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The Animal Welfare Society is fortunate to have a Mobile Adoption Team that works with Shelter Dogs on a one to one basis. This includes bringing animals to events, through shelter Obedience Classes and in some cases, providing a foster home until a forever home comes along. The primary focus is Long Term Residents who have been at AWS for 8 weeks or longer. This enrichment program is a way to keep the spirits of the dogs buoyed and most certainly enhances their adoptability. The following are excerpts from notes to AWS known as MAT's Musings! Enjoy!
 Gracie’s Top 10 Favorite Things:
1. Belly rubs! But then again, who doesn’t love those?
2. People are definitely one of my favorite things. No one can ever be happier to see you come home than I am.
3. Rawhide bones and treats (I’m chewing on one right now).
4. Toys! Squeaky toys, stuffed toys, balls… you name it, I’ll play with it!
5. Naps. After a game of fetch I love to settle in for a nice long nap.
6. Car rides! I fall asleep and wake up somewhere exciting and new!
 7. Playing fetch at the beach, especially when Jenny throws the ball in the water!
8. Learning new tricks. Not to brag, but I’m pretty smart and I love to earn tasty treats.
9. Sleeping on the bed. Can you blame me? It’s comfy and warm, and I don’t snore or move around during the night.
10. My most favorite thing of all is being part of a family! The shelter can be scary for a big baby like me, and I can’t wait to find a family that will keep me forever! If you give me some of my favorite things, I’ll make sure to be the best pooch that I can be.
The fashion show put on by the AWS resident canines and AWS Alumnae (and their volunteer handlers) for their friends at The Atria in Kennebunk April 11, 2009 was another success!
Anticipation was building for everyone as the canine models made their way to the Atria with their handlers. What would the new spring designs produced by the House of Hazen look like? There was talk of new spring dress designs and the Easter Bunny. The dogs, handlers and audience soon found out that Beth had once again outdone herself.
Resident shelter model and handler teams included Matilda with Laura, Bella with Pat, Reba with Astrid and Porter with Ron. Therapy dog teams included Penelope and Kim and Dolly and Mary Jane. We were lucky enough to have a working dog with his owner too; Plankton and Megan.
Everything was in order. Deb was ready with the microphone and descriptions of the dogs and their attire. Showtime!
Penelope and Kim started. All the residents loved Penelope. Who would not like a Chihuahua? The spring theme outfits, dress types, were a huge hit with the residents. Penelope and Kim did a lot of visiting after the show as well.
Our working dog entry did a smashing job starting off in a fitted Easter Bunny vest. Megan wore the ears. This was the first show for Plankton, and he and Megan reminded everyone that a working dog has a soft side. Plankton did a great job visiting with the Atria residents after the show too.
Dolly, our sixteen year old shelter alumnae and fashion show veteran, reminded all of us that age is just a number. She was also an Easter Bunny representative and took on her role in that more slowly than Plankton. The Atria residents loved Dolly. Mary Jane and Dolly stayed visiting for a very long time after the show.
 Matilda and Laura were sporting a new House of Hazen design. Peas in a pod; Laura and Matilda were very green in this creation. The leafy hat was the show stopper for them! Matilda also had the pleasure of wearing the new summer dress Beth made just for this model. Matilda visited after the show with the Atria residents and received compliment after compliment.
 Bella and Pat were also beneficiaries of new Spring fashion designs. The new poodle skirt was a big hit on the Shepard mix! Sticking with the garden theme Bella also wore the gardening outfit, complete with pink plastic gardening tools!! Bella and Pat stayed to visit with the residents too. No one could resist Bella.
 Reba. . . . the longest term AWS canine resident at the moment. She and Astrid hit the runway, handler making sure that Reba had a clear path, with the bride outfit. Reba made the perfect bride too. She also wore the green raining cats and dogs vest. She looked beautiful in both. After the show the Atria residents patted Reba’s hound head and rubbed her long, soft ears.
 Porter and Ron made their fashion show debuts! Without this team we would not have been able to have a pirate, a major hit, in the fashion show. While the term diva usually refers to a female, Porter is a diva in his own right. Ron had to make sure to wake Porter up in between outfit changes. Porter was so relaxed he laid on his side in between trips down the runway to take a power snooze. After the show Porter worked the room of Atria residents. He again was so relaxed he fell asleep as he was being patted, Porter, not Ron.
Thanks to Judy and Paul for helping with the quick outfit changes and taking pictures. Thanks also to Deb for being our emcee. Special thanks to the dog and handler teams for bringing and showing off all the models. Thanks also to our friends at the Atria for having us visit.
Submitted by Astrid
The Mobile Adoption Team will spring into action at Pet Smart in Biddeford from 11-2 on Saturday, April 18th. Join the Team and adoptable AWS canines as they enjoy Mud Season!
It started out much as any MAT Saturday, I was running late. .. So into the busy shelter I ran, ready for my regularly scheduled date with my boy (Letterman). Today was a visit to the Planet Dog Company Store in Portland. But wait, someone was looking to adopt Letterman, he wouldn’t be going with me today. During this time Pat had taken Eugene out and was getting ready to load him up in her car and Beth got her girl Reba. We decided to take the Husky Akia in Letterman’s place.
 Akia was in an outside run with a family and they looked very interested, we can’t take her away from them. So back inside we go to find dog number three. After some deliberations we opt for a blonde Shepard mix named Greta. On with the leash and off we go through the very full lobby finally on our way to our destination. Well so I thought…Greta being the wonderful hostess that she is decided to take some time to greet a few people on her way out of the lobby. One person was an older gentleman looking at the book of available dogs and Greta walked right up to him and licked his hand. I politely introduced her and apologized for her being so forward and headed out the door. Over to the car, back door opened, dog in and I hear my name. Seriously people! Dog back out, close the door and head back inside.
By this time someone who had also been in the lobby when Greta came through was looking at Eugene, meaning Pat wasn’t going to Planet Dog either. So while Pat was talking to someone about Eugene, I spoke to the people who would turn out to be Greta’s new parents. Still we were determined to make it to Planet Dog!
 Did I mention that through all of this, poor Reba was being such a patient little girl! After speaking with Greta’s new parents I went to grab dog number 4. Eugene officially got adopted. So Pat was now on her dog number two. Off we went to our next meeting of the minds and to make a decision about two more dogs to take with us. Pat heads to the kitchen to pick up Bella, I scope out the back looking for Coco and Beth makes a call to Planet Dog stating that all of our dogs keeping getting adopted on us and we’ll be a bit late. P.D. was nice enough to understand and it was agreed that we could cancel this MAT afternoon visit; we were getting onto an hour late! So we now finally have dogs dressed up and no place to go, what’s our next plan of action? What else, Ice Cream!
 We were able to load all three dogs into three cars with no one stopping us and off the MAT train went to DQ in Kennebunk. All of the dogs dressed in their finest hand made “Adopt Me” vests enjoyed doggie ice creams topped with a Milk Bone biscuit while the handlers savored their cones and some quiet time. Reba, the elder stateswoman, was concerned about her figure and would barely touch her dish of ice cream. Bella threw care to the wind (and there was lots of wind to toss care to) and politely ate every bit of ice cream and biscuit that was offered. Coco was the young and very enthusiastic member of the crowd who not only ate her ice cream, she polished off Reba’s and then proceeded to flip the plastic dish over and crush it to smithereens with her paw. Oh the enthusiasm of a puppy!
 Since it was still pretty nice out we decided to visit Aunt Amy’s store which is just down the road from the DQ. Off we went, loading dogs back in the vehicles and the MAT train headed south. When we arrived at our destination, the dogs were served a dessert after a dessert and Amy taught Coco how to shake with her left paw. After relating our day’s adventures to our hostess it was time to head back to the shelter for the afternoon. Dogs and handlers both were getting tired.
No one can say it wasn’t a very exciting day to be a MAT member, but it was well worth everything. We managed to help with three dog adoptions, two of which were our wonderful LTR Greyhounds Letterman and Eugene. It’s a pleasant feeling knowing those two boys are at home tonight snuggled on their own beds in their very own homes.
Our next adventure is the Easter fashion show at the Atria in Kennebunk on April 11. We are going to have to make some substitutions as our costumes were designed for our larger LTR’s and it appears we don’t have anyone to fit the customs any longer. Looks like our wardrobe mistress and her assistants will be busy tailoring all week!
Submitted by: Laura
And here they are...The Top Ten Reasons to Adopt Letterman:
10. I am a real looker!;
9. I don't require any more exercise than other breeds of dog;
8. I get along with most dogs, especially Greyhounds;
7. They call me the best leaner in town – I love to lean on people;
6. Dog savvy cats are ok with me;
5. I love to be around people;
4. Car rides are one of my favorite things to do – at the shelter I am known as a bit of a backseat driver;
3. Wendy’s drive thru is fine with me, chicken nuggets please;
2. I am a young man. I’m only 4 and my breed can live to 10-14 years old;
and the number one reason to adopt me. . . .
1. I am ready for my second career! Your pet.
Next time you are at the shelter make sure to visit with me and bring your own top ten reasons to adopt a shelter dog.
- submitted by Astrid
Hey everyone, Gracie has been in foster care with me for about a week, and she is certainly settling in. Although she is definitely a scaredy cat in new situations, Gracie only needs a confident word and a pat on the head to get her wiggling again. She has been an angel in the house as well' no accidents and fine when left alone. Her first trip to the beach was a big step; crashing waves and piles of seaweed can be intimidating. But, like with most things, Gracie ended up loving it once she experienced it. Now we go every day to play a nice long game of fetch.
 Although she loves to play, Gracie enjoys spending her afternoons snoozing in the sun or chewing a bone. All in all, Gracie has been a sweet girl with personality to spare. Don't take my word for it, Gracie is at the shelter every weekend, so stop by AWS and meet her!
Best,
Jenny and Gracie
The more the merrier was the theme at the March 21, 2009 Pet Quarters visit. Ron, Beth, Laura, Paula and Astrid with our canine friends from AWS arrived to find our friends from Maine Greyhound Rescue also visiting Pet Quarters. Let’s just say a certain sight hound breed was well represented!
It was good to have so many dogs out with the AWS volunteers, Porter, Reba, Letterman and Merlin.
Ron worked the room, as usual, with the donation dog of the day, Porter, who greeted everyone enthusiastically. Ron’s enthusiasm rubs off on everyone! Porter really shined with some young ladies who fell in love with them, but, they already have a temperamental Yorkie at home.
 Reba was dressed in pink camo. True to her hound tradition and the creativity of her handler, truly, what other outfit would Reba be allowed to wear? Beth and Reba quietly worked the crowd. Reba stunned everyone when her age slipped out; people read her profile. They were also very impressed at her obedience skills. Yes, Beth let everyone know that Reba is an AWS obedience graduate. Reba likes to shop. Naturally she and Beth walked over to the Christmas Tree Shop and checked out some of the new Spring merchandise outside and wowed the crowds there too!
Letterman decided to take a laid back approach to this event. He wore the Jerry Garcia tie die vest. The colors were just perfect; blue, orange and yellow. While he was watching the world go by he decided Laura’s pretzels looked good enough to eat, so, he tried one. Good enough for people, good enough for Letterman.
Merlin attracted a crowd instantly. Merlin’s perspective family drove from the shelter to visit with him at the store. Paula gave lots of one on one attention and worked with the family. so that when Paula and Merlin left to seal the deal on the adoption at the shelter it was an easy transition for all.
Eugene was going to enjoy himself today. Yes, this understated and happy soul would have a good day. The new brown camo vest fit like a glove and showed off his own stunning brindle coat. A quick look up at Astrid when he saw it was spa day at Pet Quarters (a nail clipping fundraiser, proceeds to be split between the groups represented) and he was up on the table getting a trim. Ahh, that feels better. Eugene felt like a million bucks and continued to work the store. He discovered that beef Z-filets are very tasty. Let Letterman eat those pretzels!
Around two o’clock we headed back to the shelter with some very happy and tired dogs.
Our next event is the Long Term Resident party at the shelter on Friday, March 27 from 5-7 p.m. and then a visit to Planet Dog April 4 from 1-3 p.m.
It was a sunny Saturday in early March, the kind that we all dream about during those longs frosty days and nights in January. I was tooling down the turnpike listening to some rockin’ summer tunes (anyone here love Kenny Chesney as much as I do?) sipping on my Starbucks when suddenly I was awakened from my thoughts by a wet nose heading for my hot cocoa. “Is that for me too? Don’t you think you’re driving too fast? Watch out for the crows on the road! Isn’t that music a little too loud, you’ll end up with hearing problems? Is there something in the bag that’s for me?”
I looked right and there they were the cutest brown eyes under the longest eye lashes I’ve ever seen on a Greyhound. Oh yes now I remember, it was my Saturday afternoon date with Letterman and we were heading for the Kennel Shop in South Portland. Beth and Reba would be there waiting on us, what is it they say about being fashionably late? By the way, who are “they” and what is constitutes fashionably late?
Yes, due to my poor planning and the fact that we were about to run out of fuel I had to stop to get gas on the way to the Kennel Shop and we were going to be late. Thankfully there were no long lines at the gas station or on the turnpike; we were a scant 15 minutes behind schedule. When we arrived Beth and Reba were already greeting the Saturday morning shoppers. Reba was on her best behavior and worked her hound magic the best she could. No one could believe that she was a middle aged lady. Reba is such a joy to take out with us, she is always polite waiting for her attention. She’ll make someone a great companion…now to find that person
 Not to be outdone, Ron and Porter showed up even more fashionably late then Letterman and I. Apparently Porter forgot to set his watch last weekend and wasn’t ready when Ron showed up to get him. But Porter made up for his tardiness by being the aisle greeter, making sure that everyone who came near him paid some attention to him. He was the consummate professional greeter all day and for the most part always on his best behavior and making sure everyone had a smile when they left. Although, um, we did discover that Porter does have a pension for Mother Hubbard dogs biscuits and is very quick about sneaking them behind Ron’s back. I’ll just end that tale there.
Letterman, well what else can I say about Letterman. He’s another one of those dogs that we muse why he’s still there. I will admit he did find his voice this weekend, but other then a few barks he was a model Greyhound. There was one woman who brought her dog in to meet him and they did great together. She was waiting for her husband to return home from a California business trip so he could meet Letterman. At this writing Mr. L is still waiting for his furever home.
Before we knew it, the time to leave had come. We packed up our things and headed back to the shelter. I looked in the review and asked “L” where he’d like to stop for lunch and the only response I got was a snore. Wow, I didn’t think Greyhounds ever got sleepy!! I secretly hoped I wouldn’t have to carry him back to his bed at the shelter.
Onto our next adventure, Pet Quarters in South Portland on Saturday March 21 from 11AM-2PM. Please come and join us and help get some dogs adopted. Kenny Chesney and Starbucks are optional.
Cheers,
Laura
Hey everyone, Jade here! I'm still having a great time in foster care, you wouldn't believe how much fun it is! I get treats for learning things like stay, down, and off. My foster mom even taught me a great game where I use my nose to sniff out treats hidden in the dining room, it's a piece of cake for a hound like me! 
Not only does she take me to the beach - she also takes me to the coolest place ever- a dog park! Not only do I get to run around and smell all the different scents, but there are other pooches to play with.
Want to know the best part of it all?
At the end of the day I get to go upstairs and curl up under the covers and get a good night's sleep. From what I hear, that's what happens when you're adopted too.
I can't wait for my forever home to find me! Until then, I'll keep working on being the best foster dog I can be, it's a full time job! See ya! JADE
More AWS Adventures with Astrid
Eugene was my lunch partner of the day yesterday and went with me to the McDonalds in Kennebunk. After looking over the menu, it was his first time there, he ordered off the Dollar Menu - Chicken McNuggets. After enjoying his lunch, my lunch looked good too - a Quarter Pounder. Mmmmmm. No dice, but Eugene was treated to a side trip to Nature's Gifts to visit with Amy. Amy was at an obedience seminar, but Mark was there. Eugene impressed Mark with his only trick; hugs. After a quick walk around the store it was back to the shelter so Letterman could get a quick trip out of the shelter too.
Letterman was wagging and whining to get out of his kennel. He knew he was headed somewhere, but where? He remembered Astrid mentioned Dairy Queen, but what is that? On arrival at the Kennebunk Dairy Queen Letterman put his head on the counter and looked inside this wonderful place called Dairy Queen. The person waiting on him fell in love right away. Astrid translated Letterman's order, a dog ice cream please, and, risking diabetic coma, ordered a Peanut Buster Parfait for herself. Letterman finished his first and decided that if he could not sample this peanut/cocolate delight, this concoction may double as a hair treatment. A quick bump with his nose and ice cream and chocolate were all over the left side of Astrid's hair. That will teach her to share, chocolate or not! It did save her from consuming too much sugar!
On Friday, February 13 the MAT team and AWS staff hosted a retirement party for adoptable, alumni and guest Greyhounds. It was a HUGE success!! There was a temporary name change to SAT (Stationary Adoption Team) for the night.
 The Education room was set up with food, punch and lots of educational materials about Greyhounds.
The first arrival was a man and his Greyhound, Phantom. He had heard about the event from a volunteer who goes to shelter dog class. On their arrival the Greyhound stories began.
By 5:20 the crowd in Education swelled to ten dogs and all their owners and families! The food table made its way to the lobby to make room for everyone. Visitors interested in AWS residents made their way to the Obedience Room to meet our dogs.
Bobby was sleeping by 5:30. Astrid reminded him that the event ran till 7:00 which was greeted by a snore from Bobby. Mikey was very friendly and wanted to play. Eugene came out of his shell and visited with everyone who came in the room. Letterman, not to be outdone, did play bows and rubbed up against everyone. Bobby continued his power snooze. Letterman has a secret talent. Before anyone could stop him he started peeing. That in itself is not remarkable, but, his aim, into a waterbowl, is. Thank you for your quick thinking Mary Jane!
Many of the people who visited with the AWS dogs already had at least one Greyhound and were looking to add to their family. The interest in how to adopt was high. Lots of people asked about and read up on Bobby and Eugene. They also asked if more of these Greyhound specific events were upcoming. It seems there is a demand and we will do our best to fill it. If you would like more information, please emailgail@animalwelfaresociety.org to be included in future Greyt Events.
Ranger and Letterman attended the Home Show on Sunday, February 8 with the Mobile Adoption Team.
 He did great. He shy with most people but warmed up right away to many women. He worked for treats and did lots of sits. People asked about him and were told he came from a place where he lived outside most of the time and is looking for a family who will love him indoors. He loves to ride. On the way up he rode with his hind feet on the back seat and the front feet on the cup holder in between the front seats. His big hound head and ears were in my rear view! On the way back he used the blanket on the back seat to make a nest and curled up to take a HUGE power snooze. The ride back from Portland was too short for both of us. With a little kindness and training from his new family he will live up to his hound potential.
I got the pleasure of taking Mr. Letterman out on his inaugural MAT event to the Portland Home Show on Sunday.
Since our usual MAT Greyhound ambassador, Walter, was taking some much deserved down time yesterday we needed a Greyt Greyhound to be the breed representative and young Mr. Letterman was more then up to the challenge. We’ve found that people are so attracted to the breed and have so many questions about them that these events are perfect educational opportunities. Not to mention that the stature of these dogs just naturally attacks people to them.
 I won’t say my ride with Letterman to the Civic Center was uneventful though. He does ride wonderfully in the car but I forgot how large these dogs are until I made the mistake of eating a granola bar without his permission. Life was good and he was riding like a champ until he heard the rustle of the foil on the bar. Somehow all four feet remained solidly planted in the back see but his nose just appeared right next to my food! I quietly asked him what he was doing and he just blinked those gorgeous brown eyes at me like “well, I thought that was for me”. Then he realized there were even better treats in my MAT crash kit that just happened to be in the front seat with me and off the nose (with the rest of the dog still attached, of course) headed. Let’s just say that the smell the Cod Liver flavored dogs treats remain in the car long after the treats have left!
Once we got to the Home Show Letterman, just like his mentor Walter, turned on the Greyhound charm and walked the entire show. He calmly walked booth to booth patiently waiting for someone to acknowledge him and then would politely excuse himself when he was done and move onto the next human with a hand positioned for a scratch. When he got over whelmed and needed a break, he would look towards me and then towards the outside waiting for me to give him the okay to take a breather. He was well behaved and a great dog to work with.
Our trip home was fairly uneventful, but he did become a bit of a back seat driver. Laying down and relaxing until I changed lanes on the turnpike and then he’d look at me in the mirror almost to say “you turned your blinker on and looked over your shoulder before doing that…right?” Men!
Hello all, Jade here! I'm just checking in from my foster home- boy am I having fun! I get to go to the beach to chase the birds almost every day, and sometimes I meet other dogs to play with. I also get to go on long walks every morning, and I just love all the different smells! I do my best to obey the rules, but I do help myself to food on the counter occasionally. Even though I sometimes slip up, I've been learning a lot, and my foster family is very understanding. Well, that's it for now... I think I see a squirrel outside! See you later!!!
Walter's handler reports on his visit to the Portland Home Show
Walter was STELLAR!
I keep thinking about how he rose to the occasion and touched so many people. I heard many tear-jerkers as people hugged him while he leaned into them...what a remarkable dog to be just so trusting.
Someone remarked 'They don't do stairs', but I could easily reassure about that, since we were standing near the long flight of upbound stairs that Walter had just taken (on the way to his potty break) and which he very elegantly ascended!
When we returned to AWS there were 'people' there (i.e. a family) who had come especially to meet him. I spoke with them about his positives while being respectful of the fact that they needed to see for themselves. I popped the Gentle Leader on so that he would be settled and calm. They were familiar as they use the Gentle Leader consistently with their Dobie. I was so hoping to see the website updated with his adoption but it seems they left without him. Oh well- que sera, sera I guess.
What a great event, it ranks right up there in my mind! Great folks and lots of fun!
oxoPat
I wanted to let you know that I had a lovely lunch with Walter today. We went to my shelter dog usual hot spot, McDonalds. He enjoyed a four pack chicken mcnuggets and a cheeseburger. I had to go through a second time for the cheeseburger.
While I was eating my order and feeding him his nuggets he was not bashful about putting his head near my cheek to try to get a better look at my burger. He did not make a move for it, but he was looking at it wistfully. His face while he was doing this was very cute and I think he had a great time getting out of the shelter for a while. The drive up people looked at us funny when we drove through the second time for Walter's follow up on the
nuggets. He is a very gentle dog.
When we got back I sat with him for a long while in his kennel. He settled down and would come over to visit and get rubbed on his shoulders. He loves quiet attention. He laid down and puffed a few times. Seemed like he was relaxing and unwinding some. It was heartbreaking to leave. Walter sprung up and wanted to come with me.
He is such a good looking dog, a kind dog, and a great lunch companion, hopefully he'll go to his forever home soon.
Best, Astrid
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