Hounds of The World

20/04/2024

To the Attendees & Friends of Hounds of The World~Solvang:

We regret to inform you that Greyhounds Make Great Pets will no longer be sponsoring and running our Hounds of The World gathering in Solvang.

Our decision was made after much soul searching and is due to the cost of the venue, the inability to find a comparable dog friendly, reasonably priced indoor facility, and the lack of vendors interested in coming to our annual event. GMGP is not an adoption organization and as such has no core volunteers willing to assist with the event nor have we been able to find an adoption group willing to take on the time & expense of the gathering in Solvang on top of the fundraisers they currently hold.

Rory & I would like to give a heart felt “thank you” to the amazing Dana Provost who has volunteered to keep the greyhounds gathering in Solvang since 2005. A remarkable vendor coordinator as well as vendor, in addition to being one of nicest people we know, Dana has always been there for the hounds.

We will truly miss the friendships that were made in Solvang over the years and the wonderful attendees who we looked forward to seeing each February.
Most of all, we will forever hold the many, many Solvang hounds in our hearts because they are the true reason that we all came together.

11/01/2024

https://www.santabarbara.com/dining/news/2024/01/09/pea-soup-andersens-closes-in-buellton/

This just in from reader Kent: “Pea Soup Andersen’s in Buellton is closed. I heard from multiple sources that the restaurant is closed but am not sure about the hotel. I also heard a rumor that it will be torn down and stores and condos will be built there. The end of an icon.” I called the re...

13/12/2023

While it's difficult during the holiday season, Arizona Adopt A Greyhound is in need of foster families due to the situation at the Caliente, Mexico dog track.
Please help if you can.

URGENT NEED FOR FOSTERS

Arizona Adopt a Greyhound has just found out the Caliente, Mexico track is reducing its racing schedule to 2 days per week starting January 1st. Some kennels are reducing or closing immediately, and 30 dogs will be coming across the border before the end of the year. AAGI is committed to helping 10 or more of these dogs. We don't know the exact timing of their arrival, just that they will arrive before the end of the year. Would you consider becoming a foster parent?

AAGI supplies the collar/leash/tag, food, crate (if requested), and any vet care needed.

We especially need families with no small animals or an ability to keep the greyhound separated from them. Fostering is a wonderful way to get to know the dogs and help them to learn how to live and play in a home for the first time in their lives. It's amazing to see their personalities come out once they're comfortable in a home environment.

If you can foster, please contact [email protected] or [email protected] as soon as possible. We hope to hear from you soon!

If you can't foster a dog, would you consider making a donation to AAGI to help support this effort? You can make a donation through PayPal. Just use the email address "[email protected]" as the recipient.

We thank you for your support!

15/09/2023

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!
An amazing new event!!!!
International Greyhound Adoption Experience ~ Australia dates are October 1 to October 8, 2024.
There is a FB group for those who plan to attend: https://www.facebook.com/groups/479666729627435/

In this episode, John sits down with three (3) pioneers of international Greyhound adoption to talk about their efforts and the outcomes of the programs to d...

06/07/2023

Greyhounds Make Great Pets would like to let all of you know that Hounds of The World in Solvang will be on hiatus for 2024.
Several of the HOTW volunteers have personal matters and pups with medical issues that must take priority at this time however we will continue to plan, work on revamping the event, bring you some surprises, and continue to raise funds to help the hounds of the world.

Thank you all for your support.

29/05/2023

EDITED 6.1.2023
Just an FYI for anyone who missed out...
We have one 2023 Hounds of The World t-shirt available.
Banana in XL
(the bay tshirt has been sold)
$25.00 plus $8.00 s/h. To purchase, please email [email protected] and we will invoice you.

25/02/2023

We are hearing that Solvang is out of power as of yesterday/today due to the storm.
Any confirmations of this?

25/02/2023

4 more Australian greyhounds moving to the US! Soon to be living in the Tucson area.

22/02/2023

4 lovely retired racing greyhounds are on their way to the USA thanks to the awesome people at Racing2Rehome. 🥰

21/02/2023

We'd love to see your photos from HOTW 2023!!!
Please share them in this thread. We'll start...

21/02/2023

☺️

20/02/2023

19/02/2023

GOOD MORNING!!!! ☀️
It's the last day of HoTW 2023 but we still have a bit of fun for you and your houndies!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2023 ~

9am – 10am:
Solvang Stroll. Starting off at Solvang Park by the Gazebo (1630 Mission Drive). Enjoy a morning walk through town with your pups and fellow attendees. We will take a leisurely stroll around the park and through the town, showing off our wonderful sighthounds to the city of Solvang. Please, no banners or signs.

10am – 10:30ish am:
Crowning of the HoTW 2023 King & Queen and announcing The Solvang Streak Awards. At the gazebo in Solvang Park, Mission Drive & First Street in Solvang.

10:30am or DIRECTLY after the Senior Recognition: FINAL ROO!!!!! and farewell to Solvang until we gather again. Be sure to finish your stay by visiting local Solvang merchants and eateries and let them know how much we appreciate them opening their town to us.

The HoTW Planners hope you have enjoyed the event, connected with new & longtime friends, loved on all the dogs you've met, had a few giggles, and we look forward to seeing you all again next time. 💕

18/02/2023

Paula (Swanky Hounds) and Rory hanging out at Veterans Memorial Hall.

18/02/2023

What will you & your pups be doing today at HoTW 2023?
Here's what...
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2023

9am – 11am: Solvang Streak at Sunny Fields Park, 900 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang CA. Dogs MUST have muzzles!(sponsored by Greyhound Friends for Life)

10am - 4pm: Check-In. Attendees can pick up their advanced registration info or register at the door.

10am – 5pm: Vendor Shopping hours. (In the event of rain causing the cancellation of the Solvang Streak, vending will open at 9am)

12:30pm: Memorial Bell Ceremony. **requires pre-registration** Sponsored by Greyhounds Make Great Pets. A remembrance for our better angels at the bridge.

1pm: Live Auction

4pm: Vending closes. Veteran’s Memorial Hall closes.

5:30pm: HoTW Saturday Night After Party at Dascomb Cellars, 1623 Mission Dr. Suites E & F Solvang, CA 93463. A laid back get-together. Enjoy conversation and wine tasting…and a live auction to benefit Arizona Adopt-A-Greyhound’s Australian Greyhounds to American endeavors plus a brief talk by our keynote speaker, Derarca O’Mahony, Vice President of Racing 2 Rehome Inc. As always, dogs are welcome! You may wish to bring along a blanket, pillow, or coat for your dogs.

18/02/2023

Game Nite!!!
Starts at 6pm!!!
Be there!!!

17/02/2023

Just a reminder ~
A limited number of our HoTW 2023 will be available beginning today at 11am at the check-in table in the vestibule at Veterans Memorial Hall. The t's are unisex short sleeve, 100% cotton and will be offered in a variety of colors (bay, banana, neon pink, hydrangea ~ just to name a few) and feature Jen Ross' wonderful design. We can't thank Jen enough for donating her time and talent to create our logos

17/02/2023

Get ready to rock 'n roo because HOTW 2023 starts today!!!
We would like to welcome Derarca O’Mahony, Vice President of Racing 2 Rehome Inc. in Victoria, Australia to our event and we hope all our attendees are able to meet her.

For FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023 the schedule is:
9am – 10:30am: Kibble ‘N Danish (sponsored by Lemo’s Feed & Pet Supply, 1511-C Mission Drive in Solvang) Pick up your Lemo’s goodie bag. 1 bag per paid registered attendee please. Enjoy meeting fellow HoTW attendees and their pups while sharing pastries from Olsen’s Bakery & kibble provided by Lemo’s. Attendees may pick up their registration info or register at Lemo’s between 9-10:30am during Kibble ‘N Danish.

11am – 6pm: Vendor Shopping hours.
11am - 5pm: Check-In. Attendees can pick up their advanced registration info or register at Veteran’s Memorial Hall. 2023 t-shirts will be available at the check in desk.

12pm - 12:30pm: Blessing of the Hounds. Mission Santa Inés, 1760 Mission Drive in Solvang. The Blessing will take place on the grounds of the mission. (Our thanks to Polly & Dave Gehr for arranging the blessing.)

1pm – 1:10pm: Rory Goree of Greyhounds Make Great Pets ~ Welcome to Hounds of The World 2023 opening remarks.

1:30pm – 3pm: Derarca O’Mahony, Vice President of Racing 2 Rehome Inc. a not-for-profit volunteer-based greyhound rehoming (adoption) group in Australia. In addition to her presentation, Derarca will also be available for limited one~on~ones with US not-for-profit 501c3 adoption group leaders to discuss availability and transport of Australian retired racers to the Southwest and Western states.

3pm – 6pm: Food Truck open. Attendees purchase meals on their own.

6pm – 8pm: Game Nite!!!
8pm- Hall closes for the day.

17/02/2023

Lemo's will have an excellent assortment of "pastries" for your pup. Kibble & Danish starts at 9am on Friday.

16/02/2023

FYI...these 3 Solvang establishments allow our hounds INDOORS as well as on their outdoor patios.
Perfect for a chilly morning.

16/02/2023

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023 at HoTW 2023

4pm - 7pm: Thursday Night Reception at Dascomb Cellars, 1623 Mission Dr. Suites E & F Solvang, CA 93463. If you plan to arrive early for The Solvang Gathering you won’t want to miss this friendly informal get-together. Enjoy conversation and wine tasting. As always, dogs are welcome! You may wish to bring along a blanket, pillow, or coat for your dogs.

4pm - 5pm: Solvang Gathering attendees can pick up their registration info or register while at Dascomb Cellars between 4 - 5pm only.

6pm to 9pm: Vendor set up at Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 1745 Mission Drive Vendors will NOT be open and attendees will not be admitted into the vendor area.

16/02/2023

As many of you know (or perhaps you don't), Old Mission Santa Inés has welcomed our greyhounds and has done our Blessing of The Hounds for about as long as we have been gathering in Solvang.
We thought a nice way to say thank you for their ongoing support and love for our hounds would be to make a donation to the Mission. The amount could be whatever you wish. You could do this on your own or it could be a combined donation from the attendees.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in doing, please speak with Dave or Polly Gehr ~ either in person or via messenger.

The yearly ceremony at Old Mission Santa Ines is part of the annual West Coast Greyhound Gathering, a three-day-long event that begins on Friday and benefits GREYT Legs, a nonprofit organization that raises money to help racing greyhounds that have suffered broken legs on the track. The...

13/02/2023

For those of you who have pre~registered, you will receive your Game Nite card when you check in. Please don't lose it as replacement cards will not be available,

09/02/2023

Another vendor at HoTW 2020 will be Greyhound Studies.

A message from Kathy:

Greyhound Studies is delighted to be vending at Hounds of The World 2023.
We will have an assortment of embroidered & imprinted clothing, original artwork, mousepads, coasters, and hand~drawn notecards.
Also available will be a selection of vintage posters & prints and 100% of your purchase of those items will be donated to adoption.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!