Give back to the canine community!

Did you know your greyhound may be able to help save the lives of other dogs? Greyhounds frequently are universal donors and because they tend to have more red blood cells than other breeds they are ideal candidates to give blood.

While there are other entities that keep a blood bank the one we are most familiar with is at NW Veterinary Specialists. The ideal donor is 55 pound or heavier, friendly, and between 1 and 8 years old. They must be in good health, up to date on their vaccinations and have no prior history of transfusions or pregnancy.

To prove it's not scary I went along with Toby, Jackson and Dusty when they went in last month to be screened for eligibility.

Dr. Houchen and her assisting vet tech come out to the car to help unload the dogs. Please note Dusty's graceful exit from the car.



The boys are then given time to acclimate to the exam room while the doctor asks some questions about their medical history.



Copious affection ensues.



The children are examined.


Blood is drawn.


And the pups are showered with cookies!






Then yet more affection.



Followed by a little paperwork.


Finally they are given more treats before they get back in the car to await their lab results to see if they are eligible to be a blood donor.






See? It's easy to help!

Bye bye sweet Line

We're happy to announce that Line has gone home! He's a sweetheart of a guy and he really hit the jackpot with his new family. Be good little man!

Wahoo!

This big handsome boy is Wahoo and he is Killa's brother. Wahoo is one of the largest boys we've had in quite a while, although he isn't tall he's very stoutly built. Despite his size Wahoo is a very sweet and gentle guy that would probably do very well with children. He is a pointy cuddley greyhound love but needs a home without cats.

Name: Wahoo
Racing name: Cayenne Wahoo
Color: Red brindle
Weight: 83 pounds
Born: December 3rd, 2005

Invasion of the house Fly

Meet Fly! She's one of eight littermates that came into the adoption program at the same time. Like her littermates, she just didn't make the cut so she never raced. Unlike her littermates, Fly is a little bit reserved but this makes her look for the approval of people more than her sweet dopey brothers and sisters. Fly would prefer a quiet home where she can gain confidence without feeling overwhelmed. Cat and small dogs are fine with Fly, the more the merrier!

Name: Fly

Racing name: Jab N Fly

Color: Dark brindle

Weight: 58 pounds

Born: August 1, 2007

Walk this Sunday

This Sunday is the Greyhound Walking Club's June outing. Although the club is not associated with Oregon Greyhound Adoption they have made it clear that all are welcome so it doesn't matter where your greyhound came from, now that the weather has mellowed it is a great time for a long walk. This month the walk is in Laurelhurst in southeast Portland.

When: Sunday June 14th
Time: 11 am, rain or shine
Where: Laurelhurst Park, SE 39th Ave. and Stark St.
Inquiries can be made here.

It's all about Shelly!

This week we're featuring Shelly! At six years old she's got a lot of spunk left but mostly she would like someone to cuddle up with on the couch. Shelly would probably be fine as an only dog but would also do well in a multi-dog household so long as there aren't small dogs, they're just too tasty looking and she wouldn't want to spoil her diet. Hold the kitties too, Shelly would prefer other large dogs for companions.

When we took her out to romp and play and ham it up for the camera Shelly was more interested in doing her impression of velcro, she was always stuck to someone's side. Thinking she might play a big our friendly stuffed reindeer volunteered to try to get Shelly's interest and he did, briefly. He flew through the air and Shelly chased him but when he landed and made not further bid for freedom all interested evaporated and Shelly globbed herself back on to someone's side. On well, she's a lover and we like that about her :)

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

Mr. Smith is up for adoption

How about a warm welcome for Smith? He's the brother of Company and Comet who have already found their forever homes and Smith is every bit as delightful as his brothers. When he gets his daily outings with the other dogs if you don't give him sufficient attention he likes to walk between your legs and look up at you expectantly. We adore this goofy boy and whoever takes him home will be very lucky!

Name: Smith
Racing name: Ultimate Command
Color: Brindle
Weight: 67 pounds
Born: August 10th, 2004

Me Next!

Happy June! Pasha is back enjoying life on his sofa and his secretary is taking a break so we now return to our regular blog format. Thank you to everyone who visited with our senior ladies, we still have a number of lovely mature women who would love a home.

During Adopt-A-Senior Month we gave the young'uns a miss but there are have been a number of dogs who have come into our program. This little man is Next, he and the rest of his litter failed training miserably but are ready to be your new best friend. Now, although he failed as a racer Next promises to make a great companion and he's showing promise already!

Name: Next
Racing name: Jab Me Next
Color: Brindle
Weight: 65 pounds
Born: August 1st, 2007

Pasha's 13 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Greyhound

If you have already adopted a senior greyhound, you totally ROCK!

If you're thinking about adopting a senior greyhound, you'll be rockin' soon.

And if you have never thought about adopting a senior greyhound, it's time to start thinking.

If you read all of the stories, you heard over and over again what wonderful, easily adaptable companions they make.

We could have posted a hundred stories about adopting a senior, but they would have been the same story, just theme and variation.

Our adopt a senior month ends today, but we will always have seniors available for adoption.

This is Rover Reporter Pasha, signing out after a whole month of special reports. I'll be back.

Good Night, and Good Luck.
Hugs and sloppy wet kisses, Pasha

Pasha's 13 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Greyhound

The second best reason to adopt a senior greyhound is that they settle in so well with an already established pack.

They have already learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of the pack.

This is the Double-digit gang that I belong too.

Murphy, the big black boy was adopted when he was four years old, he'll be 11 years old June 10.

Roxy, the white and red female was adopted when she was nine years old, she'll be turning 13 in September.

Duncan, the white and red male was adopted when he was six years old. He just turned 10 in April.

Maddie, the red brindle female was adopted just shy of her eighth birthday, she'll be turning 14 next January.

Then there's me, Pasha, I was adopted at 12 1/2 years old and I just had my 13th birthday in April.

Last but not least is Buddy, the red fawn boy. He was 6 1/2 years old when he was adopted. In November he'll be turning 12.

And rumor has it next month there will be another girl turning 10 years old.

We also live with a couple of youngsters and we all do just fine. So if you are wondering about bringing home a new hound. Here is proof positive. Us seniors do great with other doggies.

Pasha's 13 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Greyhound

The memories of love and companionship with your senior greyhound will stay with your for a lifetime, no matter how long they are with you.

Gracie came to us at 10 years old and we lost her all too quickly to cancer 14 months later. Not a day goes by that I don't have happy thoughts about Gracie and every other senior that we have helped to the rainbow bridge.

We still have five senior ladies waiting for their forever homes. May is almost over, but every day of the year is a greyt day to adopt a senior greyhound.

Miss Oneco ala Bear, so what if I'm ten?

When one of our wonderful boys was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, we put in a call to our adoption rep and said that we would like a special needs greyhound.

Oneco was celebrating her 10th birthday at the adoption kennel after an impressive racing career and an even more impressive career as a mom with 21 babies. She was a very special girl, but there wasn't anything special needs about her.


Oneco waltzed into the house as if she had always been in a home, we were her first. She knew what a cushion was, turned her belly to the sky and we all knew it was the perfect fit.


Oneco instantly became mesmerized by the cats. She would sit by their door for hours, just hoping for a tasty morsel ala kitty. She never got her taste, but she proudly carried her membership card in the "United Federation of Cat Zappers" thanks to Thaw and Time who took her under their wings and taught her everything they knew about cats.


The pools were there for Oneco's delight. She loved the pools, especially in the heat of the summer. Fresh water daily was a must, and we did what we could to make sure she always had fresh water.


Oneco knew what the grassy acre was for, she was frequently seen leading the pack, a most impressive sight. This little girlie was supposed to be a senior. Just one more example of how age is only a number.


Oneco immediately joined ranks with our other senior girl Phoebe. The only two garden hounds that were in their golden years, they quickly decided that they were not going to called senior greyhounds.

Together, Oneco and Phoebe were the founding members of the "Double-digit Gang." They told everyone that is was an honor to be a member of the gang. To this day, we celebrate every dog when they become a member.


Oneco was quite the little social bug. If there had been a bingo parlour for greyhounds, I have no doubt that she would have been there every day.

Instead, Oneco started the charter for the lady greyhounds of the gardens and they call themselves the "Red Hot Houndies." Per tradition, the ladies over 10 wear red and purple, the ladies under 10 wear pink and lavender.


Oneco was 14 years and 4 months when her little body gave up on her spirit. She took a huge chunk out of our hearts, we loved her so. She was a favorite at the adoption kennel and I think a piece of everyone's heart that knew her was taken away too.

Oneco is just one more great example of why adopting a senior greyhound is such a great idea.

She was loving and fun and really quite spunky all the way to the end.

We will forever miss our little Oneco ala Bear