Guest GiJenn51 Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 God Speed little ones. :cry1 Wednesday, December 05, 2007 LORI TOBIAS The Oregonian Staff WALDPORT -- Rayetta Holder was headed home Sunday after a weekend in Medford finding families for the greyhounds she rescues when a friend called to warn her that high winds and rising waters had closed the roads from the valley to the coast. Rather than wait out the storm, Holder decided to drive to Portland to pick up donated dog food for Homes for Hounds, the nonprofit she founded that adopts out retired greyhounds. Then came the second call, this time from the caretakers who live behind the greyhound kennels. "Your house is on fire," a tearful Holder recalls hearing. "Are my dogs outside?" she asked. "No." In that instant, Holder learned that six greyhounds awaiting adoption, two greyhounds that were her pets, and five kittens she'd rescued recently were dead. The caretakers also lost a dog and a cat. The property sustained substantial damage. "No dog in our care had ever died before," Holder said. "The house can be repaired, but my dogs will never come back. I'm not sure I can ever live in my house again." From what Holder can piece together, the fire began after a caretaker lit candles during a power outage, then fell asleep. His wife arrived home early from her job and was able to awaken him and their daughter and get them out. Holder wonders whether the animals could have been saved. "I guess they tried to go back inside," she said, "but it was too hot." Holder began working with the sleek dogs known for their sweet natures and incredible speed in 1988, after seeing a TV show about killing greyhounds no longer able to race. Since then, the nonprofit has adopted out more than 2,000 dogs and has holding kennels and volunteers throughout the state. "This is a great tragedy for the greyhound community, as well as our community at large," said Sheila Sammons, dog rescue coordinator for the Central Coast Humane Society. "She's done such good work and her compassion and passion for doing this and doing it for so long is just admirable." Holder is in Portland awaiting the arrival of her daughter before returning to Waldport. Meanwhile, she's trying to keep her mind on the adoption event next weekend in Eugene. "Homes for Hounds is not done," said Holder. "We would not do this if we did not love these animals. They are the most loving creatures you will ever be around." _________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 What a horrible thing to have happened. I have that fear in the back of my mind often. My sincere condolences to Rayetta and her family. God Speed Babies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hamiesmom Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 Run free like the wind, babies. Rayetta, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that your heart is breaking but you will be back to give other sweet animals another chance at finding their forever homes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyhound1 Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Carla Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blitzen_n_Simone Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 There just are no words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dwolfe711 Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 So much sad news on the Board today - I cannot imagine the horror and sadness of a situation like this - there are no words to convey our sorrow Run free sweet babies - run free with all the other Angels at the Bridge - Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAVED2 Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 f_yellow :f_red Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jeannejj Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 My deepest sympathies to Rayetta and family....there are no words...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jettcricket Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 ....So overwhelming to lose so many at one time. God speed precious babies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattyE Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 This is so heartbreaking. I cannot imagine. My sympathy to Rayetta and her family. Quote Patty, Mom to Jaxson 5/12/2017 Forever in my heart: Joey 11/01/2007 to 12/06/2018, Scout 11/19/2005 to 07/15/15 and Jack 01/03/2004 to 06/11/2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryz Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 (edited) There are no words to express my sorrow at this tragic loss. Prayers for the ones lost and for their families. Edited December 6, 2007 by maryz Quote Mary, mom to kitty Rebel.Always missing Sherri (SO DELICIOUS) (12/6/2005-8/29/2018) kitties Marley (4/2000-12/3/2015) and Beady (4/1998-2/24/2006) and Dalmatian Daisy (7/25/1984-5/13/1999). The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not - Thomas Jefferson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 sO sad!!! Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinnieAndRexsMom Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 I am so sorry for the family and for others who's lives are touched by this loss, Godspeed greyangels. May you find the home you missed in Heaven, Quote Tonya, mom to May, and my angels Vinnie, Rex, Red, Chase, and Jake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lala Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 This is such a terrible thing. My heart goes out to Rayetta and her family. Godspeed furry friends. :f_white Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 Such a terrible tragedy. My deepest condolences to all involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Machbragal Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 This is SO very sad. RIP sweet ones. Sadly, many animals died in the recent storm we had here in the Pacific Northwest. A great rescue organization, Pasado's Safe Haven, is very actively trying to help rescue animals in the devastated areas. I just called in a donation to the feed store that gives them a discount for hay and other products. You can read more about the devastation on animals and what Pasado is doing at this site: http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/HOMEPAGE/12_FLOOD/Flood.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest K9_Lady Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytlady94 Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 So, so sad. Quote Greyhound angels at the bridge- Casey, Charlie, Maggie, Molly, Renie, Lucy & Teddy. Beagle angels Peanut and Charlie. And to all the 4 legged Bridge souls who have touched my heart, thank you. When a greyhound looks into you eyes it seems they touch your very soul. "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more then he loves himself". Josh Billings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest argolola Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 How heartbreaking. Godspeed precious babies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest darlene Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Posted December 8, 2007 Share Posted December 8, 2007 Incredibly sad, I'm so sorry for her loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Baloos_Mom Posted December 9, 2007 Share Posted December 9, 2007 Always a fear of mine as well. Even if I was here, could I get everyone out. I just pray that God will keep them all safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted December 9, 2007 Share Posted December 9, 2007 (edited) Edited December 9, 2007 by galgrey Quote Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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