Rory Goree' and Gary Guccione at the Awards Dinner, Kathy Hoynes of Greyhound Studies with back of her head and Linda Jensen who helped with the Plainfield Track Closing in 2005 receiving the American Greyhound Council CCC award (Communication, Cooperation and Connection) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KC, the lovely model and foster of Joyce McHugh with GPA - OC/GLA, and her Charlie Chair (Bailey Chair) posed for our megaesophagus lecture.

Dave Anderson's Galgos girl Lola.  He's with GPA - Steel City  

A DAY AT CALIENTE

 Kelli Fleck with David Anderson from GPA/Steel City GPA, and Jan Valentino GPA/Southern Nevada.  

North American Greyhound Adoption Conference 2006 – San Diego, CA
By Kelli Fleck

GPA-MO President Alane Shultz and I attended this year’s North American Greyhound Adoption Conference hosted by GPA CA- OC/GLA.  There were two full days of meetings and breakout sessions, and one full day of fun at the Caliente Greyhound Park in Tijuana, Mexico.

Friday, September 8^th, started with the President’s Address from Rory Goree’ and a surprise visit from no other than greyhound adoption forerunner Cynthia Branigan herself.  Cynthia had many funny stories to share with us.  We also heard from Cindy Hanson, Managing Editor of Celebrating Greyhounds magazine, and Animal Communicator Bernadette Hileman.  GPA participants could attend either the GPA National Officers’ Meeting or a choice of four breakout sessions.  The day came to a close with an evening Wine and Cheese party accompanied by a greyhound fashion show for entertainment, compliments of Dana Provost, Wild Things for Greys.

Saturday, September 9^th, had four morning breakout sessions for participants to attend.  Breakout sessions ranged from “How to Make a Bundle Fundraising” to “Second Chance at Life – Greyhound Prison Partnership”.  I attended the Second Chance at Life session and found it to be thoroughly interesting.  I have a CD and information if anyone would like to review it.  The afternoon consisted of very informational presentations.  Dr. Georgina Black, DVM, presented Disease and Megaesophagus in the Greyhound; Dr. Courtney Zwahlen, DVM, presented Osteosarcoma and Lymphoma in the Greyhound; and Dr. Gary Jon Uyeno, DVM, presented Emergency Medical Information for the Greyhound.  The afternoon came to a close with Rory Goree’, National GPA President, and Gary Guccione, Secretary-Treasurer of the National Greyhound Association, hosting a Q&A session.  That evening ended with an Award Ceremony and Dinner accompanied by a live auction. 

The weather was perfect (if only our flights could have been), the company couldn’t have been better, and the information we obtained was priceless.  GPA CA- OC/GLA put on a fabulous National Greyhound Adoption Conference.  Next year’s conference is scheduled to be in New Hampshire.  I highly suggest you make plans to attend.