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You are here: Greyhound Dog Adoption > Meet and Greets > Staff and Volunteers
Why We’re a Community
Here at Golden State Greyhound Adoptions
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"A community is more than a group of people, it is a shared commitment to a common goal that knits both hearts and lives together"Anonymous.
We asked some of our volunteers, "Why are you involved in Greyhound Rescue, and why did you choose G.S.G.A.?"
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Co-Founders, President and Treasurer - Stuart & Barbara Homer
"When we adopted our first greyhound Maxie in 1996, having her was a great experience". We not only gained a new companion, we also had the satisfaction of knowing that we had saved the life of an ex-racing dog. We had moments though at first, where we wished we had someone to help us guide our Maxie in making the transition from life as a racer to our home, easier.
We did our homework and learned on our own, and Maxie enriched our lives for 9½ wonderful years.
In 2002, we started Golden State Greyhound Adoption with the idea of creating a close-knit community where support for new greyhound adopters would be only a phone call away. We wanted to make sure that help would always be available in making their new retired racers transition to life as "couch potatoes", a smooth and easy one. We are proud to say that, "When you adopt from GSGA you are never alone - you become part of a community that will always be there to extend support to you whenever you need it." You can participate in on-line forums and meet other adopters, we offer you opportunities to become a volunteer, take part in our organized play dates and have fun at our annual picnic. We also recommend veterinarians, boarding facilities, and more.
Our passion remains - to find the best homes for these wonderful retired racers. That mission has not waned over the years – it has only grown stronger. We continue to offer; more information, group activities, and on-line resources to strengthen your bond with your hound. It is our greatest joy to see our group and volunteer organization grow and to participate in the adoption of these fine companions. Ultimately our joy is seeing these deserving dogs go to great homes.
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Vice President and Secretary - Gary & Laurie Pisciotto
"We adopted our first Greyhound in 1998, after learning of the sad state of these wonderful former-racing dogs. Lucky, our first, was everything we expected of him and more."
"Laurie and I have been with Golden State Greyhound Adoption from the start. We feel that what separates it from many other adoption groups is the support given to all its members. When anyone adopts a dog from us they become members of the GSGA family and help or advice is just a phone call or email away. It has helped keep our wonderful dog happy and healthy."
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Member of the Board and San Francisco Meet and Greet Hostess – Kris Balloun
"Golden State Greyhound Adoption doesn’t just give you a dog and send you on your way. You become part of a supportive group with other adopters. We’ve made some wonderful friends and always have somewhere to turn when we need information about our greyhounds."
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Greyhound Adoption Placement - Shelley & Jon Eriksen
"Jon and I contacted a lot of greyhound rescue groups. We asked a lot of questions. It was important that we find a group to volunteer with that would work with us. After we began fostering newly rescued hounds, we soon found ourselves becoming more and more invested personally and emotionally in the welfare of these amazing dogs. These rescued greyhounds are so deserving of our love and a real home."
"Perhaps the most important thing of all about Golden State Greyhound Adoption is that we try to make each decision for the benefit of the dog."
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Meet and Greet Coordinator - Candy Papier
"Several years ago, I ran into a Golden State Greyhound Adoption, Meet and Greet event at my local pet store. I had the opportunity to talk to the people and touch these sweet, loving hounds. I knew right then and there that the next dog that we would adopt would be a greyhound. When a few more years had passed, finding our nest empty of both kids and pets, I knew I wanted to call Golden State Greyhound Adoption to adopt my first greyhound, Busby. I immediately felt that we had found ourselves part of a larger, supportive family. After attending our first GSGA Annual Picnic meeting nearly 200 happy families and their greyhounds, I knew I wanted to do more to help in this labor of love."
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PLEASANT HILL - Meet & Greet Hostess – Renae and Bill Lindley
Greyhounds, it was love at first sight ! We were at an Arts & Crafts Fair in Tucson, Arizona, and there was the cutest little greyhound there dressed in a pink tutu. She was definitely the attention-getter at the greyhound adoption booth. My husband and I stopped and asked all the typical questions. "Need a big yard?" NO. "Need to run? " NO. Two months later we had Mindy and the rest is history. Greyhounds will steal your heart. They help me forget the stress of the day. Working with these greyhounds gives the words "dog rescue," a whole different meaning.
"I chose Golden State Greyhound Adoption because they are out there making a difference! This group is: active, involved, tireless, funny, crazy, organized, knowledgeable, giving and absolutely selfless with their time when it comes to rescuing greyhounds for adoption. How can you help but be involved? If I were to sum Golden State Greyhound Adoption up in one sentence, it would be, –It’s all about the hounds–."
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PALO ALTO Meet and Greet Hostess – Joy Su
"Our greyhounds have brought so much joy and laughter into our lives that we would love for others to share in this wonderful experience. We love dressing up Ella and Coco for our monthly meet and greet at Pet Food Express. During Christmas we ordered a set of Santa costumes for the girls. They were a hit!"
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SAN JOSE Meet and Greet Hostess - Mary Collins
"Beyond liking greyhounds, greyhound rescue is a worthy cause. I only volunteer in things that really interest me, and that are important to me. One of the most important elements in choosing an organization is finding one that is well run and Golden State Greyhound Adoption is!"
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LOS GATOS Meet & Greet Hostess - Noelle Tardieu
"After we adopted our Greyhounds Gus and Cleo my husband and I decided that wanted to share the too well-kept secret about these loving dogs with others. We have a son with autism and he immediately bonded with the Greyhounds. It was amazing. My husband has suffered with allergies to most breeds but discovered freedom from his symptoms to the Greyhounds.
Greyhounds have not always been readily available and as a result many people do not know about this wonderful breed. I’d encourage people to become Greyhound fosters and learn about what Greyhound love is all about."
"Golden State Greyhound Adoption not only offers adopters excellent support before you adopt your Greyhound, but stays in contact, offers outstanding information, and the experience and knowledge of the group. It is truly a community that helps one another."
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TURLOCK - Meet & Greet Host – Chris Terry
"Why greyhounds? I’ve owned the bigger, drooly, hairy dogs and I’ve learned that retired greyhounds are perfect for me. They have the intelligence I admire and the energy level that is just right for my family and me."
"I really did my research on rescue organizations. When I looked at other greyhound rescue groups they all seemed to be off balance. Golden State Gate Adoption on the other hand, seems to have their act together."
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DANVILLE - Meet & Greet Hostess - Janet Caldwell
If ever there was a breed of dog that needed to be "rescued" it is the Greyhound. Thank goodness there are groups like GSGA who help save some of these innocent creatures.
What I admire most about the many good people of GSGA is how hard they all work "for the dogs". They give so much of themselves to help the dogs, as well as do the adoptive families. It is so nice to know that the group is always available to help even after the adoption process is completed. It feels like we are part of a big family.
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CONCORD - Meet & Greet Hosts - Ray and Ann Graf
Why are we involved in greyhound rescue? So we can put hounds together with families that are enriched by the love that grows between them, and promote dignity for all living beings. Barb and Stu's love and passion for rescuing these hounds is as unique as the family that had grown up around GSGA since it was started. We first met Stu and his dog Blue at a Walnut Creek Art and Wine festival in 2001. We were not even thinking of a greyhound. I wanted a Scottish Deerhound and we already had a golden retriever. As new Meet and Greet volunteers, our long-haired-hippy greyhound wanna-be, our retriever, was welcomed and we
felt welcomed too. GSGA takes great care in placing our dogs, and puts a
lot of energy toward accurately telling people how best to relate to the dogs and how to avoid problems.
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VACAVILLE - Meet and Greet Hostess – Cathy Kleinhenz
When I first met my friend, Barbara’s greyhound I fell in love with the breed. I started to research the adoptions and met Stu and Barbara. They introduced me to my hound, Simone, straight off the
track. It was an experience that I will never forget!
To help this gentle creature to find a forever and loving home was worth every effort.
I was new to greyhounds and the support of Stu and Barbara
and the group was invaluable. They were there whenever I picked up the phone with questions! I was amazed at the support! This inspired me to try and make my contribution to saving the lives of
these beautiful hounds. I love doing the Meet and Greets and watching the amazement as folks discover for the first time the gentle and sweet nature of our greyhound companions.
I am proud to be a part of this exceptional group!
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COLORADO VOLUNTEERS– Diane Fox and all our volunteers at their annual picnic in Coloradol
Golden State Greyhound is the only group in California to have its own volunteers living in Colorado a racing state. It is through these dedicated volunteers
that we are able to choose the dogs that are best for our adopters at the Colorado kennels. Every week they are picking up our hounds from the kennels, bringing them to the veterinarians
for their spay, neuter, teeth cleaning, shots etc. and then bringing them to the airport to be transported to California to our waiting adopters.
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