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Aug. 8, 1993-Feb. 19, 2005 Chico Fund Dear Greyhound Friend, One preparation made for
our 13th annual meeting Feb. 20 was reviewing and sharing the
income and expenses of 2004 and 2003.
Many comparisons of categories for both years were very similar,
however, one vet expense had greatly increased.
These were the expenses for our senior greyhounds going through our
program. That total just to
Dr. Betzen was $4,732.00. Seniors
are greyhounds that are eight years old and up.
In 2003 we adopted out eight seniors and in 2004 we adopted 22
seniors. In 2004, five of these seniors were brought in from farms,
six were strays, 12 were returns (three of these due to the owner dying,
one is still in foster care and her owner paid her medical updates
needed). We also do not
charge an adoption fee for these guys, but adopters must apply and be
approved just as if they were adopting a younger dog.
A recent article in Dog
Fancy reported an upswing in the return or abandonment of senior dogs.
There are several reasons attributed to this trend, which is
affecting adoption agencies and shelters across the national including GPA
– Springfield, MO and other greyhound adoption groups.
All of the senior dogs that were returned get a full blood panel
done and an EKG, they all have needed a dental cleaning, updating of
vaccines and treatment for many other medical conditions in preparation
for finding them a new home. Most senior returns were
from families with small children…Thel, Luv, Buster, Mariah and Troy –
all very nice greyhounds. All
are wonderful – Harley & Peaches back due to divorce, strays
abandoned and found were Cookie, Daphne, Fiona, Secret, Honda & Sarah.
Earl and Bridger lost homes due to people moving and jobs and Katie
and Bronc were returned due to their owner’s death and they’ve since
crossed the bridge as well. There
are more stories and some taken in that are near to a Sr. age.
We’ve also treated a couple for heartworm and lost sweet Sparrow
due to her advanced stage of heartworm infestation when she was treated at
the age of eight. Thus we have determined
there is a need to establish a fund for this deserving age group.
In order to continue helping these guys we have started the Chico
Fund. Chico’s greyhound mom
is greyt fundraiser Carla Myers. He
was her first greyhound and was a special boy.
He died suddenly Feb. 19, the day before our meeting, at the age of
11 ˝. We thought we’d
honor him and his mom with naming this needed fund after him.
This special fund will be used for seniors taken in by our program.
We must make a sincere appeal to all of you to donate to this fund. And thanks to everyone that has already donated to some of
our seniors that had extensive expenses.
Your caring makes a
difference! I do not see that this trend will go away as greyhound adoption increases nationwide and the ex-racers popularity as a pet continues to thrive. We need your help and support. You can touch and improve the lives of these greyhounds in our program, making it possible for them to find new homes. Please make your tax-deductible donation to GPA – Springfield, MO and note Chico Fund on the memo. Mail to P.O. Box 3693, Springfield, MO 65808. Donations
may also be We will keep you updated
on our success and the seniors we continue to help.
Heartfelt thanks,
GPA – Springfield, MO
Officers
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