THE IOWA BREDS - A CHRISTMAS STORY

Twas the night of the 11th, a quiet night on the farm,

Tatiana's in labor, but no cause for alarm;

The papers all shredded, the heat lamp is on,

In hopes that the puppies are soon to be born;

Tatiana is nestled all snug in her bed,

perhaps visions of racing days dance in her head;

I in my ball cap, and blue overalls,

cell phone in my pocket, should I need to make calls.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the house to see what was the matter.

Away to the fencing I flew like a flash,

Tore open the gate, and threw up the latch.

TATIANA'S "PUPSicles" HAVE ARRIVED!

Not having enough to do just coping with a blizzard (just watch this local video to get a taste of what it's been like around here for the past 48 hours!) , Tatiana was right on schedule with the arrival of her pups ... she began labor at the beginning of the blizzard, and whelped her last pup as the blizzard subsided. Henceforth, they will be known as The PUPSicle Litter. She has 3 girls and two boys, and Mama and babies are warm, cozy, and doing just great! I will share more in the days to come, but definitely wanted to give you a sneak peek of the new arrivals before I fall into bed.

3 of Tatiana's PUPSicles .... just hours old

UPDATE: Tatty had a surprise for me when I went to check on her for one last time before calling it a night ..... one more beautiful male!  That makes 6 total (3 girls and 3 boys). I think she just wanted to show me that she could do it all herself and that I taught her well ... 

hmmm, I guess I called it right ...

"I don't predict a big litter, perhaps just 6 or so"

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

The work of Elle J Wilson ~ Almost an Angel 66 ~
Sometimes an artist gets it so right, their work catches you, and won't let go. Painting, drawing, and capturing a Greyhound is said to be one of the most difficult subjects for an artist. Their irregular features can often be distorted to a point where sadly, you can barely recognize the breed.  A talented artist, on the other hand, can not only capture those irregular features, but emphasize them to the point that you immediately understand what it is about the breed that captivates the imagination, passion, and soul of anyone that is lucky enough to know a Greyhound well. Her pieces are not just paintings or drawings, they capture the very essence of a Greyhound's soul.

I am totally enchanted by this artists work.  Her work is much like a Greyhound itself .... so simple, yet so intricate. Her delicate technique in depicting the endearing nature of a Greyhound uniquely shines through,  speaking volumes as to why these gentle dogs enthrall us.  I can't wait to begin my new collection!

A Little Importance by Elle J Wilson

                                                                           click picture to enlarge

 To see more works of  ELLE J WILSON  "Almost An Angel 66", read about her, and visit her Etsy Shop,
 GO HERE

VINTAGE GREYHOUND

 A random collection of vintage photo's from across the web depicting the presence and spirit of Greyhounds from days gone by.

click on photo to enlarge
The Greyhound and his sleek, ghostly form have been dashing over the earth for millenniums, possessing speed only matched by Hermes, and grace only challenged by the wind. His lineage, characteristics, and training make the Greyhound unique in what he is today, yet he still runs in all the beauty that has carried over through the folds of past generations. A being more fit for his life could only spring from his roots, and will, undoubtedly, in the future world. 
  (written by Molly Shepard, a  Student at Council Bluff Abraham Lincoln High School in a report she did for communications class 5/2/96 and which I am still honored to have a copy of )

picture source                                                                     

GREYHOUND CHRISTMAS CARDS WE LIKE

This card is a print from the artists original oil painting. Looks like there's free shipping today too! You can check it out here Charlotte's Web Art on Zazzle. So Pretty!

HERE COMES SANTA PAWS - OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT

Flying Reindeer Flying Hydrogen's

(click on the picture to enlarge)

Over the last few weeks, and with the gift giving season approaching, I've been contemplating sharing with you, the reader, one of the most precious gifts I can offer. As someone that wears many hats, I'm about to change into another one ... it's the one I wear when I'm serving as my greyhound's "accoucheuse".  It's something that come's as second nature to me and that I've done for about 20 years. While it's not what some might call the most glamorous of roles, it is one of the most satisfying.  My female greyhound Tatiana is having puppies, and I've decided to share this experience with you through photo's and posts.  From start to finish, I'll try and document the birth of a litter of NGA racing greyhounds, and then share with you their growth in the days, weeks, and months to come. The puppies are due on December 11th.

WE ARE THE GREYHOUNDS AND COULDN'T BE PROUDER ....

AND IF YOU CAN'T HEAR US

WE'LL YELL A LITTLE LOUDER!!

PIERRE, Assumption College Greyhound Mascot & AMOS, Moravian College Greyhound Mascot

ACE, The University of Indianapolis Greyhound Mascot

How did the University of Indianapolis go from being the Warriors to The Greyhounds you might ask?
"A group of fans convened in Men’s Hall to “choose a name that would do justice to the scrapping Cardinal and Grey Warriors,” according to Downright Devotion to the Cause by Fredrick Hill. They agreed on the Greyhound because the Indiana Central athlete is “a long, lean animal renowned for its speed, jumping prowess and fighting heart.”
In less than a year, The Reflector again published an article in which the term “Greyhound varsity teams” was used, and soon enough the name was applied to every team, although women athletes were referred to as Whippets until around 1985.
Sue Willey, director of athletics and a UIndy alumna, remembers being a Whippet.
“I hated being a Whippet. I wanted to be a Greyhound,” she recalled."
source: evolution of the Greyhound - The Uindy Reflector

COVER SHOT !

How Awesome is this, to have one of our own Iowa Breeders and Kennel Operators, Bob Hardison, on the cover of this month's Greyhound Review! Having more than one main-stake champ in the Fall Meet Track Stakes at the Nationals in Abilene Kansas is quite an accomplishment! Pictured with Bob are his fabulous looking puppies, Jet Force, Moral Direction, and Ozuno.
Congratulations Bob ~ WTG!!!

STUFF I WISH SANTA WOULD LEAVE UNDER MY TREE

This might be the sweetest little toy greyhound I've ever seen!. Hand "needle felted", each piece is custom created based on a photo of your own pet. I can really appreciate the talent this artisan has, especially since I flunked out of pipe-cleaner-animal crafts in kindergarten.  Looks like they run about $200, but I imagine the hand work involved is pretty intense, and requires great patience and skill! Love Em' !!!

You can find them HERE

WONDER WHAT THE FINE WOULD BE FOR THIS WEIGHT SCRATCH?

A little "Greyhound" trivia .........

What "Greyhound" tipped the scales at 16,500 pounds ........ and it is NOT a bus.



Answer  ......  The M8 Greyhound Light Armored Vehicle
It might be fast, but how'd you like to see this bad boy try and hold the first turn?

HOW DO THEY DO THAT?

The American Greyhound Council has a series of videos from the birth of a greyhound, through training, and into retirement. In an effort to answer the question for those that have always wondered "How do they do that?", these videos give the viewer an idea of how breeders and trainers harness the natural abilities of a greyhound from "start" to "finish". It takes about 30 seconds for each video to download, and when complete, just hit your back button to click on and download the next in the series.
What would be really cool is if the AGC came to Iowa and videoed how it's done in 40 mph winds, with temperatures hovering around the 20 degree mark. Thank goodness we are a hardy lot ... the people and dogs here in Iowa ROCK!
Being an Iowa Bred is more than a title, that's for sure! Click the link below to get there .....

THE AGC's BIRTH TO RETIREMENT VIDEO SERIES

WHO SAID YOUR NEW DOG DIDN'T COME WITH OLD TRICKS

LOOKS LIKE WE'VE GOT A TEAM FOR YOU HERE, SANTA

It appears my six month old's, The 8 Fawns, have cooked up a plan. I think they just want a piece of that milk and cookie deal.

Because it just needed to be said........

AMERICAN GREYHOUND PICKERS

One of the more fun posts that I'd like to do on a regular basis on this blog is going to be mirrored after the TV show American Pickers .... except... we only pick .... you guessed it ..... GREYHOUND STUFF! Hence the name, American Greyhound Pickers.

Many of us have greyhound related antiques, wall art, china, nick-knacks,  porcelain pieces, or statues that we've picked up along the way. Whether it's been in an antique mall, or something found at a garage sale, when you find something old and unusual with a greyhound on it, you know you just have to own it!
When you're amongst greyhound lovers, sharing the piece is just as much fun as finding it, so, the purpose of these posts will be a chance to share in photo's the neat greyhound items that we've collected.
It occurred to me as I was preparing for this announcement that because some people are always interested in adding to their greyhound collections, and some folks may actually  be looking to decrease theirs,  as an added twist, I thought it might be fun that if it happens to be a piece that you no longer have an interest in owning and would like to sell, simply write "AVAILABLE FOR PICKING"  in the email that includes a photo of the item. Include a description of the item, anything you might know about it, and your contact information. I will then post the picture of the item (not your name) under the "American Greyhound Pickers" category. If another reader here at Iowagreyhounds happens to spot something they are interested in PICKING, they can email me, and I will then hook up the seller with the buyer.
If you just want to showcase your item and have no interest in selling it, just write in the email, "JUST SHARING, NOT FOR PICKING".
At some point, if a Picking does happen frequently enough, I'd like to arrange to have a small portion of the sale go to one of the Iowa Greyhound Adoption Programs. What better way to top off a great exchange!!  Remember, the more unique, unusual, or old the piece is, the better!
Sharing one of my "greyt" finds,  I thought I'd start off with a piece that I think is one of  my most unusual ... just a little greyhound trinket really, a genuine pewter cup with a greyhound silhouette handle.  I found it about 25 years ago, shortly after Bluffs Run opened, at the Kanesville Boulevard Antique Mall in Council Bluffs. I wish I knew how old it is, or where it was made, but I don't. It's not for picking, but if I was picking around in your stuff and I found it, I'd definitely want to own it!

Email photos of your Greyt Picks for sharing or picking to iowagreyhounds@aol.com -  (Future posts in this category won't have this long explanation, just a link to this post)

DECK THE HALLS

Heartland Greyhound Adoption has this pretty Red logo-embossed Christmas Ornament as a fundraising item for $10.00 on their website.....

What a great way to add to your ornament collection AND help out the retired greyhounds they currently have in their foster home program! You can find the order form here

LEARNING YOUR WAY AROUND

Sheba. an adopted BR Greyhound, who obviously knows her way around, would like to help you do the same...

An FYI for our visitors ....... Because user friendly is important ... and the internet is all about clicking.

The logo's on the left hand side of this page are all clickable links that will take you directly to the website of each business listed, all you have to do is left click on them.
Feel free to copy and use the Iowagreyhoundsblogspot logo with the puppy and the address to this website on it. It's a great way to link back to us. Let me know if you do link up to us so we can reciprocate.
            
Many of the stories and pictures that will be posted on this blog will include clickable links, and will be highlighted in YELLOW TEXT.  This yellow text indicates that all you have to do is left click on it, and it will redirect your browser to the site where a story source or picture source is located.
Take a few moments to click on and read the Mission Statement button at the top of this page. There is also a Contact Us button with our email address for your convenience. Our email can easily accept photo's as an attachment if you have something you would like to send.

The Reader Reaction Option of check-marking a post as "interesting", "funny", or "cool" is a fun way to get readers to participate, so please don't hesitate to click on one. You will find this at the bottom of each individual  post. Reader Reaction Options do not require registration.
Leaving a  written comment does require registering an account with Google, which can be easily done by clicking on the "Sign Up" link located on the left hand side of the page.  All comments are welcome, but will be screened for offensive language and content.

With those explanations out of the way, I do believe we're ready to roll ~
Enjoy!

"THE SECOND TIME IS SWEETER"

IN THE WINNERS CIRCLE AT BLUFFS RUN 

from left to right - Rory DeSantiago Director of Racing, Dennis Garcia leadout, Christy Baird Osborne Asst. Trainer, and making the presentation are Sam Burnight and Monica Streicher of the Iowa Dept. of Agriculture

Great job and Congratulations to everyone involved with this incredible win! "He has bottom" might be the understatement of a lifetime .... Read Steve Sigafoose's coverage of the winner, RJ's AL here.
Good Boy AL !

WELCOME TO OUR NEW IOWA GREYHOUNDS BLOG!

Greyhounds, and the people that care for them, have had a tremendous impact on the State of Iowa since the Iowa Greyhound Association registered as a non-profit group on July 12, 1960.  The people who are very much involved with the care and raising of racing greyhounds tend to be pretty busy folks; working 365 days a year, the job we do with these exceptional canines is evident if you've ever had the opportunity to visit one of Iowa's two racetracks.

We are in a unique position here in Iowa .... our industry is conducted under the rules, guidelines, and inspection programs of the Department of Agriculture as well as the State Racing Commission. Both of Iowa's racetracks having working and track funded Adoption Programs, and our greyhound farms, scattered over the entire state, have a strong economic impact on local economies. Many greyhound families have two professions, partake in local civic activities, and have children that attend Iowa public and private schools and colleges.

Unfortunately, because of our strict and unique work routines, many people haven't had the opportunity to get to know us, or more importantly, the incredible animals we are so privileged to work with.  Hopefully, Iowa Greyhounds Blog, through it's associations with the Iowa Greyhound Association, will give those wanting to learn more an opportunity to do just this.

We hope you will check back here often at Iowa Greyhounds for the stories, pictures, and videos that will shine a light on the canine stars that reside in our great state.  Those that know this breed, know that Greyhounds have a long history that includes a large and admiring fan base ... it is our aim to share with you a life that revolves around these tender-hearted, intelligent, graceful, distinguished, and yes, very fast athletes.

The greyhound! the great hound! the graceful of limb!

Rough fellow! tall fellow! swift fellow, and slim!

Let them sound through the earth, let the sail o'er the sea.

They will light on none other more ancient than thee!