Cousin Correspondents - Mamie and Steve

 Steve and Mamie Hicksted first adopted two greyhounds in 1996 and have since become great fans of the breed. Steve and Mamie graciously have contributed this story to the blog, telling of their annual trek to Dewey Beach, Delaware, where greyhound enthusiasts gather every year.

"It was March 15 of 1996 when we adopted our first two greyhounds. We actually thought, "What are we doing? We must be a little insane." The truth is, it was the best thing we could have done. In so many ways, it has changed our lives. It has given us the opportunity to meet so many new people who also might later on adopt a grey because of the impression ours made on them.

Destination: Dewey Beach, Delaware. The bags are packed, the van is all fueled up and it's time to load up. Our three greyhounds will have the rear third of the van to look out the windows or lay down. A full divide is set up to keep the little ones from going back to entertain the big ones or the other way around. Of course, padded dog beds are beneath them, so their ride will be cushy. Next we load and place in separate crates our little ones - an Italian greyhound, a Cairn Terrier and our Yorkie. Many times I have been asked why we take them all with us and I reply, "Do you leave your little kids behind?" Then I tell them that all K-9s are welcome to vacation during the Columbus Day weekend activities at Dewey Beach, Delaware. We have made the yearly trip there nine times. So much to see and do there, whether it's greyhound related or just to go on our own to see the many sites in and around town.


Seeing the Atlantic Ocean for the first time was so awesome, and it still is every time we arrive. Being just a block away, it is a short walk to the sand and the waves. We know it's where we will see many friends that we have made who also share the joy of greyhound ownership. Our morning starts with a jaunt on the beach , walking along the calm waters and hoping to see dolphins swimming close by. Then after exercising along the sands and getting tired of walking, , we tell the greys, "I know you're tired and want to go back to the room to rest." Hey, they don't know it's really us who are tired and who need that cup of coffee and snacks.

We look over the schedule of events for the day and decide which ones we want to attend. Even though we know most of what is going to be told, we still like to take in some seminars. Several vets bring their greys, too, and give talks on how to improve the health of the dogs. 

 One of the fun nights is when the greys get to dress up and be judged by the crowd. People come up with lots of crazy ideas, but a grey will never be embarrassed. One of the neatest ones we saw was greys all dressed up in Wizard of Oz costumes- Dorothy, Lion, Scarecrow, Tin Man and they had a little dog as a Munchkin. 

 Another fun time is Biscuit Night. The dogs are given canine yogurt and biscuits as the owners bid on neat items at the silent auction. It is a good chance to see friends and talk over the happenings from the last year. Of course, sometime during the night, someone will start the "ROOOO." Since greys do not bark much at all, they have a tendency, when in packs, to "Rooo." It's a laugh when they all engage in their ROOO Time.

Of course, the trip is not complete without making the rounds of the town of Rehobeth Beach just a few miles away. On Saturday and Sunday, the stores there have sidewalk sales. Many visitors from the states and other countries do their shopping there, hoping to find a bargain. It is especially nice to see the reaction of others as we walk the greys down the sidewalk. Of course, there are others doing the same, but it's cool to have grown-ups come up and ask if they can pet your dogs.. Oh, how the greys take advantage of it!

It seems like vacation just goes by way too fast. As we pack and get ready for the 625 mile trip back to Ohio, our memories again will be good ones. Saying good-byes to friends and scratching the heads of the greys, we wish a safe trip to others heading out, too. After about an hour on the road, it seems one of the dogs will ask, "Are we home yet?" Get comfy, only sixteen hours to go.

Sure we can always foster a grey until it finds a home - what's one more in the house? Really, it's trying to pay back for all the love and affection that our greys have given to us. We have visited many race tracks. It's kinda fun to watch a race or two, but the real enjoyment is when we visit the track adopting center and see the greys up for adoption and talk to the reps. Once, after getting to know a trainer, we were permitted a visit to the kennel. Wow, we saw seventy-five greys in their separate crates filled with shredded paper for comfort. I thought taking care of ten was a major chore at times, but that was a full time job, seven days a week.

I just hope that the two that sleep in bed will give me a little more room and let me stretch out once. Again...how we sacrifice for our canine buddies, but we wouldn't have it any other way. Hope you enjoyed our dog tales! Steve and Mamie"

Steve also sent along an article telling about Betty White's visit to Dewey Beach. Even though dogs weren't supposed to be allowed where she was speaking, she had some sneaked in so she could meet them. We all know Betty White as an advocate for canines!
Thanks so much, Steve and Mamie.

 This originally appeared on the Elling Family News blog on March 8, 2010.