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The unofficial start of fall is here and with it comes changes for almost everyone, including the canine
members of our families. For instance, many of our pups spent the summer playing all day with their human kids and enjoying vacations with their families. Then, without warning, the humans are gone all day long for five consecutive days. Some of the humans go off somewhere (like college) and don't come back for weeks on end. Everyone seems stressed out, hurrying off to places unknown and the pups stay home alone. For a dog, this inexplicable change in routine can lead to new or worsening behavior problems like separation anxiety. Here are some quick tips for how you can help them cope:
- Make sure your pups continue to get plenty of exercise. A good, long walk before you leave is one of the best ways to minimize separation anxiety and boredom. Alternatively, schedule your play or training time for mornings. If your schedule cannot accommodate activity at the beginning of the day, a professional dog walker might be the answer. It's tr
ue what they say: "A tired dog is a good dog."
- Make the transition to the new routine as gradual as you can. Schedule a few days of working from home after the kids return to school. Try to come home at lunch time to break up the day. If your dog gets along well with others, perhaps occasional days at doggie daycare will ease him into the new routine.
- Remember not to make a big deal out of leaving. If it is a big, stressful ordeal for you to get out the door, you can bet it will be for your pup too. Just leave like it is no big deal and come back like it was no big deal. Practice a few times so that your dog learns you will be back.
- Mix up your departure routine so that your dog doesn't anticipate your leaving and develop pre-departure anxiety. Get your keys, your bag, your scarf and just sit down for a minute before you leave. Go outside to the car and come right back once or twice.
- Leave the TV or radio on to provide some background noise and to make the environment similar to how it is when you are around. Ensure your pup has access to plenty of water, his entertaining toys and his favorite bed.
- When you leave, give your pup a treat that will last a while and serve as a good distraction. A kong ball with peanut butter (not sweetened with Xylitol) might work or maybe a toy that dispenses a few kibbles. Whatever you chose, be sure that the treat is safe without human supervision (no raw hides, bones, or anything posing a choking hazard). If you have multiple dogs that might be food competitive, make sure all food is out of reach before you go.
- Be patient and gentle. Raising your voice, confining/crating, spanking (also known as hitting) and
any other form of punishment can make an anxious dog even more anxious. If you are dealing with severe anxiety issues, consider working with a professional dog trainer.
The dog days of summer never last forever. Please keep in mind how the changing routine will affect your pups and help them transition smoothly. Before we know it, the time to worry about how our pups will do in holiday party crowds will be here.
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PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Each week, space permitting, we hope to bring you our pick of the great hound photos shared in GALT's social media. This week, we selected this adorable picture of one of our fosters in Training Camp who came into his foster home all muddy. We protected his identity so that he can still find a good forever home. If you're interested in learning more about this pup, click here.
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GREYT STORE FEATURED PRODUCT
The cap for those who Love Bling, Furbabies and a Special Price!!! This sparkly cap will certainly be noticed! Normally $22.00, specially priced at $15.00. Adjustable back strap for greyt fit! Click here to order it today! |
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VOLUNTEER AT THE GALT ALLIANCE AIR SHOW CONCESSION BOOTHS
 GALT will staff two concession booths at the Alliance Air Show on September 12th and 13th. This show features great acts like the Blue Angels! GALT receives 9% of gross proceeds and ALL cash and credit card tips. The stands are open from 8 am to 5 pm both days. One stand serves a variety of foods, drinks, and beer. The other serves craft beer (21 and up only)! Parking is free for volunteers and of course you can watch the show (but not in the seated stands) before or after your shift, and a free lunch is included! Volunteers must wear the blue GALT t-shirt, available for purchase in the Greyt Store ( Unisex or Ladies V-neck), and a baseball cap. Please come out and help GALT's greyhounds! Use Coupon Code "Alliance" for an awesome discount! Learn more on our sign up page:
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AUGUST ADOPTIONS
These lucky pups went to heir forever homes in August. Click
here to see the hounds currently available for adoption. Is your MVP among them?
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| UPDATE ON GULF GREYHOUND PARK
After a brief break related to funding for the Texas Racing Commission, live racing resumed at the Gulf Greyhound Park on Thursday. The fate of live racing in Texas in 2016 remains uncertain. We are continuing to monitor the developments and stand ready to assist retired racers needing homes.
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MORE UPCOMING EVENTS - SAVE THE DATES!
Greyt Non-Event: September 7 ~ 12:00 am - September 8, 12:00am ~ Anywhere/Everywhere
No volunteer shifts to fill, no having to wish you were there, and no driving in the end-of-summer heat! This event is all about what greyhounds do best - being couch potatoes extraordinaire! Your $25 ticket gets you the following: a guilt-free day of relaxation and an event shirt. Sign up today!
North Texas Giving Day: September 17 ~ 6:00 am - Midnight ~ Online
This is an online giving event that provides folks in North Texas the opportunity to come together to raise money for local nonprofits. Every gift made on September 17th helps our chances of winning prizes ranging from $500 to $10,000!
Strut Your Mutt: September 19 ~ 8:00 am - Noon ~ Mueller Lake Park, Austin/Online
You can strut anywhere and don't need a dog! The GALT representatives will be stepping out this year in Austin on September 19th in the Best Friends Strut Your Mutt. Please support our team here.
GREYT Golf Tournament: Sept. 22nd ~ 8:30 am ~ Canyon Creek Country Club, Richardson
Join GALT for a fun day of golf to benefit the hounds! The format includes a shotgun start and 4 player scramble. Cost is $125 for an individual/$500 for a team of four. The entry fee includes: Breakfast & Lunch, Goodie Bag, Range Balls, Greens Fee, Cart Fee, Team Photos, Raffle Prizes and Contests. Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd Place; Longest Drive; Closest to the Pin and for a Hole-in-One - a BMW! Register today! If you can't be there in person, you can enter the Greyt Golf Ball Drop for a chance to win a $1,000 Visa card. Buy your balls here today!
Beer Tasting Contest: October 17 ~ 6:30 - 9:30 pm ~ Club Room, Dallas
Food at 6:30 pm, first pour is at 7:00 pm. $30/ticket. Raffle tickets are $10 a ticket or 6 tickets for $50. Live auction! Get your tickets today!
GALT Greyt Dallas Cowboys Ticket Raffle: November 22 ~ 4:00 pm ~ Need not be present
Win 6 tickets to the Thanksgiving Day, November 26th, Cowboys against the Carolina Panthers Game for just $20 per ticket! Only 250 tickets printed! Winner will be notified and posted on our website. Get your details and tickets here. |
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GREYS IN BOARDING
If you have been considering fostering, or know someone who is considering fostering, now would be a great time to jump in! If you can help, please contact Jennifer Vilches at fostering@galtx.org.
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INCOMING GREYHOUNDS
Money - 7 yr old male, return
Ellie - 4 yr old female, breeder
Moya - 5 yr old female, breeder
Ruby - 9 yr old female, breeder
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| WEEKEND MEET & GREETS
Saturday, September 5, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Orvis in Preston
8300 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX
Sunday, September 6, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Petco in Plano
1601 Preston Road, Plano TX
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RAINBOW BRIDGE
Caprice, aka Doverun Caprice, GALT #1941, May 11, 2001 - August 28, 2015
Beloved and cherished by Steven & Erin Reeves
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If you have an article to submit for publication, a suggestion, or a "greyt" story, please email info@galtx.org.
If you have moved or need to update your contact information since you adopted your GALT greyhound, please email info@galtx.org.
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Greyhound Adoption League of Texas, Inc.
3400 Carlisle St #310, Dallas, Texas 75204
972.503.GALT
info@galtx.org
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