Greyhound Pets of America, Louisiana Chapter

Who we are

Greyhound Pets of America (GPA) is a nationwide organization of volunteers dedicated to finding responsible, loving homes for professional racing greyhounds who no longer qualify to compete at the racetrack.

Take a look around this site to learn more about greyhound adoption and the dedicated folks of Greyhound Pets of America.

Our Greyhounds

Greyhounds placed through our program usually are between 18 months and four years old. These ex-racers are intelligent, quiet, clean, gentle, good-natured, adaptable dogs who adjust readily to their new home environment.

WARNING:  POTENTIAL HAZARD of using ProMeris... 

WARNING:  POTENTIAL HAZARD of using a new Flea & Tick Preventative called ProMeris.  GPA/LA has gotten some disturbing information about bad reactions to the new flea & tick preventative, ProMeris.

One reported reaction involved most of a lady's 6 Huskies and an Airedale/Golden mix.  Within two hours after administration, the dogs' symptoms included unusual salivation, vomiting, disorientation and one was dragging his rear leg.  Ultimately all 7 of the lady's dogs were hospitalized and required treatment (fluids, etc.).  In addition, the lady had a serious allergic reaction: her "lips were swollen; eyes very red; mucous membranes such as eyes, nose, and mouth were stinging; she became disoriented, dizzy and unable to drive."  She had to be treated at an emergency room.  She further indicated the ProMeris has "a highly noxious odor that permeated the house and is just starting to dissipate after 3 days."

The other report involved a bad reaction by a senior Corgi to ProMeris.  The reaction occurred after administration of the second monthly dose - the onset of symptoms was not until 24 hrs after applying the ProMeris.  That reaction is believed to be the result of an interaction with another medication the Corgi was on.  Three other Corgis in the family had no reaction. 

The other report involved a bad reaction by a senior Corgi to ProMeris.  The reaction occurred after administration of the second monthly dose - the onset of symptoms was not until 24 hrs after applying the ProMeris.  That reaction is believed to be the result of an interaction with another medication the Corgi was on.  Three other Corgis in the family had no reaction. 

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June 26th's comings and goings ... 

Comings:
  • SS Candy Stripe a small fawn female reentering our program. "Stella" is both small dog and cat friendly. She has a nice disposition along with knock out good looks.
  • DZ Bringitonback is a white and brindle rowdy girl that is being returned due to schedule changes in the home. "Stella" has a thick beautiful coat and is a very happy girl.
  • RLM's Jasper is a 5 yo fawn male, fairly small that is being returned due to life changes. He is small dog friendly and likely cat friendly too.

*these dogs are already spoken for

Goings:
  • Del Ray Laser joined the Guidry family in Rayne.
  • AMF Constrictor has joined the Thomson family in Arkansas.
  • HM Cowboy has joined the Landry family in New Iberia.
  • Kb's Seahawk has joined the Day family in Gulfport.
  • PW's Bigleo has joined the Holt family as a foster with intent .

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Hint from Howliweeze: Fourth of July

In addition to other summer fun, we’re in the home stretch toward our Fourth of July / Independence Day:  a day that many of us celebrate with cook-outs, friends, and often (although not my favorite), fireworks.  Many of our companion pets join us in the yard for the fun and, hopefully, in the minds of the pets, some of the food!

Please, keep in mind that in addition to the normal activity, whether or not you’re into fireworks, chances are some neighbor(s) will be making some noise out there - and Speedball can react to the unusual sounds by becoming simply anxious or becoming downright frantic when all the “popping” starts!

Eating, drinking and visiting, with people coming and going - you need to be extra careful for our pets.  Indoor/outdoor cats should be confined strictly as indoor pets for a day or two!  If you’re planning to have friends/neighbors visit - a larger-than-normal gathering -  it’s a good idea to limit the places and opportunities where Speedball could scoot out.  Place particular emphasis on monitoring children who might fail to close the door or latch the gate. 

Scared dogs (or any pets) will be harder to catch, and can dart across treacherous roads out of fear.  It’s also a very hot time of year, and any extended exposure to out of doors, in the heat and frantic can spell disaster.  A little thought before the opportunity arises can mean the life of your precious pet!

As always, if your dog does manage to escape, call us immediately!!  1-800-366-1472!!

Have a happy and safe July 4th!!

This article is for informational purposes only.
***these hints are to be used as general guidelines and in no way are meant to replace veterinary care or consultations with your attorney.

If you have a question for Howliweeze email it to

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June 13th's comings and goings ... 

Comings:
  • Del ray Lasher "Lacy"is a 2 yo red fawn girl with a black mask.
  • AMF Constrictor "Connor" is a 2 yo brindle boy. Connor is small dog friendly and cat workable.
  • Kb's Seahawk "Hawk" is a 4 yo red fawn girl. She is small dog and cat friendly.
  • HM Cowboy "Dallas" is a 4 yo blue brindle boy that is cat and small dog friendly. 
  • Hello Bingo* is a 3 you black female.
  • Acme Grease* is a 3 yo black boy.
  • Guns Comeback* is a brindle female.

*these dogs are already spoken for

Goings:
  • Bingo joined the Lovelace family in Metairie.
  • Grease joined the Rabalais family in Slidell.
  • Guns joined the Fletterman family in Gonzales.

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Hint from Howliweeze: Hurricane Preparedness

With hurricane season looming the following is just a general reminder of things we need to consider in preparation for a storm.

Preparing for a Hurricane

dentify a shelter. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Find out which motels and hotels in the area you plan to evacuate to allow pets -- well in advance of needing them. There are also a number of guides that list hotels/motels that permit pets and could serve as a starting point. Include your local animal shelter's number in your list of emergency numbers -- they might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster.

Take pet food, bottled water, medications, veterinary records, cat litter/pan, can opener, food dishes, first aid kit and other supplies with you in case they are not available later. While the sun is still shining, consider packing a "pet survival" kit that could be easily deployed if disaster hits.

Make sure identification tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet's collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes. This is one of the most important steps. Make sure your greyhounds have their GPA tags on them.

Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash and/or harness for your pet so that if he panics, he can't escape. Fences can come down very easily requiring alternative methods for potty breaks.

If you will be staying in your home during the storm, make sure you factor in water required by pets into how much you need to stockpile. Also, make sure you have plenty of dog food, as you never know when you will be able to get out to purchase more.

NOTE: Some animal shelters will provide temporary foster care for owned pets in times of disaster, but this should be considered only as a last resort. Don't forget your rescue group can sometimes help make arrangements for the care of your pets during an emergency

During a Hurricane

Bring your pets inside immediately.

Have newspapers on hand for sanitary purposes. Make sure pets are properly hydrated especially if electric service is out and it is warm. Animals have instincts about severe weather changes and will often isolate themselves if they are afraid. Bringing them inside early can stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm. Provide pets afraid of thunderstorms or rain a safe place to go such as a closet or kennel set up in an internal room in the house. Separate dogs and cats. Even if your dogs and cats normally get along, the anxiety of an emergency can cause pets to act irrationally. Keep small pets away from cats and dogs.

After a Hurricane

If after a disaster you have to leave town, take your pets with you. Pets are unlikely to survive on their own. Again, contact GPA, many of us stay behind and may be able to help keep your pets safe (not just greyhounds)

In the first few days after the disaster, leash your pets when they go outside. Always maintain close contact. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet may become confused and lost. In addition, snakes and other dangerous animals may be brought into the area with flood areas. Downed power lines are a hazard. Fences could be compromised and the last thing needed after a mess like Katrina is a lost dog.

The behavior of your pets may change after an emergency. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely.

This article is for informational purposes only.
***these hints are to be used as general guidelines and in no way are meant to replace veterinary care or consultations with your attorney.

If you have a question for Howliweeze email it to

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Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week

 The very happy girl on the couch is Mr. Shelby Lynn owned by Secret Courtney and Delbert Le Blanc of Metairie, LA.

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May 23rd's comings and goings ... 

Comings:
  • AMF Redding* a 3 yo red male
  • FF Philthy Phil* a 2 yo black male
  • Whytell Scarlet will be returned by no fault of her own. She is a 4 yo primarily white female that is very sweet and loves her people
  • Blue by Lou is a blue male also being returned by no fault of his own. 
  • Jerry and Kit are a M/F pair that will return to our program due to severe allergies in the home. They have been together for years and ideally should be placed together.

*these dogs are already spoken for

Goings:
  • AMF Redding "Zeus" has joined the Short family in Kenner, LA.
  • FF Philthy Phil will join the Breaux family in Jackson, MS.
  • Jimbo Hurricane has joined him new family in Denham Springs, LA.
  • FF Apple has joined her new family in Denham Springs, LA.

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Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week

 KLP Blazin Pixie "Blaze" is a 10 year old girl whose owner recently passed  away.  She is an all around greyt dog and is looking for a home to take care of her in her senior years. Blaze is fine with cats, small dogs and even kids. If you have been thinking about another greyhound give some thought to a senior.

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Hint from Howliweeze: When your pet is choking

Before administering any first aid , make absolutely certain your pet is actually choking. Many people confuse difficulty breathing with choking. If you witness your pet ingesting an item and then immediately begin pawing at the face, the throat, acting frantic, trying to cough and having difficulty, only then should the Heimlich maneuver be considered. If your pet is not really choking, the Heimlich can cause serious injury. 

After determining that your pet is choking, remove any item that may be constricting the neck. Examine inside the mouth and remove any foreign object you see. Do not blindly place your hand down your pet's throat and pull any object you feel. Dogs have small bones that support the base of their tongues. Owners probing the throat for a foreign object have mistaken these for chicken bones. Do not attempt to remove an object unless you can see and identify it.

If I can locate someone to do canine first aid would anyone be interested in doing it as a group ? Please email me your interest at If you have a question for Howliweeze email it to and Ill look into it.

This article is for informational purposes only.
***these hints are to be used as general guidelines and in no way are meant to replace veterinary care or consultations with your attorney.

If you have a question for Howliweeze email it to

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July 5th Denham Springs Meet'n' Greet ...

We will be at Petco every first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Our new M&G location is I-12 and Range Ave., Denham Springs.

Since we are volunteers,situtations may arise unexpectedly and times may change or we may have to cancel. It would be wise to check first if making a long drive to M&G the greys. Feel free to call Bonnie at 225 243 7550 or e-mail

PETCO
2358 South Range Avenue
Denham Springs, LA 70726
225-665-0507
Map to Denham Springs Meet and Greet
Click the map for directions.
 
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July 6th New Orleans Area North Shore Covington Meet 'n' Greet ...

One M&G is held in Covington, LA on the 1st Sunday of each month from 12:30pm until 3:30pm at Books-A-Million on Causeway Blvd. (Hwy 190) near I-12. Please join us, meet some of our retired racing greyhounds and find out how you can adopt a greyhound. For further information, contact Joyce Shugg at 985-893-6981 or

Books-A-Million Store #295
401 North US Highway 190
Covington, LA 70433
985-867-8010
Map to Books A Million Meet and Greet
Click the map for directions.
 
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July 12th Baton Rouge Area Meet 'n' Greet...

A Meet-n-Greet is held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the PetsMart on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge from 11am until 1pm. Come get to know some retired racing greyhounds and find out how you can adopt one. For further information, contact Brian or Nancy Callaway at 225-313-6780 or .

PetsMart Store # 0637
8660 Airline Rd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
225-929-9590
Map to PetsMart Baton Rouge Meet and Greet
Click the map for directions.
 
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July 12th Gulfport Meet 'n' Greet ...

Gulfport, Mississippi area Meet-n-Greets are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the PetsMart from 12 - 3. For further information, contact Lesley at 985-863-8181 or

15134 Crossroads Pkwy
198 Promenade Blvd.
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 539-9722
Map to PetsMart Gulfport Meet and Greet
Click the map for directions.
 
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July 12th Jackson MS Area Flowood Meet 'n' Greet ...

Jackson, Mississippi area Meet-n-Greets are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at one of two alternating PetsMart. For further information, contact Celeste Trantham at 601-605-2542 or

PetsMart Store # 1235
198 Promenade Blvd.
Flowood, MS 39232
601-992-7076
Map to PetsMart Flowwood Meet and Greet
Click the map for directions.
 
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July 13th Walk in the Park ...

Our walks are really taking off. The greyhound walk in the park will be held on the second Sunday of each month. We'll meet at the Magazine Street entrance at 9 AM and will walk around the park. It will be like a roving Meet 'N' Greet and play date combination. Because it is a moving event, its important to arrive on time or even a little early. If we know you're coming we'll wait a bit for you. For additional information or to be added to the walk mailing list, please contact Glen Ezkovich at 504-908-8885 or email . Hope to see you there.

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July 16th North Shore Meet 'n' Eat at Abita Brew Pub

This months Meet 'N' Eat will be at Abita Brew Pub in Abita Springs. Everyone is invited. Its a great opportunity to meet with other greyhound owners, brag about your babies, ask questions and of course eat, drink and be merry. We need to know that you are coming in order to ensure enough space is available so be sure to let Julie know at your earliest convenience, either by email at or by phone 601-798-5927. Email prefered.

Abita Brew Pub
72011 Holly Street
Abita Springs, LA 70420

July 19th Shreveport Meet 'n' Greet ...

A Meet-n-Greet is held on the 3rd Saturday of each month, from 1pm until 3pm, at the PetCo, Shreveport South store, on Youree Drive in Shreveport. Join us and see why retired racing greyhounds make great family pets. For further information, contact Joni Collins at 318-965-2362

PetCo, Shreveport South
6596 Youree Drive
Shreveport, LA 71105
318-524-0540
Map to Shreveport Meet and Greet
Click the map for directions.
 
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July 19th New Orleans Area North Shore Covington Meet 'n' Greet ...

A second M&G is also held in Covington, LA; that M&G is held on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 12 noon until 2 at Good Dog Naturally on Business Hwy 190, in the Claiborne Hills Shopping Center. Please come out and meet some of our ex-racing greyhounds and find out how you can adopt one. For further information, contact Rebecca Ruffino at 985-630-1968.

Good Dog Naturally
1250 Business 190
Covington, LA 70433-3277
985-871-5222
.
www.gooddognaturally.net
Map to Good Dog Naturally Meet and Greet
Click the map for directions.
 
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July 19th Baton Rouge Area Meet 'n' Greet ...

We will be at the Petsmart on Millerville Rd. every 3rd Saturday of the month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For further information contact Brittaney at 225-454-2926 or e-mail .

PetsMart
1653 Millerville Rd
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
225-275-4858
Map to Millersville Rd. PetsMart Meet and Greet
Click the map for directions.
 
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July 20th New Orleans Area Harahan Meet 'n' Greet...

Harahan M&Gs are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 11am until 1pm at PetsMart in the Elmwood Shopping Center. Please come join us, meet some of our retired greyhounds and find out how you can adopt one. For further information, contact Linda Dantagnan at 504-828-1717 or .

PetsMart Store # 1023
1000 S Clearview Pkwy Ste 105
(Elmwood Shopping Center)
New Orleans, LA 70123-2323
504-733-2016
Map to PetsMart Elmwood Meet and Greet
Click the map for directions.
 
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July 20th New Orleans Area North Shore Slidell Meet 'n' Greet ...

The third northshore M&G is held in Slidell, LA on the 3rd Sunday of the month from 11am until 2pm at the PetsMart in Slidell on Airport Road near I-12. Come out and learn about Greyhounds and how you can adopt and ex-racer. For further information, contact Rebecca Lovingood at 985-882-9674 or .

PetsMart Store # 1111
61109 Airport Rd.
Slidell, LA 70460
985-781-0841
Map to PetsMart Elmwood Meet and Greet
Click the map for directions.
 
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