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You are here: Greyhound Dog Adoption > Meet and Greets > Staff and Volunteers
Why We’re a Community Here at Golden State Greyhound Adoptions
"A community is more than a group of people, it is a shared commitment to a common goal that knits both hearts and lives together"Anonymous.
We asked some of our volunteers, "Why are you involved in Greyhound Rescue, and why did you choose G.S.G.A.?"
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Co-Founders, President and Treasurer - Stuart & Barbara Homer
"When we adopted our first greyhound Maxie in 1996, having her was a great experience". We not only gained a new companion, we also had the satisfaction of knowing that we had saved the life of an ex-racing dog. We had moments though at first, where we wished we had someone to help us guide our Maxie in making the transition from life as a racer to our home, easier.
We did our homework and learned on our own, and Maxie enriched our lives for 9½ wonderful years.
In 2002, we started Golden State Greyhound Adoption with the idea of creating a close-knit community where support for new greyhound adopters would be only a phone call away. We wanted to make sure that help would always be available in making their new retired racers transition to life as "couch potatoes", a smooth and easy one. We are proud to say that, "When you adopt from GSGA you are never alone - you become part of a community that will always be there to extend support to you whenever you need it." You can participate in on-line forums and meet other adopters, we offer you opportunities to become a volunteer, take part in our organized play dates and have fun at our annual picnic. We also recommend veterinarians, boarding facilities, and more.
Our passion remains - to find the best homes for these wonderful retired racers. That mission has not waned over the years it has only grown stronger. We continue to offer; more information, group activities, and on-line resources to strengthen your bond with your hound. It is our greatest joy to see our group and volunteer organization grow and to participate in the adoption of these fine companions. Ultimately our joy is seeing these deserving dogs go to great homes.
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// START Leslie DeLange //
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GSGA Secretary and Orientation Training Volunteer Leslie DeLange
"I have always been a sighthound fan. I think they are the most beautiful, graceful dogs on the planet. I always wanted to adopt a greyhound, since I first learned of their fate after their racing career ended. Tom and I did apply to adopt many years ago with another adoption group, but the timing wasn't right and we weren't able to make the move. When our circumstances changed, we applied with GSGA and our lives were blessed with the addition of our black beauty, Sadie. Sadie and I began attending the Alameda Meet & Greet, then hosted by Sharon Caplan, a month after her adoption. Sadie has always been a perfect meet and greet dog. She is just gregarious.
About seven months later, we saw Victor's photo on the GSGA website as a returned dog and I fell in love again. We had been talking about a second dog for several months, and Tom finally relented, if I could get my boss to let me bring two greyhounds to work every day. Needless to say, my boss rocks! Soon there were five regular dogs at the Alameda M&G, Sharon's three and my two. Then Sharon retired, moved to Guerneville, and I began hosting at Alameda.
I try to volunteer for as many events as I can, because I believe in this cause and I think GSGA is the best greyhound adoption group out there. The support from the Facebook Group page is extraordinary. Our adopters are always there for each other. And that is awesome. I also foster as often as possible, which is pretty much every dog haul. Fostering is the best! I love to see the new dogs learn the ropes and discover that life after racing is the best thing they've known. It is sometimes difficult to see them move on, but I know they will be in good homes, because I trust Stu and Barbara, and I know Tom and I will soon have another newbie to love for a few weeks.
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Orientation Training Volunteer- Elizabeth and Steve
"We are forever grateful to Golden State Greyhound Adoption for trusting us with our sweet hound Bodhi.
The group takes great care and effort to ensure each greyhound is matched with the right family and continues
to provide support to make sure that all goes well. In our case, that meant ensuring a great match not only for us
but for our little chihuahua mix Bruno, and supporting us as we made sure they established a bond.
They are never too busy to answer our questions (even when asked multiple times). We are proud to be a part
of this organization, even in a small way. It also allows us a way to educate the public about these amazing ex-racers. "
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Orientation Training Volunteer Teresa King Teresa and her greyhounds is our immediate contact for North Bay Adopters
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