Doggie Tales: General Stories: Emma's Trip Home

I thought I might share with you the experience of our first rescue run with Greyheart of Michigan. Roy and I had recently adopted Kalli, and were looking for another opportunity to get involved with Greyheart. We learned through the website, that a “run” was being organized. There were dogs coming right off the track in Wisconsin, that needed to be recued. Al Schneider is the coordinator for the rescue team. A very knowledgeable fellow. Al is a walking book of knowledge, and a wonderful story teller. In the future, I would like to ask Al for his input on rescues. He has a vast experience with Greyhounds , and could share his knowledge with us all. For this story, I would like to tell it, through a rookies perspective. Hey we are all beginners at something right?

Roy and I volunteered to be on his team, along with my sisters Monica and Debbie. Between the four of us, we had 2 extra vehicles that could transport two of the greys. Al and his son Jason had a van, and were transporting three dogs. ( I believe I have that number right.) Ideally, you want a driver, then the passenger, to keep an eye on the dog.

Well, if you come to know me, you will find that I am an organizational freak. I had my husbands car packed like we would be away for a few days. The back seat was lined with plastic, then two sleeping bags squished behind the front seats, so that the dog could not fall and hurt itself. Well, I just had to have a comfy blanket for the dog, then what is a trip without a picnic for it? Getting carried away? You should have looked inside my picnic basket for the pooch.

We all met on the Indiana/Michigan border, in the parking lot at McDonalds. Another rescue team had transported the greyhounds from Wisconsin to our agreed meeting place. I was so excited. The only greyhound that I had seen was Kalli, and I just love her. Just imagine the prospect of seeing five greyhounds all at once!

The van arrived, and I was truly amazed at the beauty of these creatures. All looking out the window. I could not believe that we had the privilege of being involved with this. This was extraordinary.

The dogs were placed into the cars. I was previously informed by Al, that these dogs do not know how to get into a car , that they would be quite nervous. We were given a quick in service by Al, on how to hold these dogs on their leashes. This lesson would come in handy for me, for you will soon learn, that if it were not for my leash holding technique, I would have lost my dog.

My dog Emma, came out of the van, her legs trembling, so scared, I wanted to hold her right away. Emma was a small, black greyhound, just gorgeous. She had to be guided through this, because it was all new to her. The traffic in the parking lot, at the very least the highway right next to us was very distracting I would think for the dogs. I walked Emma around a bit to relieve herself. I had in my pocket of course, some treats for my new rescued pooch. I sat down on a cement ledge, and with a wink of an eye, Emma bolted over the ledge. If it were not for the secure grip I had on this dog, she would have been gone. Without thought, I lifted her over the ledge, back onto my side. It’s funny, how strong you become when the situation calls for it. Before I knew it, Al and his son Jason were at my side so quickly. Emma was safe. I will always remember that instance of Emma bolting, and how quick it can happen.

Well, with much effort, we got Emma into our car, and we were off to our meeting destination, where the dogs would meet their foster parents. Emma had calmed down quite a bit, and was getting the munchies. Janet was prepared for that. What I was not prepared for was the extreme case of flatulence this little thing had! I had found out later that these dogs often have poor diets on the track, and are fed quite cheaply. Our little Emma was like a little clock, going every few minutes! Monica and Debbie were driving behind us. I learned later that whenever they saw my hands flying up in the air and the windows being rolled down, they knew that Emma was “tooting”. Emma enjoyed her picnic. That long black nose was in my treats bag every chance she had. Emma was in heaven. There were cookie crumbs all over my husbands car.

Well it took 3 ½ hours to get to our meeting place. We arrived at Sue’s home. Sue is another volunteer and the coordinator for fostering and adoptions. We brought Emma into her fenced in back yard , where I saw the most beautiful sight. All of these newly rescued animals were running around, without being leashed. Just running because they want to. There was no prize for the winner, there was no fake rabbit to chase, no screaming crowds. They were free.

The foster parents met their dogs, and a bond was made between Emma and her new foster mom. I smiled. Emma was on her way.