Hound Happenings in Hamilton

It's been a fast and furious week for GAP in Waikato! Our monthly walks are held on the last Sunday of the month - last weekend that meant a beach romp at Raglan. We had 15 humans, 11 hounds, a whippet and a poodle! As well as assorted other friends who were enjoying a fine but windy day. These walks are thoroughly enjoyable, with lots of stories about our favourite hounds, support and tips for new owners, and plenty of laughs. Anyone who is interested in knowing more about greyhounds is always welcome to come along and visit with us - details about each walk are on the 'events' page of the website.
 Saturday May 4th, we had a 'meet the greyhounds' event at Animates Bridge St, Hamilton. It was particularly nice to go there, because we hadn't managed to get to both of the Hamilton stores on the recent annual
Animates Adopt a Greyhound day, and the teams at Bridge St had actually made a special invitation to us. Thanks to Bina and Seton for thinking of us! We had at least 4 dogs there all day, and they were (mostly) impeccably behaved! For the occasional lapse in manners, I can only say that what happens at Animates stays at Animates! The photo shows the team who remained at the end of the day, posed with manager Seton in front of the amazing signage they'd had out to encourage people to call in to see us. We had the pleasure of talking to some lovely potential owners and GAP supporters today. Many, many thanks to everyone who came along. We have some supporters who turn out regularly to raise awareness; Gary (our intrepid homecheck leader), Lea and Riley (Elite Impact), Rosemary and Chelsea (Unraced), Kathy and Sparky (Another Sparky), Jackie and Blue (Blue Rage). Nan and Susan, and Sheila and Mike called in to offer moral support too. But I'd particularly like to welcome and acknowledge Shiloh and Teddy (Emblazing), and Peter, Sheila and the very glamorous Riley (Unraced) who all spent time with us today.
 Our next big event is the Women's Lifestyle Expo on May 18 and 19, where we have not one but TWO stalls! We have the hounds outside, entertaining the folks waiting in the queue and soaking up the stroking. Inside we have a fully manned (personned??) stall with a great raffle and loads of information. Victoria is organising this as I'll be away, so if you can assist in any way, please drop her a line.

The May end of month walk will be at the fully fenced dog park at Horotiu - bring a muzzle (preferably a plastic one) and some pooh bags for the dogs, and a bite of something to share for morning tea for the owners. See you there!!

Jacquie