Those of you also following Joni's blog - http://hotchakennels.blogspot.com/ - know where I've been for the past few weeks. In short, I've been preparing for, enjoying and recovering from the best trip imaginable for those of us smitten by greyhounds.
I've never in my life laughed as much as Carol, Joni and I did on our adventure. It was the trip of a lifetime.
We visited 5 greyhound farms, two adoption kennels, the Greyhound Hall of Fame, the schooling track in Abilene - the busiest track in the world, and the NGA. We met so many wonderful people, including gh owners, trainers, track owners and managers. We spent three days each with Heather Weir (at Almost Home for Hounds in Nunn, Colorado) and Teddy Palmer (at Halfway Home for Hounds in Tulsa, OK). We were all like little sponges, soaking up the farming and training processes, the owners' and trainers' stories, and the greyhound love from the tiny ones we could feel wiggling in their mom's tummy (due to be born within the week) to the many beautiful seniors we met. And we took many new ideas away with us from the adoption kennels.
The one constant was the gracious manner in which we were welcomed everywhere we went. Nobody sighed or rolled their eyes as we asked question after question. Frankly, the only sign of impatience we encountered came from TheTalentedMr.Ripley, the four footed host at the Greyhound Hall of Fame - and that was only because Joni walked into the lobby armed with his favorite treat in the world - twinkies. He gratefully accepted her gift and then sauntered back to his throne.
After twelve days and 4200 miles, we returned home exhausted but still grinning and there are already rumors afoot about next year's adventure. I can hardly wait.
In the meantme there's lots of work to do finding good homes for the 8 hounds who returned with us and the four who arrived from OK while we were gone. It's hard work - and it never happens as quickly as we'd like - but each hound is precious and will be thoughtfully placed in the best home we can find.
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