It Continues . . .

to baffle me why adults can't act like adults. Okay, that's all I'm going to say about that.

On a brighter note, we've (Second Chance Greyhounds) launched our first fundraising campaign - a beautiful pencil drawing of a Greyhound. The prints are 11" x 14" and are numbered and signed by the artist, Kimberly Walker Morris, however we do have a limited supply.

I can't think of a better Valentine's gift! Order yours today!

I'm Curious

Well that title is pretty loaded, isn't it? I'm curious about alot of things (thank goodness), but on my way home yesterday from work I was driving along approaching a 2-way stop sign. I stopped, looked to my right (as I was taught in driver's ed class back in high school) and was about to look to my left when something caught my eye. It was a big beautiful doe running full stride across the road on my right. I wondered how it could move so fast across the pavement since their hoofs aren't particularly made for such a surface. I imagine they perform much better on the surface of the forest. Nonetheless, she was running pretty fast and, of course, she did not look both ways before crossing! :) I did, however, and after marveling at her and her majestic self, I proceeded across the road to continue my journey home. I was very cautious as I was afraid she'd come barreling out of the woods toward me! Been there, done that and it ain't fun!

I'm curious though, do you suppose a deer could out run a Greyhound? I'm going to say no. We all know that the Greyhound is the second fastest land animal having been clocked at speeds up to 45 mph. Second only to the Cheetah who has been clocked at speeds up to 46 mph. That would be a good, competitive race, don't you think? I think the Cheetah would win if it were a long distance race because the Greyhound is a sprinter, however, if a short distance it would definitely be a close race.

BTW, it looks like the ole deer can only run 35 mph. Not even a challenge for the Greyhound! Actually I know some Greyhounds who took down a deer not so long ago. It wasn't a pretty sight and it shows they are no doubt slower than the Greyhound.

Heading West!

Yep, I'm psyched because tomorrow (on Friday the 13th of all days) I fly West to Phoenix, Arizona to attend a yearly Annual Convention of Delegates for ASFA, the governing agency for our lure coursing program. I'll be representing the Southeastern Greyhound Club along with it's president, John Parker. It's usually alot of fun seeing other coursing enthusiasts from around the country, all converged in one hotel for the duration while we review and vote on impending rules and regulations which could potentially affect all who participate in the sport. John and I have plans to join Rory Goree (GPA President) and his wife for dinner at a local greyhound gathering. Then Saturday it is the convention all day with plans to hit the local greyhound track that evening. Sunday mid-day, I fly back home. It should be an exciting weekend full of meeting new friends and having fun! I can't wait to see Phoenix for the first time. I'm sure I'll be posting details of the trip later!

The Hunt

On Sunday, April 1st I pulled off SEGA's first ever Hoppin' Hounds Easter Egg Hunt at SummerWind Farm in Newnan, Georgia, along with help from Charles Parrott, Kim LeVear, and Robin and Ted Waterfall, all of whom pitched in wherever was necessary and did an outstanding job.

We had about 40 people show up, despite the threat of rain, and about 35 greyhounds. It was such fun! I think the total egg count was near 950, most stuffed with wonderful prizes for the greyhounds and the humans. We cooked hamburgers and hotdogs complete with all the trimmings (all courtesy of Sams Club and Kroger). We raised $500 and definitely I think everyone had a good time. It'll have to be a repeat for next year, for sure.

I've decided I've got to slow down a bit with fundraising and see if I can have some FUN myself. I'm tired, it's very plain and simple. In May I plan to take a refresher SCUBA class, after which I plan to do some diving, hopefully, in the Keys and probably in Panama City. I miss it, that's for sure, and can't wait to get back into the water! It should be fun!

Lucy's Lure Coursing Debut

Well, Saturday was the day Lucy stepped up to the coursing line and ran her first course in Singles. She did really well for the morning prelims scoring a 152, I believe. The afternoon proved to be difficult for her as she appeared to be a bit stiff from the morning's run. I think her afternoon score was 149. Fortunately for her, her other Single competitiors pulled out of the afternoon run so that put Lucy in 1st place! Her first blue ribbon. And hopefully not her last!!

A few folks I spoke with on Sunday thought Lucy had experienced lactic acid buidup. I am consulting with a few trainers to determine how to avoid this in the future and perhaps get some recommendations on supplements or "tricks of the trade" to prevent this. Basically, it's a metabolic breakdown due to the exertion of the running which is causing severe muscle cramping. She was pretty lethargic and not wanting to walk after her final run but by the time we had returned home, she was fine and in the backyard chasing squirrels.
I don't know but I hope to obtain some valid information in the next few days which will help us down the road.

Other than that, the weekend trials were wonderful and the new field at the Barry's in Moreland is absolutely beautiful. They were great hosts as well! We're looking forward to returning in the near future!

Lucy. . . I'm Home!!

I am currently fostering a 2 1/2 year old White w/Red Ticking female greyhound formerly known as Yopon Laverne. She has no race record but was recommended as being a good lure coursing prospect. I do plan to formally adopt (nka) Lucy and try our luck on the lure coursing field. She is young, very energetic, and loves life. She is getting along well with Remi and Sugar and Savannah. Chelsea, the Himalayan, is in the midst of kidney failure so isn't around much as she pretty much stays in one place most of the time. She isn't fairing well at all. More than likely, I will have to make that decision to put her out of her misery. She is 16 1/2 years old!

Anyway, dear Lucy is a riot to have around. She thinks playing with the toys at 2 a.m. is acceptable behavior. I'm working on this, trust me. She thinks chewing on my leather boots is acceptable behavior. I'm working on this, trust me. She thinks she is not getting enough kibble at every meal. I'm working on this, trust me. She thinks she sees "dead people". I'm working on this, trust me. She thinks her bed is attacking her. I'm working on this, trust me. She thinks all the stuffies can sleep in her bed and she can sleep on the floor. I'm working on this, trust me.

As you can see, there is never a dull moment. I can't wait to see her on the lure coursing field.