AGA - Weekly Newsletter #4

[Lana Henley]

WELLS BRANCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FAIR

Happily the weather cooperated last Saturday in order that the hard-
working folks at Wells Branch Elementary could see their annual fair
proceed. AGA's Wheel of Fortune made hundreds of revolutions as
children of all ages paid their dollar to spin. "Spin the Wheel, Help
the Greyhounds, Everybody Wins" could be heard from our both for four
hours - thanks to all who participated. Special thanks to Jennifer
Hutchings, Honey and Jack who "talked greyhounds" for the duration and
helped AGA make $193. Lots of families came by to pet the hounds and
to ask questions about adopting retired racers.

MEDICAL UPDATE

Smoke had his recheck with the orthopedic surgeon last week, and there
was good news and bad news. Smoke is healing well but SLOWLY. He'll
need to be on a leash (poor guy) for at least another month (until
around April 24th). He's so eager to be a normal dog again. Smoke's
recovery efforts have been a giant undertaking for the Bardens, and
although they love him, they'll be thrilled for him to go to his new
home.

In addition, Rachael and Ryan took their foster Kelly Berry to the
cardiologist this week, and the news was pretty bad. They learned
that she is an extremely special needs dog, which doesn't necessarily
mean she's not adoptable, but we will need a lot of luck and special
measures to find her the right home. Currently, the cardiologist is
working on confirming the initial assessment, which indicated a
moderate/severe heart murmur (and with that the implication of
progressive heart disease and expensive life-time treatment) and
concerningly-low thyroid levels. You would never know that she's as
sick as the tests initially show. Anybody out there got a big heart
and a deep pocketbook?

DUES ARE DUE

That's the first time AGA's able to announce that! We've just
completed our first year, and it's time for dues. If you adopted a
dog during our first year or if you're currently fostering a dog, then
you are exempt from dues. Anyone else who wants to continue to
support AGA can send their check for the whopping $25 per family to
our treasurer, Ryan Barden, at P. O. Box 336, Cedar Park, Texas
78630-0336. (Of course, this would be a perfect time to give an
additional donation to help with the expenses incurred with Smoke's
surgery and Kelly's heart problem.) Thank you for your love of the
greys!

EBAY

If you've had any experience selling items on Ebay, AGA needs you! We
have collected several items that we'd like to put out there to make a
few additional bucks. A handmade crocheted greyhound runner was
recently sold for $58. Contact Lana Henley or Bobbie Wier if you can
help.

ANOTHER DOG RUN

Some members of our group will soon be making another trip to pick up
retired racers. Our supply is getting low, so stand by for new info.

Hug your hounds until we meet again!