We have a sad story to share this week.  As sad as it is, it serves as a good reminder to all of two things:  (1) it is imperative to keep the contact information for your dog's microchip current; and (2) GALT will always accept a GALT dog back if the adopter can no longer provide a home, no matter the reasons or the circumstances.  In fact, GALT's adoption contract is a legally binding document which requires adopters to return dogs to GALT if they are no longer able to provide a home.  No matter where the dog is located, GALT will always retrieve the hound, address any needed medical care and give the hound another chance at a forever home. 

Emmitt, aka Emery, is a large, red fawn greyhound/saluki mix who is now about 8 years old.  He originally came to GALT's family in January 2011 as a stray found in Bryan, Texas. Shortly thereafter, in April 2011, GALT found him his first adoptive home. That home turned out not to be the forever home he needed, so he returned to GALT in January 2012. GALT found him another adoptive home within a matter of weeks. Three years later, through his microchip identification information, GALT learned that Emmitt was found as a stray in Mississippi and was being held at a high kill "shelter."  Several volunteers worked together to get Emmitt released to GALT and to get him safely back to Texas, where he could be evaluated and, we hoped, placed in another adoptive home.  Ultimately, because of complications with the shelter and Emmitt's owner of record (who did not want him back), GALT had no choice but to rely on the clause in his adoption contract compelling his return through the legal system. Once the shelter released him, GALT volunteers transported him to his original foster family who loves him dearly and welcomed him with hugs and kisses. 

Sadly, Emmitt started limping just a few weeks after he returned to his foster home. The vet diagnosed  him with osteosarcoma high in his shoulder. Emmitt's original foster family is keeping him as comfortable and as loved as possible.  Although he might not have much longer, he is surely more comfortable than he would have been living as a stray during this difficult time.

So please, remember Emmitt's story. If for any reason you no longer want your GALT dog or can no longer provide an appropriate home, honor your adoption contract by contacting GALT by phone at 972-503-GALT or by email at info@greyhoundadoptiontx.org. GALT will find a way to care for him, no matter where the dog is located.  Indeed, GALT will go to the ends of the earth to get any of its dogs back and will seek the aid of the Court to enforce the adoption contract if necessary. Also remember, if your hound gets lost or stolen, current microchip contact information is critical to reuniting him with you, or if he needs a new home, with GALT.  Many microchip companies, including HomeAgain, provide annual service contracts for a small fee that can help you reunite with a lost pet more quickly, but your information is always on file with them even if you do not renew so please keep your information current with them.  Visit HomeAgain's website for more information. 

The cost of special medical care like Emmitt's is the reason GALT established the Miss Mesa Fund. If you would like to help Emmitt, please take a moment to make a donation.  You can donate on line or by check to Greyhound Adoption League of Texas, 3400 Carlisle St, #310, Dallas, TX 75204, with a note that the donation is for the Miss Mesa Fund/Emmitt. 

Hug your hounds and keep them safe!