GALTx eNews: 2016 Results Are In!
Almost everyone seems to have really strong feelings about 2016, either good or bad. We're going to go with good because, although 2016 stretched our resources, we helped a lot of hounds! Indeed, we welcomed 175 hounds to the GALT family in 2016!
Eighteen of these hounds returned to us from GALT adopters who experienced extreme changed life circumstances - divorce, serious or terminal illness and death - who could no longer provide a good home for the dogs. All have found their new forever homes. If you find yourself in this position, please remember to contact us first. The adoption contract requires it and we always want to make sure our dogs land on their feet. Another 59 of our new arrivals came directly from dog farms, kennels and other owners. Twenty-six hounds came to us from various shelters and 25 were strays. We rescued 15 hounds from West Texas cruelty seizures and surrenders. And in August, we took in 32 hounds from GPA Daytona (the Greyt 32), four of which later transferred to other adoption groups. Four of our arrivals had broken legs, including Diana who was hit by a car. Sadly, we lost seven dogs who came to us too ill to be saved, including puppies Butch, and Etta. Many arrivals required treatment for Ehrlichia Canis, heartworm, or serious injuries. At the end of the year, our direct medical and support expenses totaled over $277,000, including $36,000 for boarding expenses related partly to the arrival of the Greyt 32. Thanks to each of you who made a donation, large or small, that helped us cover these and our other operating costs!
On the outbound side, GALT found homes for 135 hounds in 2016 starting with long time foster Dana and wrapping up with Truitt! Congrats to all the new families! Some quick math reveals that we took in about 29 more hounds than left us in 2016, and that means that our foster homes are still stretched to the limit! Please consider joining our foster force in 2017!
In addition to directly working with the hounds, fostering and facilitating adoptions, our volunteers attended more than 100 meet and greets, pulled off several important fundraising events, managed the GreytStore, took care of the accounting and other administrative work, managed several social media accounts and performed countless other tasks that make it all possible. Our sincere thanks to each and everyone of you for everything you do!
Now, on to 2017!
