Knuckles - The Little Grey that thought HE could

If you watched the CBS Morning Show clip on the left, you saw a 10 month old tripod named Knuckles. When asked about his missing leg, his owners were gracious in their response and said it was lost due to a blood infection. End of story? If you had heard of Knuckles back in September of 2008 you would say "Not hardly".

Knuckles was 14 weeks old when I first heard about him in September 2008. He and other puppies had been removed from a farm where they were being seriously neglected. The manager of the new farm reported that they were dehydrated, infested with worms, mal-nourished and some of them, injured. They had not had any vet care.

This is when a dedicated group of volunteers at Greyhound Rescue and Rehab stepped in. Knuckles (who was believed to have a fractured leg) and four other pups were GURed on a 15 hour trip to Katonah-Bedford Veterinary Center in Bedford, NY.

Without the care of Dr. Robert Hart, his staff and the many dedicated volunteers, you would not have seen the dog Knuckles has become on that CBS morning Show clip. Against all odds, the little grey that thought he could, got himself that forever home he deserved in Connecticut. Without ever stepping a paw on a track he became a winner. Way to go Knuckles.

To read about Knuckles full story CLICK HERE
See his Photo Gallery HERE





Editors Note: There are days when I get up and wonder, as you may have, if what I do makes any difference. With so many greys and so limited resources it seems such an uphill battle. Then along comes a Knuckles and a Samson back in '05 and you get involved again, the picture clears up a bit and you say to yourself yes. This is why we do it, this is the satisfaction we receive. I have long ago resigned myself that saving them all is unrealistic. It is these stories that rights the ship, that energizes my soul. This is what changes the world for that one greyhound.

The GIG is UP

"Attention Greyhound shoppers"
If you didn't hear that calling you were probably not in Gettysburg for the annual
GIG festivities. Vendors from Canada to Florida and points west were there. Items of use to items of pure vanity were available for greys as well as humans. There were seminars and shows to go along with the shopping. At the VAGA tent, sales were brisk but the nail trimming seemed to have no end. Grey after grey, a galgos or two and a few (non-greys) that showed up just to join the party. If there was any downside it was the warm temperatures that left a few canines and humans mildly distressed. All in all it was a greyt time. So if you missed this one, mark your calendar next April and come on down.

As always, a big thank you to all the volunteers who came out to help.

The "Ultimate Buckeye"

Articulate, captivating, intelligent, down to earth, just a few of the accolades I will use to describe a man who can mesmerize a room full of people. He is the man I call the "Ultimate Buckeye". The near mention of his name in the greyhound community opens a floodgate of responses from "what can I do to help", to "where can I hear him speak". Over 60 people on an Easter weekend, and donated items from around the country and aboard, helped make the "Lick Canine Cancer" event a most memorable evening. This man who works with greyhounds, this man who touches so many of us, because of what he represents to us "HOPE" is Dr. Guillermo Couto. This is my third opportunity to hear Dr. Couto speak. Each time he comes back with new information on different programs and studies, relevant on some level, to every greyhound owner. You cannot leave one of his presentations without asking yourself "when does this man sleep". From blood studies, cancer research, teaching, travelling and everything in between, it would be hard to find a more dedicated individual.

On behalf of myself, the VAGA membership, and guests, thank you Dr. Couto for all you do. Thank you for inviting us to take a look into the world of the "Greyhound Health and Wellness Program". Most of all, thank you for gracing us with your attendance at this event.

For more information on the Ohio State University Greyhound Health and Wellness Program, as well as Dr. Couto and his Hound Team, links are available for you in the left sidebar. 100% of the proceeds from this event goes to support this program.

In closing, as with any event, none of this would have been possible without an outstanding group of volunteers. Their time, support, efforts, and dedication are what made this evening what it was. Thanks to you all.

Lick Canine Cancer Tee Shirts Are Available Now

Great News!!! The Lick Canine Cancer Tee Shirts are available for purchase. Buy your T-shirt now so you can wear it to the LCC Event on April 11th. ALL proceeds from the sale of these great T-shirts will go to The Greyhound Health and Wellness Program at OSU. Please go to the web page (http://www.virginiagreyhounds.org/ ) to order your T-shirt today. If you can not attend this fundraising event you may want to show your support by purchasing a T-shirt.

If you haven't registered yet, you may want to do so soon. You will get a discount if you register by March 31st. Don't forget, our special guest is Dr Couto from OSU. You don't want to miss this opportunity to meet him and hear him speak!

Thank you and we hope to see you on April 11th.

Warrenton Petco

Well the troops didn't get enough of the greyt weather on Saturday, so out they trekked to Petco on Sunday for a Meet and Greet. They wrapped up a spectacular weekend with yet another busy day in Warrenton. During the Meet they even managed some time to do a little nail trimming at the sidewalk salon. The things our greyhounds will endure to focus attention to themselves. Lots of pets, a few kisses, and hopefully a new home or two.

2009 VAGA Golf Tournament

It's starting to get a little busy around VAGA. Lots is going on. This is to let you know that registration is now open for our 4th annual "A Round for the Hounds" golf tournament. There is a sign up gadget for you in the left sidebar which will take you directly to our golf site or you can click HERE. This event sold out early last year, so don't be left out in the cold. We are limited to 72 participants. There is information available for golfers as well as volunteers for the event at the site so please check it over. While we can't promise you sub 100 degree temperatures, we can promise you a fun time for all. Also, don't forget to register for our "LICK CANINE CANCER" event on April 11th. This is something you don't want to miss.

Perfect "TEN"

It looked and felt like we should have been preparing for a picnic rather than adoption day. The weather was spectacular and the guests of honor revelled in the festivities. The crowd was large and well behaved. There was excitement and enthusiasm abound. Adopters, volunteers, passers-by, and a few guest greys on their way to a Meet and Greet, seemed caught up in the events. Who could have asked for more. Spring was in the air and everyone enjoyed it. Perfect day, perfect trip, welcome to VAGA Perfect "TEN".

The show is a little long (40 slides). I hope you will enjoy it as much as we enjoyed being there.

Thanks to everyone who came out and pitched in on what turned out to be a GREYT day.

10 Newcomers

On March 7th we will welcome the 10 newest VAGA additions. The group of photo's we had were too small to put their names on individually. They appear below in alphabetical order: Bev's Periwinkle, Blue Moon Red, Diamond Studded, Flying Kathy, JNB Aulani, Kiowa Jax Jay, Mulberry Emmy, Ramrod, Toba, Yahoo Jill. Let's wish them a safe journey to their new forever homes.

VAGA's "Lick Canine Cancer" Fundraiser

When: 11 April 2009 from 4:00-8:00PM
Where: The Belle Air Club House at Leeland Station, 115 Riggs Road,
Fredericksburg, VA 22405 (MAP IT).
Why: A fundraising event to support the Greyhound Health and Wellness
Program at Ohio State University (Check the program out HERE)


Respected greyhound health expert, Dr. Guillermo Couto, will be our guest speaker.
If you have not had the pleasure of attending a presentation by Dr. Couto,
you do not want to miss this opportunity.
He is well known for his knowledge of the greyhound breed and dedication to greyhound
health and wellness. Trust us when we tell you that it will be worth the drive
to hear Dr Couto speak. Too many of our beloved greyhounds are being diagnosed with cancer.
Raising funds for the Greyhound Health and Wellness Program is a way to
help continue the research, improve treatment options, and find a cure.
We are counting on you to support VAGA in this fundraising endeavor.


There will also be a silent auction held at the event. Please email
Linda Coble HERE if you have something you would like to donate for the auction. This event is open to the public so please
spread the word to your neighbors and friends.

A casual dinner will be served and silent auction will be conducted with all precedes going directly to the Greyhound Health
and Wellness program at Ohio State University.
Admission for the evening is $20 per person, $35.00 per couple.
Register by March 23 and receive $5.00 off per person!




Deanna has designed a T-shirt to support this fundraising effort. It is available now at the VAGA store.
Purchase yours and register for this event HERE.
Registration is also available directly from this page in the left sidebar near the top.

Meet Jasmine

In this day and age of bad news followed by more bad news it is refreshing to find a feel good story. What makes this even more special is the fact that it is about a rescued greyhound named Jasmine. (you know how partial we are toward greyhounds) So if the economy has you down, and life could use a little cheering up, follow the story by
CLICKING HERE.

If this doesn't put a smile on your face, call us, we'll come rescue you.