MyFox
 

Cynthia_Smoot's Blog

by Cynthia_Smoot from Fox 13, Tampa Bay

Last Post 13 days, 1 hour Ago


You go girl!
Jan 29, 2008 | 9:32 AM
Category: News
Report This Post

Apparently our viewers and lots of others around the world are as amazed by Genie the 19-year-old greyhound as I am!  We've received hundreds of e-mails since the story aired last week, and so have  Genie's "Mom and Dad," Neena and Tim Derf of Palmetto. Not only is Genie a healthy 19-year-old with all her faculties, she still plays as though she's ten years younger! When you top that off with the fact that she saved Tim's life a few years ago (by rousing Neena in the middle of the night after he fell unconscious), it makes for quite a remarkable dog.  It also gives me hope that my 11-year-old greyhound may stick around for a long, long time!  For those of you who'd like to see "Miss Bandit," I'm adding a photo showing how "smart" she is.
13 Comments |  Add a Comment

Member Comments Total Comments: 13
Page 1 of 1
DEOP read my blog view my photos
Jan 29, 2008 | 10:17 AM

Greyhounds are one of the greatest pets anyone can have. We've had our boy for over 7 years now. The organization we adopted him through said he was one of the smart ones - didn't win often so retired early. He is great with people as well as animals. If fact, we had a white cat when we adapted & have to say that on the way home from PetsMart with him, we hoped he didn't think our cat was a rabbit. He didn't and they were buddies from day 1.

Anyone with a greyhound should subscribe to the quarterly magazine - Celebrating Greyhounds. Great articles plus informative medical info.

If you are thinking of a new pet, contact your local Greyhound adoption agency. You won't be sorry if you save a Greyhound (or 2, or 3,....).
derfaroo
Jan 29, 2008 | 1:04 PM

It's been over 4 years since we've seen your beautiful Miss Bandit. Please send hugs to her from Genie & Eddie!

We may brag aout our greyhounds, but neither of them ever have been able to work a crossword puzzle!!! We're in awe of Bandit, and her amazing Mom! Thank you for airing the piece about our Genie. We hope the greyhound adoption group phones ring off the wall with people wanting to adopt a special grey into their family!
Vittorio read my blog view my photos
Jan 29, 2008 | 5:54 PM

Agreed. Homicide, my Burmese Murder Hound has been with us for 2 months and is a valuable family member. Great watchdog and a great friens to my champion one eyed Tuxedo Cat Iffwad Sivwad Sivwad Nit. She's 7 but still one fast puppy. We look forward to a long and happy future together.
OK folks; now get out there and save those Greyhounds! You won't regret it.
derfaroo
Jan 29, 2008 | 6:04 PM

Hey Vittorio...

You ABSOLUTELY have the most UNcommon of household pets, with VERY UNCOMMON NAMES...do you!!! Way to go!! Thanks for the plug for Greyhound Adoptions!!
RandyLoo read my blog view my photos
Jan 29, 2008 | 7:04 PM

I am partial to Boxers. I adopted two and one of them just passed away, but any dog that is rescued and given warm loving home is precious..no matter what breed or mixture thereof. And, they seem so loving and appreciative and let you know it every day.
Vittorio read my blog view my photos
Jan 30, 2008 | 6:48 AM

The thing with Greyhounds is abuse. Ours (really an Italian Greyhound) was a puppy machine. She has a notched ear and was destined to be destroyed. Real nice to see the fear in her eyes replaced by love.
DEOP read my blog view my photos
Jan 30, 2008 | 7:17 AM

When we first adopted our retired racer, he would cower at a sudden movement (even if you reached out a little too fast to pet him) or a loud noise. Now he always shows loving appreciation for his "retired" life.
Vittorio read my blog view my photos
Jan 30, 2008 | 6:02 PM

That's the idea. Feels great, doesn't it? Imagine if Hawkeye got a dog. Betcha it would bite the bird!
derfaroo
Feb 6, 2008 | 8:25 PM

Cynthia... Just googled "Genie Greyhound" and was thrilled to see that greyhound adoption groups from around the WORLD have linked your piece about our very special grey to their websites! Groups from Ohio... and as far as ENGLAND have your beautiful face...and our Genie's posted for all to see. What a wonderful piece you produced... It is certain to help spotlight greyhound adoptions. Thank YOU!

Neena & Tim Derf... Genie & Eddie too!
D2or3
Feb 10, 2008 | 9:05 AM

I am in 150 yahoo groups -- int'l and domestic -- I blasted Genie's story around the world a few days ago to greyhound groups and all-breed rescuers, plus family and friends. I hope I helped in getting her story out there. Genie is quite the anomaly. My 13 yr. old is probably in his last year. It looks like Genie may live forever, whereas my 13 yr. old male grey is probably in his last year of life. Way to go!

NEENA, a man named Wayne would like to send you a special leash that he makes as a gift to your household. I provided him with your name and your city/state, but I told him he's going to have to look you up in the white pages or something.
derfaroo
Feb 10, 2008 | 5:42 PM

THANKS is all we can say to Cynthia! Our girl is such an ambassador for greyhound adoptions, because of this piece.

One thing I worried over...was about Genie's Birthday Bash! I MEAN... people from every corner of the earth sent me emails & called saying they wanted to come! OH, MY!!! Thankfully, Genie & Eddie's adoptive group GPA Tampa Bay, have provided the perfect solution! THEY are going to throw the party for us. EVERYONE is WELCOME to come meet our very special grey!

Date is April 20th at Quaker Steak & Lube Restaurant... 10400 49th Street North, in Pinellas Park, FLorida! Yes, I'll send more specifics as they develop. Derby Lane Dog Track is ALSO considering planning a party for our girl!!! So.. YES, we'd love to meet anyone who would be able to attend that party, as well!

We are so appreciative of Cynthia's work...and the amazing footage taken by Larry...who captured the true spirit of our senior pup. We have gotten more attenion for greyhound adoptions than we ever had hoped. God Bless You for running our story! I'm told phones are ringing and emails are being sent to ask about greyhound adoptions!!

Genie has all that she needs! Guess so!!! Miss Queen size bed in her own room...but if Wayne would like to contact: nderf@tampabay.rr.com

No need for gifts... she's the QUEEN of GREYHOUNDS...and isn't that gift enough!!!

Thankd YOU ALL ... ESPECIALLY CYNTHIA. Hug Bandit for us, please!

Neena
jt1088
Feb 14, 2008 | 6:55 AM

Great story Cynthia!

This is John (John/Jill from Jane & Marks).

We just adopted a greybound last December. Great pup!

Hope all is well!
derfaroo
Mar 1, 2008 | 6:47 PM

D2or3

Your friend, Wayne did INDEED send a gift to our Genie! We are so thankful for all of the kind, generous, and just flat out nice things people have done for our special greyhound!

By the way... Genie will have a birthday celebration at Derby Lane on April 5th... they want her there at 7:00 so she can walk on track before the 1st race!!! No other dogs allowed please...but YOU are invited!!!

AND GPA Tampa Bay is celebrating Genie's big 20 on April 20... Quaker Steak & Lube in Pinellas Park. It's a Poker Run! AND YES... Greyhounds ARE invited!

Hope people will come to help us celebrate!

Neena
Page 1 of 1


Write your comment below:




Cynthia_Smoot

I know it's going to be a good day when I drive across the Howard Frankland Bridge and spot dolphins cavorting in the bay!

Member Since: 7/13/2006


 

View All Photos


RSS: XMLWhat is RSS?