At The Schott

Update from the Schott. Buckeyes win! Buckeyes win! View from the company suite. Oh yes...we are way too important to mingle with the common fan.

Happy New Year!

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy new year. Lisa and I are off to half price books, then to Tommy's Pizza for dinner, then to the Schott for the Ohio State vs. Iowa men's basketball game. Should be home by 8:00 tonight to bring in the new year.

New Dogs

This is Jerry Lee....


This is Jesse...

They are the newest puppies in the family. Amanda has them at school in Wooster, Ohio. They come from our pastor's home. They just adopted two babies and didn't have time for the doggies. What's a couple of more dogs in the family when there are already 2 greyhounds, 2 rats, and a parrot!

From the greyhound rescue front, we will probably get another foster in January or so. Hopefully it will take away the sting of losing Jackie. I still miss him and think of him often.

Jack

We received very sad news last night. Jack, our foster greyhound that moved to his new home just a few days ago, has been hit by a car and has died. Apparently his new adoptive family was visiting for Christmas in Toledo and he escaped through a garage, ran into the road, and was struck and killed.

It is all such a sad situation. He was such a special boy and had finally made it home. He deserved so much more than this. It is all so hard to understand. We feel especially bad for the young couple that adopted him. They were so happy and had bought him a sweater, toys, etc. They fixed the fence in their yard. They joked that they were going to tell their parent that this was their child. They have to be feeling as bad as we are today. Our heart goes out to them.

For all of you greyhound folks out there please remember to be extra watchful with your dogs. Know where they are when the door opens. Make sure they have a harness and make sure they wear it when they are away from home. Apparently someone tried to catch Jack by his collar and he just simply slipped out of it.

Jack just loved to run. That was his life for the 4+ years he was on the track. He loved to run in the backyard. He just wanted to run. It helps to know that he died doing what he loved to do. It also helps to know that he had about 5 months of living the life a dog was meant to have. He loved to play. He loved the couch. We loved him

As I write this morning the wind is blowing the greyhound chimes on the back porch. It's almost as if Jack is saying goodbye this morning. Letting us know that his is in a better place. Truly in his forever home.



Don't Mourn Too Long.


When it’s time for me to go
And we have said farewell
Please don’t mourn for me too long
But try to sing as well.

Sing about the happy times
And let the sad ones go
Fill your heart with joyful thoughts
For life’s too short you know!

Speak of me with fondness and….
Recall our special days
Hold dear those happy memories
That time cannot erase.

Each wouldn’t wish we’d never met
Tho’ now we’ve had to part
So walk again the paths we trod
But not with heavy heart.

Don’t close the door upon my life
Just because I’ve gone
In your heart …and in mine too
Our friendship will live on.

Should you prepare a grave for me
To lay my soul to rest
A simple headstone with my name
Is what I’d like the best.

Or if my ashes you’d prefer
To scatter far and wide
You’ll watch the breeze bear me away…
Yet feel me by your side.


Be happy that our lives we shared
On sadness do not dwell
Maybe shed a tear or two
But will you sing as well?

New Greyhound Book

Found a new book out there for the Greyhound fans! Greyhounds by Barbara Karant is out and appears to be a Greyt coffee table book of cute hound photos. A couple of which are shown here. More info can be found Right Here!






I believe a portion of the book's proceeds help to benefit Greyhound adoption. Her words:

The fluid lines and quiet grace of the retired racing greyhound were the inspiration for Greyhounds. But these photos have an agenda that goes beyond simply capturing the unassuming elegance of this breed: It is my hope that the spirit of the breed paid homage to in my photographs will ultimately be instrumental in assisting with the rescue efforts of the hundreds of greyhound rescue groups across the country and around the world.
Each year thousands of young and healthy purebred greyhounds are in need of homes. Most have worked the first 2-5 years of their lives as fine-tuned athletes and then, in some cases, after leaving the racetrack, go on to be used for breeding. Female greyhounds generally range in weight from 50-65 lbs. and the males weigh between 65-85 lbs. The size spectrum is vast however, and you can see anything between a 45 lb. female and a 95-pound male. There are 18 “official” greyhound colors, however their color variation is remarkable as well as stunning. The life span of a healthy greyhound is 12-14 years.


Despite their rigorous pre-retirement routine, they remain easygoing, spirited and loyal. They are extraordinary in their ability to transition from life at the track to life in a home with seemingly very little effort. They have a loving spirit, as well as a humorous disposition which when nurtured can bring great pleasure to their human companions, both young and old alike. Most greyhounds are extremely sociable, possessed of an amazing intelligence sensitivity and gentleness. Some are independent; others choose always to be at your side, while others are shy and reserved. However no matter the temperament, they are completely dedicated to their guardians. As a breed, they are eager to please and infinitely trainable with a patient and gentle hand. Greyhounds are demonstrative and affectionate. They are very adaptable and although they share many similar qualities; there is as infinite a range of personalities among the breed, as the range of their coloration. No matter what a prospective adopter’s age, gender, family situation or other pets, there is sure to be a greyhound that can be found to be well suited for their home environment: urban, suburban, or rural.

There are approximately 450 greyhound adoption groups in the United States and many more abroad. They are all staffed by remarkably committed volunteers who work tirelessly to assist in the placement of these dogs into loving homes. Through the efforts of these volunteers approximately 18,000 of these wonderful dogs are adopted annually when their racing careers are over. However, there is always a replenished supply of dogs to take their place as active racers who will in turn eventually ”grade off” at the racetrack and then be in need of homes themselves. With greater exposure of the breed and a larger adoption base, the hope is that eventually all these dogs can be adopted after their tenure at the racetrack and the breeding farms is over.

Greyhounds rescue groups all have a diversity of policy, approach and politics but they are unified and can agree on one fact: the retired racing greyhound is one of the most remarkable dogs on the planet and that they are a fantastic option for anyone looking to adopt a life-long companion. Any of these adoption groups would be happy to discuss the merits of the breed and answer any of your questions. Whether you live on the east coast or west, in Canada, Europe or Australia you can find a greyhound rescue group who can help you find your new family member. If you live in a state that supports greyhound racing some of the racetracks also have adoption programs. If you live in a state or country with no racetracks there are always groups who transport the dogs in from a state that has racing and breeding and they can still assist you in finding a dog. The good news and the bad news is that greyhounds are plentiful and relatively easy to find.

If the time is not right to add a greyhound to your household please consider volunteering with a local adoption group. A non-profit organization can never have too much assistance. If that is not an option for you, please consider a donation. Most of the adoption groups can only survive through endowments, fundraisers and donations from the public and their previous adopters. There is a never-ending need for money to go along with the never-ending supply of dogs. If neither of the previous are within your ability, then please just tell the next person who tells you they are thinking about getting a dog that a greyhound is a wonderful companion opportunity and that they should consider a greyhound as an option. This is your opportunity to help the breed and enrich someone’s life in the process. Nothing can be more gratifying than that.

Snow In Las Vegas

Got back from a trip to Las Vegas yesterday. I had a meeting with my team there, and happened to pick the exact day that Las Vegas had the most snow they have had in 30 years. It was pretty, but it became apparent that the city was in no way ready for what had happened. No plows, no salt, no de-icing equipment, and a closed airport. We all got out...some later than others. Maybe we will have our next meeting in Maine in January. It will probably be 90 degrees!

I didn't take this picture, but I saw this exact scene on the way to dinner on Wednesday night.

Greyt News

News on the greyhound adoption front. Jack, our foster greyhound friend, had a home visit last weekend. All went well, and we got a call last night that the young couple we visited want to adopt him. Great news for Jack, but kind of bittersweet for us. He had been with us since labor day weekend.

He will go to his forever home this Wednesday while I am on the road in Las Vegas. It's easier that way for me. I left the house this morning after saying goodbye.

I just need to remember that by letting him go we save another later. So, 5 years and 216 races later, surviving at one of the worst greyhound tracks in the nation, Jackie goes home. Good luck my friend!

Jack's pedigree can be found here

WOOF WOOF

Oh a greyhound's life. How tough it is!

Denver Colorado

In Denver this week. in fact, on my way home this afternoon. The weather here has been crazy. I got in on Tusday and is was in the 60's. Yesterday the temperature dropped to 20, and this morning we are getting 4 to 8 inches of snow. the flight back to the Buckeye Nation is on time...for now.

In the middle of the last travel push before Christmas to see as many stores as we can. Long Island next week. Following that is a trip to Las Vegas...and then vacation!

Brendan Foster

What can you say after you watch this? How would you react if you knew you were going to die? What an inspiring story.