Guidelines for Good Fun

Race the Wind Greyhound Adoption, Inc. (RTW) is pleased to host our annual Greyhound Gathering in Abilene, Kansas. This version is shaping up to be four days of great entertainment for you and your greyhounds. We encourage you to read these guidelines carefully. They have been formulated from experience and they are designed to help you and your pets have FUN at the gathering! Most of what follows is common courtesy and common sense.

Abilene, Kansas, Greyhound Capital of the World, has always welcomed us with open arms. With the city being the home of the National Greyhound Association and the Greyhound Hall of Fame, is there a better place to hold a gathering of greyhounds? We want to show the people of Abilene that Greyhounds are the best pets and that Greyhound owners are great people with respect for their city. Help us make Greyhound America, the perfect gathering by following these simple suggestions.

Vaccinations

Race the Wind strongly recommends that all dogs have current vaccinations, including Bordetlla.

Red Bandanas

Please be aware of what a red bandana implies! Any dog that displays aggressive or insecure behavior MUST wear a red Bandana at ALL times. It is for the security of your dog, as well as the safety of other greys and their owners. Thank you!

Motels

Please be aware that the owners of the local motels and inns have graciously opened them up to you and your dogs. Please treat their property with respect. Please DO NOT leave your dog unattended in the room unmuzzled if they are not used to being left alone or if they become anxious in new surroundings. Remember that you are responsible for any damage your dog does. Accidents do happen, but be sure to tell the management of any damage as soon as it occurs.

While in the motel, please walk your dogs outside frequently. Make sure that they are on grass and be sure to carry poop bags and use them to pick up every bit of waste.

Water

If your dog is sensitive to change, bring water from home or bottled water to help prevent the BIG D. We all know that our Greyhounds are neat, tidy and nearly perfect. But, just in case, dont fill the water bowls to the brim and place the water bowl in the bathroom on the tile or bring plastic to catch those delicate dribbles.

Food

When feeding, place the bowl in the bathroom or on a towel. Be sure to clean up after mealtime.

Beds

If your dog is used to getting on the bed (and whose isnt), please bring a sheet with you to cover the bed linens so that you can easily pick up all the hair and take it back home with you instead of leaving it for the housekeeping staff. If your dog is the rare one who sleeps on the floor, be sure to bring his nice, soft comforter from home so that he isnt subjected to lying on the thin, harsh motel carpeting!

Crates

Crates arent required but, if your dog is used to one, please bring it with you.

Muzzles

Bring a muzzle with you if you will be leaving your greyhound alone in the motel room or if he will be left with dogs he does not know well. Better to be safe than sorry and prevent something bad from happening.

Shedding

There is nothing like stress or new situations to cause a good case of shedding. Use damp paper towels or moist handy wipes to wipe down your greyhound and take off as much loose hair as possible. If yours or someone elses dog is shedding while you are petting it, dont leave the hair on the floorpick it up and dispose of it!

A Dust Buster or Dirt Devil is a great way to gather up the flying hair.

Poop & the Big D
(sounds like a rock group doesnt it!)

Please pick up as much as you can the spray or squirt down with water and cover with leaves or dirt. We all pick up after our dogs, but if you see some not picked up, (obviously, by someone who forgot their poop bag), please pick it up too. There will be a special place in Heaven for those who pick up after someone elses dog!

Urine

Please bring carpet cleaner such as Natures Miracle, paper towels and/or old rags with you for accidents on carpet. Keep your eyes on your male greyhounds hind legs. Those boys have a sneaky way of lifting their leg when you are least expecting it, and, on the most embarrassing things. Try to keep them away from the corners of building and away from items such as the housekeepers cart (a favorite target)! Keep water with you to wash down the building, walkway, etc. If you happen to be the greyhound owner who forgot to take clean-up supplies with you, please ask another owner or storekeeper to help you or, if close, go back to your room for supplies. Dont just walk away and leave it.

People

It is hard for us to believe, but not all people love greyhounds and dogs the way we do. Dont assume that everybody wants to pet your dog. If they indicate that they do, then go for it. But let the person make the first move to petnot your dog.

Other Dogs

It would be best to leave other dogs a home. If you really, truly cant, then please do not approach others greyhounds with your dogssmall dogs in particular. When all of the greyhounds are gathered together, it would be best to leave your other dogs in the motel. Some Greyhounds just take exception to other breeds.

Leashes

Please do not use flexi leashes. It is too easy to be distracted and lose track of how far out your dog is. Use standard leashes and please, keep an eye on your dog all of the time. Keep them close to you when you are socializing with others. Always be aware of what is going on around you. A Greyhound no-brainerKeep Your Dog Leashed at All Times.

Insecure or Aggressive Behavior

If your dogs have aggressive tendencies or becomes insecure in new situations, it is best to leave them at home. If you do bring them, they must wear a red bandana at all times. This serves as a warning to others that your dog may growl or snap and to stay away. If you see a dog wearing a red bandana, do not approach or let your dog approach. The red bandana does not mean that the dog is a bad dogjust that the dog isnt comfortable in group situations. Again, the best bet is to leave the insecure or aggressive dog at home if at all possible.

Safety

• Be sure that your dog is up to date on all vaccines.
• No dogs off leash.
• Keep a red bandana on insecure or aggressive dogs.
• Check with the owner before approaching or letting your dog approach a dog wearing a red bandana.
• Be certain that your dogs have up to date ID tags on them, should they get loose.
• Watch your dog for signs of stress or fatigue. Dont push them beyond their comfort zone. Allow them frequent periods of quiet and rest.

If we all follow these simple suggestions, we will enjoy a wonderful Greyhound America

Race Wind Greyhound Adoption is not responsible for any mishaps, accidents, misdemeanors or whatevers of any participants, 2 or 4 legged.

A LIST FOR THE FORGETFUL

• Collar & leash (with ID)
• Muzzle
• Red bandana if applicable
• Dog beds, comforter, blankets, etc for sleeping at motel & for lounging while at Sterl Hall (no carpeting in the hall)
• Food & food bowl
• Water bowl & water from home or bottled water
• Sheet to cover bedspread in motel room
• Natures Miracle or other dog cleaning solution
• Fantastic or other general cleaning solution
• Paper towels, old rags, etc.
• Paper plates or small shovels to clean up poop
• Poop bags
• Pet hair removal tape or brush
• Plastic to put under water or food bowls
• Toys or chewies if your puppers are used to having them
• Diarrhea treatment (canned pumpkin, keopectate, etc)
• A wheelbarrow to get all this stuff to your room!!!

Oh, and by the way, don't forget to pack a few things for yourself !!!