TULSA VOLUNTEER WINS PRESTIGIOUS GREYHOUND ADOPTION AWARD

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An Oklahoma volunteer her friends describe as a hero has been named the 2009 Greyhound Adoption Person of the Year by the American Greyhound Track Operators Association (AGTOA).

Theodora (Teddy) Palmer is the founder of Halfway Home Greyhound Adoption (HHGA) in Tulsa.  Since 2002, Palmer’s group has placed more than 3,000 greyhounds in adoptive homes.

AGTOA President Karen Keelan said, "We had more than 40 nominees this year, and every one had made exceptional contributions to greyhound adoption.  But even in this special group, Teddy Palmer was a standout."

Donna Weeks of Gambrilla, MD, cited Palmer’s tremendous commitment to greyhounds. "She’s built the trust of the racing community all across the U.S.; she’s not in it for the recognition, just to help the greyhounds." Weeks was among those who nominated Palmer for the award.

Another nominator, Shirley Sureck of St. Petersburg, FL, described Palmer as someone with "an unfailing mission to succeed no matter what the obstacles; a deep, loving heart and an unselfish motive."

In learning of the award, Palmer said, "I’m deeply honored. There are so many people who make it possible for our program to succeed.  We couldn’t do what we do without each and every one of them."

AGTOA will recognize Palmer at its annual meeting on March 22 in Las Vegas. In addition to covering Palmer’s travel expenses for the meeting, AGTOA will present her with a $500 check for her organization.

Nominations for the 2010 Greyhound Adoption Person of the Year award will be accepted between April 1 and August 31, 2010. Anyone involved in greyhound adoption can be nominated for the award. The recipient will be selected based on the individual’s dedication and contribution to greyhound adoption during the year. For more information about the award, visit www.agtoa.com or call Dennis Bicsak at 561-615-3916.

For information about adopting a greyhound, call 1-800-366-1GPA (1472).

The AGTOA, formed in 1946, is a nonprofit corporation comprised of greyhound racetrack owners and operators across the U.S.