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Foster Care Manual
A Guide to the Foster Home Experience

General Guidelines

1. Ownership of Foster Greyhounds
All foster greyhounds are the sole property of GPA/CA--OC&GLA and shall be returned to GPA/CA--OC&GLA upon request or if the foster parent is not able to care adequately for the greyhound.

2. Health Treatment
GPA/CA--OC&GLA will provide routine and emergency veterinary care through select veterinarians. Foster greyhounds are not to be treated by unauthorized veterinarians, except in the case of emergencies. Expenses resulting from unauthorized routine care will be the responsibility of the foster parent. Contact the Foster Coordinator for authorization.

3. Care of the Foster Greyhound
Foster parents agree to provide the foster greyhound with good food and fresh water, love and affection, soft, comfy beds and pillows, and lots of guidance, supervision, and training.

4. Help with the Placement Process
Foster parents play an important role in the placement/adoption process and may be asked to talk to and meet with prospective families.

Foster Care Tips

1. Introducing the foster to your dogs
When introducing your foster dog to your own dog or dogs:
a. Have them meet on "neutral territory," for example, on the sidewalk in front of your home or down the block.
b. While you have the foster dog on a short leash close to your side, bring out your dogs one at a time. Do not let them rush the new dog. Observe the reaction of the new dog as well as that of your dogs and immediately correct any show of aggression or dominance with a firm "No."
c. With leashes on, let them greet each other and then take them around your property (leashes still on) and then into the house.

2. Introducing the foster to your cats
Introduce the greyhound to your cat indoors with the greyhound muzzled and leashed. Hold the leash in your hand and leave the cat on the floor. If you observe any of the following signs, inform the Foster Coordinator:
Teeth clicking or snapping
Ears alert (by itself could indicate curiosity)
Fixed gaze or stare which cannot be broken
Trembling or lurching

3. Playing with small animals
NEVER allow the foster dog to run and play with cats or small dogs, whether indoors or outdoors. Play can turn to hunt in a flash and no cat or small dog is fast enough to get out of the way of a determined greyhound.

4. Look for possessiveness
Pay close attention to the reaction of your new foster dog while he or she is sleeping, or even playing. Some dogs may be protective of new-found toys and beds.

5. When you leave
Before you leave home, separate the foster from other animals by leaving it in its own room or in a crate. Once you have observed the dogs behaving appropriately in your presence, you may leave them alone together.

Food, Care, and Training

1. Water
Provide access to fresh, clean water at all times.

2. Food
Feed a high-quality, high-protein premium kibble. Several recommended brands are Iams, Science Diet, Nutro, Nature's Recipe. When possible, GPA/CA--OC&GLA will provide foster homes with kibble and/or canned food that has been donated.

3. Feeding Time
When feeding your new dog, never do so close to your dog(s). They may be protective of their food bowls. Feed the foster dog in a separate room or area and SUPERVISE. Always reinforce the pecking order at feeding time: the top dog should be fed first, then the second, and so on.

4. Health Care
Check your foster dog frequently for cuts, scrapes, fleas, and ticks. Provide necessary treatment (flea spray or flea combing, Neosporin, Silvadene, etc).

5. Grooming
Groom periodically with a grooming mitt or glove, as most dogs fresh off the track have never had much grooming or bathing, will probably shed, and will enjoy the attention very much.

6. Socialization
Your mission is to show this dog how to relax and be a good family pet. Socialize him or her to life with your greyhounds, dogs, cats, and children. But remember that your foster dog has been a "racing machine" thus far in his or her life. So you must closely SUPERVISE your foster dog. Take precautions while you are getting to know the dog's personality, especially when he or she is around other animals and children. Introduce them to one another slowly. Never leave the foster dog alone with other pets.

7. Housebreaking
Housebreak and/or dog-door train your foster greyhound. They come from the track crate-trained, and the transition to housetraining is usually accomplished in a day or two. During that time, keep the dog on a leash when you are home so that you can catch him or her in the act of messing in the house. Correct the dog with a firm "No" and take him or her outside. When he or she goes outside, praise the dog profusely. Never correct a dog if you don't catch him or her in the act; dogs aren't able to connect your correction with an action that took place five minutes before.

8. Walks
Take your foster dog for walks and teach him/her to stroll calmly on a leash. The exercise is good for both of you.

9. Play
Teach your greyhound to play! This is something he or she has probably never done. Greyhounds tend to prefer soft toys such as stuffed animals.

10. Attending Greyhound Functions
Foster families are encouraged to attend any and all greyhound functions with their foster dogs. The greyhounds who have been adopted and are now pets in loving homes are great "salesdogs" for their kind. In addition, the foster dogs themselves present the opportunity for prospective adopters to begin picturing themselves with their very own greyhound.

Veterinary/Medical

1. Prior Treatments
All greyhounds receive routine vaccinations (DHLPP, Corona, Bordatella, and Rabies) and an initial worming before being placed in a foster home.

2. Spay/Neuter
While in the foster home, the foster greyhound will be scheduled for a spay or neuter, teeth cleaning, and heartworm test, along with any other needed medical procedures.

3. Giving Medication
The foster family will, when necessary, administer medication and follow the instructions of the veterinarian with respect to the recovery and care of the foster greyhound.

4. Working with Participating Veterinarians
Arrangements for medical care are made by the Foster Coordinator, and are scheduled with participating area veterinarians who provide services at reduced or no cost. Since we are a non-profit organization, we are not in a position to reimburse foster families for routine medical care provided by their personal vet if that care could have been provided by one of our participating vets.

5. Emergencies
In an emergency, veterinary care should be sought by the foster family immediately. The dog's health and safety are first and foremost to GPA. If the dog can be transported to a participating vet without endangering its life and health, please do so. If, however, this is not possible, obtain care by the best means possible. If anesthesia is required, be sure the vet is familiar with greyhounds and anesthesia (info sheet included in this manual). NOTIFY a GPA representative of an emergency as soon as possible.

Dog Parks

The GPA/CA--OC&GLA Board strongly recommends that you not take your foster dog to a dog park for the following reasons:

1. Potential for Harm to Other Dogs
As you know, many greyhounds are not safe with smaller animals. Our foster dogs have not yet been involved in an incident at a dog park, but some adopted into homes have had such incidents. We are concerned about potential liability if a foster dog injures, or kills another animal at such parks.

2. Risk of Injury to the Foster Dog
The risk of injury to a foster dog at a dog park is minimal, but it is still a concern to us. So far, GPA has covered all the cost of medical care for the dogs in foster placemen. However, a few large medical bills could put us in the red.

3. Danger From High Prey Drive Dogs
Never take a high prey drive greyhound to the dog park. The small dogs there (and the reputation of greyhounds as pets) are at risk if you do.

If you decide to take your foster dog to a dog park:

1. Have Verbal Control of Your Dog
Be sure that the dog knows his or her name and will come reasonably well when called in public. A dog who will not obey you in public is not under control and can become a danger to itself and other animals.

2. Watch the Foster Dog's Reactions to Other Dogs
Before letting your foster dog into the dog park, walk around the outside of the fenced area to observe the foster dog's reaction to other dogs, in particular to small dogs. Be sure that he or she does not show any aggressive reaction to the dogs.

3. Check Out the Safety of the Dog Park
Walk around and through the park to determine the physical safety of the park itself, i.e., openings in fences, unfenced or poorly fenced sections, holes in the ground, etc. It's not difficult to a running greyhound to step in a hole and break a leg. Even a small break in the fence could allow your greyhound to get out and become lost. Please do not take this chance.

Insurance

We encourage you to enjoy your foster dog and socialize him or her as you would your own dog. But you must exercise caution. You need to know that GPA does not carry insurance on foster dogs. If your foster dog inflicts injury on another dog or person, the liability portion of your homeowner's insurance policy may cover you. You may want to check with your insurance company to find out to what extent and under what circumstances such protection is extended.

The Adoption Process

While the foster greyhound is in your care, placement representatives will make home visits to prospective adopters and attempt to find the perfect match for your dog. For this reason, it is important that you inform the Adoption Coordinator about your foster dog's personality, behavior, habits, and idiosyncracies. A "Greyhound Personality Profile" form (sample included) is provided for this purpose.

When your foster dog's profile matches an adopter's needs and preferences, you will be contacted by that family for more information. We recommend a phone conversation first, followed by a visit to your home. Help the prospective adopters interact with your foster dog and show him or her off to the best of your ability.

After the visit, contact the Placement Representative and describe the meeting, how the people and dog reacted to each other, your feelings and observations, and any comments you have regarding the potential adopters. NEVER let the prospective adopter take the dog home after the first visit, unless you have been told to do so by a Placement Representative.

The Placement Representative or designee will complete the adoption paperwork at your home (if you so choose) or at another location. You may or may not be asked to help transport the foster dog to the adoption location. We would appreciate it if you would bathe the foster dog and check him or her for overall cleanliness (ears, eyes, toes, teeth) before turning him or her over to the new family. Wash or replace the collar and leash if they have become soiled or damaged.

You are encouraged to stay in contact with the family who adopts your foster greyhound and assist it with transition problems. Inform the Placement Representative of any problems the new family experiences. We would also like the new adoptive family to become part of our greyhound volunteer group. You can help by informing them of and inviting them to Show 'n' Tells and other functions.

Making Anesthesia Safe for Greyhounds

Veterinary Information

by Harry S. Newman, DVM

Do not be afraid or embarrassed to discuss anesthesia protocol for your greyhound with your veterinarian. If he or she has had minimal experience with greyhounds and anesthesia, provide him or her with a copy of this information. This information may save your greyhound's life.

Principals for Administering Anesthesia to Greyhounds

Never use thiobarbituates including Biotal, Surital, or Pentothal.

Acepromazine is a safe and reliable preanesthetic tranquilizer in 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 wile under anesthesia and should be kept on a heated water pad or other sources of safe heat during surgery.

There is no age limitation for surgically spaying to neutering greyhounds, but proper presurgical workups should be done and all workups should include platelet evaluation. This will further insure the safety of an anesthetic procedure.

Procedure

1. Give a dose of 0.1cc of Acepromazine subcutaneously 30 minutes before administering anesthesia. This will result in a smoother recovery.

2. Give atropine sulfate or preferably glycopyrrolate at the time of surgical induction with the intravenous anesthetic.

3. 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 10 pounds of body weight. Half of the calculated dose can be given 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.

4. Isoflurane is then used at about 1.5 to 2 percent to maintain anesthesia.


If you have any questions on greyhounds and anesthesia you can contact:
Harry S. Newman, DVM
5155 Sheridan Drive
Williamsville, NY 14221
(716) 633-7123

Participating Veterinarians

Medical care for our foster greyhounds is provided by the following animal hospitals. You will be notified of the date and location of your foster dog's appointment(s). If you are not able to take your dog for the scheduled appointment, contact the Foster Coordinator. A volunteer may be able to help out with your transportation problem.

Dr. Robert Totman
Aliso Viejo Animal Hospital
24038 Aliso Creek Road
Laguna Niguel 92656
(714) 643-0437
Hours: M-F 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-noon, Sun 10am-4pm

Gib Benschoter, DVM
Brea Veterinary Hospital
675 S. Brea Boulevard
Brea 92621
(714) 529-4988
Hours: M-F 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-3pm

Dr. John Unflat
Garden Park Pet Clinic
12453 Valley View
Garden Grove 92645
(714) 898-6377
Hours: M-F 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-4pm

La Mirada Animal Hospital
13914 E. Rosecrans Ave.
La Mirada 90670
(310) 921-3539 or (714) 521-2185
Hours: M 8am-6pm, T/W/Th 8am-8pm, F 8am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9am-3pm

Dr. Peter Kendrick
Pet Hospital - PetCo.
19050 Brookhurst
Huntington Beach
(714) 378-0330
Hours: M-F 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm

Drs. Heidi Casale, Jennifer Burke, and Andrea Glasser
VCA Rossmoor El Dorado Animal Hospital
10832 Los Alamitos Blvd.
Los Alamitos, CA
(714) 310-598-8621
Hours: M-Th 8am-8:30pm, F 8am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-2pm

Dr. Kevin Caylor
All Pets Veterinary Clinic
29131 S. Western
Rancho Palos Verdes 90275
(310) 547-2784
M/T/W/F 8am-6pm, Th 8am-7pm, Sat 8am-4pm

Dr. Charles Mintzer
General Pet Hospital
800 N. Diamond Bar Blvd.
Diamond Bar 91765
(909) 861-4116
Hours: M/W/F 6am-7pm, T/Th 6am-8pm, Sat 7am-2pm

Dr. John Agostini
San Clemente Veterinary Hospital
1833 S. El Camino Real
San Clemente 92672
(714) 492-5777
Hours: M-F 8am-6pm, Sat 8:30am-4pm

In Case of Emergency
We prefer that you take an emergency need to the Central Orange County Emergency Animal Clinic if the emergency occurs during Central's working hours. Otherwise, take care of the dog by the best means available.

Central Orange County Emergency Animal Clinic
3720 Campus Drive, Suite D
Newport Beach 92660
(714) 261-7979
Hours: M-F 6pm-8am, Noon Sat.-8am Mon, Holidays 24 hours

GPA/California--Orange County & Greater Los Angeles Contact Names

February 1996 to February 1997:

President and Adoption Co-ordinator:
Joyce McRorie 714 962-0789

Vice-President and Foster/Vet Co-ordinator:
Karen Charpie-Elton 310 496-1873

Vice-President and Show 'n' Tell Co-ordinator:
Pat Lynch 310 547-9470

Secretary:
Dan Sullivan 310 496-1795

Treasurer:
Bev Strissel 805 526-0752

Directors:
Rich Strissel 805 526-0752
Ron Stolte 310 547-9470
Joanne Kalley 909 629-9105
Kathy Mooney 714 548-4071
Phil Faust 310 496-1873
Lynda Adame 310 548-7145


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