GREYHOUNDS - by Barbara Karant

We've long been admirers of the photographic talent of Barbara Karant- three of her images hang in our home, purchased from "Greyhounds in Art, 2005" at Dewey Beach. And gifts purchased here on NCG's site are often accompanied by Barbara's lovely note cards, purchased from Greyhounds Only.

Soon everyone will be able to admire the work of this artist up close and personal with the publication of GREYHOUNDS- The Book! Pre-orders are being taken right now for September delivery- OR, you'll be able to purchase your own signed copy at Ms. Karant's book signing in this year's Dewey Beach Art Show. Naturally, a portion of the book's proceeds will be contributed to greyhound causes, but they will also be available to adoption groups to sell in support of your own organizations. To purchase for your online store or offer at local events contact: Jeff Hughes, Special Markets Coordinator/HNA Books or call 212.229.7184 for more info.

"When I first saw the photographs of Barbara Karant, I was stunned. Her marriage of the greyhound's line with transparent light, makes the images at once so immediate and iconic that even strangers to the breed feel they know these dogs. Feel they understand what it might be like to be among them." ~ Alice Sebold

"Barbara's now book is the very first item on my Dewey shopping list- gotta have one!" ~ Cara Brockhoff :)

Assistance Harness for Greyhounds

As adopters of senior greyhounds exclusively (almost!), Jerry and I have often wished for a harness that would allow us to help our old kids get up from a lying position, or up a few steps, or to go outside without the physical invasion of trying to cram a towel beneath their frail and uncomfortable old bodies.

When Diana was seen at a specialty hospital in the SF Bay Area, the physical therapist put a "4 Paws Car Harness" on her which was very helpful- the soft padding of lambs wool beneath her chest allowed her to wear it all the time- those harnesses are available at Petco Stores should you have an emergency need.

Though helpful, it wasn't made for a greyhound's long body and we wished for something more- something along the same lines, but better!

Our wish was fulfilled by Carol Becker who created this custom fitted harness for our Alice, just when we needed it most. Alice was one of those flighty little girls who vehemently resisted any sort of treatment or help, so her last week with us would have been even more traumatic had it not been for this comfortable harness that allowed us to lift/steer/assist her by using the top strap and without seeming to invade her personal space. If only we'd had one for all our osteo-dogs....

We were so impressed that we suggested adding her harness to our website so senior-lovers everywhere would know where to find one when it was needed. Not only is Carol a wizard at sewing, but she also contributes all her earnings to greyhounds in need.

To order, just email Carol and she'll describe the measurements she needs to create a custom harness for your greyhound.

Greyhound Checks

These are but a few examples of the greyhound checks offered by Kansas Bank Note Company - they're our own, but you're welcome to use the images (all but the Northcoast Greyhounds checks, that is.)

KBNC has more greyhound images in stock from which you can choose, but better yet, use your own photos and make your checks really personal!

You can decide if you want to allow others to use your photo on their checks, too - the one on the top right, of Sophie and Powder, now deceased, was taken by their owner, Loretta Nickolas, local member of Northcoast Greyhounds, and made into checks in the early '90's. This very special photograph is still the most popular of all.

Other than the fact that we use KBNC checks for 4 different accounts of our own, we have no connection with the bank, we just love their products and enjoy sharing resources with our customers.

Memorial Stones

Deep in Schroeder's Swamp, the natural wetlands in Northern California where we walk our greyhounds daily, lies the Brockhoff Family Memorial Garden for all our Bridge Kids. A rock, with the dates of their lives, marks the passing of our original Schroeder, Butchie the cat, and twenty-two of their greyhound friends.

Their ashes, scattered along the trails they loved to explore, now nurture this heavenly place in body and spirit. The garden, lying on pine needles beneath spruce and redwoods near the creek, nurtures our souls with their memories every day.

One might consider that every bird, every deer, every coyote has a memorial stone somewhere- along some stream bed or upon some mountain- they just don't have their names engraved upon them. The pets who share our lives deserve special treatment.

Sue Bandsma, of Rock Your Pets, can help you create your own lasting memorial, be it for one greyhound or many- or for every pet you owned before discovering greyhounds.

Even 100 years from now, our rocks will make this statement: "These family pets lived and were loved."

Cow Hide Tag Collars

Not just for seniors, but particularly comfy for senior necks, all our kids wear these collars and it makes us feel comfortable knowing they're safely tagged at all times. What's prettier, after all, than a pratically naked greyhound??

These collars are another invention by Carol Becker, who can provide a color (with or without the fur) to match your greyhound's natural coat.

Four lines of print are allowed, so our kids' are all similar:
Zinnia Brockhoff
1-800-366-1472
707-839-4765
707-498-6282
Since people are more inclined to call an 800#, the GPA # comes first (Northern CA calls come to our home!) Cell phone comes right after our home number in case we'd be out looking for a dog when someone tried to call. We figure those four lines pretty much cover everything.

Fancy martingales, with leashes attached, hang on the hooks by the front door to slip over heads when going out to meet the public, but for here at home, our kids are safe & comfy in just these soft strips of cow hide.

For information on pricing, sizing and color, email Carol. We're happy to share a valued resource, especially because al of Carol's earnings help support greyhounds in need.

VP Beds for VIP Hounds

No, Cara's not a senior. She just makes it obvious that all greyhounds love these beds! Seniors, especially, however, deserve the most comfort we can provide so the Brockhoff hounds have eight of them!

We're happy to refer to Victoria Peak not only because of the enduring quality and fluffy comfort, but because Jack provides the best in customer service!

Check out Victoria Peak's luxurious variety on Jack' website or in his eBay store - your hounds will love you for it!