vaccinated remains in effect. Vaccine is not readily available at this time, but we will update you as we learn of its availability.

In response to the outbreak of canine influenza in the Midwest, Southland Park Gaming and Racing and the State Veterinarian are requiring all dogs that come onto the Southland compound to be vaccinated against this highly contagious disease.

All greyhounds available for adoption have received this vaccination.  All greyhounds coming to board will need the vaccination.  Because of the short notice of this requirement, MSGAO will arrange for incoming boarding dogs to be vaccinated and add the cost to the bill.

These steps are being taken to protect our beloved greyhounds.  Adopters are urged to be cautious at dog parks and even Meet and Greets since these venues provide potential avenues for exposure to this virus.  Early symptoms are high fevers in the 105- to 106-degree range.  Greyhounds do NOT tolerate high fever, so this is a real concern.

More information on the disease is available at this link:  https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx.

The implications of this outbreak on the dog wash scheduled April 26 are unknown at this time.  Updates will be posted as they become available.  We recommend checking with your veterinarian to get your dog vaccinated as soon as possible.

Fresh and clean!

Bring your greyhound for an entire day of spa pampering at the MSGAO kennel on Sunday, April 26! The MSGAO Annual Dog Wash is one of our big fundraisers for the year, and we need your dirty greyhound(s) to show up for a spa day, rain or shine. This is the day for cleaning that hound and enjoying a little fun yourself.

What: MSGAO Annual Dog Wash
Date: Sunday, April 26
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option kennel

In addition to baths and other grooming, MSGAO is hosting a raffle of goody baskets and serving lunch. So come out and enjoy the day while your pooch gets some pampering!

Prices:
The Greyhound Quickie (bath, nail trim, teeth cleaning) – $25
The Greyhound Works (bath, nail trim, teeth & ear cleaning, shave) – $40
Bath – $15
Shave (bath included) – $30
Nail Trim – $7
Teeth Cleaning – $7
Bar-B-Que Lunch – $6

Spring is in full swing, with a host of events in which MSGAO will be participating.

In addition to our regularly scheduled Meet and Greet events (see the sidebar at right), MSGAO will be showing off our dogs both on the racecourse and our booth at the Youth Villages 5K in Memphis on April 18.  Volunteers are needed to staff the booth.

Learn more about the event at this link:  http://www.youthvillages.org/get-involved/events/yv-races/yv5k-10miler.aspx#sthash.CLlIIWVh.dpbs.

April 26 is the fabulous Dog Wash, where greyhounds can have a spa day (baths, shaving and more) while human enjoy some food and auctions/shopping. This is a major fund-raising event for MSGAO as well as an opportunity to get your greyhound ready for the summer heat.  Details will be announced closer to the event.

We also we will showcase our hounds on May 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dog A Roo Festival at Shelby Farms in Memphis.  Find out more about this event at this link:  http://www.shelbyfarmspark.org/dog-a-roo.

Residents of Jonesboro, Arkansas, will be treated to a special meet and greet event May 23 at the Jonesboro Farmers Market.  Stay tuned for details.

On May 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., MSGAO will be participating in an Arkansas Tourism Week event at the Blytheville Welcome Center in Arkansas.

Finally, on June 6 MSGAO will participate in Paws For A Cause at Saddle Creek Shops in Germantown, Tennessee, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Volunteers will be needed to staff the booth in shifts.  A wading pool will be set up for our greyhounds’ comfort.

If you and your hound can volunteer at any of these events, please contact Cynde at [email protected].