A Great Way to End the Year

Life with Dogs is hosting a Retired from Racing, not from Life Art Book Giveaway

How to Enter

Please visit the Giveaway section of Life with Dogs.  There will be three giveaway winners & each will receive a softcover copy of  Retired from Racing, not from Life by mail. As always, only those on the Life with Dogs e-mail list are eligible to enter. 

Winners, will receive e-mail notification from Life with Dogs.  Entries will be accepted through midnight January 1st.  This contest is open to readers worldwide.

Best of Luck & Happy New Year!

Like Me - A Holiday Give Away

From December 11th until December 17th, you have a chance to win a beautiful Northcoast Greyhounds Pendant and a Retired from Racing, not from Life Art Book combo.  

The 3.75" pendant features Northcoast's 8Ball in sterling silver, and a feather bead which ties in 

Kellie Oliphant-Burns' story behind her painting, Freedom which was chosen for our cover art.  

How do you enter the contest?  It's as simple as Liking us on Facebook.  If you've already joined our Facebook Page, refer a friend.  

The draw will take place on December 18th.

Isn't That Special?

Special Edition Retired from Racing, not from Life Art Book goes on sale tonight.

Available for a limited time only.

Use code BIGTEN at checkout and get $10.00 off.

SALE!

From now until November 30th, use the code BIGTEN when you buy one of our hard cover art books, and save $10.00.

The discount does not reduce the profits going to the Greyhound Health & Wellness Program.

Miss Nellie Auction

We're excited to say that we are taking part in the Miss Nellie Auction this year.

One of our Art Books has been donated and we're paying the shipping for the winning bidder.

The Miss Nellie Auction proceeds benefit the Greyhound Health & Wellness Program.

Grey't opportunity to support a wonderful cause, and dare we say it...start some Christmas shopping (please don't send us hate mail ;)  Lots of awesome goodies available for people and hounds.

The auction closes on October 31, 2011.  

100

Help us to reach a milestone!

Currently, our sales are stuck at 96 books.

Don't get us wrong, that's a lot of books sold in a little over a month.  Especially for a small, young group that has just started fundraising.

But our goal is a nice even 100.  That would mean OSUs Greyhound Health & Wellness Program will receive $500.00.

Greyhound Health & Wellness Program Brochure

Part of our mission at True North Greyhounds is not just to raise funds for the Greyhound Health & Wellness Program, we also advocate the importance of the Program.

So we thought that we would let you know that the Greyhound Health & Wellness Program has a new brochure.

It does a great job of summing up the valuable work that they do in the Greyhound community. You can find two versions of it on the News & Announcement section of their website.

Take a look when you get a chance.

Poster Dog (or Plan B)

OK.  So Plan A fell apart.  Our printers weren't able to have our promo items printed and shipped in time for all of the fall get togethers.  After a mini-heart attack, it's on to Plan B.  A DIY poster.  The version below shows Suzie Collins' Tripod Tranquility.  Tripod is an original art piece created especially for our Art Book Project.  Many of you might know Suzie from her decal and magnet shop, Skinny Hound Designs.  Suzie is also the creative mind behind the OSU Greyhound Health & Wellness Program's logo.

Several of the posters have been shipped out for Greyhounds Reach the Beach in Delaware (we'll get there some year - it's on the bucket list), and also for the GHWP.   

If you would like some for your next Greyhound get-together or to display at local businesses, let us know.  The flyers are 8.5" x 11" and available in two versions*:

• Suzie's Tripod or 
• Kellie's Oliphant-Burns' Freedom, which is on our Art Book cover.

Thanks again to these two talented ladies for allowing us to show off your creative genius!

*If you are a contributor to our project, we are also able to create a personalized version for you. 

Faux Pas

...in English, that's a plain old, "Oops!"


Despite our best efforts, we made a mistake in the Art Book.


Our sincere apologies to Jennifer Bachelor of Never Say Never Greyhounds.  The text for pictures of Travis & Riley was omitted.  Jennifer works hard as a trainer and we feel horrible that her talented hounds were not given the credit that they deserve.


We have released a 2nd Edition of the Retired from Racing, not from Life Art Book which includes the text for pictures Travis Tunnel and Riley Weaves.

The photo of Travis by In Motion Photos should have had the following text:

Travis became the #1 Greyhound in AKC Agility of all time.  Even 3 years after his passing, he still holds that title. 

The accompanying text for Riley's pic by In Motion Photos is as follows:

Riley competes in agility and obedience.  She is a rising star that shows a lot of promise.

Once again, our sincere apologies to Jennifer and her Greyhounds.

We'd Love to Hear from You

Huge "Thank You!" to everyone who has purchased an Art Book to support OSU's GHWP.

We would love to hear your compliments as well as your constructive criticism.

Believe it or not, we're brainstorming for our next project so feedback is important.

We want to make the next fundraiser even better!

Layers, and Flattening, and CMYB. Oh My!

We're currently working on the promo item and press release for the Art Book.  And it's quickly turning into an Arrrrrrrrt Book.  Computers can be a wonderful addition to our world. In other instances, they can be so frustrating.  Photoshop is out to get us.

The draft for the promo was sent in yesterday.  The printer got back to me today with a list of requests.  We're kind of feeling like a greyhound with space aggression right now.  Fingers crossed.  Everything will be done in time for Dewey and all of the Autumn greyhound get-togethers.  

Wish us luck!  

A Decade Later

A decade ago today, millions of us were watching T.V.  Confused and in disbelief of what was unfolding before our eyes.  Millions more experienced the horror of the terrorism that day fist hand.  The scars of what is now simply referred to as 9/11 have been profound.  If this could happen in one of the greatest cities in the world, in one of the safest and strongest countries in the world - it could happen anywhere.  Our reality has been changed forever.  September 11, 2001, will be a day that nobody will ever forget.  Ten years later, we all remember where we were, what we were doing, & who we were with at the time.  

The picture above is by Jennifer Howard, one of our Art Book contributors.  

Happy Sweet 16 Lilac!

The True North Greyhounds Pay It Forward Auction this month honours Lilac of Tales and Tails blog fame (http://talesandtails.com).  This special hound is 16 years young this month. As a birthday gift, we're offering a beautiful pendant from Northcoast Greyhounds.  This Boulder Opal pendant features their ever popular sleeping 8-Ball greyhound in sterling silver.  It measures 0.5" wide x 1.75" long.

The proceeds from the auction will go to Lilac for redistribution to her favourite charity.

The pendant is item #150661332090 on ebay.

GHWP Site Updated

The News & Announcements section of the Ohio State Greyhound Health & Wellness Program website has been updated to reflect the release of our book.

Visit their site by clicking here and have a peak!

Hot off the Press

The Art Book is Finally Ready!

What does the book look like?

The art book is 80 pages & features art & photographs from 50 contributors.
  
The finished size is 7"x7" in either soft or hard cover.

How can we order the book?

Click on the book preview on the top right.


How much will it cost?

Soft cover is $22.95 US


Hard cover (with dust jacket) is $35.95 US

Look What We've Got!

Neener.  Neener.

Our Fresh Eyes Editor picked up the draft today to have a look-see.  It's always good to have another person's opinion.  At this point, I'm being impossibly fussy about things that nobody else will care about.  I've also been involved with the project so long that I could be missing something obvious too.

Soon it will be ready.  I promise.

Never Too Busy

Many of our Contributors have a day job other than Artist or Photographer.

Some of our Contributors make a living by being an Artist or Photographer.

Each of them has a limited number of hours in the day.

All of them have taken the time out of their busy schedule to give back to the greyhound community.  

We acknowledge that they all have family, work & hobbies to balance, and a never ending stream of requests.

We can never express how grateful we are.

Thank you for participating in our Art Book Project.

Proof Copy is on its Way!

I got confirmation that the Art Book proof has been printed and shipped.  Cross your fingers & paws.  It should be here early next week.

Wordless Wednesday

Is the Art Book here yet?

Photo Finish

The proof copy has been ordered.  Yippee!

Now the waiting begins.  I'll have a path worn to the mailbox by the time that it arrives.

Over the next few days, each of the contributors will receive an email or two from me.

I'll be sending out a release form so that you can verify all of your info.

This is the last chance that we'll have to do this before the draft copy arrives and I make the final changes.


Is the book here yet?

The Homestretch

Yay!

We are rounding the bend.

The final text went in tonight.  This weekend, the final edit will be done and the proof copy will be ordered on Monday.  What does all of this mean?  The book will be ready to go on sale by the end of the month.  This is where you all come into play.

Get your keyboards warmed up.  We need to promote this thing!

Auction to Benefit Special Greyhound

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

For those of you unfamiliar with Sweetheart, this is a true Cinderella story.  

On August 13, 2010, Sweetheart was found abandoned in Oklahoma.  Chained to a tree with nothing to eat or drink, weighing only 31 pounds.   Her waist was about the same size as a soup can.  Nearly a year later, she is a thriving, happy hound thanks to Fast Hound Greyhound Adoption (www.fasthound.org/).

We're hosting a special auction on ebay this week with 100% of the proceeds going to Sweetheart's favourite charity.  Since we can't attend her party we're giving her a virtual birthday gift.

Please visit ebay to see the 

Turquoise & Sterling Silver Pendant with Greyhound up for auction.  Bidding ends August 15, 2011. 

If you would like to read more about Sweetheart, visit her blog at http://sweetheartsstory.blogspot.com/.

All Dogs Go To Heaven

We are taking a break this week.  One of our hounds passed away this weekend, and it's a little difficult to concentrate.  This is the third grey we've lost in a little over a year.  Our remaining boy was diagnosed with bone cancer early this spring.  

Needless to say, the creativity level just isn't where it needs to be - the brain & heart are split between sadness over the hounds that are gone & worry over the one that is still with us.

The date to release the art book has been moved from August 15th to August 30th.

Nearly all of the photos are in.  Just waiting for some high res versions of a few.  Most of the text is complete as well.  

Hoping to have more updates for you early next week.

Give all of your hounds an extra hug from us!

From Laura White...


I am grateful to OSU and excited to participate in this project.  I had no idea that when I submitted the photo of Tiel* that we would soon need OSU's help.  Our oldest boy Kebo just underwent two surgeries to treat fibrosarcoma of the maxilla.  OSU was helpful by reviewing his studies and making treatment recommendations.  They got all of the cancer out with the second surgery and he is well on the road to recovery.


Editor's note - Tiel appears in our Art Book

From Dana Provost...

This project is very special to me, as Dr. Couto and the Health and Wellness Center consulted with my veterinarian, Dr. Neil Patton, when my Guam Greyhound, Cartier*, was very sick.  Dr. Couto was the only veterinarian that was able to diagnose Cartier's chronic illness. 

...the program is very near and dear to my heart since I've had greys pass from skin, bone, spleen cancers, and kidney failure. 

*Editor's note.  Arica Dorff of Pet'ographique has contributed a photo of Cartier to the Art Book.

Back to Basics

Over the next few weeks some of our contributors will share their stories about the Greyhound Health & Wellness Program

From Nancy Grandjean...

I was at a talk Dr. Couto gave at our annual greyhound gathering in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a few years ago. I had heard a lot about him and the work he was doing, and I was so impressed with his talk, his sense of humor, and most of all his interest in greyhounds. I've had friends who have participated in his cancer studies and I admire him so much for giving people the chance to help their dogs who wouldn't have been able to afford the expensive chemo treatments. So I'm very pleased that my sweet Maggie* will be a part of fundraising for Dr. Couto's research.

*Editor's Note - Maggie's Nest of Leaves will appear in the Art Book

Drum Roll Please! Our Cover Unveiled!

Our cover art, Freedom, is from Doodle Dog's Kellie Oliphant-Burns.  Her cutie pie, Rupert, posed with the 4' x 3' painting before it was shipped to its new home in Colorado.  (Our apologies to Rupert, he doesn't appear on the cover :)

Freedom is part of the Undying Love Collection painted for last year's Dewey Beach Greyhounds in Art Show.  If you look closely, you'll see a feather in the lower right hand side of the painting (as well as one beside Rupert).  Feathers have a special meaning to Kellie, and her story behind the painting gives it additional appeal.

Here is an excerpt.  The full story and original painting will appear in the Art Book.

"When I was young my grandmother would tell me that to find a feather was a special gift.  It is a message from a loved one that had passed on telling you that they are alright and they are watching over you, protecting you, and always with you."...Kellie

Donations

Our Donations page has its first entry.

Over the past few months we've sent in several contributions to the OSU Greyhound Health & Wellness Program.  The total so far is $500.00.  This if from the jewelry sales on our sister site, True North Greyhounds.

I think that we're off to a grey't start. 

Zoomies

I'm sure that you've all seen a greyhound doing zoomies.

That's how I feel about the art book.  Currently, 90% of the photos are placed.  Each time I put one in the book, I felt like zipping around the house in total glee.  Yes, it's that good.

All of the pictures should be placed tomorrow, with the exception of a few that I need in a higher resolution.  I'll be starting to add text on Wednesday.

Hard at Work

Sorry, it's been so quiet on our blog & facebook page. 


We're hard at work compiling the Art Book. 


Our target is to have it complete and ready for purchase by mid August.

Happy Day!

Happy Holiday Weekend to all of our friends in Canada & the U.S!

You might have noticed some changes on the Blog over the last few days.

1. Our contributors page has been updated.  
2. The pages for our Art Book Specs have been taken down.  
3. A new page, called Donations has appeared.  This is where we will keep a running tally of the donations sent to the Greyhound Health & Wellness Program.

Congrats to all of the talented artists on the Contributors list & a huge, "Thank You"!

Updated Contributors List

The complete list of contributors will be available this evening.

Last Day for Submissions

Today is the deadline to contribute to the Project.

Stay posted for details regarding where & when the book will be available for purchase.

Round Two

The Contributors page has been updated with our next round of talented artists.

Contributors Update

Our first round of Contributors has been posted!

Sorry, in my excitement, I forgot to add the badge!

You Like Me! You Really Really Like Me!

Lately, I've spent a lot of time in front of a computer.  Each time someone sends us art or photos for the Art Book, I take a peek at their website or blog.  Is there a support group for Blog addiction?  I might need an intervention soon.

The great thing about blogging is that there is a lot of camaraderie.  Most people have blog rolls that list what they are reading.  So you click on a link.  And you read.  And you click.  And you read.  And you click.  And you read.  The next thing you know, its midnight.

And the point of my story?

This  evening after following a number of links, I was led to Home is Where the Hounds Are.

They've given us an Inspiration Award!

As part of the award, you are asked to share other blogs that inspire.

Here's what I've been reading:

1. Sweetheart's Story:  http://sweetheartsstory.blogspot.com/   This is a true Cinderella story.  Sweetheart was found abandoned in Oklahoma.  Chained to a tree with nothing to eat or drink, she weighed only 31 pounds.  Her waist was about the same size as a soup can.  Nearly a year later, she is a thriving, happy hound.
2. Brother 2 Bother: http://brother2bother.blogspot.com/  The adventures and misadventures of littermates, Nelson & Bully adopted into one family.
3. Xan's Art:  http://xans-art.blogspot.com/   Xan is a talented artist who contributes a lot of her time and talent to raising funds for various adoption groups as well as OSU GHWP.
4. Shutter Hounds:  http://mralexthedog.blogspot.com/  Fabulous photographer Steve Uyehara shares photos of his hounds.  Steve's photos also appear on the OSU GHWP website.
5. Greyt Days:  http://greytdays.blogspot.com/  Ever think that your home is too small for a Greyhound?  Nonsense.  This is the blog of a hound living in NYC.
6. Dogs In Canada:  http://www.dogsincanda.com/blog/?p=3413  Great blog about, well, dogs in Canada.  Lots of useful info on training, medical, etc.  Part of Canada's oldest canine magazine.  This was typically dedicated to Kennel Clubs, but an overhaul a few years ago made it more "pet friendly".
7. The Little White Monster  http://thelittlewhitemonster.blogspot.com/  Again, great photography & philanthropy combined.  Lots of info on helping Galgos in Spain.
8. Dogs Rock http://www.xdogsrockx.com/  You've gotta love the title.  
9. The Houndie Times http://thehoundietimes.typepad.com/the-houndie-times/  A greyhound adopter inspired to do more to eliminate canine cancer by her dog Ellie.
10. This one is a tie.  Everyone's favourites.  Tales and Tails.  Never Say Never Greyhounds.  Cult of the Greyhound.

Thanks to Angela (another East Coast greyhound adopter) for giving us the Inspiration Award.  I look forward to reading Home is Where the Hounds Are for years to come :)

Ch Ch Ch Changes

In the next few weeks, you'll see some changes to our blog...

• The details of when/where you can purchase the Art Book will be released.
• Our contributors page will be updated with a complete list of all who submitted art.
• We will begin posting about our talented artists and photographers who made this project possible.

The quality and creativity of the art we've received is amazing!  We can't wait for our release date so that we can show it all off. 

Back in Business

Hi All,
After having a mini panic attack today, we are back in business.
Please continue to send art and photos to erin@truenorthgreyhounds.ca
Thanks!

Bounce Back

Nope, we're not talking about rehoming greyhounds. 

Bounce back refers to some of your emails.  I got a heads up this morning from a few of you.  Thank you so much!  Apparently, our inbox has reached its capacity.  This is a good thing (Yay!  Lots of you want to participate) and a bad thing (Oh! No! You're submissions are being returned).  Despite our best efforts to stay ahead of all the large files that we've been asking for, we've failed.

Please give us 24 hours and resubmit to erin@truenorthgreyhounds.ca. Or if you are in a rush, info@truenorthgreyhounds.ca will work immediately. 

Our sincere apologies to all who are trying to send in art work & photography.

Did You Know?

Prior to 1997, twenty-five retired racing Greyhounds lived at the OSU veterinary hospital  as part of the blood donor program.  

When Dr. Couto took over the animal blood bank, the  Greyhounds that lived in the hospital were placed into homes where they live as pets. 

Under the new program, retired racers are adopted or fostered by students, faculty, or staff and donate blood 4 to 6 times per year.

Greyhound Health & Wellness Memberships

A note on the Memberships for the Greyhound Health & Wellness Program:

• The annual fee gives you unlimited access to:
• The GHWP: 
• Consultation Service
• This alone is well worth the fee.  
• Is your greyhound ill?  
• You and your vet can't figure out what's wrong?  
• Maybe your hound got a diagnosis and you would like additional information. 
• Or a second opinion.  
• Research Papers
• Would you like to know more about your greyhound's health?
• Are you a vet tech or veterinarian and new to the world of greyhounds?
• The basics and advanced topics are available 

Enough About Me. Let's Talk About U...OSU

Up to this point, details of the Art Book Project have dominated our Blog.  So, enough about us, let's talk about OSU's Greyhound Health & Wellness Program (GHWP).

Recognizing that there was a need to know more about the physical anomolies in Greyhounds, The GHWP was founded in 2004 by Dr. Couto.   A year later in 2005 the Greyhound Health and Wellness website was launched.  The GHWP is not funded by the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  It survives solely from donations, sponsorships, and research grants.   In 2010 a “Membership Based Website” was launched to help alleviate the financial strains on the Program.  

Membership dollars enable the GHWP to:

1. Support health studies in Greyhounds and other sighthounds. 

2. Continue to provide chemotherapy at no cost for retired racers. 

3. Provide financial support to owners who cannot afford healthcare for their hounds 

        (if their dogs are evaluated/treated at The OSU Veterinary Medical Center). 

4. Organize The Ohio State Annual Greyhound/Sighthound Conference. 

5. Publish and disseminate current information on Greyhound/Sighthound health care.


When you become a member, you also have access to a quarterly newsletter, research publications and an email consultation service.

Visit their website at https://greyhound.osu.edu/index.cfm to learn more about becoming a member.


Rates for the current year are as follows:

Membership Type	Annual Rate
Greyhound Owner	$99
Veterinarian	$149
Greyhound Breeder, Adoption Group, and Trainers	$99

The Countdown Begins!

June 30th is quickly approaching!  Here's a summary of the Art Book Project details.

• The Retired from Racing, Not from Life Art Book is benefitting the OSU Greyhound Health & Wellness Program (GHWP).
• 100% of our profits will go directly from the publisher to our friends at the GHWP.
• Deadline is June 30th to send in your artwork/photos.
• Copyright of images remains with the artist.
• You can submit up to two images of your own original artwork/photography.
• You do not have to create a new piece of art to take part.
• There is no fee to participate.
• Art Book contributors will have a full page in the book dedicated to their art.
• Artist/photographer name, art title, website, blog, etc and story behind image will also appear.
• Some of this info may be omitted upon request
• The art book will go to print in July.  
• Details regarding where to buy & price, will be available soon.
• Art/photos, & questions can be sent to:  erin@truenorthgreyhounds.ca
• If you have already submitted art or photos, please post our badge on your website, facebook page, or blog.

Thanks for making our project a success for GHWP!

Oops!

Thanks to everyone who alerted us, our badge is now fixed. 

When you click on it, you should be directed to our Art Book Project blog.  If you have used the previous badge, please change to the new one above.

Ta! Dah! Art Book Badge Unveiled

Our Art Book Badge is ready thanks to Stacy from Fire Hydrant Press.
Please post the badge on your blog, facebook page, or website.

Thanks!

Huge thanks to everyone who has submitted art so far!  Keep those photos and paintings coming.

FAQs

We've received an abundance of questions lately about our Art Book Project.  Thought that we would summarize our answers here.

1. Can I submit art if I do not have a website or blog?
• Yes, you can.  A website or blog is not necessary.  Facebook or other social networking tools will also work.  Keep in mind, the idea is for us to be able to give all of your fans in cyber space a place to visit you.
2. Does art work have to be created especially for this project?
• No, you can submit existing art.  If you want to create something new, that is entirely up to yourself.
3. What is the cost to submit art/photography?
• It is absolutely free.  Fundraising is done through the sale of the Art Book.
4. How do I know that the proceeds will go to the Greyhound Health & Wellness Program?
• 100% of the profits are sent directly to the GHWP from an independent publisher.  

We're Now on Facebook

Check Us Out

We're now listed in the News & Announcements section of the OSU Greyhound Health & Wellness website.

We have our first contributor

Thanks to Stacy from Fire Hydrant Press for generously designing our blog's badge.
This badge will be posted on our Artists' websites, blogs, & facebook pages.

Check back soon to see her creation.

Welcome to Our Art Book Project!

This is the first year for the Retired from Racing, not from Life Art Book Project. 

All proceeds from the project will be donated to the OSU Greyhound Health & Wellness Program.  

To find out how to contribute art, visit the Submit Art page.