HeyGrey Posted November 3, 2004 Share Posted November 3, 2004 startribune.com Close window Last update: November 3, 2004 at 6:30 AM Kim Hrabe dies at 44; she rescued greyhounds Ben Cohen Star Tribune Published November 3, 2004 Kim Hrabe of Richfield, a mother of two, a wife and a full-time registered nurse, made time for another passion: finding homes for greyhound racing dogs that were no longer race-worthy. Hrabe, president of the 2004 Minnesota chapter of the Greyhound Pets of America, died Oct. 18 after the car she was driving collided with a truck in Cottage Grove. She was 44. She worked with track officials and racing trainers to save unwanted dogs from around the Midwest and Canada. She personally transported dogs to the Twin Cities to find them a permanent home -- but first ensured a foster home at her house or others' homes. She often nursed the retired racers back to health. Her husband, Martin Hrabe, said she went beyond the call of duty for a volunteer position. "She loved her dogs," he said, adding that she devoted 15-30 hours a week to the organization. Jennifer Jett, a chapter board member and adoption representative for the group that worked with Hrabe, said that their leader demonstrated innovation and enthusiasm. In Minnesota, Hrabe made sure she or other volunteers personally got to know potential greyhound owners. They began with a lengthy phone interview, sometimes as long as two hours, a follow-up meeting, and a $200 fee. "She focused on profiling the people and the dogs," Jett said. "She pioneered this in Minnesota to make sure the families and dogs were compatible. It's so important that you don't just get a dog, but that you get the right dog." The dogs usually come from tracks in Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri, the latter funneling dogs from around the nation to greyhound adoption groups. The Minnesota chapter also serves adopting families in Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and nearby Canada. From 1987 to sometime in 2003, the organization found homes for 60,000 dogs. The Minnesota chapter found homes for more than 70 dogs in 2003 and about 50 so far this year. Hrabe, who was a greyhound owner herself, was a graduate of Chanhassen High School and earned her nursing degree at Garden City Community College in Kansas. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughters Hannah and Jennifer; mother, Linda Palmer of Richfield; her father, Ron Palmer; brother, Scott Palmer of Brighton, Mich.; and sister, Kelli Palmer of Richfield. Services have been held. Ben Cohen is at bcohen@startribune.com © Copyright 2004 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. Quote [ Neighbor Mike Inspired by Beloved Angels Danny & Mick Custom Quilted Coats, Wallhangings & MORE "From there to here, From here to there, Funny things are everywhere. Especially with a greyhound in your life! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest auntiesara Posted November 4, 2004 Share Posted November 4, 2004 What a tragic story,but at least the newspaper readers will learn of her passion for helping Greys! Sara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MnMDogs Posted November 4, 2004 Share Posted November 4, 2004 How very sad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scullysmum Posted November 4, 2004 Share Posted November 4, 2004 Quote <p>"One day I hope to be the person my dog thinks I am"Sadi's Pet Pages Sadi's Greyhound Data PageMulder1/9/95-21/3/04 Scully1/9/95-16/2/05Sadi 7/4/99 - 23/6/13 CroftviewRGT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy_Hanson Posted November 4, 2004 Share Posted November 4, 2004 They mentioned the adoption fee in the obituary? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mohawkgreys Posted November 4, 2004 Share Posted November 4, 2004 That's so sad. Maybe, though, it will interest people more in Greys. (?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Reesesmom Posted November 4, 2004 Share Posted November 4, 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greymom23 Posted November 4, 2004 Share Posted November 4, 2004 We hate to lose such an advocate for our beloved Greyhounds. I am sure she will be sorely missed by all. So sad... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Snowy8 Posted November 4, 2004 Share Posted November 4, 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GreyGirl81 Posted November 5, 2004 Share Posted November 5, 2004 How awful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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