About

About Sandy Paws

The Sandy Paws Event started as a small idea with a small group of friends in Nov 2003.  By Feb 2004, our first meeting was held and a few more volunteers came forward, a name (Sandy Paws – Greyt Fun in the Sun),  a concept and ideas flowed.

As most greyhound events were so far away, the thought was to try and have something local.  The first event was held at Jacksonville Beach in a hotel that was originally not pet-friendly. But, as they were to be demolished so that condos could be built, they allowed the dogs and the event had its first home.  That event was a greyt success!

Knowing we had to find a new location, various cities in Florida were visited.  Hotels either were not large enough or would not allow dogs. That is when Jekyll Island, GA was contacted.  Needless to say, all of us were very happy with what would become our new home. The original hotel had just what we needed and a professional working relationship was established over the years. We also made friends with the staff and we were as devastated as the employees when they closed their doors five weeks before our 2011 event.  We were very lucky that another hotel ( Villas by the Sea) came to help us out.  Since then, we now have four hotels offering accommodations for our participants.

As needs changed, so did the event.  We became a non-profit organization and  Greythound Guardians, Inc was created.  Sandy Paws-Greyt Fun in the Sun is proudly hosted by Greythound Guardians.   We are a small group of volunteers that organize the three-day Greyhound Gathering, promoting the retired racing Greyhound as the great pets and loving companions we know they are.

We are one of the very few events that give back to other greyhound groups in need. Monies raised during the event from registration fees, raffles, auctions, and other sales are combined to become the dispersed funds.  Groups may submit their Grant application and after our expenses are met, funds are donated to these groups.

In the 11 years of this event, we have donated over $126,000 to various Greyhound Adoption Groups and other animal welfare organizations.

All of us are here to help support the adopted Greyhound and we thank you for your continued support. We would also like to thank past committee members, family, friends, speakers, vendors, volunteers and you, the participant.  This venue would not be possible without the help of EVERYONE!  To all of you, a BIG thanks.  You make our endeavor worthwhile.

 

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