President’s Message- June 2026

Two years ago, we foster-failed our dog, Ever, and shortly after adoption traveled to Minnesota. And I wrote about that experience. Last year we made the same journey and it was rather uneventful, but this year, a little different. We made the usual stops and stayed in the same hotels that Ever had been introduced. For the first trip, she was so nervous and took hours, not kidding, to do her business as we had to sniff everything, stop short of pottying when we heard something new. This continued for most of the time spent away from Tucson.  All considered normal as we change environments for our hounds.

This year was a bit different. The ride went well, although being harnessed and secured into her back seat did not allow for roaching. She did not appreciate this too much, but she still was a great passenger.  However, when we arrived at the apartment, she seemed a bit more nervous of her outside surroundings, taking multiple opportunities to mark, but would have no urine to release as well as would wake and start howling around 3 every morning. We took her to the vet and her urine had a little blood but no bacteria or signs of infection. Her blood work was good and then we talked about the anxiety that greyhounds can be prone to and how just a little change in routine can upset the apple cart. Ever was prescribed Deramaxx and amoxicillin. After another week, she was back to her usual silliness and has now returned to sleeping through the night (thank goodness).

Routines are so important and even though she had been on this trip before, this trip was different and took time to decompress. Getting readjusted is always important as is a visit to the vet if there are signs of concern.

Ever has now resumed her roaching on the sofa, demanding her treats and enjoying what seems to be unlimited amounts of grass to sniff in Minnesota.

Jeanne Gacke is President of Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption and can be reached at president@sagreys.org.