Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from the Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers!

Have a GREYT 2013!

Happy Holidays From the Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers!

'Tis The Season: Poinsettias and Mushrooms

Oregon has entered its rainy season, and with it, mushroom season. Mushroom toxicity does occur in dogs and it can be fatal if certain species of mushrooms are eaten. Amanita phalloides is the most commonly reported severely toxic species of mushroom in the US but other Amanita species are toxic. Symptoms include abdominal pain, drooling, liver damage, kidney damage, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma, death. For more on the dangers of mushrooms, click here.

Additionally, we have entered the Christmas season. Many folks traditionally bring Poinsettia plants into their homes. These plants are probably the most popular holiday plant and are easily recognizable by their large red, white, pink, or mottled leaves. While not highly toxic, Poinsettia plants do contain a thick, milky irritant sap. In general, it would take ingestion of a large amount of this plant to see possible clinical signs in your pet. Signs could include vomiting, anorexia and depression. The symptoms are generally self-limiting and treatment is rarely needed. Your Vet may recommend limiting food and water intake for 1 or 2 hours if your pet is suspected of becoming sick after ingestion of Poinsettias. Please exercise caution if bringing a Poinsettia plant into your home this holiday season.

Greyhounds Visit Santa at Petco!

Here are some of the lucky Greyhounds who visited Santa at the Petco store in Eugene on December 1st!

"Greyt Happenings For Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers" - December, 2012 Issue

The December, 2012 issue of Greyt Happenings For Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers can be downloaded here.

Happy Holidays to all!

GPA-Northwest Adoption Events - Saturday, December 1st - Corvallis AND Eugene!

Once again, here's your chance to get up close and personal with a retired racing Greyhound! On Saturday, December 1st, representatives from Greyhound Pet Adoption - Northwest will be at the Corvallis Petco in the Timberhill Shopping Center from 11AM - 1PM, and at the Petco in Eugene located at 1169 Valley River Dr from 11AM to 4PM. (Note time differences)

We'll have some "display models" for you to interact with, and perhaps an adoptable Greyhound or two.

PLUS, at the Eugene Petco location, for just $8.95, we will snap a lovely 4” X 6” Keepsake Photo of your beloved pet with Santa! All proceeds will benefit Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest. We are also pleased and honored that Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest is the 2012 recipients of the Eugene Petco’s Tree of Hope, an annual giving drive sponsored by the Petco Foundation and supporting a variety of animal adoption and rescue efforts nationwide.

Please stop by the Eugene Petco for a picture or to give a donation, and invite your friends and family to do the same. Your dollars can go a long way in providing food, supplies, and medical care to a Greyhound in need.

Come join in the fun and frivolity! See you there!

November Greyhound Walk - Sunday, November 18th, Eugene, OR

Join us, rain or shine, walking across the new foot bridge that spans the Delta Hwy and then walking through the newly restored wetlands along Goodpasture Island Road.There are turtles, beavers, herons, ducks and geese to see. We have permission to park in the Valley River Assembly of God Church parking lot located at 900 Robin Hood Ave off Willakenzie Rd.

See you on November 18th at 1:30pm.

Comet's Tale: How the Dog I Rescued Saved My Life by Steven Wolf and Lynette Padwa

From the editorial review:

Forced into early retirement by a spinal condition, Steven Wolf reluctantly left his family and moved to Arizona for its warm winter climate. A lifelong dog lover, the former hard-driving attorney is drawn to a local group that rescues retired racing greyhounds. When Comet, a once-abused cinnamon-striped racer, chooses to “adopt” Wolf, he has no idea that a life-altering relationship has begun—for both of them.

Racers, cruelly treated and exposed only to the track and cage, have no inkling of the most basic skills—walking on tile floors, climbing stairs, even playing with toys or children—so Wolf must show the mistrustful greyhound how to thrive in the real world. Gradually, a confident but mysterious spirit emerges from the stunning animal. And when Wolf’s health starts to worsen, the tables turn and Comet must now help Wolf with the most basic skills.

Wolf teaches her to be a service dog, and soon enough she’s hauling his wheelchair at top speed through airport terminals, towing his cart through the grocery store, helping him get out of bed, and attracting friends to Wolf’s isolated world. She plays a crucial role in restoring his health and even saving his marriage. Their unshakable faith in each other makes them winners once again.

GPA-Northwest Adoption Events - Saturday, November 17th - Corvallis AND Eugene!

Once again, here's your chance to get up close and personal with a retired racing Greyhound!Representatives from Greyhound Pet Adoption will be at the Corvallis Petco in the Timberhill Shopping Center in Corvallis and at the Petco in Eugene located at 1169 Valley River Dr on Saturday, November 17th from 11AM to 1PM at both locations.

We'll have some "display models" for you to interact with, and perhaps an adoptable Greyhound or two.

Come join in the fun and frivolity!

See you there!

Instinct/Nature's Variety Raw Bites - $3 Off Coupon

Click here for coupon.

Greyt Happenings For Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers - November, 2012 Issue

Here is the November, 2012 issue of "Greyt Happenings For Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers."  Enjoy!

Greyhounds Seen At Talking Water Gardens in Albany!

The Greyhounds and their families had a wonderful, rain-free stroll around and through Talking Water Gardens on October 21st!

  

The Best Dog Bed Ever? On Sale Now @ Foster-Smith

Alright, I don't really know if this bed is the "best ever," but this dog bed is pretty great!  It has Tom's (my 13 year old Greyhound) seal of approval.  It measures 50" by 35" by 4" for those you who rightfully believe your pooch deserves a King Size bed.  Highly recommended and it's on sale now at Drs. Foster & Smith.

October Greyhound Walk - Sunday, October 21st - Talking Waters Garden - Albany, OR

Join us for a lovely walk around the Talking Waters Gardens of Albany, OR. We’ll meet at 1:30pm at the parking lot, 875 Waverly Drive NE, Albany (across from Simpson Park) on Sunday, October 21st. The Talking Waters Gardens are Albany’s own ‘green’ water treatment process using Wetlands cells. Bring your greyt friends to listen to the falls, see some beautiful scenery and a lot of waterfowl, and learn something along the way! For more information, please visit http://twg.cityofalbany.net/.

Hope to see you there!
View Larger Map

Greyt Happenings For Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers - October, 2012 Issue

The October, 2012 issue of "Greyt Happenings For Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers" can be downloaded Here.  Enjoy!

link

GPA-Northwest Adoption Events - Saturday, October 6th- Corvallis AND Eugene!

Once again, here's your chance to get up close and personal with a retired racing Greyhound!Representatives from Greyhound Pet Adoption will be at the Corvallis Petco in the Timberhill Shopping Center in Corvallis and at the Petco in Eugene located at 1169 Valley River Dr on Saturday, October 6th from 11AM to 1PM at both locations.

We'll have some "display models" for you to interact with, and perhaps an adoptable Greyhound or two.

Come join in the fun and frivolity!

See you there!

Eugene Greyhound Walk - Sunday, Sept. 23rd

Dear Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers,


This is a note to remind you and invite you to join us on Sunday, September 23rd for our Greyhound Walk. We will be enjoying the changing colors of the leaves at the Dorris Ranch in Springfield. We’ll meet in the parking lot at 1:30pm on Sunday and head out for a leisurely walk through the orchards. For more information, visit

http://www.willamalane.org/pages/parks/dorris.shtml.

Hope to see you there!

Mary Lou, Elliot and Jake

More China-Related Dog Food Warnings

At least 360 dogs and one cat reportedly have died in the U.S. after eating chicken jerky pet treats made in China, even as claims of illnesses tied to the products have topped 2,200, federal veterinary health officials said.   Read more...

Don't Fink On Me!

Alright, so they're not Greyhounds...but which is the guilty dog?

GREYT HAPPENINGS FOR WILLAMETTE VALLEY GREYHOUND LOVERS - September, 2012 issue

Here is the September, 2012 issue of "Greyt Happenings For Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers."  Enjoy!

Eugene Meet A Retired Racer Day - Saturday, September 8th, 11am - 1pm at Petco in Eugene

Eugene Meet A Retired Racer Day

Date: Saturday September 8th
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Petco across from Valley River Center

1169 Valley River Dr.
Eugene, OR

Come meet the Greyhounds!

Link to Map & Directions

Calling All Greyhounds! Walterville, Oregon Parade - Saturday, September 8th

The Walterville parade is a fun little parade about a mile and a half long. It begins at the Walterville Fire Station next to Herrick's Farm Stand and ends at the Walterville Store. We meet between 10:00 and 11:00 to register, with the parade starting at 11:00. There are a lot of old tractors, horses, kids on bikes, and what have you. I take my golf cart, scooter, and our two Greyhounds, Gigi and Tiva. The parade goes slow enough to walk and show off our beautiful Greyhounds. We'd love to have more greyhounds in the parade.


We end near the Walterville Community Center (Grange Hall) where they have exhibits, booths, activities, and a chicken BBQ going on during the day.

For more information, call Jim at 541-914-1059

Happy Dog Day!

Today is National Dog Day! With days like this, it's awesome being a dog, especially a Greyhound!

National Dog Day info?  Go here.

Come One, Come All to the Eugene Celebration Parade!

On Saturday, August 25th (a revised date from the July newsletter), we once again will strut our stuff in the annual Eugene Celebration Parade, representing the joys of loving Greyhounds and promoting their adoption. Those of you who have walked with us in the past, know just how enjoyable it is, and how we are beloved by the enthusiastic parade-watchers that line the route. Warm applause is peppered with encouraging cheers of “Go Greyhounds!” and “Yay for Greyhounds!” The very first time I stepped onto the parade route 4 years ago, I was stunned by the rousing reception we received and had to look behind me to see who they were cheering for.

This year’s walk in the parade promises to be especially exciting as we debut our new couch-featuring
float (for our 45 MPH couch potatoes), constructed by the talented Doug Campoli. There is room for a
few Greyhounds to ride atop the float, and the rest of us will walk with our dogs in the usual fashion.

The parade begins at 10 AM, so plan to gather with us at least 30 minutes prior to that, even earlier if you would like to help decorate the float. If you plan to attend, please email Mary Lou at: finiganm@comcast.net so she can send you the details of where and when to meet. What a fun and wonderful way to spread the word about Greyhound adoption.

Additional info:  We are number 9 and our staging area will be on Amazon Parkway near 19th St around 9am.. we need to be ready to go at 9:30am. Attached below is the information from the Eugene Celebration Parade Committee. There will be parking in the South Eugene High School parking lot and the lot on 20th and Amazon.

HELP, HELP, HELP!!

We will be needing help with our float!! Doug will be out of town so we will not have his expert driving skills and may not have the use of his neighbor's trailer. Our float is 8X8 platform with a sofa and 2 doggie beds. It comes apart to measure 4X8 and stacks up and has 8 wheels Plus we will need help loading, unloading and pushing the float during the parade! Any and all volunteers are encouraged to sign up to help.. If you have a trailer, know how to drive with a trailer or can help loading and unloading the trailer you are needed!! Let me know if you can help.

See you all on Saturday morning.

Mary Lou Finigan

"Greyt Happenings For Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers!" - August, 2012 Issue

Here is the August, 2012 issue of "Greyt Happenings For Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers!"  Enjoy!

SweetSpots Frozen Treat For Dogs - Coupon!

SweetSpots are all natural, frozen treats for dogs. SweetSpots treats are guilt-free and healthy – 98% lactose free, fortified with whey protein, and enriched with live active yogurt cultures. Available in two delicious flavors: Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter.

Link to coupon

Happy Birthday Tom!

 Tom turns 13 today! Happy Birthday, buddy!

Corvallis Meet A Retired Racer Day - Saturday, Aug 18th, 11am - 1pm at the Corvallis Petco

Corvallis Meet A Retired Racer Day

Date: Saturday August 18th

Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm

Location: Petco Timberhill Shopping Center

2365 NW Kings Boulevard, Corvallis, OR

Come meet the Greyhounds!

Link to Map & Directions

Eugene Hounds Out And About Adoption Event - Saturday, August 4th

Eugene Hounds Out & About

Date: Saturday August 4th

Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm

Location: Eugene Oakway Center Courtyard

Corner of Oakway and Coburg Roads, Eugene, OR

We will have adoptable Greyhounds at the event!

Link to map and directions.

GPA-Northwest Annual Eugene Greyhound Picnic! Saturday, July 28th

The 8th Annual Eugene Greyhound Picnic is Saturday, July 28th, 11AM to 3PM at The Finigan residence, 1250 Irvington Dr. in Eugene, OR.

Join us for a day of fun, frolic, food, and friends!

*Hotdog & Hamburger Barbecue (Veggie Burgers Available)

*Fundraising Raffle and Silent Auction

*Off Leash Play Area With Swimming Pools for Dogs to Cool Off

*Greyhound Games

*The Greyt Stuff Shop Filled with Wonderful Greyhound Goods For Purchase

*Guest Speaker Julia Bowlin, Dog Behaviorist and Owner of Canine Communication

Admission is $8 per adult and $5 for children ages 4 to 12. Children age 3 and under are free.

Parking is at the SonRise Christian Church, 1 block west. Handicap Parking is in the driveway of the
Finigan residence.

What to bring:  your dog’s muzzle, a picnic blanket or lawn chair, and a side dish to share.

All proceeds go to benefit Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest. Since 1987, GPANW has placed over 4,900 Greyhounds in loving homes. In 2012, they will place their 5,000th dog! We look forward to seeing you on July 28th as we help them reach that goal.

For more information email Mary Lou at finiganm@comcast.net or or call her at 541-688-1406.

The WVGL's "End Of July 4th Parade Rooooo!"

Instinct Raw Food Coupons

If you feed Instinct Raw food, here are a couple of coupons. Link.

Corvallis July 4th Parade - Recap

                                                    

Thanks to all who participated in the July 4th parade in Corvallis!  Cassi and Tucker reigned as the Queen and King, riding on the excellent crowd-pleasing float created by Doug Campoli (Thanks Doug!).  We never got an exact count, but it's estimated that between 25 and 30 Greyhounds walked in the parade this year, making 2012 the best-attended of the Corvallis parades.  Another GREYT day for the Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers! 

Greyt Happenings For Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers - July 2012 Issue

Here is the July, 2012 issue of "Greyt Happenings For Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers."  Enjoy!

Greyhounds and Fireworks

Here's a link to a good article about how to keep your Greyhound safe during fireworks season.   Have a safe 4th of July and we'll see you at the Corvallis Fourth of July Parade!