The search goes on in Bozeman for Toby the whippet boy. Dana called me yesterday to report in and said that they still are having regular sightings and one searcher even got within 15 feet of him before Toby got nervous and took off again. The good news is that so far he is in good weight so he either knows where to find food or is hunting.

On the greyhound front...new hounds have arrived. We had a nice turn out of folks to help bathe and get them started into home life. Judy even had time to take a few pictures which she posted on the website http://www.gparockymountain.org/Montana%20Welcome%209-27-08.html Allie is so pretty and very much a lady. she stepped off the bus looking like a movie star, while Tildy stepped off looking like she had just got a off a carnival ride. Sparky is already on hold for Christine who came out to bathe and fell head over heels. Kathy was falling fast for Maxline but had to resist since she is already past her limit. Judy was going on and on about Nikki, Zorro was working Wendy and Glen. And me? I was happily getting loves from Romeo. Maxline really needs a foster home. She has a old break in her leg and really could benefit from the TLC of a real home foster home. Call Carol if you have a soft landing soft to foster the old gal.

Toby was seen this eve in the neighborhood of East Main and Highlander. Dana is going out in the morning to search. Please contact her if you can help or if you spot him. 388-3422

URGENT

LOST WHIPPET - Bozeman, MT

Toby is a 2-3 year old brindle with white whippet. He escaped from his pen while attending the big dog show in Bozeman Sept. 17-18. His owner, Claudine, from Canada is desperate for his safe return. This isn't just a dog he is a loved part of their family. Toby may be spooky by now so if you see him don't expect he will come to you. You may be able to lure him near with another sighthound or food. Please do not chase him...call his family at 403-784-2225. If you see him please report all sightings so that we can try to keep track of the area he was last seen in. He was lost from the fairgrounds but reports are causing us to believe he may have moved to Johnson Road area. His owners are making another trip down to search.

Our own Greyhound person in Bozeman is spearheading a search party for him this week-end. If you can help please contact her for details. DANA 388-3422

As if a lost dog isn't enough of a heartbreak...Claudine's 2 year old daughter is waiting for his arrival back home. They were born just weeks apart and are best buddies.

The last month or so has been nothing but a blur of dog events for me and Hot Cha pack. On Labor day I was in Great Falls at an obedience trial with 3 of my aussies and Katy Did the whippet. Since most of you aren't dog show people most of what I am about to say will sound like it is some weird code...stick with me. Dusk (11 year old aussie boy) finished his Rally Advanced title on day one and is now RETIRED from all manner of ring obedience...we will continue to track. Ivy (12 year old Aussie girl) finished her Rally Excellent title and is likely retired as there is nothing else for her to do in obedience. Pixie (4 year old aussie girl) started and finished her Rally Novice title thus launching what I hope will be many years of showing in obedience. When I got to the show I realized that Pixie and I had never actually practiced rally...so we faked it. She exceeded my expectations with nice scores and a shining attitude. In Great Falls Katy made her obedience debut with a nice score of 191.5 points (out of 200) and was high scoring hound. The next day she was thrown a curve ball when the judge was in a wheelchair, but we still scored a nice score and secured a second leg. The last day we had a beautiful run going I felt we were in the high 190's but in the very last exercise she went whippet on me. I set her up for her recall (which is coming when called) Everything started great, she sat and waited, I called her, she started to come to me but then she started picking up speed. In just a couple of strides she had a full head of speed going and I was bracing for the impact with my knees. At the last moment she swerved sparing my knees BUT she had up so much speed she bounced out of the ring gate and we were disqualified....dang it. Had lots of comments on her fast recall but unfortunately fast equaled out of control this time...still she is the best bed warmer anywhere. With 3 titles in the bag and 2 legs towards her CD I went home smiling.
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The next weekend was lure coursing in Missoula. I hit the field with 3 of my gang, Tava and Iris my greyhound girls and Katy Did. All raring to go and do their favortie thing...RUN!! By the end of the weekend all three had easily earned their Junior Courser titles. After earning her JC, Tava cooled out a little sore and I immediately pulled her from any more runs. By the next morning there was no trace of the soreness but she still stayed home for the rest of the week end. Iris and Katy went on to earn two legs towards the next level title, Senior Courser. For this they have to run with other dogs of the same breed. We had a blast!!

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Thursday, Sept. 18th I got up way before the crack of dawn and headed to Bozeman. I showed Katy in obedience again. Her heeling got a little loose but we held it together and earned a decent score and a 3rd place in the class but more importantly we got the last needed leg for her Companion Dog title. We were entered in Helena on the weekend. We skipped Saturday and showed Sunday but should have skipped it too as it was a bust. It has been a successful fall show season for us. We had fun!! These shows will motivate me through the long winter. I have been blessed with GREAT dogs. I love my pups!!

Katy Did does Betty Davis Eyes....Photo by Ron Armstrong

Lets talk about FIRST AID KITS...for greyhounds of course. This past week end Vicki called me when her girl was having some post-op pain. Vicki had never set up a dog first aid kit....one quick trip to the store and she has started one. After we chatted I got to thinking maybe everyone would benefit from a list of the top things for a basic first aid kit. You should be able to put together a decent kit for about $30 most things are available at Walmart or from your own cabinets. I have to confess my dog first aid kit is much better than our people first aid kit...and I always am dipping into it for people care.

Find a back pack at a yard sale and clearly mark it DOG FIRST AID. Some loud color will make it stand out in the closet or your trunk. Even a retired big purse can work. Mark it with a big ribbon (which can serve as a muzzle in a pinch)

1) Betadine - The store brand is fine and much in lower price. Diluted to a weak tea color this makes an excellent cleaning solution. All new wounds should be properly cleaned as the first line of defense against infection. When you think you have it clean, clean it again.

2) Neosporin - Basic wound care.

3) Benadryl - You don't want to find out your dog is allergic to bee stings without this on hand.

4) Rymadyl - Available only through your vet for emergency pain and inflammation control. Get enough for at least 48 hours of pain control. If your dog takes a tumble while running this will give your pup much comfort.

5) Vetwrap - This handy self sticking bandage is very versatile. Available at any farm store. Get at least 2 rolls.

6) Digital Thermometer - Walmart is where I buy mine. Take your permanent marker and label it "DOG"!! It is a good idea to write on it the normal dog temp which is within a degree of 100.5 degrees. You will also need lube like KY or Vaseline.

7) Tweezers - something to get out slivers or pluck out stitches

8) Scissors

9) Wrapping material - A hand towel, a roll of cotton, a baggie of cotton balls, a few Q-tips and a couple of maxi-pads (they are amazing on wounds...won't stick and absorb lots). Remember if wrapping a foot to put cotton between every knuckle and pad. Wrap as loose as possible. Greyhound feet are very thin skinned and prone to rubbing through the skin. You can make a minor problem major with one bad wrap.

10) A note pad and pens - Write down everything you do and the time so you can give your vet a complete history.

11) Aspirin for you or your dog - Regular old fashion real aspirin nothing added.

12) Plastic bags - A garbage bag or two and a baggie of baggies

13) A couple packets of sugar or honey. Energy gel if your greyhound is prone to low blood sugar after a run.

14) Pepto Bismol tablets - Much easier to give than the liquid.

15) Hydrogen peroxide- for making dogs throw up.

16) A business card from your vet and other phone numbers you might need in crisis.

If the kit is for the car I usually leave out the betadine (which can cause a big mess) and thermometer. I add a bottle of water and foil wrapped alcohol wipes.

For a more elaborate kit you might add more vet wrap, a tube of energy gel, skin stapler, staple remover, syringe (in a couple sizes), sterile pads, rolls of soft wrapping, sterile water (which is available in a can and will be found by the first aid supplies), electrolytes, Duct tape, A ruler and/or leg splint, bandage scissors, Ace bandage (careful to pad well under this and not to over tighten), bulb syringe, flash light or head lamp, muzzle, small nail scissors, magnifying glass, something to hold water, liniment, flea comb (excellent for getting out foxtails and other seed awns), safety pins, dog paw boots, extra leash, hard candy for people who get faint, pocket knife, handi-wipes and paper towels. If there is something your dog uses on a regular basis, that should be included. Even if you aren't sure how to use everything, chances are you can call and have someone talk you through it. Once you need it...you need it NOW.

Yesterday Juan headed home. Vicki came out here to pick him up and transport him to his new home. She was accompanied by Mama Ducky. It was fun to see Ducky again she is such a sweet girl!! About the time Vicki was heading out Judy showed up with her gang and we ended up going garage saleing, out to lunch and of course to Quality Supply the farm store. I don't know why, but we always seem to end up there.
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We only have Jack available for adopt in foster care with a few more hounds headed to Montana. It is funny how the dog you think will head into a home first is sometimes the one who is left behind. Jack is really a great dog. He is handsome, fun spirited and will settle once he is in a home. Having met Jack a few times I can assure you he is top notch!! I am suspecting that there will be some greyhound displaced from their farms by Hurricane Ike. Please consider opening your home to a foster greyhound. Fostering can be a few days or a few months. It is very rewarding and if you are thinking of adding to your family it is a great way to get a chance to check out how a new hound will work into your life! Despite Carol's cajoling I have resisted getting on line and shopping for a foster dog. But I am weak and I am sure I won't be able to resist much longer.
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The weather is perfect. I have been busily rotating dogs in and out of the paddocks giving everyone some time in the sun. The wading pools have been freshened and I am busy filling holes. Greyhound love to dig a nice bed to curl into, my Iris is one of the worst...she claims she doesn't "DIG" like some ordinary dog she "NESTS". I wish the dainty little nester would stop it!! She is a little dog for Pete's sake!! Why does she need a "nest" I could trap a rhino in? Seriously her nests are a hazard.

HURRAY HURRAY HURRAY

Kiki is HOME!!! 3 weeks to the day and zero calls and no sighting finally Mary and Brian's phone rang with a lead. The caller lived in South Hills and said that she saw what she thought was a deer napping in her yard under a tree....it turned out to be Kiki. While still on the phone with the first caller a second lady called and had just seen Kiki too. So Mary and Brian hopped in the van and lead footed it to the area. There was no sign of her at first but then Brian said those magic words, "Mary there she is!!" Kiki was wandering down the road sniffing garbage cans. Brian drove right to her and opened the van door and hauled her in and into Mary's tearful and waiting arms!!! Mary reports that Kiki lost her collar and is thin but unhurt. This deserves some sort of celebration!!!

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Kiki was LUCKY to get back home. So many things could have happened to her while she was out wandering around. So a reminder to check your dog's tags. Are they current and legible? Be sure to have both your cell and home numbers on the tag. If you change collars make sure the tag makes the change or have a light collar just for tags. Consider chipping your greyhounds. Yes they have tattoos BUT many shelters don't know how to track those down and most shelters now scan for chips. Also if anyone who is not familiar with your greyhound is going to be in your home either to visit or work keep your dog in a crate or at least closed in a room away from the door. Accidents still happen but lets all commit to reduce the risk for our greyhounds.

Skipper will become known by her race name which is Jill. Reports are that she is settling in. Skipper had a hard time on her transition from farm to adoption kennel. We are happy to report her transition from adoption kennel to forever home was much smoother. Her new momma has glowing things to say about Skipper. She is fitting right in and figuring out home life.

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This past week end I was busy at a lure course event with my sight hound girls. The girls had a BLAST chasing the bunny. It started Friday eve and continued on Saturday and Sunday. I ran Iris, Tava and the whippet Katy Did. They must run a course solo and prove they have desire and the ability to chase. This is no problem for our greyhounds. They have to prove this at two separate Junior Courser tests to earn the title of Junior Course from the American Kennel Club. My 3 girls ran Friday and again on Saturday AM and earned their JC titles. Later Saturday there is a Open Trial where dogs who have already won their JCs can compete to earn points and or legs towards higher titles. The big difference is that they run against other dogs of the same breed. Tava seemed slightly off after her run. She was a little sore in her shoulder. It was slight....I saw it immediately but I know how Tava moves. Other people had to really watch for it. Of course I scratched her from the rest of the week end. She seems completely recovered today. Iris and Katy went on to earn two legs towards the 4 needed for the next title, Senior Courser. On Sunday when my girls weren't running I got to act as Hunt Master. I was in charge of releasing the dogs and making sure they were safe while they were on the field. That was really fun. If anyone is interested in trying coursing they occasionally do practice runs in Missoula and welcome new folks. Of course you know our hounds love to run but they also have to be fit to run. The part I love about coursing is watching the different hunting and running styles of the dogs. Greyhounds and whippets are the speed demons. While other hounds hunt by planning ambushes. I watched one Ibiazan hound leaping skyward to watch the lure then try to outsmart it. She guessed wrong and ran out to cut it off by going right....the lure went left...and she was left out in the weeds alone. She made the best of it and had a merry romp.

Skipper is heading home. Henderson's of Billings fell for Skipper!!! She will join greyhounds Gable (was Schist) and Gracious Sylvia...and of course the mighty yorkie Gracie and a cat. HURRAY for Skipper.

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Vicki called to let me know Ducky has pretty much taken over the bed and she is beginning to wonder where husband Cliff will sleep. Ducky took to home life like....you guessed it...a Ducky to water!!

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Intrepid's family checked in and she is doing really well. Reports are that she walked into the house like she owned it!! Current greyhounds Dolly and Hal had their noses out of joint for a little bit but they are finding their balance. Her owner writes, " When she and Dolly and Hal lay next to each other they look like a pint of Neapolitan ice cream -- vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry!" Now that is BALANCE!!

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Speaking of finding a new balance. This week Trish bid a sad farewell to her beloved girl Dessie (Sweet Cheeks) We are not exactly sure what took her so soon. She had been battling a strange infection that ravaged her body. She was on a roller coaster and would feel better than worse. When this last bout started Trish knew it was somehow different. Dessie just didn't have any fight left in her. Putting her own feelings and needs aside she released Dessie from her sick body. Trish said she was so sad the time with Dessie was marked in months and not years but when asked if it was worth it she said "OH YES!!! A million times YES!!" Go on the wings of a dove sweet little Dessie....your time was brief but your love was deep.

To no one's surprise today the call came that Shannon is being adopted by her foster family. Shannon is frequently called "Princess" by her family is fitting right in with her greyhound brother Merlin and the extended family there at the farm. Congrats to all.

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This past week end was the 3 day obedience trial in Great Falls. I showed 3 of my aussies and Katy Did the whippet. The show was a successful for me as the Hot Cha team nailed down 4 titles and have two of the three needed legs on another.

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No news on Kiki the lost greyhound. No reports of sighting. Nothing. It is hard to accept that she is still on the run. Surely someone must know something of her. Keep your ears open...we havn't lost all hope.