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G r eyh o u n d Pe t s o f A m e r i c a ~ Fl o r i da S E C o as t C h ap t e r
November 2013
Issue: 53
Dog Health Hazards
Be Aware of Ever yday and Holiday Dangers
I think it would be a good idea to remind people that there are many products around our
homes that are hazardous to our pets. For additional information (with photos) please visit:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Suggested/Submitted by Josie Pinero
Health Hazar ds for Dogs
PLANTS
Bulbs: Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Daffodil, Day Lily, Elephant Ears, Gladiolas, Hyacinth,
Iris, Lily of the Valley, Narcissus, Orange Day Lily, Tulip
Ferns: Aparagus Fern, Australian Nut, Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern), Emerald Fern
(aka Emerald Feather), Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern
Flowering Plants: Cyclamen, Hydrangea, Kalanchoe, Poinsettia
Garden Perennials: Charming Diffenbachia, Christmas Rose, Flamingo Plant, Foxglove,
Marijuana, Morning Glory, Nightshade, Onion, Tomato Plant, Tropic Snow Dumbcane
House Plants: Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron), Chinese Evergreen, Cordatum, Corn
Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant), Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman), Devil's Ivy, Dumb Cane,
Golden Pothos, Green Gold Nephthysis, Marble Queen, Mauna Loa Peace Lily, Nephthytis,
Peace Lily, Red-Margined Dracaena, Striped Dracaena, Taro Vine, Warneckei Dracaena,
Rubber plant (ficus elastica)
Lillies: Asian Lily (liliaceae), Easter Lily, Glory Lily, Japanese Show Lily, Red Lily, Rubrum
Lily, Stargazer Lily, Tiger Lily, Wood Lily
Shrubs: Cycads, Heavenly Bamboo, Holly, Jerusalem Cherry, Mistletoe "American",
Oleander, Precatory Bean, Rhododendron, Saddle Leaf Philodendron, Sago Palm,
Tree Philodendron, Yucca
Needlenose News
Page 2
Dog Health Hazards
Be Aware of Ever yday and Holiday Dangers
continued
Succulents: Aloe (Aloe Vera)
Trees: Avocado, Buddist Pine, Chinaberry Tree, Japanese Yew (aka Yew), Lacy Tree,
Macadamia Nut, Madagascar Dragon Tree, Queensland Nut, Schefflera,
Yew (aka Japanese Yew).
Vines: Branching Ivy, English Ivy, European Bittersweet, Glacier Ivy, Hahn's self
branching English Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy.
Misc/Uncategorized: American Bittersweet, Andromeda Japonica, Azalea, Bird of
Paradise, Buckeye, Caladium hortulanum, Calla Lily, Castor Bean, Clematis, Fiddle-Leaf
Philodendron, Florida Beauty, Fruit Salad Plant, Golden Dieffenbachia, Gold Dust
Dracaena, Heartleaf Philodendron, Horsehead Philodendron, Hurricane Plant, Mexican
Breadfruit, Mother-in-law, Panda, Philodendron Pertusum, Red Emerald, Red Princess, Ribbon Plant, Satin Pothos, Spotted Dumb Cane, Sweetheart Ivy, Swiss Cheese Plant,
Variable Dieffenbachia, Variegated Philodendron, Yesterday/Today/Tomorrow, Mistletoe.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Ornaments, tinsel, lights, gift wrapping supplies (paper, ribbon, foil, plastic wrap)
Natural trees: water in the stand, tree sap, needles
Candles: burning candles that can be knocked over or brushed against
Batteries, Small toys (choking hazard).
FOOD
Theobromine and similar: Chocolate, tea, cola drinks
Onions, garlic and chives: Very small amounts of garlic can be used for insect bite prevention! Grapes and raisins, Alcoholic beverages, Avocado, Macadamia nuts, Yeast dough,
Products sweetened with xylitol.
MEDICATIONS
Pain killers, Cold medicines, Anti-cancer drugs, Antidepressants, Vitamins, Diet Pills,
Keep your prescription medications in a safe place and consult your veterinarian before
administering any over-the-counter medications.
OTHER HOUSEHOLD AND GARDEN HAZARDS
Antifreeze, Potpourri, Ice melting products, Rat and mouse bait, Fabric softener sheets,
Mothballs, Post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc), Animal toxins—toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions, Blue-green algae in ponds, Citronella candles,
Cocoa mulch, Compost piles, Fertilizers, Flea products, Swimming-pool treatment supplies,
Fly baits containing methomyl, Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde.
Page 3
November, 2013 ~ Issue 53
***IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATION***
Greyhounds and Anesthesia...Know the Protocol
For years, veterinarians struggled with the oftentimes difficult and sometimes lethal outcomes when dealing with greyhounds and surgeries. Greyhounds have unique body chemistries, and even the most routine dental can end in tragedy
if your veterinarian is not aware of the specific protocol(s) developed to prevent greyhounds from "crashing" both during surgery and post operatively. Fortunately, our pets have benefitted greatly from these new ways of dealing with
anesthesia, and their liklihood of safely recovering have increased tremendously. If you are a greyhound owner, we
highly recommend printing several copies of this page. Keep one for yourself, give one to your vet, and keep one in
your automobile in case of an emergency. It could save your greyhound's life.
Anesthesia Protocol for Greyhounds
For years, just the mention of the word “anesthesia” would cause fear amongst greyhound owners, and for
good reason: Greyhounds and anesthesia are a potentially lethal mix. Standard anesthesia procedures simply do not work for greyhounds, and can result in death. However, greyhound experienced veterinarians have
developed certain protocols that greatly reduce the risk of anything happening to your beloved pet if or when
the necessity of a surgical procedure arises. We highly recommend retaining a copy of this document, giving
one to your vet, and keeping one in a safe storage compartment in your automobile in case an emergency
were to arise while traveling.
Administering Anesthesia to Greyhounds
Never use thiobarbituates including Biotal, Surital, or Pentothal.
Acepromazine is a safe and reliable pre-anesthetic tranquilizer for the greyhound.
Diazepam and Ketamine combination or Telazole are safe IV anesthetic drugs to use for intubation.
Isoflurane is the gas anesthetic of choice. It is exceptionally safe and recovery is rapid.
Greyhounds should have IV fluids administered during all major procedures
lasting longer than 45 minutes. The rate of infusion is 10 ml/kg/hour.
Greyhounds are prone to hypothermia while under anesthesia and should be kept on a heated water pad or
another source of safe heat during surgery.
There is no age limit for surgically spaying or neutering greyhounds, but proper pre-surgical workups should
be done and all workups should include a platelet evaluation. This will further insure the safety of an anesthetic procedure.
**Any greyhound 7-10 years of age should have a mini chemistry panel.
**Any greyhound 10+ years of age should have a full chemistry panel.
Procedure
Give combination dose of 0.1cc of Acepromazine subcutaneously along with Atropine Sulfate or preferably
Glycopyrrolate 1 hour prior to administering the intravenous anesthesia.
A reliable IV induction anesthetic combination consists of equal amounts of Diazepam and Ketamine drawn
up in the same syringe. The calculated dose of this combination is approximately 1cc of the mixture per 20
pounds of body weight.
Half of the calculated dose can be given as a bolus, then administer just enough as needed to intubate. Telazole is a safe drug to use in place of Diazepam and Ketamine. It is dosed at 1cc per 100 pounds of body
weight. Propofol is another safe alternative for any greyhound over 7 years of age and/or has kidney problems and any greyhound 10+ years of age. Use Valium rather than Acepromazine.
Isoflurane is then used at about 1.5 to 2 percent to maintain anesthesia.
Sevoflurane can also be used.
Needlenose News
Page 4
Remember to Vote!
Dear Fellow GPA Members,
As you are aware, we have an upcoming election which is fast approaching! To this end, you
will be receiving your ballot, a self-addressed envelope, and a list of nominees to fill the open
seats on our Board of Directors, GPA FL SE Coast Chapter. A profile of each nominee is provided describing their attributes & qualifications for service. You can vote for up to four of
those listed as we currently have four open seats on the Board. Because time is of the
essence, please be sure to place your ballot in the enclosed envelope and mail it no later
than 12/6/2013 so that we receive it by 12/13/2013. Thank you for your participation!
Sincerely,
Nomination Committee,
GPA FL SE Coast Chapter
GPA’s WISH LIST — You can only adopt so many greyhounds but you can still help in other ways!
Every group has a wish list and GPA FL/SE is no exception. In order to keep things running smoothly and
to facilitate the adoption of as many retired greyhounds as possible, we need help — please think of us
when you find yourself wishing you could do something more to help the hounds. Here are our special
wishes:
 Volunteers to help with turnouts and Meet & Greets.
 Carpet and blankets. (Bedding)
 Paper towels, laundry detergent, Clorox, “tough” trash bags
 And finally, foster homes are always urgently needed! If we each save just one starfish . . .
GPA FL/SE MEMBERSHIP
Keeping up with your membership dues annually helps us with expenses,
makes you a voting member, subscribes you to the newsletter with events
information, discounts on some sales items and, in addition, you're helping
to support your adoption group! A one-year GPA FL/SE membership is
25.00 per person.
To join, simply go to our web page at www.greyhoundpetsfl.org and
select “membership” on the left hand bar of the home page. You will see a
link to the membership form there. Just fill it out - you can pay online or
print it, mail it in with your check, and become a member of an extremely
worthy organization!! The more members we have, the more greyhounds
we can get onto a couch!
“Greyhound-on-the-Couch” photo from GPA FL/SE web gallery.
Page 5
November, 2013 ~ Issue 53
Sunday, January 12th, 2014 ~ 12:00 to 4:00PM
Carlin Park - Gumbo Limbo Pavilion
400 Old A1A, Jupiter, Florida 33477
Everyone is invited to the Annual Picnic! Bring your Greyhounds and enjoy the camaraderie of other
Greyhounds and their owners and especially to honor our many volunteers. Fun for the whole family
with hotdogs, hamburgers, and drinks all provided by the Palm Beach Kennel Club. Please sign up for
additional dishes. We have a playground so bring the kids! There will also be raffles, games, and prizes and a 50/50 drawing as well as some sale items to purchase (martingale collars, sweaters, toys,
etc.)! Please note that non-greyhounds should not be brought to the picnic as some Greyhounds are not
small dog safe and this is their day to have fun with other Greys.
Please contact Events Chairperson Josie Pinero at pinero_j@bellsouth.net or call her at 561-392-7952
if you will be attending and let her know your name, phone number, e-mail address, number of humans
attending, number of Greyhounds attending, and any food items you may be bringing (salad, dessert,
specialty items). Also, please let Josie know if you are able to help with the set-up, clean up, raffle
items & prizes, greyhound games, etc. If you can help or even donate an item, please contact Josie
ASAP!
I-95 to East Indiantown Road
Indiantown Rd/SR-706 E. Continue to follow State Road
706 E. for 4.8 miles.
Turn right onto A1A/Ocean Blvd. for 0.1 miles
Take the 1st left onto Old A1A for 0.1 miles
400 OLD A1A is on the right.
Follow the signs to the Gumbo Limbo Pavilion - bottom
balloon in picture.
Page 6
November, 2013 ~ Issue 53
Message from the President
Hello Everyone,
Finally, we are rolling
into our lovely, cool,
South Florida Fall
and Winter!
As we get closer to
the holidays and the
time of year for reflection and showing
how thankful we are, my thoughts keep
running back to the same subject...all of
the wonderful GPA members that I have
been privileged enough to meet and work
with over the past several months. I knew
that I would be meeting a lot of people
when I came aboard as President, but I am
telling you, I just didn't realize how fulfilling it would be on those days when I get
to chat, either at one of the events or by
phone, with a member I hadn't yet met.
Getting to know all of the amazing hearts
that are out there in all different forms, all
unique but with one common thread...the
love of the Greys, is just lovely. I am so
thankful that I have begun to "know" so
many of you, and I look forward to being
able to get to know the rest.
Thank you to all of you who have become
more active in the past several months,
and also to the new members who have
joined us this year. Our goal at GPA, and
my personal goal as your president, is to
make you all aware of how important each
and every one of you are, from those who
show up to scrub the kennel down on
Clean Up Day, to turn out volunteers, to
the members who assist at our events, to
those that show up for us to show off their
fabulous greys.....YOU are the heart and
soul of GPA! Please know that, and please
know how much we appreciate you.
Happy Thanksgivukkah!!!!!!
Jenn
Martingales for GPA
Thanks to one of our very talented members - Donna
McPeek - better known as Devina’s Mom - we now have a
LARGE selection of handmade martingale collars! Please
visit www.unfrogettable.com for more information!!!
I got my first introduction to the "martingale" type collar
when I adopted my beautiful dark brindle greyhound
Devina (formerly known when she raced as Veena
Ram) from the Florida/ Southeast Coast Chapter of
Greyhounds Pets of America. Her very first collar was a
red, nylon 'reducer' style collar with bright gold-tone
hardware and pretty brocade ribbon sewn onto it. I had
to make it 'better' by hot-fixing crystals onto the ribbon
(I'm like a crow --I am immediately drawn to anything
that glitters or sparkles!) And as I firmly believe that a
lady can never have too many pairs of shoes (one must
always be prepared for *any* occasion), I also believe
that my greyhound can never have too many collars!
Fabric covered, satin lined, fleece lined, ribbon
topped....Devina just had to have them all!! And since
everything looks better with a little "bling", all her collars
must have crystals. And so began my new hobby...er...obsession with making her collars. I have discovered that most fellow greyhound owners like to have
more than one type of collar for their hounds for different purposes, so it made sense for me to offer more
than one style of collar.
I have fallen in love with the greyhound breed and have
met some of the most wonderful, kind and compassionate people at the GPA who are dedicated to finding
homes for the retired racers. Therefore, a portion of the
proceeds from the sale of each and every collar will be
donated to the Florida/ Southeast Coast Chapter of
Greyhounds Pets of America.
Needlenose News
Page 7
Lucky Dogs - Recent Adoptions
“Brad”
“Sara”
“Zott”
“Saving one dog will not change the
world, but surely for that one dog,
the world will change forever.”
― Karen Davison
Perfect now Benjy
“Uggie”
Flying Antioch now Anti
“Daddy”
“Billy”
“Frenchie”
Pate now Peyton
“Zapp”
Page 8
November, 2013 ~ Issue 53
Meet & Greets
Our Meet & Greets have been an exciting place to meet people
interested in an "up close and personal" visit with a
Greyhound. This is an ideal venue for people to actually see
and touch the dogs before submitting an adoption application.
PetSmart - on US 1 in Jensen Beach every Friday from 12pm to 2pm and also
Sunday from 11am to 1pm. This is ideal for those in the northern areas to have a place to visit
with the Greys so potential adopters can get "up close and personal" with these magnificent
animals. Contact Pete Thompson at ptflorida@comcast.net or (772) 225-6868.
PetSmart - at 531 State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach/Wellington on the fourth
Sunday of every month from 11am to 2pm. This is a great opportunity for interested people to
actually see and touch the Greyhounds before submitting an adoption application. Contact
Jenn Rosenblum at jyrose@jyrosenblum.net or (561) 385-3755.
TO ALL MEMBERS: You can help! Please watch
for events where we can promote Greyhound adoption! Events
can be found in local newspapers, Chambers of Commerce
and on the Internet (city and county activities). If you find
anything that looks interesting, please contact Josie Pinero at
561-392-7952.
Your Events Committee includes Mary Macchia and Sherry
Loy and they will evaluate each suggestion received.
Needlenose News
Page 9
Your Photos
45 MPH Couch Potato
Blindside demonstrates the proper use of a couch
Photo contest
coming!
The nose Knows….
Smokey and Pat C
Livin’ it up
Think of you and
your hounds in a
tropical/S. Florida
setting to be used
on new t-shirts.
Winner gets a
restaurant coupon we get the picture!
Details to follow!
Xandie
and her
new pack
Best Friends
Gimme Paw
Page 10
November, 2013 ~ Issue 53
Upcoming Events
Sat. 11/16 9 to 1
350 Maplewood Drive
Jupiter FL 33458
We need volunteers and dogs for this event!
Contact: Josie Pinero pinero_j@bellsouth.net or 561 392 7952
Savanna Animal Hospital 20th Anniversary Celebration
Date: November 23rd (Saturday)
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Savanna Animal Hospital - 1800 NE Savannah Road
City: Jensen Beach
Contact: John Creider (772) 225-6868
We need YOU and your Hounds!
Palm Beach Kennel Club Meet & Greet:
Greyhound Fan Day!
Date: November 30th (Saturday)
Time: 12:30pm - 5:00pm
Location: Palm Beach Kennel Club
City: West Palm Beach
Contact: Josie Pinero pinero_j@bellsouth.net 561 392 7952
Page 11
Needlenose News
Fostering
My Foster Greyhound
"Hammer" Finds A Home
By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM April 22, 2010
Reprinted with permission.
I wrote about "being the change you want to see" last week after attending Blogpaws, a conference
for pet writers and bloggers. This grassroots effort has taken Twitter and other social media sites by
storm. People everywhere are pondering what they can do to help one animal, one shelter, their local community or globally to help animals in need and raise awareness. (Need some ideas of what
you can do to join in?)
I have believed in "being the change" for years. I admit that I get overwhelmed at times - so many
need help - and then my efforts stagnate. After we adopted Argos last December, this feeling was
renewed, and I wanted to become active in my local Greyhound rescue group. I participated in my
first Greyhound haul. I learned so much about the Greyhound "industry" doing this and wanted to
help more.
I blogged about social media and change, and that I was considering taking the next step: fostering
a Greyhound. Fostering is something I always said I could never do. I greatly admire those who can.
Fostering provides a safe place for the animal to learn what it is like to live in a home and ultimately
be a better pet, one that won't get returned because of behavior problems. Retired racing Greyhounds in particular benefit from fostering because they lead a very different life. They need to learn
the basics: how to go up and down stairs, live with non-Greyhound pets, kids, be properly housetrained, learn manners about food, and all of the noises and activity of a "regular" home. So my family decided to foster Hammer the Greyhound.
We fell in love with him. Could I do this fostering thing? I doubted myself a little. Blogging about it
helped. By sharing Hammer's story, I hope to encourage others to consider fostering an animal and
it helped keep me focused. One member of my rescue
group said "you are taking care of someone else's dog -you just haven't met them yet." I liked that.
I am happy to report that after 6 weeks, Hammer
found the most wonderful forever home ever. It is
an "open adoption" and the updates on how he is
doing in his new home bring me so much happiness. It makes me think I can do this fostering
thing again.
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
West Palm Beach, FL
Permit No. 3998
Greyhound Pets of America ~ Florida SE Coast Chapter
GPA is the largest single breed
adoption group in the world.
Greyhound Pets of America (Florida/SE Coast
Chapter) is a 100% volunteer organization and an IRSapproved, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit charity. All
contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by
law.
“A copy of the official registration and financial
information may be obtained from the division of consumer
services by calling toll free, within the state. Registration
does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation
by the state.”
1.800.465.7352 REFER TO SC-03927
100% OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED ARE RETAINED BY
OUR ORGANIZATION AND COVER MEDICAL CARE,
FEEDING, HOUSING & OTHER NEEDS OF THE DOGS.
We’re On the Web—and Facebook
http://www.greyhoundpetsfl.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/
GPA.SE.FL.Members/
BOARD MEMBERS & VOLUNTEERS
President ~ Jennifer Rosenblum
Vice President ~ Josie Pinero
Treasurer ~ Mary Ann Grzybowski
Secretary ~
Directors~
Cathy Giacari
Bobbi Sprano
Mace Tamse
Medical Advisory Chair ~
Scott Miller, DVM
Thank you to all of our subscribers.
We appreciate your commitment
and support.
Events & Activities
PSL & North ~ John Creider,
Pete Thompson, Naomi McCann,
Vicky Hudlin, Lori Kinslow
Jupiter ~ Mary Macchia
To subscribe or submit articles,
please email:
West Palm Beach & South ~
Josie Pinero
newsletter@greyhoundpetsfl.org
Mary Morris, Esq, Morris & Morris, PA
Honorary Business Associates
NOVEMBER 2013 ~ Issue 53
Committee Chairpersons
Maintenance Chair ~ Mace Tamse
Membership Chair ~
Adult Volunteer Training ~ Mary Ann
Grzybowski
Student Volunteer Chair ~ Sandy Busch
Adoptions, Fostering & Intake ~ Mary Ann
Grzybowski
Webmaster ~ John Creider
Newsletter ~ Jane Pennington
Facebook ~ Jennifer Rosenblum Larry Vick
Kennel Updates ~
Marketing/Promotions/PR ~
Ethics Compliance ~ Mace Tamse
Photographer ~ Robin Shepett
Sewing ~ Joy Thomas
Kennel/Property Handyman ~
Lawn & Landscape Maintenance ~ Greg Boccia
Home Visits
PSL & North ~ John Creider,
Pete Thompson, Naomi McCann
Jupiter ~ Mary Macchia
Palm Beach Gardens ~ Donna & Miguel
Perez
West Palm Beach to Boynton ~
Jane Pennington
Delray Beach & South ~ Mace Tamse