Dairyland Meeting and Information 12/14/09

[pauprint]

Hi everyone,
I'm sure by now you all read my updated post from earlier today in the other thread. After being at the track this afternoon, I am still confident that is on target. And frankly, I'm feeling pretty good about where we are at and where we are going. I and another adoption group had a meeting at the track this afternoon. And it was very good to sit down with them and talk things over. Very good.

The number of pet dogs is going to be fewer than expected. Linda from Greyhound Alliance / CIGA told us today that she felt we'd be able to move all the dogs well before the Feb 5th deadline. Crunching the numbers and talking with a few other adoption groups who are able to take dogs, I think she's right. I hope she'll post that on her blog, because I think people will want to hear some good news for a change! That is outstanding! Whoot!

We also sat down with Dairyland's adoption center today. They've been overrun with calls and applications from people wanting to help. In a cooperated effort to work with them, we'll be helping them process some of the applications, so we can get the maximum number of dogs placed locally and in a timely fashion. This too is a very good thing!

We've been assured that the track will continue to allow us to come and get dogs just as we always have done. There is no problem with getting on the grounds of the facility to pick up dogs. As long as we follow the regular protocols we always have done with making arrangements ahead of time, signing in and out, etc. It will be business as usual for moving dogs out.

And lastly, I have also been assured that we will be able to personality profile and cat test the dogs on the grounds - again, as long as its scheduled ahead of time, liability concerns have been addressed and things of that nature. We have been told we are welcome to do this and that the track management appreciates our professionalism and help with getting the dogs ready to move into adoption groups.

We, on behalf of GPA, will continue to work closely with all the parties involved. We will not waiver in our partnership to get the dogs moved - that means working with the track owners, the track management, the racing owners, the kennel operators and other adoption groups. I think we've had a lot of ups and downs recently, a lot of misinformation, a lot of assumed information and a lot of knee jerk reactions. There does not need to be a lot of panic, or a lot of negativity. Most of you know me well enough by now to know I call it like I see it. I don't pull any punches and I don't play games. We should be working strictly to help facilitate finding homes for greyhounds and keeping our focus on that. I believe we are going to get this job done - efficiently, effectively, appropriately. I am so proud to be part of the GPA family. I thank you all for your continued support, your outpouring of dedication and commitment, your concern and your efforts to help this closing go as smoothly as possible. I know the dogs appreciate it too.

(((GROUP HUG))) we need an emoticon for group hug!

Keep taking your dog out for walk with your business cards and adoption information! Keep providing people with good solid information about what is happening. You're all doing a great job! Stay tuned folks, more to come....
_________________
The Paulus Printing Gang
Bob & Ellen, McGrady, Sugar and Quaker.........at the bridge: Dewey, Abbie, Del, and Lucky

[Greyt Expectations]

Thank you for all the information, Ellen. You and the board are doing a wonderful job.. and so is everyone in the GPA family!
The best way to get this done is to work together and make sure every dog gets a couch!!

(sorry.. graphic removed)
_________________
Greta, Tom, Josh, Ally, Audrey, Lucy, Tigger.. and Dash waiting at the Bridge

[snowviolet]

OMG!!! I LOVE that ad!!! LOVE it! (did I mention I love it?)

Ellen, I am so thrilled to hear this good... aw, heck, GREYT news!!
I can't walk down the street with my dogs without people stopping and pointing and asking me about Dairyland closing.

It's so lovely to hear all the public support... that all the adoption groups and the adoption center at the track are being bombarded.

P.S. Ellen... I saw that other thread under 'general topics'... who's Sugar?
_________________
Susan (me), Andre (husband), Etienne (human son), Simon (legendary greyhound extraordinaire), Miss Nell (Simon's sweet little sister)

[Greyt Expectations]

More good news...

I received this press release in our newsroom tonight from the American Greyhound Council:

http://www.centralmediaserver.com/wfrv/tom/dairyland.pdf

BIG hugs to them for putting GPAWisconsin.org on their news release!
_________________
Greta, Tom, Josh, Ally, Audrey, Lucy, Tigger.. and Dash waiting at the Bridge

[btiedt]

Glad to hear the plan doesn't sound as potentially risky as it did at first. Hopefully the adoption applications will keep coming in!
_________________
Bonnie

[Tammie & Chris]

That is greyt news!!!

Tammie
_________________
Tammie & Chris
(and our greyhound children Marshal, Ricardo, Austin and Biscuit.
And Bugsy & Gilligan waiting at the Bridge)

[pauprint]

I agree with Susan, I love that Ad Tom. Where did you get it? Can we use it? Its awesome!
_________________
The Paulus Printing Gang
Bob & Ellen, McGrady, Sugar and Quaker.........at the bridge: Dewey, Abbie, Del, and Lucky

[Kim Jones]

glad to hear all the good news, Ellen!!!!
_________________
Kim, Bruce, Rainey and Anubis (and bridge kids Chester, Captain and Remy)

A dog is the only thing on Earth that will love you more than you love yourself. - Josh Billings

[Susan]

I'm so happy to read your post, Ellen. Thank you so much for the hard work and dedication!
_________________
Susan, Noelle (RJ's Noel), Oscar (Wild Oscar), Bebert the cat and sweet Aruba the brindle love hound at the bridge

"Changing the world one dog at a time."--Cesar Millan

[Kathleen & Bonus B.]

And here's an article from today's (12/15) JS.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/79276117.html
_________________
Kathleen, MollyCrackers(Very good girl!), Neva(Marie Saint),Ketzel(Princess Kitty),Frandsen(sweet rabbit), Bridge Babies...Bonus (In my heart & at the Bridge), Smiley(Our first), Alexee Lou(The happiest girl!) and more sweeties waiting there. Daniel too.

[Greyt Expectations]

I found it on a blog.. but turns out it might be a knock-off of a t-shirt and poster design:
http://www.cafepress.com/dogs_of_war/3444923

I don't think we can use it. Sorry, I'm taking it down.
_________________
Greta, Tom, Josh, Ally, Audrey, Lucy, Tigger.. and Dash waiting at the Bridge

[GreytHurleyDawg]

I'm so glad the Feb 5th deadline doesn't seem so scary anymore....now we just have to get the dogs placed into good homes with proper preparation for each dog and suitable preparation for new adopters as well.

Does anyone know if the majority of the dogs are young and injury-free? That would be my best guess but I was just wondering if there are special-care dogs that, not through their own fault, require more financial dedication by the adoption groups? I think it is one thing to be thankful for if they are. for the most part, young and healthy!
_________________
Bow wow wow yippie yo yippie yay

Johanna with DH Jim and the Greyt Hounds:

HURLEY (Jel Try Out) 06/24/03
WOODIE (Molly's Marvin) 10/18/02
PETRA (Make Her a Pet) 04/02/07

[EconoMutt]

Hey Guys,
Don't place all those dogs yet.
I just sent in my application. :-)
How about saving me a female that isn't very crazy about cats. :-)

[Danette and Annabelle]

[EconoMutt]