Happy New Year!

It's time to ring in the New Year! Be safe and if you have noise-sensitive dogs don't forget that some folks like to greet the New Year by blowing off their fingers with firecrackers and fireworks.

We look forward to seeing you all next year!

Just for fun

Ahhh, we can't wait for the soggy ground to dry out a little so it's safe to go out and play like maniacs again!

Lil Bit is our dog of the week

Look out for Lil Bit! At 7 years old, Lil Bit is a spunky and sassy girl with her best years ahead of her. She enjoys playing but would prefer to be cuddling with you. Lil Bit would make a great companion for anyone with the exception of those who have small animals, her composure and good behavior disappears when she see them.

Name: Lil Bit
Racing name: Cmon Little Bit
Color: Brindle
Weight: 58 pounds
Born: October 5th, 2001

Icy conditions tip

Although it seems that the snow and ice has passed and the rain has returned we received a tip from the larger dog community. Due to the salt used to aid the melting of ice and snow it your dog's pads may become dry and uncomfortable. If you notice excessive licking of the paws give them a good rinse in luke-warm water and massage in a little bag balm or similar animal-safe moisturizer.

Thanks for the tip Debra!

Thawing!

While the snow is rapidly diminishing there are still many hazards. Not only is there ice in many places but the city and your neighbors may be using salt or chemicals to clear it away. In addition, the cold weather means that many people have been topping off their cars with antifreeze which is both extremely toxic and, because it is a strong base, strongly sweet to the taste. Be careful out there, greyhounds walk on stilts and the ground is slick where the plants have started to decompose and soft. Best play it safe and continue to walk your dogs and enjoy having a good excuse to stay inside and cuddle.

Some of our favorite girls

This is what we love, pictures of the pups in their new homes. Thank you for keeping us updated on Dreams and Misty, it's obvious that they are just as loved in the home as they were when we were taking care of them!

Time to relax

As the holidays draw to a close, don't forget to relax :)

Happy Holidays!

On behalf of the OGA and all of their volunteers we would like to wish you all a very happy holiday season!

Ice warning!

It's still cold out there! We had a few calls and emails from adopters who have had leg and foot abrasions due to ice concealed under the snow. Please be careful out there!

Check a queue from these pups, Pasha changed his mind and is headed back in while Ellen and Yaz wait patiently by the back door so they can thaw out.

He's not as scary as his name suggests

Killa sounds like an ominous name but this sweet boy is named after Kilauea, a volcano in Hawai'i (it is pronounced key-la-way-ah). The truth is, Killa is more like other Hawai'ian things like sugar cane and pineapples, he's a total sweetheart! Already a favorite in the kennel, Killa loves children and cuddling. He's sure to make some family VERY happy!

Name: Killa
Racing name: Cayenne Kilauea
Color: Red brindle
Weight: 73 pounds
Born: December 3rd, 2005

Make room for Greg's brother, Caesar!

This handsome hunk of a hound is Caesar and even though we haven't had him very long it's already abundantly clear that he's a lover! This nice boy would make a great shadow for anyone who think that theirs could use a little excitement. Look at those eyes, they're just gorgeous!

Name: Caesar
Racing name: WB Sea Star
Color: White and Red Fawn
Weight: ~65 pounds
Born: June 9th, 2007

Coats!

Staci is back modeling coats with her brother Trey made by their lovely and talented mother, Karen. We've mentioned Karen before and the coats that she makes and with all this cold weather her pups got to break in their wonderfully warm jackets. Don't they look great?

A new snow baby for adoption

We've had Hanh though our adoption program and now we have her sister, Haley! She is a little sweetheart of a girl who has a lot of her mom in her (also one of our placements) and we're sure that she got her mom's best trait, her personality.

Name: Haley
Racing name: Hotlicks Haley
Color: White and light fawn
Weight: ~60 pounds
Born: February 26th, 2007

Play safe

For many dogs the snow is endless fun and they play harder than usual, throwing snow everywhere but be careful to check out play areas before you let them loose. There can be hidden dangers and with the weather such as it is making a trip to the vet could be difficult. Even the transition from underlying grass to concrete could cause serious injury so play hard but stay safe and when you're done enjoy the peace and quiet.

Greg's back in Oregon

Greg has come back to Oregon after deciding that racing just wasn't for him. He went to school in Oklahoma, then raced twice in Florida and found out it was a bad fit for him so he's back home and we're happy to have him! At only a year and a half old Greg has a lot of puppy in him with the associated joys it brings! He'd do best in an active home with someone who can be the alpha of his pack. Don't let his weight fool you, he may not weigh a lot but he'd got one of those wiry builds so he's bigger than his weight would suggest.

Name: Greg
Racing name: WB Axman Greg
Color: Red fawn
Weight: 63 pounds
Born: July 9th, 2007

Get ready for Arapaho!

Are you ready for some fun? At eight years young Arapaho still has plenty of energy to romp and play even the youngest dogs. She is a very affectionate girl and despite her occasional bursts of energy she is a quite and gentle girl. It is without a doubt that Arapaho will be a champion cuddler so if you're ready for a goofy bundle of love this is the girl for you!

Name: Arapaho
Racing name: Kiowa Arapaho
Color: Red fawn
Weight: 55 pounds
Born: August 6th, 2000

It's the sock bandit!

Becki and Matt didn't suspect that they were getting a thief when they took Daisy home (formerly Hanh). She diligently collects socks and takes them back to her crate to ensure that her people never have a matching pair. Daisy is being spoiled rotten and the little monkey deserves it!

Congratulations Bob!

It is time for another bittersweet parting... Bob has hit the jackpot and will be going home tomorrow! From now on he's going to be racing from breakfast to his spot on the couch. We couldn't be happier for him!

Some sweet shy sisters

Check out these two beautiful sisters! Neither of them has raced as both are very shy, what we generally refer to as "spooks." A spook is sometime similar to an autistic child, they handle change poorly and have social problems. Take it from someone who knows, they make great pets, but they will never be social dogs nor will they be comfortable with most people beyond their immediate family. That said, they are some of the most amazing dogs because you have to work with them more than others they tend to bond even more strongly to their people and are eager to please (although we generally measure progress in terms of months or years with spooks rather than days or weeks). Anyone who is up to the challenge will be greatly rewarded!

Name: Trident
Racing name: *Unregistered*
Color: White and dark brindle
Weight: ~55 pounds
Born: July, 2007

Name: Tandy
Racing name: *Unregistered*
Color: Brindle
Weight: ~55 pounds
Born: July, 2007

Life's new adventures

Dreams and Misty got to go camping in an RV. It looks like they've taken to travel exceptionally well!

It's going to be another cold night

With no end in sight of this blustery winter weather it's probably best to grab a toy, settle down into bed and sleep it out until spring!

Shelly is available for adoption

We're excited to have another lovely lady available for adoption. After beginning her racing career in West Virginia Shelly went to Florida and now she's back in Oregon! This is a very sweet girl with stunning eyes that is ready to learn the joys of being a couch-hog.

Name: Shelly
Racing name: Lark's Shelbourne
Weight: 64 pounds
Color: Red
Born: March 24th, 2003

Keep those puppies warm!

With more cold weather rolling in and additional snow expected today it's important to keep your dogs warm. Our dear friend Karen Embler makes quite possibly the most exquisite coats you'll ever have the opportunity to purchase. They are durable, comfortable, warm and washable. You can see some coats modeled below by Stacey but if you are interested it's best to visit Karen's website, Greyt Outdoors, to see more photos and get her contact information.

Please be advised that Karen is working like mad to fulfill orders but each coat is unique and therefore made-to-order so, unfortunately, there's no instant gratification. She will also be taking a little vacation from work beginning December 22nd and finishing on the 29th so get your orders in now and be prepared to be a little patient. It's worth the wait, honestly :)