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Post by campgreyhound on Feb 13, 2014 21:03:12 GMT -5
I visited Bill today at the hospital, and I didn't stay too long, as he was not feeling well at all. It is with mixed feelings that I share with you that Bill is retiring from the GRA due to health reasons, after 18 years and what we can only guess at is 3000 or so greyhound adoptions made across Canada, most of them right here in southern Ontario. The doors of the GRA closed, but only until the next turnout. When the doors opened again, there was Heather Main's smiling face. Many of you have met Heather, she has worked both as a volunteer and then later as paid staff at the GRA for 4 or 5 years, so we can have confidence in her ability to take over the helm with some help from Tisa and the amazing team of wonderful volunteers. And I do mean amazing!
Heather has asked me to let you all know how very overwhelmed she is with the support being showed to the GRA during this transition. I told her, we're just really happy she's there! I think we can expect some exciting changes over the coming months, but for now we will stay focused on getting over this hump and helping out as much as we can. While there is enough kibble to do for now, help is still needed paying down the vet's bill.
Heather has asked those of you collecting kibble to please hang onto it for now, I'm afraid there's no more room at the kennel to store more of it! But do hang onto it, it will be needed, likely in about a month's time.
Heather is hoping to be online again in another week or so, when she gets her new computer.
Thanks again so much to those of you who were able to donate. It's made all the difference!
Also, some very sweet greyhounds by the names of Renegade, Bitten and Emerald had a fuss made over them today to hold them over until they go to their new homes - it should not be very long now!
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nimbyearl
Hound Nut
BUY CANADIAN!
Posts: 1,344
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Post by nimbyearl on Feb 13, 2014 22:09:11 GMT -5
I'm glad Bill is finally going to take time for himself. He has given so unselfishly to all the hounds and we are all so grateful.
So am I reading it correct that Heather will be taking over the helm and GRA will continue? That would be wonderful!
As for the kibble - I don't have room to store until next month what I have collected. It is in my van right now.
Liz
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greytluck
Grey Addicted
Hobbes- Always loved, never forgotten.
Posts: 2,335
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Post by greytluck on Feb 13, 2014 22:15:51 GMT -5
Bill did so much for so many greyhounds. I'll be forever thankful for the three hounds that have graced my life because of his dedication. I hope he is feeling better soon.
Thank you Heather for stepping up and being there for the greyhounds and GRA.
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Post by renegade on Feb 13, 2014 22:25:00 GMT -5
how close are we to paying down the vets' bill? I am anxious to help! (for apparent reasons!! haha) I have made one donation towards it, but if we are close I'm sure we can work together and get it taken care of!!
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troysmom
Hound Nut
Troy & Leopold
Posts: 1,717
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Post by troysmom on Feb 13, 2014 22:37:01 GMT -5
GRA was created with Bills love and devotion for these wonderful dogs. He must be very proud of his accomplishments over the years and the ability to pass this on to Heather. Such a wonderful man that we only wish the best for!
God bless you Bill for giving me my heart dog Troy who's now my angel. Mary and the two lovely boys I have now. I wouldn't have know their love without you. You did a amazing act helping these dogs and creating GRA. I hope you feel better soon and enjoy your retirement.
Heather will do a great job and I'm so happy to know its in her hands and GRA will carry on. Thank you Heather for all you have done in the past and taking over GRA!
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Post by campgreyhound on Feb 13, 2014 22:57:40 GMT -5
Liz, I'd suggest going out when some volunteers are there,and getting creative - maybe there's some room on the other side of the kennel. I'm glad Bill is finally going to take time for himself. He has given so unselfishly to all the hounds and we are all so grateful. So am I reading it correct that Heather will be taking over the helm and GRA will continue? That would be wonderful! As for the kibble - I don't have room to store until next month what I have collected. It is in my van right now. Liz
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nimbyearl
Hound Nut
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Post by nimbyearl on Feb 14, 2014 9:10:14 GMT -5
Thank you Karen!
Liz
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Post by greys4us on Feb 14, 2014 9:59:44 GMT -5
Thanks to Bill, we have been able to share our lives, over the past 13 years, with 12 greyhounds. Our lives have been changed for the better for it. Thanks Bill!
As volunteers for the past 8 years, we were there when Heather started. We can see that she is committed to the well being of every hound that comes through the door, as if it was her own. Heather will make a greyt 'den mother' and will work hard to get all the hounds to their new adopted home! There will be challenges, going forward, but with the support of the forum members (by donations, physical help, words of encouragement, etc.), GRA will continue!
Jim and Cathy
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aeiou
Grey Puppy
Posts: 82
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Post by aeiou on Feb 14, 2014 10:39:27 GMT -5
Sending my prayers to Bill. I hope he gets well soon.
Congratulations Heather.
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lanlove
Junior Grey Lover
Posts: 179
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Post by lanlove on Feb 14, 2014 12:35:14 GMT -5
I haven't known Bill as long or as well as many of you on the forum but he has definately got a special place in my heart for matching me up with my Lanny. He is truly a very special man and hopefully he will recover soon and enjoy his retirement, it is well deserved:) Thanks and congratulations to Heather for taking over the reins at GRA. Since I have only had the chance to adopt one greyhound I am relieved to hear that GRA will keep its doors open and hopefully still be around when the time comes for my family to add another greyhound to our household. It is awesome to see the out-pouring of donations and the number of generous people who are supporting GRA. It really is an amazing adoption center that Bill has created and all for the love of greyounds and the people that love them. Thank you Bill, get well soon
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jason
Hound Nut
Posts: 1,708
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Post by jason on Feb 14, 2014 12:56:08 GMT -5
Bill you have filled the world with a little more love one greyhond at a time. AND you done it over 3,000 times. Your selflessness and dedication are very, very much appreciated. Please take care of yourself and get better soon so you can start enjoying your retirement. THANK YOU for caring so much and bringing so much happiness and joy into my life through the four greyhounds I've had the pleasure of sharing my days with.
Heather I have no doubt that the entire GRA family is behind you 100%. I certianly am. If you need anything please don't hesitate to ask for help. I only wish we lived closer so that we could do more hands on work with the pups.
We know that the kennel has been placed in very capable and loving hands.
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Post by rockysparents on Feb 14, 2014 14:27:29 GMT -5
Bill thank you for everything you have done for the greys and all the work you have done over the years. Without you we wouldn't have my two my boys right now or have had the chance to know our bridge boy rocky so from my family to you thank you so much and hope you are feelinfpg better soon
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Post by GreyPoopon on Feb 14, 2014 16:56:33 GMT -5
Bill: You should be very proud of what you have accomplished. Not just the incredible numbers of greyhounds that you've placed, but your amazing ability to match greyhounds with families, the many adopters you've helped with your advice, and your extraordinary ability to find homes for older dogs that other agencies have trouble placing. I've adopted 12 dogs from GRA in the past 8 1/2 years--many of whom you've suggested--and every one was a great fit. Thank you. I hope you are soon well enough to enjoy your well-earned retirement. Heather: Congratulations! I am so glad that you are willing and able to take on the responsibility of running GRA. I hope that you will have many successful years ahead. I know that you can do it, especially with the help of your volunteers and the generosity of GRA's adopters in getting through the next little while. (I hope that you are soon online so you can read everyone's congratulations. )
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dashandus
Grey Lover
I am very sad to annonce that our beautiful Primo Dash passed away suddenly today
Posts: 412
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Post by dashandus on Feb 14, 2014 19:22:49 GMT -5
Sorry to hear Bill is not feeling very well yet and is retiring because of health reasons. Bill's dedication to the GRA and all the hounds who found a loving home is very much appreciated by us all. Helping us get Dash could not have been a better match. Just a few questions and he knew Dash was good for us. I am sorry we donot live close to help with the work. Heather it is good to know you are taking over. I donot know you personally but from what I read you are the right person for the job. Much love and best wishes to you as you are taking over the GRA.
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daylight
Hound Nut
what's so funny Light?....Joker!
Posts: 1,275
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Post by daylight on Feb 14, 2014 21:17:17 GMT -5
Valentines Day... such an appropriate time to say "thank you Bill"... For enriching our lives with love, For making us believe in magic, For reaffirming our faith in compassion, dedication,and self-sacrifice.
You are inspiring in so many ways. Through you, so many lives, both hound and human, have truely been blessed. May your retirement hold for you good health and much happiness...always.
...And all the very best wishes to you Heather. We met very briefly back in 2012, and I was immediately in awe of your special touch with the hounds. Your commitment and love for all the pups resonates throughout this forum...I know you will be perfect in your new role.
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