Greyt Fest 2013

In reflecting on 2013, I realized that I started this blog to keep a journal of my dogs and my foster dogs.  I haven't really done such a great job.  For 2014, I would like to try to do better.

This year my group, GPA Tri-State, celebrated ten years of finding homes for greyhounds.  Our Greyt Fest was held on September 28th.  Not only is this our biggest fundraiser, but being our 10th year celebration, we needed to make this one extra special.

Rae Photography, a young girl who is starting her photography business, came to take pictures.  My dogs were first and they were still a bit wound up, so we didn't get too many good photos.  This one is my favorite of Sadie and Bowser.  

This is a cute one of Bowser showing off his slight roman nose.

This is Vivie, her racing name was Spectacular Girl.  That she is too  This girl has so much personality!  You stop petting her and she paws at you to start again.  Such a sweetie!

 

GPA Nashville was one of our vendors and they had these awesome hand knit hats.  I have always wanted one, so Bowser is the lucky boy.  He looks less than pleased! 

Besides the ever popular vendors, we have half pot drawings, a silent auction for memorial baskets, head and tails game, luminaries, games for the hounds and food!  We also have our royalty!  King and Queen and Prince and Princess.  Probably the most fun at our event is the live auction.  It's always entertaining to watch people bid against each other for some very nice greyhound items.  Our folks work hard all year gathering donations.  This year, I won three things!!!

 

An original painting from Josie Therapy Dog!  I have been wanting one of these for a very long time!

My next score was an original NellieDoodles!  As soon as I saw this, I knew I had to have it.  It captures Bowser's personality perfectly. 

This year I was in charge of the memorial basket silent auction as well as the royalty.  Each dog is eligible, as long as you haven't won in a previous year.  King and Queen are 8 years and older.  Prince and Princess cannot have had their 8th birthday yet.  Upon entry, each dog gets one vote.  The winner is just the luck of the draw. 

The King and Queen received their crowns, tag collars with a charm and an awesome bed!  I thought this picture was so sweet!

Prince and princess!  Prince Ulrick was my foster previously, so that makes him extra special!

People are pretty creative when it comes to their Memorial Baskets.  I donated three this year, one for each of my angels.

Our extra special treat for our attendees was Colleen Pelar.  She has written a couple books on dog behavior.  I also picked her up from the airport and got a chance to talk with her.  Super nice lady and didn't mind at all when Bowser got sick in the car!  Unfortunately, I didn't get to listen to her talk as I was busy tending to my other responsibilities. 

All in all, 2013 Greyt Fest was a success.  But then again, isn't any day spent with friends and greyhounds a good day?