The Last of the Dairyland Dogs

[pauprint]

Well, the closing came and went..... the dogs had their last race and a large group of us were at Dairyland on New Year's Eve to see them off. It was a strange night - bittersweet and full of emotion and surprises.

I've said this to quite a few people now, but we got to DGP just as the first race was getting started. We were on the lower level where the dogs are weighed in and as the first racers came around that first turn, my heart skipped a beat, as I watched those dogs in all their amazing athleticism speed past us. They were so fast. So very fast. I couldn't help it, I got all choked up and had to hold back tears. I'm a total sap. I truly am.

The night proceeded with lots of banter and comradery from friends, other adoption group folks, kennel trainers and a few officials. The great thing is we got through the evening - 15 races - with no dogs injured that I know of. Fabulous! There were a few tumbles and missteps, but all the dogs were upright and walking after each race, so that in itself makes a successful evening.

The next two days, I was at the track in the kennels picking up dogs, and talking to everyone. Again, really bittersweet. Over the last months, I feel like I've gotten to know those trainers better and I know this is a life changing circumstance for them.

As it stands, there are very few dogs left at Dairyland and of those that are left, I believe they are all spoken for and just waiting to be shuffled out to the groups waiting to take them. Another haul is going out with probably the last of the dogs in mid January and things will be complete. We have about 25 or so dogs slotted for GPA-WI that will come into our program as we have room over the next two weeks, and I expect we'll be able to absorb them all by then. We are still working about 100 apps, 60+ that are approved and waiting for dogs, so we'll be placing dogs like crazy over the next couple of months. We are all ready arranging for some Dairyland racers who went to Florida a little while ago to come back here for adoption as they grade off or retire, and we'll be taking other dogs from other locations to try to help ease the burden of dogs across the country due to the 3 track closings that just occurred (Dairyland, Raynham and Phoenix).

So, even though there will be no more racing at Dairyland, our work is far from being done. I'm so proud of everyone in this group - for your support, your dedication, your concern, your friendship. You all have really stepped up to the plate and done a fabulous job. The dogs we serve have really benefited from all the good work you all do on their behalf. Let's keep ridin' this wave for as long as we can - I think we still have a few months ahead that will need our full attention to get through all the inquiries and applications we have in process. Keep up the good work everyone!

Ellen
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The Paulus Printing Gang
Bob & Ellen, McGrady, Sugar and Quaker.........at the bridge: Dewey, Abbie, Del, and Lucky

[pauprint]

Would also just like to say - if you have submitted an application, rest assured we have not misplaced it - we are just overwhelmed with apps and are working through them as fast as we can. We have more than 100 in process right now - which has got to be a record. I don't ever remember us being in this situation before. The response has been outstanding! How fantastic that so many dogs will find their new homes in the New Year! Look out 2010 - We're coming in like gangbusters!
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The Paulus Printing Gang
Bob & Ellen, McGrady, Sugar and Quaker.........at the bridge: Dewey, Abbie, Del, and Lucky

[Empty Jacket]

I was feeling overwhelmed to start looking for the answer to this exact question (how many...) as it was running through my head.

Wow, awe-inspiring work by volunteers, other groups, and trainers/kennels. Just awesome. Bittersweet. Glad it was a free market business reason the track didn't make it, although some would claim there were other hands in not tryign to save it.
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Tina (and Maggie playing at the bridge), who each chose Matt, Jenny, and Skin Sister Lucy