Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option

Greyhounds literally flew out of the Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option kennel in January and February.  Vicki Cohen, director of the adoption program housed at Southland Park Gaming and Racing, believes the amount of adoptions in those two months set a record!  Included in the total are three dogs who joined the GPA Nashville adoption program, where volunteers foster the dogs until they can be placed in homes:

• BS Dodge This
• WW’s Feet Beat
• Shaddix

Here are the happy hounds and their wonderful adopters (with racing name, nickname and adopters listed).  We wish them a greyt future together!

Curious about those asterisks?  These mean the family who adopted the greyhound has another at home.  We call those chippers since, like potato chips, you can’t have just one greyhound!

Greyhounds helped raise funds for Youth Villages by participating in a 5K in 2012.

Greyhounds and their human friends are again approved to walk in the annual Youth Villages 5K (YV5K), and for the first time MSGAO will also set up a Meet & Greet booth at this major fund-raising event for the private non-profit organization dedicated to helping emotionally and behaviorally troubled children and their families live successfully.

The event will occur April 20 at 1000 Ridgeway Loop, Memphis, TN. Race time is 9 a.m. on the dot. Last year’s 5K had more than 2,000 participants, so you will need to give yourself time to find a parking spot, pick up your YV5K T-shirt, and locate the MSGAO booth (that’s where we’ll meet). There will be a band and lots of post-race food, usually hot dogs, chips, ice cream, chocolate milk, and water.

Our team name is “Greyhounds for Youth.” I’m having team T-shirts made this year. They’re still in the design process, but I think everyone will like them. I’m excited. The MSGAO logo will be on the front. A greyhound running with a kite (similar to YV’s logo) and a boy attempting to chase the greyhound will be on the back. These shirts will be pre-ordered because the kennel isn’t paying for them. The shirts will be available at cost to those who walk in the 5K. If anyone wants to buy a shirt but not participate in the 5K, part of the proceeds will go to the kennel and part will go to YV. As soon as I know the cost of the shirts, I’ll let you all know.

For liability reasons our dogs must remain at the back of the group. Please remember poop etiquette.

A 5K is the equivalent of 3.1 miles. To prepare your dog: walk at least for days per week and add ½ mile each week to gradually build up endurance. I’d rather err on the side of caution than to push the dog too hard. The greyhounds seem to know that the 5K is a competition. Therefore, they want to walk faster than usual. If the weather is warmer next month, you might want to bring water for your dog during walks.

 To register:

• Go to www.youthvillages.org.
• Click “Events” on right side of screen.
• Click “Memphis/Mid-South” tab.
• You will see “YV5K & 10 miler.”
• Click “Learn more.”
• Click “Teams” at the bottom of page.
• Click” I would like to join an existing team.”
• Now you will see a section that says, “Team company.”
• Scroll to Greyhounds for Youth and select. There will be a “join” red link to the right.
• Choose YV5KWalker$20.

I would like to have a team of at least five people. More would be even better. We had a good time last year. Your donation and/or time will go to a good cause and will not be wasted. Sylvie and the kids appreciate it.

– Paula Pilgrim

February 21, 2013 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that Kasel Associates Industries Inc. is recalling all pet treats it manufactured from April 20 through Sept. 19, 2012, due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Kasel has issued three previous recall notices for specific products manufactured during this time period.

The move comes after the Colorado Department of Agriculture tested a retail sample of a Kasel pet treat product and found it to be positive for Salmonella. Based on FDA’s follow-up inspection at the firm, FDA found that all of the finished pet treat product samples and 48 out of 87 environmental samples collected during the inspection tested positive for Salmonella. More than 10 different species of Salmonella were found in the firm’s products and manufacturing facility, indicating multiple sources of contamination.

While there are no reports of human illness, FDA has received a small number of complaints of illness in dogs who were exposed to the treats. Because of the multiple positive tests for Salmonella, and the production practices and conditions observed at the facility during the inspection, FDA believes that there is a reasonable probability that pet treat products manufactured in the facility from April 20 through September 19, 2012, are contaminated with Salmonella.

Both people and animals can contract Salmonellosis from handling or eating contaminated products. People handling dry pet treats should thoroughly wash their hands after having contact with the treats as well as any surfaces exposed to these products.

Consumers who have any of these products, or who are unsure of the manufacturing date of their pet treats, should dispose of them in ways that people and animals, including wild animals, cannot access them, such as placing them in a securely lidded garbage can.

The Kasel-manufactured products are sold at various retailers, including Target, Petco, Sam’s Club and Costco. Most of the products have a two-year shelf life.

All of the products were made in the U.S. This action is not related to FDA’s ongoing investigation of jerky pet treats made in China.

Salmonella is a public health risk and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness. Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the products subject to this recall should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected product or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to become severely ill from Salmonella infection. The bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in these vulnerable populations. Most healthy individuals recover from Salmonella infections within four to seven days without treatment.

As with humans, dogs who are elderly, very young or have impaired immune systems are more vulnerable to Salmonella infection.

Some newsy tidbits from the Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option kennel:

• If you notice something different when you visit the MSGAO kennel, it may be the new roof it is sporting! A blue metal roof has been installed on the kennel. Many thanks go to Southland Park Gaming and Racing, which has been installing new roofs on all the kennels housing dogs. MSGAO is thankful for being a beneficiary of the roof-replacement program!

• Ray Wong again donated a portion of Cry Calaveras earnings at Southland to MSGAO:  $726.04. This was for the second half of 2012 (July-December). February 14 was Cal’s birthday and Ray said Cal made it his “birthday contribution.” Many thanks to Ray, a Nashville-area retired professor and former photojournalist who now is a racing greyhound owner. You can read more about Ray’s photography as well as about Cry Calaveras in the archives. Check out entries for September 2012 and July 2012, respectively.

In case we haven’t provided sufficient evidence to convince you that adopting a greyhound is the best thing you can do, we offer more adopters comments on why their pets are the coolest ones out there.

Paula Pilgrim: They don’t bark much and are well-mannered. Ooh! The ears! Their ears have multiple positions!

Rachel Hogue: They go with the flow!

Cynde Vaughn: They are the sweetest most loving dogs EVER!

Carrie Mills Sealey: You just have a special connection with them. You can’t really describe it, but those eyes just tell it all.

Hilda Forister-Taylor: With each one, you feel like they’ve been a part of your life forever. They flow right into your life and routine. They love you unconditionally.

Judi Fischer: They fill my life with love, laughter, and keep me young and alive by getting me up and looking forward to each day.

Rachel Bowman: They are sweet, cuddly, loyal, well-behaved, and calm. I have met more friends because of them than any other dog I’ve ever had!

Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option promised to share some male perspectives on why adopted greyhounds are the coolest pets ever.  While the men who visit our Friends of MSGAO Facebook page were a bit more reticent than the female members, we have this sampling of feelings to share.
 

A loving face (image courtesy of Kim Marks, via Friends of MSGAO Facebook page)

 
Scott Macintire:   Because when I study in the most uncomfortable room in the house, she’s at my feet because she just wants the company.

Greg Steed:   They ask for nothing and give everything.

James R. Fisher:  They love me unconditionally. ‘Nuff said.

Tim Mallette:  He is an incredibly good sport when my nephew comes over and bonks him on the nose in an attempt to pet him.

Tails are wagging in joy and gratitude at the Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option kennel over the generosity of those who opened their hearts and their wallets for the benefit of retired racers this holiday season.

MSGAO received the greatest amount ever in director Vicki Cohen’s tenure: a whopping $10,871 raised through generous donations from individuals. Vicki’s reaction to this overwhelming sum? “I love the MSGAO family and how much they love their greyhounds and support our program.”

In addition, MSGAO also received some unexpected corporate support:

• $335.15 through the 2012 Chase Community Giving program. MSGAO was nominated to receive a share of $5 million distributed among local charities.
• $709.40 through the Petco Foundation “Breeds in Need” program, dedicated to assisting shelters and groups involved in breed-specific adoption.

MSGAO deeply appreciates all the support received from individuals and corporations. All funds received will benefit the greyhounds seeking forever homes.

Santa Paws Is Coming to Town

The prettiest greyhound adoption promotion of the year is now on display at the Pink Palace Museum in Memphis. The “promotion” is the greyhound adoption-themed Christmas tree that’s part of the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees benefiting Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. The show runs Nov. 17 to Dec. 31.

“Santa Paws Is Coming to Town” was the theme of Mid-South Greyhound Adoption’s tree, sponsored by Southland Park Gaming & Racing. Decorators were Adam Loeffel, Deena Loeffel, Sue Arlotta and Vicki Cohen. Their efforts earned second place for the “Most Creative” tree. Better yet, greyhound adoption will be promoted for the entire holiday season.

You can see the MSGAO tree Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The display is open until 9 p.m. on Fridays in December before Christmas (Dec. 7, 14 and 21). Cost is $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 3 to 12.

Click on the image to enlarge the view and enjoy the creativity!

Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option asked our Facebook friends to share their thoughts on why their adopted greyhounds are the coolest pets ever. We hope you enjoy this small sampling of their observations as much as we did! We will share the male viewpoint in the near future.

Kimberly Hadden: He loves me unconditionally!!!

Marsha McGee Chance: He thinks I rescued him, but in reality, he rescued me.

Kathleen M. Fisher: They get me exercising and I don’t even know I am because I am having so much fun I don’t even know I am exercising.

Cynde Vaughn: They are the sweetest most loving dogs EVER!

Terry Johnson: She does not know she is a pet – she thinks she is human! And I am certain she is more highly evolved than we are. She has managed to make us her servants…:-)

Martha Bowman: They let me live with them, they love me no matter what life brings us and they enjoy the simple things in life and can ALWAYS bring a smile to my face even when I would rather scream or cry.

Stay tuned for more reasons why greyhounds are the coolest pets ever!

Photo by Carlin Creations

Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Option wants to give a big thank you to Brad’s Karaoke & D.J. for the excellent services he recently provided at the 2012 Reunion at Southland Park Gaming and Racing.

The Southaven, Miss.-based business donated the disk-jockeying service for the reunion, which is MSGAO’s most important annual fund-raising event.

Brad’s motto says “Any event. Any time. Any place.”   Wonder if he knew a reunion of greyhound adopters and their dogs was in his future when he came up with the motto?

You can see Brad Bennett in the background of this photo of one of several contests that enlivened the reunion. He is no stranger to greyhounds since his mom is Sharon May, who adopted Megan.

Our thanks to Brad for doing a “greyt”  job!  If you need D.J. and Karaoke services, look no further than Brad.  You can check out his website at http://www.bradthedj.com/default.html.  You can reach him at: bradbennett96@comcast.net or (901) 335-3388.

Photo by Carlin Creations