News Release
Organizational Success Reaches New Heights
November 12, 2006 - Portland Oregon
Greyhound Pets of America Northwest
Greyhound Pets of America Northwest reported today that their
adoption program reached another milestone in October with a record
number of Greyhounds adopted during the month. This comes as their
Oregon chapter of the national non-profit group reaches the
completion of their reorganization plan.
While increasing the number of Greyhound adoptions is one of the
group's goals, the success of their new organizational structure and
the tremendous support of the volunteers and community are reflected
in their ability to place so many Greyhounds into excellent homes.
All parts of our program need to be functioning smoothly in order
for the dogs to make the journey from the racetrack to the couch,
said Jackie Holstrom, President of the board of directors for GPA
Northwest.
Since March of this year GPA Northwest has restructured many aspects
of their organization, including where they obtain their Greyhounds
and how they match adopters with the right dog. There are hundreds
of Greyhounds throughout the country that fail to qualify for racing
or no longer qualify to race at the dozens of racetracks outside of
Oregon. The ability to relocate these Greyhounds in need from
wherever they may be to Oregon is one of the most important things
that the group has perfected in the last eight months. The
volunteers that make this and all the other components of the groups
work possible are the unseen force behind the adoption program. The
reason there is such deep dedication in the volunteers can be seen
at any event the group holds, Greyhound dogs. With their gentle
dispositions, loving demeanor and liquid eyes, the Greyhounds
themselves seem to be driving the people to do whatever they can to
help. Ask any volunteer and you will hear that they work for the
dogs. Spend even a little time with these former racers and you will
see why they engender such loyalty and commitment.
With the basic structure and function of the group now working
smoothly, they are already moving on to their next set of goals.
Reaching more people in Oregon and Southern Washington to let them
know about Greyhounds and what wonderful pets they make, developing
more "foster" homes to care for the Greyhounds temporarily while
they transition from the racing life to home life and increasing the
number of perfect matches between Greyhounds and the people who
adopt them.
The mission of Greyhound Pets of America-Northwest is to locate
responsible, loving homes for greyhounds that fail to qualify or no
longer qualify for the racetrack and to educate the public about the
greyhounds, stressing their desirability as pets. GPA-NW is a
non-profit corporation and tax-exempt organization. It is a chapter
of Greyhound Pets of America, a national network of Greyhound
adoption groups. GPA-NW is staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers;
all donations and other revenues are dedicated entirely to
supporting its Greyhound adoption program. GPA-NW welcomes
volunteers from all walks of life, regardless of whether they have
adopted a Greyhound. All that is required is a love of animals, and
a willingness to work.
The group holds many events each month and is always looking for
Foster homes for the Greyhounds. GPA Northwest welcomes volunteers
who are interested in helping out with the Greyhounds. If you are
interested in participating in any GPA Northwest activity, please
contact us by calling 503-784-1285 or e-mailing
Volunteer