GRFT Success Stories

We want to share just some of our many Success Stories. Wonderful people and families have brought our Greyhounds into their lives and homes, and we dedicate this page to all the Forever Friends and Forever Families.

Together, We DO Make A Difference!

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SOMEDAY ONE DAY

This little 47 pound ball of fire was born in the England and came to the US at 9 months old. After coming to the US, she spent nearly 5 months being fostered by our friends in Florida. We were told this little girl would climb trees and was very food motivated. GRFT brought Flashy to Knoxville specifically for Iva, one of our members, to become an agility greyhound. She began competing in agility after having only 4 months of training and qualified in her second trial. She amazes everyone who watches with her blazing speed, gracefulness and enthusiasm. Flashy has her Novice Standard Agility title and two legs toward her jumpers. Her AKC name is Flashy Girl NA which suits her to a Tee.

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PA'S SQUID WORD

Once again, GRFT heard about Squid, a little 2 year old troublemaker. We were told this little girl would jump from one turnout pen to the next at the track just to be close to her trainer. She would also jump on top of the double stacked crates at the track kennel. Our friends in Florida let us know this little girl could be our next agility grey. Iva once again took on a wild child in March 2005. With only 10 weeks of training she competed and qualified in her first AKC agility trial. In her second full trial she earned two AKC agility titles with only 14 weeks of training. She has gone on to earn an open level agility title in three straight runs and is currently competing at the excellent level. Her AKC name is Sea Creature NA OAJ.

Squid lost her medical fight and is sadly missed. 10/14/02 - 03/20/07

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AMF AMBER

Nancy, Amber's person, shared a story about Amber with us that happened during a therapy session.

"Every Monday we visit the Geriatric Alzheimer's and dementia ward at Parkwest as part of the UT's HABIT Animal Therapy Program... Last Monday we entered the ward and there was a patient who was screaming, yelling, and cursing. There were two nurses at his bedside trying to calm him down.. Amber and I walked up to his bed and when he saw Amber, he took her face in his hands, looked into her eyes and said: "Bless Your Heart"! He was then totally calm and when I left he was having a cup of coffee with some of the other patients. I got chill bumps and tears in my eyes when I witnessed Amber's therapy powers!"

When Amber is not working as a therapy angel, she enjoys relaxing with her babies.

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KIOWA SANTA GAY “Gabby”

Gabby came to GRFT as a retired racer in April 2002. After her adoptive Mom became gravely ill Gabby was returned to GRFT. Gabby is now living at Atria West in Knoxville. She is a full time resident and Mascot. The staff has commented that “it is a wonder she has any fur left because she is always getting petted by someone” and “even if you have a bad day, you can always find Gabby, get a kiss and give her a scratch on her ears and go home feeling better”. Gabby has brought smiles to many faces.

Gabby works her magic on the residents at the assisted living facility. When Gabby started visiting a man named George who had been uncommunicative for almost a year, he called her by his dog’s name and started talking to her. He has started talking to other residents and participating in activities once again. A sign up sheet has been posted for Gabby’s after breakfast walk as some of the gentlemen were skipping breakfast in order to be able to be the first to go on Gabby’s morning walks.

Gabby’s healing powers are not limited to the Alzheimer’s wing. One resident in the assisted living section asked that Gabby come to visit her dying husband. She also asked if Gabby could spend the night with her when her husband’s time came because Gabby is such a comfort. Gabby is a joy and a comfort to everyone she meets.

Gabby was the Mascot for the Alzheimer’s Awareness Week and helped to raise $1,700.00 in 2005. Gabby will be the Mascot for the Alzheimer 2006 Memory Walk.

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SKIDDY JOLT

I had looked at greyhounds for months and just couldn't seem to find the right dog for us. I knew that I was looking for a dog with a personality that "clicked". I had it in my mind that I didn't want a Black or Brindle and it had to be a female. Well, then came along Skiddy Jolt, a Blue Brindle male with the most beautiful golden eyes I had ever seen. From the minute I met him, he touched my heart and at that moment I knew that he was the "one". In July 2002, at the age of 2, Jolt moved into our house and our hearts.

In July 2007 I noticed a lump on Jolt's shoulder and a visit to the vet confirmed my greatest fear, he had bone cancer. Jolt only lived 2 short months after being diagnosed with Osteosarcoma.

On Labor Day Weekend 2007 at the young age of 7, Jolt left us and began his journey to the Rainbow Bridge.

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SI CONDOR (Millie)

Success Story text here

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