2,000 Members For Stop Greyhound Slaughter!

Hi all,

Today I write with happy news - I am massively pleased to announce that we have hit 2,000 members of the Facebook cause, Stop Greyhound Slaughter! In fact, today has been a good day for the cause overall. Since midnight BST we have had 10 members join thus far. Now that may not be a huge number for some of the cancer causes out there but it is for a smaller cause like this.

I am so proud that so many people are getting the message that something has to be done to help these wonderful creatures. Please keep on inviting as mny friends as possible to join so we can continue to grow and make our voices heard.

The petition is also doing just fine at 1,844 signatures although we could do with many more signatures so please sign if you have yet to do so. Also, pass the web address onto anyone you can think of that may want to help our cause. The URL for the petition and the cause it at the bottom of this post.

I am still collecting used postage stamps and foreign coins to help out greyhound rescues facing financial difficulties with the credit crunch in full swing so any and all used postage stamps you could send would be greatly appreciated. We can accept them from all over the world.

The response to this has not been as good as expected in recent weeks so if you can contribute then please request the address to send them to. If you live in the UK then I can send you an SAE to send any used postage stamp and foreign coin contributions in. If you would like to do this then please send me your address. Unfortunately, our funding does not stretch this to abroad but we would still like to accept stamps and coins no matter where you are.

The roll of honour to the side of this blog is going up today so check in to see your name on there after contributing.

Thanks again all! Keep inviting and supporter. God knows, these beautiful creatures will need it this winter and for many long years to come.

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If you do want to join either of the causes or sign the petitions, the URLs are as follows:
Facebook Cause
MySpace Cause
Stop The Greyhound Slaughter Petition

Pet Insurance And The Credit Crunch

I read quite a disturbing article earlier on today in one of the dog magazines I regularly read. The whole article was about the importance of pet insurance, especially for breeds that are prone to certain injuries and afflictions. Anyone with an older ex-racing greyhound will probably understand just why the breed should be included in this. With old racing injuries and wear and tear on the joints, having pet insurance is a godsend for those individuals that own an ex-racing greyhound. However, the credit crunch may well affet that in a wholly negative way.

The journalist found that more people were likely to see pet insurance as an unecessary expense when they are struggling for money but it is important to take care of your dog as and when possible in this way. After all, how would you be able to pay vets bills if you do not have insurance? What would you do if you could not pay them? This does not bear thinking about.

If you cannot afford your current premiums then get quotes as you would if you were renewing your car insurance or discover supplemental insurance, which would save you money. Whatever you do though, make sure that your greyhound is covered. You never know when you may need it.

Stop Greyhound Slaughter Cause & Stamp Appeal Update

Just a quick note today to highlight how well we are doing with the MySpace and Facebook causes and the petition. I am absolutely thrilled that we are doing well and raising our voices against the cruelty.

Firstly, the "Stop The Greyhound Slaughter" cause is doing magnificently.We are currently at 1,978 members, 366 of which were recruited via MySpace. Of course it is available through MySpace and Facebook so if you are a member of either and wish to join our cause then please do. The petition is also doing OK with 1,839 signatures, although I had hoped that would be doing a little better now. We need 20,000 signatures so if you have signed it and know anyone else that would please send them the URL.

If you do want to join either of the causes or sign the petitions, the URLs are as follows:
Facebook Cause
MySpace Cause
Stop The Greyhound Slaughter Petition

Also, the stamp appeal I am currently holding for the Italian Greyhound Rescue is going fairly well. I have tried to raise awareness and the responses have been limited as yet but those people that have sent me stampshave sent an A5 envelope full so it is much appreciated. A roll of honour will be coming soon on here so if you do want to be recognised for very little effort please drop me a line for the address to send the to.

I have also been approached by another greyhound rescue on the back of this appeal and asked if I would like to highlight their plight as well because they need foreign coins (non-UK coins) that people have bought back from their holidays and cannot exchange. If you have any of those lying around then please send those too. Again, please email me for the address.

These beautiful creatures need your help and are in for a long hard winter as their donations are reducing as a result of the credit crunch. Collecting stamps from envelopes at home and finding out one or two coins takes no time at all and yet they need them. Please help them this winter.

Thank You To Animal Rights Groups

I was in my local town today and met two wonderful women and one wonderful man trying to get signatures for two petitions. They were campaigning for animal rights and, when I was there, they were getting a favourable response. However, on speaking to one of the ladies behind the table I soon found that they had been called "no better than Nazis" just before I got there. I found this absolutely disgusting given that they were only trying to stand up for what they believe in and make a difference in the lives of animals everywhere.

So, for the rest of us that do want to make a difference, thank you to them and all of the others that take their time to stand around in all weathers trying to garner awareness of the things we do not see or hear about all over the world.

I was really pleased to find that they actually had a flyer about stopping the greyhound slaughter on their table. It was printed by Greyhound Action and I will be having a good read of it a little later and blogging about it, along with all of the other leaflets I picked up! Keep on going guys - we're making a difference already!

*********

They were from the Tamworth Animal Rights Network, or TARN. The link there is their MySpace page. Please visit it and support their efforts to save animals.

Action For Greyhounds UK

Many people around the world do absolutely anything they can to help save these beautiful creatures that we know and love. The greyhound and its plight has captured the imagination and attention of millions, and many of us have come to dedicate our lives to the welfare of greyhounds. However, one lady has taken that maxim even further over the past few years.

Annie, the founder of Action for Greyhounds UK, has recently completed a skydive to raise awareness and encourage people to save greyhounds... and you can see her! The video is now on YouTube.

But you don't need to go to YouTube to watch it when you can watch it right here! Enjoy!

Comfort And Fun: Halloween Costumes For Your Greyhound

Around this time last year I started writing a blog entry that I didn't finish, purely and simply because I ran out of time. Halloween is quickly approaching and we all know that it is an incredibly difficult time for some pet greyhounds. Those that have previously raced and been rescued should be made to feel like part of the family and should be comfortable at all times. However, some owners insist on dressing them up to the eyeballs for Halloween. There is nothing wrong with buying pet costumes to celebrate certain times of the year for your greyhound but it is important to bear in mind that there are certain guidelines that you should follow.

Firstly, if you do want to choose Halloween costumes for your greyhound then remember that full body costumes will undoubtedly make them feel uncomfortable. I do not like them at all on greyhounds because many will cause nerves and a lot of discomfort. However, greyhounds should be wearing a coat when they set foot outside in the fall and winter as a result of their human-like ability to feel cold through their short natural coats. Why not choose a Halloween themed coat instead? This will ensure that they stay warm without causing upset. There are some gorgeous Halloween greyhound coats out there to choose from. Alternatively, decorative collars are the perfect choice for greyhounds because they provide a little colour without upsetting your dog too much and allow him or her to join in the festivities.

Secondly, go for a professionally made costume instead of a home made one for your greyhound. The reason behind this is that professional ones are designed to fit dogs perfectly and will have all of the necessary seams and padding. Any you choose to make may not and thus may restric the comfort and movement of your greyhound. They may look cute but that does not mean they are happy!

Finally, make sure that you get your greyhound used to the costume before leaving it on for more than thirty minutes or so because this gies your greyhound a chance to get used to the outfit and will not prove as stressful a little later on. No costume, including novelty coats or collars, should be left on for more than a couple of hours. Would you like to be dressed as a pumpkin for upwards of three hours? No, and the same applies for your hound. Moderation is the key.

The reason why I started ths post last year was because I saw a greyhound that is owned by a man in my village paraded around as a pumpkin. As ridiculous as that may sound, it is true. The poor sweetheart was obviously uncomfortable because the costume was incredibly large and very poorly fitted... and yet I saw him wearing it for a good few hours. I just wanted to mention it because there are ways and means of encouraging your pet's comfort whilst celebrating Halloween and there are plenty of tasteful costumes out there for greyhounds and other breeds alike so be responsible and fun can be had by all, including your dog.