GPA Update

The Newsletter of Greyhound Pets of America/California:
Orange County and Greater Los Angeles

Sept.-Oct. 1996--A Special RENAISSANCE FAIRE Issue


Renaissance Faire '96

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Come Join the Fun!
First Annual PETCO Renaissance Faire
Saturday, November 9th, 1996

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Irvine Regional Park, Orange

General Admission $5.00 Parking $4.00 at the Gate

All proceeds from this event benefit Greyhound Pets of America/California-- Orange County and Greater Los Angeles

Equestrian events by Medieval Times
Games of skill and chance
Fun for the wee ones at the kid's court
Colorful parades and wandering entertainers
Jugglers, jesters and minstrels
Greyhounds and animal demonstrations



PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. and Waltham Pet Foods will be sponsoring their first annual Renaissance Faire to benefit the California - Orange County and Greater Los Angeles Chapter of Greyhound Pets of America. The Faire will recreate a sixteenth century English Country Faire where actors, minstrels, jugglers, dancers and musicians join craftsmen to entertain and delight visitors.

The Guild of St. Elizabeth's will be providing the Queen's Court and encampments throughout the Faire. Medieval Times will present equestrian shows featuring jousting and sword fights. Greyhound coursing demonstrations, Jack Russell Terrier trials, dogs in carting demonstrations and birds of prey featuring a hawker will be some of the animals representing the Renaissance period. There will be a Children's Court where kid's can try basket weaving, hair weaving or learn to juggle. Also throughout the Faire will be games of chance, Shakespearian comedies, dancing, wandering minstrels and of course food.

The Faire will be held on Saturday, November 9, 1996 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Irvine Regional Park in Orange. (Take the Chapman exit off of the 55 freeway and go east. Then make a left on Jamboree.) General admission is $5. Tickets will be available at the Faire and at participating PETCOs. Parking is $4.00 at the gate. Take a trip back in time by participating in the First Annual PETCO Renaissance Faire.

Greyhounds Welcome
Renaissance Faire is a re-creation of a 16th century faire and marketplace. Much care is taken to ensure of authenticity wherever possible. As greyhounds were part of this era, being a pet of royalty and no longer illegal for commoners to own, and since this is a benefit for ex-racing greyhounds, we invite you to bring your greyhound along to the Renaissance Faire. (Sorry, greyhounds only. No other pets will be admitted into the Faire.)

Look for additional articles in this newsletter for information on how you can be a volunteer at the Renaissance Faire in addition to information about the greyhound in the sixteenth century.

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Training Anyone?
Are you interested in becoming a Placement Rep and/or doing Show and Tells? This is your chance for training.

WHEN: Sunday, September 15, 1996. Placement Rep training begins at 1 p.m. Show and Tell training begins at 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: At the home of Tom, Joyce, Robber, Max, Ruthie, Magic!, Andy, Catherine, and foster dog Cad located at 9642 Bay Meadow Drive, Huntington Beach.

Call (714) 962-0789 if you plan to attend either or both of these sessions.

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How Are We Doing?
If you predicted that we would place 100 ex-racing greyhounds into homes in our first year as a GPA Chapter (we started our chapter in October 1995), you underestimated. As of the beginning of September, we have placed 123 greyhounds into loving homes. We rescued 4 greyhounds from an animal shelter in South Central Los Angeles, one being a pregnant female that promptly presented us with eight puppies. This gave us the additional task of raising and caring for the new mother and puppies. At this time we have 14 greyhounds in foster homes and 24 greyhounds at the farm. We still have a month to go before we celebrate our first year anniversary as a GPA chapter, and with the rescue of over 161 greyhounds, we sure have something to celebrate about.

How did we do everything we never dreamed we should be able to do as a new group? It was thanks to the many volunteers and supporters like you. Every time we encountered an obstacle, wondering how we could possibly do more than we were already doing, a volunteer, vet, business, or donation seemed to miraculously appear.

We wish we could recognize every person that has so generously given of their time or services. All we can give them is a very heartfelt thank you. Why do they do it? If you've ever received the love of a greyhound, you won't have to ask.

What we need most right now are additional foster homes. Won't you consider giving a greyhound a temporary home? If you would like to be a foster parent or are interested in knowing what is involved in fostering a greyhound, please give us a call. We welcome both fulltime and parttime
foster homes. For more information, call Karen at (310) 496-1873. Open your heart and home for the most rewarding experience of your life!

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Home & Garden Show Greyt Success
Jan Keith
Needlenose Crew

Without doubt, the GPA/Needlenose Crew booth at the 42nd Annual Home & Garden Show held August 17-25 at the Anaheim Convention Center was the hit of the entire Animal Kingdom section of the show. Volunteers from both NNC and GPA/CA-OC&GLA collaborated in a synchronized effort to produce a continuous display of loving greyhounds for the public's viewing and petting pleasure.

What a response! We averaged approximately a dozen adoption application requests each day! What a greyt information and adoption opportunity for everyone involved. Everyone, including dogs, put on their best smiles as hundreds of people stopped at our "mini-kennel" corner booth.

A heartfelt greyhound "bow & stretch" to all of you who gave so generously of your time and energy toward the success of this show. Special thanks to the GPA Board of Directors for their cooperation in this effort, and last, but not least, thanks to Paula Otteson. Her tireless support, unflagging strength, constructive suggestions and greyt sense of humor pulled me through this labor of love. What spirit! Looking forward to future joint GPA/NNC ventures.

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Adoptions
The word is out about ex-racing greyhounds being great pets. The hard work of our many volunteers has resulted in finding the following greyhounds wonderful homes. And thank you to our foster homes, who helped make the move from track to permanent home a reality.

Listed below are the families and their dogs who came together since our last newsletter:

Freesia Robert and Mary Douk of Costa Mesa
Iggy Diana and Bill Wondergem of Camarillo
Jasper Anne Thometz of Bellflower
Jet Richard Payton and Charlotte Swap of Lakewood
Julie JaVae Ferrier of Garden Grove
Jupiter Brian and Connie Adair of Anaheim
Justice Paul and Kathie Matsuyama of Los Alamitos
Kerry Fred and Lisa Boepple of Yorba Linda
Kona Joyce Meyer of Manhattan Beach
Lark Bill and Cathy Betts of Moreno Valley
Laser Debora Gotts and Chuck Mills of La Mirada
Liberty Jane Ulrich of Aliso Viejo
Lucky Sonny Summers of Aliso Viejo
Lucy Lisa Lavin of Westlake Village
Luna Pamela Terry of Westchester
Margeaux Milton Stumpus and Julie Locke of Santa Monica
Marty Jim, Carol, E.J., Jordy and James Snikeris from Moorpark
Mason Henry and Peg Kacinskas of Aliso Viejo
Mocha Gregory and Susan Redford of Newbury Park
Monet Timothy Cain of Tustin
Montrose (Monty) Ralph and Barbara Buchanan of Long Beach
Mindy Tim and Mary Mussard of Valencia
Misty Lane and Dan Kussman of Aliso Viejo
Mozart Stephen Haas of Whittier
Niles Ken and Pam Keyes of Rialto
Nina Linda Knight of Long Beach
Nitro Steve and Cindy Salinas of Simi Valley
Oakley Victor and Paula George of Orange

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Spread the Word about Adoption
Would you like to help us find homes for greyhounds but don't have the time? Here's how you can help painlessly.

Don't throw away your GPA newsletters when you're finished with them. Leave them in your Vet's office or Doctor's office. They will be read by waiting patients.

If you'd like to do a bit more, purchase either "Greyhounds" by Coile ($7) or "Adopting the Racing Greyhound" by Branigan ($13) and affix a label with your vet's name and our name and phone number and leave it in your vet's office. These books are available from GPA, The Direct Book Service (800-776-2665) or Amazon Book Co. (http:/ /www.amazon.com).

If you would like to do still more, participate in any of our events that are convenient for you. Another way you can help find homes for greyhounds is by being ready to provide the name and phone number of GPA to anyone interested. The next time you are at one of our events, pick up a handful of our business cards and carry them with you whenever you and your greyhound go out. Or write our name and phone number on slips of paper that you can carry with you, so you are ready if anyone asks you where they can get information on adopting a greyhound or making a donation or volunteering.

"Greyhound Pets of America: (714) 962-0789/(310) 669-4918" --A simple slip of paper with this information on it could result in a home for an ex-racing greyhound.

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The English Renaissance and the Greyhound
by Jim Jeffers

When you come to our Renaissance Faire, you'll be coming to another place and time. The place is a small village in England. The time is the late sixteenth century during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Our village is a center of trade and commerce for the farmers surrounding it. Here they sell their food and buy equipment, cloth for making clothing, perhaps eating utensils. Some folks live in the village - mainly craftsmen with shops here and some landowners who live off renting out their farmland.

The Elizabethan Age is another term for the Renaissance in England. It refers to the long reign (1558 - 1603) of Queen Elizabeth I of England, which is generally considered to be one of the greatest periods in English history. England not only became a leading maritime and commercial power but also enjoyed a major cultural and artistic renaissance, epitomized by the great dramatist William Shakespeare.

From early in the reign of Elizabeth, English seamen such as Sir Francis Drake (1541-1596) and Sir John Hawkins had preyed on Spanish shipping and colonies in the New World. The culmination of the maritime rivalry came with the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. With English naval superiority thus confirmed, the rising class of commercial interests intensified its efforts to expand English overseas trade.

This was a long time before the Industrial Revolution. That means no machines - everything was made by hand. Craftsmanship still meant something - people were more likely to take pride in their work, unless they were performing menial tasks. They lit their homes by candles or oil lamps and cooked on an open flame. Fire was a major hazard. People were often sick from one disease or another. Probably most people died by age 60 and many children died at birth and in infancy than do so today.

But the Renaissance was a time of cultural rebirth as well. The economy of England was improving, leading to the growth of cities. Artists and scholars had rediscovered the culture and learning of ancient Greece and Rome, and began adding their own discoveries and refinements. People in general were more hopeful for a better life than their parents had known. They looked at the world as a place to prepare for the next world, and more as a place to enjoy for itself.

Greyhounds in the Renaissance
By the time of Elizabeth, it was no longer illegal for commoners to own greyhounds. But greyhound hunting remained a sport of the wealthy. Coursing races, with dogs chasing live rabbits, became popular during the sixteenth century. Queen Elizabeth I of England was such a fan of greyhounds and coursing that she had the Duke of Norfolk draw up rules judging competitive coursing. These rules established such things as the hare's head start and the ways in which the hound's speed, agility and concentration would be judged against one another. A dog who caught the hare was not necessarily the victor, and often the hare escaped. The rules of coursing have not changed a great deal since this time. Unlike modern coursers, greyhounds in the Renaissance did not wear jackets while running, although they were dressed in jackets or tabards displaying the colors and ensigns of their master's family for special events such as parades.

The collars and leashes of greyhounds generally were simple and made of leather. They were very wide, sometimes with a silver band down the center on which studs or jewels were spaced down the middle of the collar or in two rows along the edges of the collar. A really fancy one might have all three rows. They didn't look much different from such collars as you might find today in a pet store. If you want your greyhound to look authentic when you come to the Faire, you could use a leather leash or chain (artwork from the time shows both leather and chain-link style leashes. If you do not have a leather Martindale-style collar, you could cover your greyhound's collar with a leather or clothe strip. (However, please do not jeopardize your greyhounds safety for the sake of authenticity. Be sure to use a safe collar and leash.)

In the late sixteenth century, Markham wrote that greyhounds "are of all dogs whatsoever the most noble and princely, strong, nimble, swift and valiant; and though slender and very fine proportions, yet so well knit and coupled together, and so seconded with spirit and meddle, that they are master of all other dogs whatsoever."

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) mentioned greyhounds in a number of his plays. In Henry V he compares people to coursing greyhounds:
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start.
The game's afoot.

Renaissance artists considered the greyhound a worthy subject. The works of Veronese, Uccello, Pisanello and Desportes, among others, depict greyhounds in a variety of settings from sacred to secular, with an emphasis on the hunt.

A letter from 1570 says:
"Of the dog, called the greyhound, in Latin, Leporarius (literally, "hare-hunter"). Here is another kind of dog which, for his incredible swiftness, is called Leporarius, a greyhound: because the principal service of them dependeth and consisteth in starting and hunting the hare: which dogs likewise are embued with no less strength than lightness in maintenance of game, in serving the chase, in taking the buck, the hare, the doe, the fox, and other beasts of semblable kind ordained for the game of hunting."

The GPA Renaissance Booth
The GPA booth at the PETCO Renaissance Faire will recreate a coursing encampment. The encampment will be next to the area where coursing demonstrations will occur a couple of times during the day. The people at the lodge, some nobles but mostly commoners, are preparing for the arrival of the Queen. They have brought the royal hounds and are working with local merchants and domestic servants to prepare the lodge and make arrangements for the hunt. Just prior to the main coursing event, the Queen will lead a parade of greyhounds to the encampment, and then on to the greyhound coursing grounds. We will recreate a lure coursing practice, using an artificial lure, as it was done in the Renaissance.

GPA folk in and around the booth, as well as others strolling the grounds, can be 1) Nobility from the court of Queen Elizabeth who have come ahead to prepare things for her; 2) Peasant workers who have travelled in advance of the Queen, bringing her greyhounds and other material to prepare for her arrival; 3) Local craftspeople, merchants, or workers who have been called upon to help get ready for the Queen; 4) Local minor nobility.

These folk can talk among themselves, allowing visitors to hear about the imminent arrival of the Queen. The lower classes can express excitement at seeing the Queen for the first time - they don't really know much about Elizabeth and life at her court, so workers who have come ahead of Elizabeth can dialogue with them about life in London. One warning: people in the Renaissance observed strict separation by social class. A noble would rarely talk to a peasant except to give an order, and a peasant would not talk to a noble unless the noble addressed him first.

Coursing demonstrations will be held at our Renaissance Faire. During the sixteenth century live rabbits were used for coursing; at our demonstrations an artificial lure will be used. Following the actual written rules of that time, could you determine the winner?

Queen Elizabeth's Rules of Coursing
The following is transcribed from Country Contentments published in 1638 by Gervase Markham:

The Laws of the Leash or coursing, as they were commanded, allowed, and subscribed by Thomas, late Duke of Norfolk, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth.

1. First therefore it was ordered, that he which was chosen Fewterer, or letter-loose of the Greyhound, should receive the Greyhounds match to run together into his Leash, as soon as he came into the field, and to follow next to the Hare-finder till he came unto the former and no horsemen nor Footman, on pain of disgrace, to go before them, or on either side, but directly behind, the space of forty yards or thereabouts.

2. That not above one brace of Greyhounds do course a hare at one instant.

3. That the hare-finder should give the hare three so-hows before he put her from her Leat, to make the Greyhounds gaze and attend her rising.

4. That the Fewterer shall give the hare twelve score Law, ere he loose the Greyhounds, except it be in danger of losing sight.

5. That dog which giveth the first turn, if after the turn be given, there be neither coat, slip, nor wrench extraordinary, then he which gave the first turn shall be held to win the wager.

6. If one dog give the first turn and the other bear the hare, then he which bore the hare shall win.

7. If one dog give both the first turn and last turn, and no other advantage between them, that odd turn shall win the wager.

8. That a coat shall be more than two turns, and a go-by, or the bearing of the hare equal with two turns.

9. If neither dog turn the hare, then he which leadeth last, at the covert, shall be held to win the wager.

10. If one dog turn the hare, serve himself, and turn her againe, those two turns shall be as much as a coat.

11. If all the course be equal, there be only which bears the hare shall win; and if she be not borne, then the course must be adjudged dead.

12. If he which comes first into the death of the hare, takes her up and saves her from breaking, cherisheth the dogs, and cleanseth their mouths for the wool, or other filth of the hare, for such courtesy done, he shall in courtesy challenge the hare, but not doing it he shall have no right, priviledge or title therein.

13. If any dog shall take a fall in the course, and yet perform his part, he shall challenge advantage of a turn more then he giveth.

14. If one dog turn the hare, serve himself, and give divers coats, yet in the end stand still in the field, the other dog without turn-giving, running home to the covert, that dog which stood still in the field shall be then adjudged to lose the wager.

15. If any man shall ride over a dog and overthrow him in his course (though the dog were the worse dog in opinion) yet the party for the offence shall either receive the disgrace of the field, or pay the wager; for between the parties, it shall be adjudged no course.

16. Those which are chosen Judges of the Leash, shall give their judgements presently before they depart from the field, or else he, in whole default it lyeth, shall pay the Wager by a general voyce and sentence.

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Make it Happen
In addition to being a great day of fun for the whole family, the Renaissance Faire promises to be a major fund-raiser for our chapter of GPA. Thanks to PETCO, Waltham and a great many volunteers and contributors, proceeds of the faire will be given to GPA/CA-OC&GLA to help house, feed and take care of the medical needs of our retired racers until we can find homes to adopt them. Therefore, the more items we can arrange to have donated the more successful the faire will be as a fund-raiser.

The following is a list of various items needed for the faire:
¥ Stuffed animals or other items suitable for prizes at the game booths.
¥ 200 bales of straw or hay to be used in the arena and various other areas.
¥ 2000 linear feet of fencing of any type - chainlink, plastic mesh, etc.
(the total can be made up of various types of fencing and in different lengths)
¥ Parking cones to help with parking management
¥ First aid supplies for the first aid tent
¥ Brown fabric to cover and drape a 20' x 30' tent.
¥ Weathered lumber to build pens for the greyhounds
¥ Yards of ribbon to decorate the greyhound booth
¥ Walkie Talkies to help with traffic management
¥ Fabric in any plain color (not polyester or synthetics - can be seconds) to be used to drape tent covers

If you have access to any of these items and could help us by arranging a tax-deductible donation or a discount, please let us know. All contributors will be recognized on Ye Ole Public Notice at the faire and in faire publicity.
In addition, we continue to seek entertainers or those who can put on demonstrations at the faire such as dancers, minstrels, puppeteers, archers, interactive craft demonstrations, and of course, demonstrations by animals - such as herding border collies or hawking demonstrations. Again, if you would like to participate in the faire in this way, or if you can put us in touch with those who can provide any of these types of entertainment, please let us know.

Already, a great many people have come together to prepare the faire and we hope that you too will be able to help, either by helping us to find items and entertainment for the faire, or by volunteering to help on the day of the faire.

The following are just a few of the many jobs which need to be filled:
Parking Volunteers
Security and Safety Volunteers
Game Booth Volunteers
Maintenance Volunteers
Volunteers to Assist the Various Vendors
Volunteers to Help with Set Up starting Friday, November 8 at 3:00 p.m.
Volunteers to Help with Breakdown starting Saturday, November 9 at 5:00 p.m.

Since the amount of time allowed for both set up and breakdown is limited, we need a great deal of volunteer help between 3:00 p.m. to dusk on Friday and 5:00 p.m. to dusk on Saturday.

If you are able to assist in any of these ways, please contact either Carol Vinnacombe (310) 594-5734 or Jim Jeffers (909) 591-4570.

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Step Back in Time
Whether you come in a costume of the late 1500s or just some every day modern attire, join us for a day of entertainment to benefit ex-racing greyhounds. Part of the fun of attending a Renaissance Faire is dressing in a costume reminiscent of that time period. You can make, rent or buy a costume. A way to familiarize yourself with this particular time period is by renting a video such as one of Shakespeare's plays.

Clothing during the reign of Elizabeth always reflected the social status of the wearer. People of the Renaissance period observed strict separation by social class - the nobility, merchant class and the peasants. Clothing was a direct indication of wealth and the cost of the clothing was related to the type of fabric and the color. A typical man's outfit would include boots, breeches (pants), a shirt, a jerkin (vest), and a hat. A typical woman's outfit would include shoes, an over and under shirt, a shirt, a bodice, and a hat or snood. Long hair is generally braided. Children were dressed as infants only until about the age of three, then they dressed identically to adults.

It is important that all working participants of the Faire wear an authentic looking period costume during the Faire's operating hours. If you would like to get information on the clothing of that time or would like to volunteer to help at the faire, contact Jim Jeffers at (909) 591-4570 or Carol Vinnacombe at (310) 594-5734.

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Thank You PETCO
When Shannon and Frances of PETCO approached us with the idea of having a Renaissance Faire with all of the profits benefiting our chapter of Greyhound Pets of America, it was an opportunity we couldn't refuse. As we see all the planning and effort going into the preparation of the Faire, we can tell you it is an event you won't want to miss. We anticipate several thousand people in attendance along with many of the ex-racing greyhounds that have been adopted. This is not only an event that will be fun for the whole family, but also a way for people to see what great pets greyhounds are.

An extra special thank you goes to Shanon Brewer of the Anaheim Plaza PETCO and Frances Marquez of the Mission Viejo PETCO and the many PETCO emloyees that are making this event possible.

Participating PETCOs in Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles area have already started promoting the Renaissance Faire of November 9th. For $1.00 kids can get a copy of a Greyhound Coat of Arms to color and return to enter in a drawing at PETCO. The winner will receive a $100.00 gift certificate. All profits received though this promotion and the Renaissance Faire will be donated to our Greyhound Pets of America chapter.

Can you help? We're waiting to get your call!(714) 962-0789

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> Faire Volunteer Coordinators
Another way to volunteer to help or donate any items for the Faire, is by contacting one of the individuals below. Please remember that these volunteers hold fulltime jobs, so you may need to leave a message on their answering machine and they will return your call.

GPA Literature Coordinator - Dan Sullivan (310) 496-1795
Coordinate writing of GPA literature and Renaissance Faire flyer; make sure they are printed and arrange any collation necessary.

Bag Stuffer Coordinator - Joanne Kally (909) 629-9105
Coordinate group in advance of fair to stuff plastic bags with GPA/PETCO literature, Medieval Times discount certificates, and anything else that we can find to be donated. These bags will be handed out at the Faire. If you would like to donate any items to be included in these bags, please contact Joanne. We anticipate distributing 2000 to 3000 bags, but any quantity of items will be accepted.

Parking Coordinator - Phil Faust (310) 496-1873
Coordinate parking volunteers in all the various lots - particularly critical early a.m. to ensure vendors get into park area, unload and get parked in the designated parking area. (Parking Volunteers will wear Renassance Faire t-shirts.) If you would like to assist or belong to a group or organization that would like to donate their help in directing traffic into the parking area, please contact Phil.

Security Coordinator - Rich Strissel (805) 526-0752
Available Friday to make an initial inspection of area for safety hazards, coordinate overnight security Friday night, coordinate first aide volunteers, coordinate volunteers during faire to maintain security and safety.

Game Booth Coordinator - Lynda Adame (310) 548-7145
Coordinate volunteers to man various game booths, coordinate set up of various game booths. If you would like to assist in designing, making or operating one of the game booths, please call Lynda. We also need items to be used as prizes for the games of chance. Any ideas or donations would be greatly appreciated.

PETCO/GPA Merchandise Coordinator - Joyce McRorie (714) 962-0789
Coordinate volunteers to set-up and breakdown booth, coordinate staffing of booth.

Maintenance Coordinator - Tom McRorie (714) 962-0789
Coordinate volunteers to keep grounds cleaned up during set-up on Friday afternoon, throughout the fair and following breakdown. Coordinate set-up of electricity for vendors. If you would like to volunteer to help keep the grounds looking clean during or after the Faire, contact Tom. We also welcome anyone that would like to volunteer for cleanup duty during the Faire.

Vendor Support Coordinator - Bev Strissel (805) 526-0752
Coordinate volunteers to assist vendors by getting them food and water, providing relief breaks as needed and various errands as neede for set-up.

GPA Booth Coordinator - Bob Vinnacombe (310) 594-5734
Build, set-up and breakdown GPA booth. Anyone that can volunteer to assist in setting up and breaking down the GPA booth on Friday afternoon and immediately after the Faire would be greatly appreciated. Just call Bob.

Set-Up Coordinators - Phil Faust (310) 496-1873 and Bob Vinnacombe (310) 594-5734
Oversees the volunteers setting up the Faire on Friday night and Saturday morning and breakdown on Saturday evening. Coordinates the efforts of other coordinators to make sure all needs are addressed. Any and all volunteers that can assist in setting up on Friday afternoon and helping to break down immediately after the Faire would be greatly appreciated. Just call Phil or Bob.

Event Coordinators - Carol Vinnacombe (310) 594-5734 and Jim Jeffers (909) 591-4570
Oversees the entire operation of the Renaissance Faire. If you would like to participate in the Renaissance Faire or just dress up in a costume of that era and walk your greyhound around, please contact Carol or Jeff. They can assist you in selecting appropriate attire for both yourself and your greyhound.

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1997 Celebrating Greyhounds Calendar

Image: Grey
calendar The 1997 Celebrating Greyhounds Calendar is here! It has 31 photos of 39 adopted greyhounds from around the country, along with stories about the hounds and very special descriptions of the first encounters people had with these amazing dogs. Our group is honored to be represented in the calendar by Brett, owned by Carol and Wayne Simpson of Huntington Beach.

$12.00 per calendar (tax included)
plus $3.00 shipping and handling

To order your calendar include a check or money order payable to: GPA/CA-OC&GLA and send to:

1997 Calendar
c/o Greyhound Pets of America
9642 Bay Meadow Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92646

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Cool weather is just around the corner!

Outfit your greyhound in a custom made winter fleece coat


Now you can get a custom coat made for your greyhound in his or her measured size and any one of five different colors.

Order a coat now to keep your greyhound warm and comfortable on those crip winter days.

Coats cost $26.00 (tax included) plus $4.00 shipping and handling. Coats will be shipped within 7 days after receipt of your order and $30.00 payment. Phone orders accepted. Call (805) 526-0752. Provide all of information indicated below. (Orders will not be shipped until payment is received)

To custom order your coat:
1. Measure the length of your dog's back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
2. Measure around your dog's neck.
3. Measure your dog's middle section.
4. Choose color : Red Ñ Hunter Green Ñ Dark Grey Ñ Light Grey Ñ Blue
5. Along with the information above, include your name, address and telephone number (include area code) with check or money order payable to GPA/CA-OC&GLA and send to:

Greyhound Pets of America
c/o Bev & Rich Strissel
1798 Bridget Avenue ¥ Simi Valley, CA 93065

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Foster TRIVIA

Question: What do these people have in common?
Linda Clark
Kathy DeLong
Vic & Joanne Kally
Pat Lynch
Terry Rogers

Answer: They all became new foster parents in August! Kathy and Terry joined us on August 3rd, as they took their new foster dogs Nina and Nutmeg home to meet the family. Pat unexpectedly became a foster mom the next day when Augie (and his broken leg) arrived from Tucson. Linda took Outlaw home on August 17th, and while picking him up at the dog wash met an old friend, the Shipley's Luge! Vic and Joanne actually started fostering in July with Marty, a very energetic and playful greyhound. All foster dogs and families are having a great time and enjoying each other's company immensely. If you'd like to have as much fun as they are, call Karen at (310) 496-1873 for more information.

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Brush Regularly
When you first adopted your greyhound, he or she probably had shiny white teeth. That's because a professional tooth cleaning was performed by the vet at the time your greyhound was being spayed or neutered.

Image: Brushing
Why worry about your pet's teeth? Although dogs rarely get cavities, many dogs three years and older have some degree of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection caused by plaque, a thin, bacteria-laden film that can form on teeth. Over time this can lead to erosion of gum tissue and bones supporting the teeth, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. In extreme cases, bacteria can also spread from the mouth throughout the body, possibly causing infection in major organs such as the heart or kidneys.

Once your pet has periodontal disease or other dental problems, he'll need to see a vet for treatment and possibly a thorough tooth cleaning. But with regular care, you can prevent problems from getting started. Here are some suggestions.

Feed your dog dry kibble rather than canned dog food or if you are giving your dog a treat, give him or her a crunchy biscuit or raw carrots.
Give your dog a hard rubber toy with grooves to help keep his teeth white and clean. As he chews, the rubber scrapes under the gum tissue, helping dislodge material that could lead to infection.

Brush your dog's teeth! While dry food and chew toys help clean your dog's teeth, they don't clean at the gumline where most dental problems begin. Introducing your dog to brushing is not difficult. It only takes a few minutes a day. Fortunately the outer surfaces of the teeth need the most attention and can be easily reached.

To make brushing a little more enjoyable for your dog, try one of the flavored toothpastes now available, such as beef or poultry flavored. Avoid using human toothpastes. They often contain detergents which can cause foaming and stomach irritation. Dogs swallow rather than rinse and spit.

To introduce your dog to the toothpaste, apply a small amount onto your finger. Because the flavors are so appealing, most dogs will readily lick it off. Next apply a small amount of toothpaste onto a toothbrush. Let your dog taste the paste from the brush. Then gently pull the lips and cheek up. Begin brushing with short back and forth strokes at the gum line. Brush only a few teeth the first time. Give a lot of praise during this process. Increase the number of teeth brushed each time until your dog accepts this routine willingly.

If you are adventurous, try scaling your dog's teeth yourself. Dental tools are available in many pet supply stores or catalogs. Start at the gum line and gently move the tool back and forth, gradually working your way toward the tip of the tooth. It takes patience by you and the dog, but it can help avoid a yearly trip to the vet's for dentistry.

During your dog's annual checkup, be sure your vet examines the teeth so problems can be caught before they become serious and costly.

What should you watch for? Some light bleeding may occur when you first start brushing your dog's teeth, however with continued brushing you should soon see healthy pink gums. You may even notice your dog will have sweeter, fresher breathe. If you notice heavy bleeding, you may want to check with your vet. Other things to watch for when brushing your dog's teeth are lumps or bumps which could indicate an abscessed tooth or even a tumor, foreign bodies you can't remove, damaged or broken teeth, or continued bad breath.

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Ear Tattoos
Every ex-racing greyhound has had their ears tattooed, which identifies the dog for the racing business. But do you know what those numbers tattooed in your greyhound's ears mean?

The left ear tattoo is the litter registration number. This number is the same on every brother or sister of your greyhound.

The right ear tattoo indicates the month and year of birth and sequence of tattooing. For example, if the tattoo reads 34E:
3 is the birth month which would be March.
4 is the last number of the birth year which would be 1994.

E is the sequence the greyhound was tattooed, (not the sequence of birth). If you count what number position the letter E has in the alphabet - 5, you can tell that your greyhound was the fifth puppy in the litter to be tattooed, not the fifth puppy to be born.

The life of your greyhound can be traced using those number. Be sure this number is kept with your dog's records as this a way of positively identifying your greyhound.

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Special Thanks
The Greyhound Pets of America /California - Orange County & Greater Los Angeles Chapter would like to thank the following businesses for their help in our efforts to find homes for ex-racing greyhounds.

GRAPHIX Printing & Design
7209-C Arlington Ave.
Riverside, CA 92503
(909) 351-8193

Superior Mini Storage
1600 Superior Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(714) 631-3930

Theresa's Country Feed & Pet
1836 Erringer Road
Simi Valley, CA 93065
(805) 583-3599

Thank you to the following who have donated or provided discounts for veterinary services. Without their support we would not have been able to rescue as many greyhounds as we have.

Aliso Viejo Animal Hospital
24038 Aliso Creek Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92656
(714) 643-0437

Dr. Robert Rooks
All Care Animal Referral
18440 Amistad
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 963-0909

Dr. Kevin Caylor
All Pets Veterinary Hospital
29131 S. Western
Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 547-2784

Frank Moore, DVM
Amigo Animal Hospital
13951 Milan St.
Westminster, CA 92683
(714) 894-5558

Dr. Cowart and Dr. Mockey
Animal & Bird Clinic of Mission Viejo
24912 Chrisarta Drive
Mission Viejo CA 92691
(714) 728-3651

Gib Benschoter, DVM
Brea Veterinary Hospital
675 S. Brea Boulevard
Brea, CA 92621
(714) 529-4988
Brook-Ellis Pet Hospital
18452 Brookhurst
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 963-0440

Central Orange County Emergency
Animal Clinic
3720 Campus Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(714) 261-7979

Garden Park Pet Clinic
12453 Valley View
Garden Grove, CA 92645
(714) 898-6377

Dr. Charles M. Mintzer
General Pet Hospital
800 N. Diamond Bar Blvd.
Diamond Bar, CA 92765
(909) 861-4116

La Mirada Animal Hospital
13914 E. Rosecrans Ave.
La Mirada, CA 90670
(310) 921-3539 or (714) 521-2185

Dr. Peter Kendrick
Pet Hospital - PetCo.
19050 Brookhurst
Huntington Beach, CA
(714) 378-0330

PetCo. Corporation
All stores with veterinary services.

Dr. John Agostini
San Clemente Veterinary Hospital
1833 S. El Camino Road
San Clemente, CA 92672
(714) 492-5777

Dr. L. L. Novy & Associates
Valley Veterinary Clinic
845 Los Angeles Avenue
Simi Valley, CA 93065
(805) 526-0917
(818) 884-1533

VCA Rossmoor El Dorado Animal
Hospital
10832 Los Alamitos Blvd.
Los Alamitos, CA
(310) 598-8621

And finally, thank you to those who have supported us with their time, services and financial support. The hard work of our volunteers and donations by our supporters is what makes it possible for us to find homes for retired racers.

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Puppy Love

It has been four months since we rescued four greyhounds turned in by their owner at a South Central Los Angeles Animal Shelter. Two weeks later one of the females presented us with eight puppies. Thanks to the overwhelming support by donations to our "Puppy Fund" we have the funds to care for Mama Julie and her puppies without having to divert precious funds for the rescue of our ex-racing greyhounds. The "Puppy Fund" has helped cover expenses such as the unexpected c-section for the delivery of the puppies, food, all of the puppy shots required, and the eventual spay or neuter of the puppies before they are placed in permanent homes.

The puppies have started going into foster homes for some much needed doggie training. Anyone that has seen the puppies knows they are a bundle of energy, not the quiet greyhounds we are used to.

Julie, the mother to these adorable puppies, has been adopted, although right now she is just having weekend "sleepovers" at her new home to get some much needed rest from the "kids".

We thank everyone who has helped, especially Wayne and Carol Simpson who rearranged their home and their lives to care for Julie and her puppies.

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I'm Begging You, Please

Greyhound Retirement Plan
We currently have 24 greyhounds at the farm in addition to those in foster homes. If we have the funds, we have room to board more. Our cost is $2.00 a day per dog. If you would like to help sponsor a greyhound until we have an opening in one of our foster homes, send your donation to:

Retirement Fund
GPA/CA-OC&GLA
9642 Bay Meadow Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92646

Include a note or notation on the check that it is for the "Retirement Fund". Any amount you can give would be greatly appreciated. It will be the best retirement plan you ever invested in.


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If you know of a greyhound owner or animal lover that you think would enjoy our newsletter, just send us their name and address and we will be happy to put them on our mailing list. Mail your request to:

GPA
9642 Bay Meadow Drive,
Huntington Beach, CA 92646.