So, wondering why I'm so relentless about supporting that cryptic GPA-CA, OC/GLA thing? Well, that's short for Greyhound Pets of America, California Chapter, Orange County/Greater Los Angeles. These fine spirits changed my life four years ago, when I first adopted my first greyhound, Hansel, and then Derek, and the multiple fosters since. Please visit them at www.fastfriends.org as soon as you can. Like many non-profit rescues, they make the business of survival and perserverance a true art form. I have to give a shout out about what we do, because it's a true labor of unconditional love (and the most rewarding job on the planet). Those of you who are involved in any rescue of any kind, know exactly where I'm coming from
here. The gift of volunteerism is priceless.
Here's a short overview of what we do; the following pictures depict a usual Retirement Day, the day we collect our future children from their former jobs and guide them into their forever homes.
We are a 501-C non-profit, spearheaded by the devotion of the unparalleled McRorie's and committment of our loyal volunteers. At 4am, we start our journey to the Caliente Track in Mexico (no racey in California), to surprise these hounds with the lure of an AMAZING future.
Learn more about our relationship with them on the website, www.fastfriends.org. While we excitedly await their arrival in LaHabra, CA, several hours north, we examine the hounds thoroughly. You should hear the sounds of wagging tails and roos coming from the trailer when they're first making their appearance known upon their arrival, it brings the best of us to childlike tears. Sniff.
From there, we examine our hounds from head to toe from minor, superficial issues like treating fleas and ticks (guess what my job is....yeah), skin conditions, cuts, and just plain confusion to what's going on, to more major maladies such as, broken legs and limps. Don't be sad, we have a super protocol in place and we don't turn one dog away. We've had worse, but we've had way more than that arrive in perfect health. As with my art, no challenge is too much for us. Tenacious bunch, we are.
Here are a couple of newbies to enlarge your heart three sizes too big:
Step off, "Uma Pemmaraju", that's MY MAN.... (it was "cable newscaster" day)
The confusion I referred to previously. It's ok, "Greta Van Sustern", you'll find your purpose, too, one day.
Following examination, they get a nice, luxurious spa treatment which includes a bath with the "Good ol' Boys" club, followed by a manicure and ear cleanse treatment from their gorgeous wives, and off to the medical tent, where they receive a final checkup, full-panel bloodwork, and any necessary treatments.
During their visit in the tent, they receive a " GPA number" to officially enter them into our database, a stylish collar, lot's of loves, hugs, and laughs. But, on to the best part! Lunch! Every dog finds it's individual bungalow to unwind in after the hard day they've endured to relax and be alone with their thoughts (and a stuffy),
Until....you got it. Small Dog and Cat Testing.
Yep, that's the smell of fear right there!
Yes, you thought right. That's Princess doing what she loves best....hazing the hounds. Let me give credit where credit is due, however. She's only done this a handful of times, when called upon. Ricky, my friend Marcia's kitty, is really our house Royalty, whom for years has valiantly filled this position with expert results. Kirby and Skeeter, two of the most skilled (and amorous) Rat Terriers, serve as the small dog decoys. Once observed, we can safely understand which dogs are cat friendly and which consider our test-patients, "SECOND LUNCH!"
When the show comes to an end, we carefully assign each dog to their respective foster home. Fosters are really our most important job; they are responsible for taking the dog to the vet for it's spay/neuter, rabies, and full dental, as well as any additional medical additions which require attention. They are also responsible for teaching the hound basic domestic and residential skills, but that's nothing. Most difficult of all, they have to let them go, once the dogs have chosen their adopter. Ugh. The first time or ten, my husband was sure he had to take ME to the vet, for a common condition referred to as "Heartbreak".
Want one? Yes, of course you do! But, there are special requirements to consider in order to fully respect this special hound. Want more info about it? Check out the website: http://www.fastfriends.org/.
This is what could await you:
No, for the record, fosters are not allowed on the furniture. Can you really say "No" to THIS?
And hey, every rescue is important. My cats came from the OC shelter in Orange, CA and Gizmo came from my local vet, abandoned. I'm sure you can find a stellar rescue of any kind to suit your fancy in your local area. But, greyhounds are cool. Real cool.
I would say that's all I'll say about that, but I won't! It's important. Especially to those darling little faces. They'll pay you back one hundred fold for the rest of their lives. xoxoxoxo.
