Greyhounds Rock Fredericksburg

Tracy's Comment

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:39:37 -0500

2011 was the first year I attended. I had a wonderful time. The event was very well managed and organized. I found the location very convenient with plenty of retail stores and restaurants within walking distance. The speakers were greyt as well as the brunch. I did have to leave mid brunch because of check-out times and travel plans.
I am looking forward to next years event.

DAVID MILLER's Comment

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:38:03 -0500

In answer to Patti Tustin\\\'s comments. I spoke with Sheryl in regard to her comment of \\\"off leash\\\". That comment came from letting her grey off leash while in confined areas. Meaning she had control of her grey even though off leash, but was still confined. However, I disagree that a grey (canine) cannot be trained to walk off leash \\\"anywhere\\\". I have two males, now 7 & 9 yrs. But, at age 4 & 6 I had their trust and as time has passed, I can now walk without leash, if a so choose, without fear of running or chasing. The majority of grey owners are just brain washed, therefore, do not even attempt to train their grey.

Bobbie's Comment

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:10:28 -0500

Venue was great and very convenient. Met lots of nice attendees. Sunday morning brunch went on a bit long and late check-out for attendees would be nice. This was our first and we definitely plan to return next year.

Linda.'s Comment

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 09:02:16 -0500

My fourth GRF and the best yet. Having missed 2010, I was very impressed and happy to hear of the advancements made by Dr. Cuoto and his group in their fight against canine cancer.///The vendors were diverse but items non-Greyhound specific would be welcome for us non-Greyhound owners.///All the auction items were desirable, with many unique to GRF.///Dessert and breakfast were excellent--no complaints there.///Victoria Stilwell is a delightful woman and awesome speaker!

Patty Tustin's Comment

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:50:56 -0500

2011 was my 1st year. Dr Couto and Victoria Stilwell were great. I would like Dr Couto to have a Q and A session for those in the veterinary field to discuss the more technical aspects of his work at OSU. I would also like to hear more about the work done with the galgos. Saturday night was a bit long, however the raffle table and silent auction had many nice items. I left the brunch early as Sheryl Mathys made several comments that I took exception to, most memorably \\\"we all heard the myths...like greyhounds can never be off leash\\\". When I am out late at night in all sorts of weather looking for a lost grey that was trained and \\\"safe to be off leash\\\", I will be sure to call her. My room at the Hospitality House was newly remodeled but like many others did not have working air conditioning. I had to keep the slider door open (which could not be open at night)to get the room to 76 degrees. Management was not responsive to this issue, but it is a good venue and I liked having everything in 1 area. The vendors brought a nice selection of merchandise and both the dessert party and brunch had a variety of food to select from. Well worth 5 hrs from NJ. See you in 2012!

Keith and Georgia's Comment

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:11:03 -0500

:We thoroughly enjoyed Greyhounds Rock. The speakers were fantastic! The food was \"greyt\". It was a big plus to have all of the events at the Hospitality House, and not to have to drive around to find things, especially with the heavy traffic in the area. The location was greyt; good spaces to walk the dogs; stores and restaurants within walking distance. The hotel is under renovation, but with that in mind, all was well. It was clean, quiet, and convenient. Three things I would suggest are: to have more poo barrels around, have things more clearly marked, and to reserve as many rooms as possible on the first floor so that we could just walk out of the sliding glass door to walk our dogs. Another plus was to have Civil War attractions nearby! Thanks for all of the hard work in planning this event. In spite of the fact that it is a 7 hour drive, we can\'t wait to attend next year! GREYHOUNDS ROCK!!!!

Joyce's Comment

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:36:29 -0500

This was my first time attending Greyhound Rocks. I thought it was just OK--not great, not bad. I thought the venues were very cramped for bringing the dogs along. We also got mixed messages about whether or not the dogs were welcome at the brunch--so we ended up not attending the brunch even though we had tickets. I thought the planning at the end for the dog dancing demo was lackluster, too--it did not begin on time and I don\'t think that was fair to the VA Foxtrotters who volunteered their time to come and entertain. Also interfered with the check out time for the hotel so a lot of people left rather than watch. Victoria Stilwell was a very good speaker--but that was to be expected. We enjoyed the dessert and the silent auction/raffles.

Laura's Comment

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:27:56 -0500

Dr. Couto and Victoria Stilwell were wonderful. I did not enjoy the anti-racing sentiment Cheryl added at the end of her talk. Her message stood on its own without having to go there.////What did you think of our host venue (The Hospitality House Hotel)////Although it was in disrepair (mold on the ceiling, wallpaper coming off), our room was clean, comfortable, and quiet. It was apparent that they are going through a renovation. It was nice to have the vendors and speakers in the same hotel so that we could bring our travel-phobic dog.////Did you shop the vendor area? Was there a good selection of vendors and items?////We did shop the vendor area. There was a wide variety of GH items available although the collar selection was a bit lacking.////Did you enjoy the food at the Saturday night dessert party and Sunday brunch?////The food was average. I personally do not enjoy cheesecake or eggs which makes me a bit of a freak but I know that lots of other people do.////Other suggestions - Victoria Stilwell needed a stage so that we could see what she was doing with the dogs she was working with.

Melissa Felts's Comment

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:38:13 -0500

This was my first Greyhounds Rock event. I don\'t have a greyhound, but other mixed breeds. Being a dog person, I had to see what this was all about. Wow! What fun! I can\'t wait for next year\'s event! My only suggestion would be to have a vendor or two with dog items for any breed. The animal communicator, the massage therapist, the photographer -- all were wonderful! And the hotel was very easy to get to. And the big-name speakers were incredible! I don\'t know how you will top them!

Paula Nolin's Comment

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:10:18 -0500

I am so glad to have finally attended Greyhound Rocks annual fundraiser event. I totally enjoyed meeting all other hounds (and their caregivers as well!). The lectures were diverse. I especially enjoyed Dr Couto\\\\\\\'s lecture and the information on canine cancer(owner of Miguel who transitioned 2006 from OSA)and would love a copy of the pdf he said he would send your group. Improvements could be made with hotel as to checkout time for attendees (I missed Shery\\\\\\\'s lecture in trying to check out and unable to gain access to my room (others as well)at 11:30a. All in all I enjoyed being able to travel with my hounds. Vendors had greyt stuff!!! Also need to reach out to other rescue groups to make this a bigger event next year!

david miller's Comment

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:01:51 -0500

2011 topped 2010. with the group of people involved I am certain 2012 will be greyt. 2011 had similar set up, but for some reason seem to run smoother. the venue is so adaptable for both humans and our greys.

only suggestion, which I experienced at MountainHounds in Gatlinburg, TN., place small cans with the poop bags to deposit waste. Insert a plastic bag inside the can for ez removal. If you need a volunteer, let me know.

continue all the hard work. It shows and surely appreaciated.

Kathy Keefer's Comment

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:32:01 -0500

Dear Greyhound Rocks Organizers,

Great Weekend, Great Venue, Great People, Great Speakers,Great Vendors, Great Food, Great Time – GREAT CAUSE !!!!

I can’t wait to attend your 7th Annual Greyhounds Rock Fredericksburg – I already have my calendar marked, for what is in my humble opinion, one of the best fundraisers for Greyhounds and all dogs in the USA. Your efforts for a flawless event did not go unnoticed. Thank you !!!

Kathy Keefer
GPA NoVA member
Greyhound owner since 2000
Rainbow Bridge  Jackie, Jiminy, Romeo, Governor and Chelby (lost to Osteo 2010)

Steve Hilker's Comment

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:23:15 -0500

Comments below this point are for the 2010 Take a Bite Out of Canine Cancer event:

Debbie's Comment

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:33:52 -0500

We really enjoyed the event. It was organized well from start to finish. It was a pleasure to be apart of such an important event. We look forward to being a sponsor and vendor next year! Thank you for all that you do to help these wonderful animals.
Debbie Ackley
Virginia Greyhound Adoption ( VAGA )

Kathy's Comment

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:30:57 -0500

We had a good time at the event.The seminars were informative and hearing Dr. C was great! I agree with the comments about signage in the hotel and the tight quarters of the vending areas. I was also concerned about the gap in the elevator...because of a bad knee I could not use the stairs so the elevator was a must for us.
We also enjoyed the picnic and wine tasting on Sun. It was our first time attending the event...we were from NJ and were made to feel right at home at the picnic. Our dog, Olivia, had a great time \"off leash\", in the fenced area. It was great meeting T.J. and his mom. Thanks to all of you for your hospitality!!!

Sharon Norris's Comment

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:55:09 -0500

I was only there for Saturday with one of my dogs. We enjoyed the animal communicator and my dog has changed although the one I left at home has not forgiven me. The vendor area was a little tight but the spa was a hit with my little girl. I really did enjoy Dr.Couto and have since joined the OSU greyhound wellness program.

Becky Rollison's Comment

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:24:09 -0500

I enjoyed myself; however, the hotel rooms were not well marked, it took us FOREVER to find anything. I think with more advertising and more space for the vendors, this event could take off and make some serious money for OSU!!!! Thanks!

Doreen Simcoe's Comment

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:34:48 -0500

I thought everything was great!! You all did a fantastic job!!

Judy's Comment

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:24:20 -0500

Hi
The event was wonderful and truly enjoyed everything from the seminars to the vendors to the wine tasting to the ghost story telling.

My only comment for the futures is if you could actually put the names of the rooms where events will be held in the Greyhound Rock booklet. It was sometimes confusing to figure out where things were being held. I and another lady spent 30 minutes looking for a room and we could not find someone to ask. Other than that, perfect weekend and it the big scheme of things, this is trivial.
Thank you so much for putting on a event close to the Northern Virginia area. I and my greys will be back next year.

Jeanne Johnson's Comment

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 09:54:31 -0500

I had a great time. The event was well run, full of fun and interesting information. The vendors were friendly, helpful and had great items. Having Dr. Couto was icing on the cake. I can\\\'t wait until next year. The hotel was great, too.

Patti AKA Juan's Comment

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 08:16:10 -0500

We had SUCH a greyt time!
Ddraig did not even mind being \\\"my fuzzy burro\\\" and Anubis immediately stole Ddraig\\\'s stuffie from his basket!!
Sunday was wonderful as well.
Thanks for all the hard work!

Hettie's Comment

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:32:38 -0500

I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful time I had at Greyhounds Rock! What an absolutely wonderful event!~ I hope we can come back next year. I can only imagine (running an adoption group) how much work it took to put it on and get everything organized so well. It really was extremely well organized.

I hope if I'm still around next year that I can help more and would be willing to help out in some way even though I'm in Boonsboro. I have told everyone in our group what a wonderful event it was and I hope next year we can get more people to come.

Thanks again for inviting us; it was more than worth the trip. It was wonderful.

Hettie Ballweber
Fast Friends Greyhound Rescue, Inc.
www.greytdogs.org

Rhonda's Comment

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:14:16 -0500

Gale -

Thanks so much for sharing the link to Greytalk. I've been so busy since I got back home* that I never thought to look on Greytalk for photos and comments. I really enjoyed the pictures - especially Juan Valdez! (They were the judges' favorite, also!)

And I want to thank you, Gale, and the rest of the Greyhounds Rock committee for the warm welcome you gave us and for the wonderful gift basket. Lew and I and my daughter, Juliane, dived into it when we got home on Sunday. Yum, Yum! We especially liked the fact that you included Hartwood Wine in the basket. So appropriate after our lovely afternoon at Connie's home. Sometime I'd like to go back in the summer and see that rose garden in full bloom!

Lew and I had a very enjoyable weekend. You always make us feel so much a part of the group. That means a lot to both of us.

Rhonda Morey-PA ( Dealing with Grief Seminar Presenter)

Kathy's Comment

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:11:34 -0500

To All It May Concern:

I wanted to take a moment and thank you for a simply wonderful weekend with the Greyhounds Rock Fredericksburg organizers, vendors and speakers. The seminars were varied and those that I attended were very informative and well delivered. Even though I have just about all I need in the way of greyhound paraphernalia, I found a couple of things that I didn’t have from the vendors that attended. The facilities were very comfortable and everything was easy to get too. I had no idea what a relaxing time I would have and am already for attending this event next year.

Thank you for a really wonderful time.

PS – If this event is in the same location next year – you may want to warn owners of the potential for injury of their greyhound with the elevators. There is a large gap between the car and the elevator shaft that one of my greyhound’s leg got caught in and he was lucky he only sustained a cut/bruises. We managed the rest of the time in using stairs

Deedee's Comment

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:58:51 -0500

I'm so glad I went down to VA. It was so greyt to meet everyone and their hounds. I can't wait to upload my photos and share them.
--Take care for now...hope we meet again!

Deedee in Syracuse, NY