ADOPTION GROUPS FUND “COOL” AGC GREYHOUND TRANSPORT

Thanks to the efforts of four dedicated adoption groups, the American Greyhound Council (AGC) will now be able to haul retired greyhounds to their adoption destinations in air-conditioned comfort even in the hottest summer weather.

Teddy Palmer, founder and president of Halfway Home Greyhound Adoption (Oklahoma), said her organization joined forces with three other adoption groups—GPA Greater Northwest (Idaho), Chinook Winds Greyhound Foundation (Canada) and Race the Wind (Kansas)—to raise $3,500 to cover the cost of purchasing and installing two motor home air conditioning units in the AGC’s greyhound transport truck.

The AGC truck is deployed most of the year to haul greyhounds to their adoption destinations, but the lack of air conditioning has sidelined the truck during hot weather, even for relatively short hauls.

“We decided to purchase the AC units in appreciation of the outstanding support for greyhound adoption that we have received from the AGC and the NGA,” Palmer said. “The AGC hauler has been there for adoption groups since 2002; we wanted to help them as they have helped us so many times in the past.”

Palmer had special praise for Craig Randle, the NGA staffer who makes the hauls. “Craig puts in long hours on the road and always arrives safely with the precious cargo. He does an amazing job.”

Gary Guccione, AGC communications coordinator and NGA executive director, expressed sincere appreciation to the groups involved in the effort.

“When Teddy called me to tell me that she had raised $3500 in less than 24 hours, I was speechless,” Guccione said. “It makes a huge difference to be able to use our truck year-round. We’ll be able to move many more greyhounds, and they’ll have a cool, safe and comfortable ride all the way.”

The cooling units will be installed by the end of July so that greyhounds can be moved from Oklahoma and Kansas in August.

Teddy Palmer was the winner of the 2009 Greyhound Adoption Person of the Year award.