They don't ask questions at AZgreyhounds in Arizona. With thousands of young and healthy purebred greyhounds around the world in need of adoption each year after their time on the track is through, the dogs need organised help.

Sometimes, they need a lot of help.

When AZgreyhounds was notified in October last year by one of the racing kennels in Tucson that a four-year old female had sustained a broken hock and was being retired, they didn't ask questions.

Her racing name was USS Imagine, but that's not what her friends called her. They called her Magic.

Upon arrival at AZgreyhounds, further examination showed that Magic had dislocated all of the bones in her lower left rear leg and sustained a severe fracture to one bone. Orthopaedic surgery was completed on November 7. Recuperation and recovery will take four to six months.

AZgreyhounds, Inc. is, like greyhound adoption programs everywhere, dedicated to the rescue and adoption of these graceful, gentle animals. AZgreyhounds provides educational programs to schools and groups on greyhound history, greyhound racing, and the rescue and adoption program. When it receives dogs, it neuters them, cleans their teeth, vaccinates for rabies, distemper, parvo and influenza, tests for heartworm, lyme disease and ehrlichia, and gives a complete physical and microchip. New owners are provided with a collar, lead and identification tag.

They do all this as a registered charity.

Unexpected extra costs, therefore, can hurt. The veterinary cost for Magic's operation was US$2,600, with an additional $500 needed for x-rays, cast and bandage changes etc.

So it is time to ask a question, and the question is this: can you help?

If so, AZgreyhounds president Dave Breen would be delighted to hear from you. AZgreyhounds is a 501 © (3), Non-Profit Organization (EIN 20-1181905). Donations can be sent to AZgreyhounds, Inc., 3288 Sky Hawk Drive, Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA 85650-6623. Or you can contact Dave by email through the web site at index.

Send a get well soon greeting to Magic while you're about it.

__________________
The Zoomies blog