Latest GRWE news

Bob's happy home...

The Culley Family, 31/12/2008

I have wanted a dog for the last 20 or so years and finally talked the other half into getting one hurrah! however it proved to be more difficult than I first thought, we have 4 cats and 3 children and had been looking all summer for the right dog to fit in with our family. I really did want a lurcher type but temperament was the priority and had been told that lurchers/greyhounds and cats don't mix. I had been looking on various websites when Bob jumped out at me posted on the Lurcher Link website by Kelli, It said that he had ignored a cat so i emailed Kelli to ask if she thought he might be able to live with 4!! she emailed straight back and said she would cat-test him for me which she did twice! and he passed I was so excited, we all went to meet him at the kennels and he was lovely but bouncy! I couldn't believe that no-one had snapped him up, he needed to be an only dog which suited us, so we arranged for Kelli to bring him down and homecheck us at the same time. I was really nervous that he might not get on with the cats or not settle, I needn't have worried he is scared of the cats and they have the upsatirs and Bob the downstairs which works very well they just avoid each other. Within days he had settled right in (on the sofa!) and now we can't imagine LBB (life before Bob) we all adore him and so does everyone who meets him, he is perfectly behaved, never had an accident and sleeps all night, and most of the day! I would say to anyone thinking of adopting a lurcher or greyhound to do it, they make fabulous pets, and whatever anyone says some of them can live with cats, I am so glad Bob found us and would like to say many thanks to Kelli, Graham and Mark for giving up their time and helping us to give a home to such a fab dog.

The Culley family and Bob.

Life's a beach for Tim!

Kelli Windebank, 30/12/2008

After nearly six months searching for the right dog following the death of our original lurcher we came across Tim and GRWE. It was certainly worth the wait. Tim is a really affectionate dog who takes great care of our other dog Beth and enjoys her company immensely. Since we collected him at the end of November he has settled into our household very well.

Tim is full of energy and, like most rescue dogs, has his own way of ensuring he will never go hungry. This mainly centres around taking a quick nibble at anything left on any kitchen surface when no-one is looking. So far he been spotlessly clean in the house and asks if he needs to go outside. We can trust him in the garden although he does get quite excited by our chickens, but we are working on this!

What Tim enjoys most is walking with us on the footpaths and beaches in Norfolk. He comes straight to us when we call, something that Beth has never quite got the hang of, and walks pretty well on the lead.

He has begun to put on some weight, although he burns off huge amounts of energy during the day following us around the house or garden while Beth sleeps on the sofa.

Rehoming Tim has been a great experience, mainly because the GRWE style is so well thought through. We knew what we getting because they made the effort to talk to us. A very different experience from other rescue groups that we have used in the past.

Kind Regards

Andy Lane

A Dream Home

Mark Stowell, 30/12/2008

Hi Kelli & Mark,

Our Christmas was brilliant, made all the more so by Dream. What a fabulous dog she is! Her nature is unbelievable, so loving and docile. She likes nothing better than snuggling up to us. We have been showing her off to all our friends, so she has been out and about quite a lot. She has settled in marvellously well, with absolutely no problems at all.

She has adapted to routines extremely well and is highly intelligent. She is completely house-trained and has not had a single "accident" bless her! We have already reached the stage where she will ask to go out to the garden, does the honours and waits knowingly for her "Treat"

Going to bed is no problem either, she will go to her bed on command and can be left all night without a sound being made until about seven o'clock in the morning, when she lets out a plaintive bark or two, or three, to let us know its time we paid her some attention. For the first time this morning we did not immediately respond, but called to her to be quiet. Another hour passed before we heard from her again!

What a greeting we get when we do go down, gold bars could not buy the fuss she makes of us and then straight out to the garden for toiletries followed by breakfast at half past eight! Being retired, we are hopeful that we can ease her into awaking a little later eventually!

We cannot believe how lucky we are to have found such a love, there is literally nothing we can fault her on and she has developed some distinctly individual habits, the most interesting being beyond our comprehension. Typically she will, (without any encouragement from us), go to the kitchen, pick-up her favourite toy ( a long sausage shaped, soft animal that squeaks) and take it to the Dining room at one end of the house, toss it in the air a few times, make it squeak, pick it up again and take it the length of the house to the Lounge, do the same again and return to the Dining room, the two rooms being separated by a 28ft hall.

The last time we counted, she went to and fro eighteen times before getting bored. We just cannot fathom what is going through her mind! If we try to join in, she completely loses interest drops the toy and walks away only to return to the game when next she thinks of it.

Keep up the good work, you are doing something considerably more than the vital work of rescuing Greyhounds, you are creating true joy in the hearts of their new owners, for which no thanks are enough... we love Dream to bits.

Sorry to have written a book, but another chapter will follow in the New Year!

Kindest regards,

Paul & Bronwen.

Alfi (formerly Bob) in his new home

Lisa Webb, 29/12/2008

This lovely boy came to the Cheshire kennels with three litter siblings and was the third of the four to move in with a cat a few weeks ago. Here’s his update....

“Alfi has enjoyed his first Christmas with us, though he did decline to be wrapped! He was actually my Christmas present. He's doing great, answers to his name and will come back when called out on walks even if he's running about with other dogs which he loves to do.
He's getting on really well with our cat Eric and they often curl up in the same room together without any stress. Eric has wandered over to sniff Alfi in his basket a few times and Alfi just watches him.

Alfi has put on some weight and looks a real handsome guy, he was 27.40kg mid December when he was weighed at my local pet shop.

My whole family love him and he is very affectionate with them. Early on he could be a little aggressive if anyone went near his bed and would growl and once snapped and caught my face when i bent down near him to pick up a cup. However a firm 'no' and he realised he'd done wrong. We're continuing to be firm but fair and give him affection for his good behaviour which really is 99.9% of the time.

Out on walks he's great with other dogs especially small dogs and any that will play with him and join in his chase games. He's even found a lady friend called Lilly, a rescue greyhound, they run at top speed for about 10 mins then both collapse on the grass.

We are loving every minute of our time with Alfi, he came away with us on his first holiday at the weekend to stay with relatives and their three samoyeds. He was quite subdued at first as the two female dogs kept barking at him but he soon settled down and by Sunday morning had his basket in the kitchen with the others. He spent Sunday afternoon chasing the youngest dog around as she chased her ball. They both thought it was great fun and from then on Alfi was just one of the pack. All our family love him and were amazed at how quiet and gentle he is.”

Hal settling in

Kelli Windebank, 28/12/2008

We have been receiving lovely updates from Hal's new dad, Hal is our lurcher who was straying for 8 mnths in Hertfordshire and then got hit by a car resulting in his leg being amputated. Hal was in foster with me for several weeks before he was ready to go home......and it looks like he has found the perfect home with Joseph and Mickey - here are some updates!

photo of Hal running taken at work, thats the court yard at the farm. that backs out on to the garage a barn and fields.. he and mickey just love running accross the fields, chased rabits, it's all fenced in so they can't get out, but do run far! and there is nothing like calling hal going down on your knee's and see him come running! an awesome sight! he's settled into his routine, and is knowing what to expect. loves coming to work with me and mickey, and also enjoys sleeping on my bed, with his head resting on MIckey. He loves tearing apart the plush toys, and has his spot on the sofa. he looks forward to his walks, know's where to go, is getting a bit better crossing the road, eats like there is no tomorrow, follows me around, gives me the cutiest greeting when I come in, with mickey. Hal bounces, mickey jumps.. it's so cute!

bed time at mine is also very special. Mickey usually sleeps with me. so, I say my prayers, hop into bed, then mickey then hal, who cuddles next to me with his head on my shoulder for a bit of a cuddle and scratch when I roll over, he jumps off goes to his bed and mouths his toy cat then cuddles it and goes to sleep. he's adorable!

Aoife getting better and better

Kelli Windebank, 27/12/2008

We adopted two year old greyhound Aoife back in April and she settled in really well straight away with our other GRWE boy Max. All was going well but then unfortunately, only 2 weeks later Aoife suffered a stroke which initially left her paralysed in the vet hospital.

The vets told us Aoife had had an Ischemic myelopathy and they could not guarantee what sort of recovery she would make but that we could expect her to walk again but running probably out of the question. It all seemed so unfair, we were Aoife's second home already, she was only 2 years old and should have had her whole healthy life ahead of her... yet she was lying unable to move in the vets. We received alot of support from Jan who homed us Aoife and this really helped get us through.

Well its 8 months on now and Aoife has just spent her first christmas with us and Im delighted to report she is once again a fit, healthy and happy Greyhound! Aoife came on in leaps once she got back on her feet about 10 days after the stroke - she hasnt paused or looked back since. Aoife is still improving and she can out-run my lurcher Max now! She is a delight and an inspiration to have around.

Laddie's Christmas wish

Lisa Webb, 27/12/2008

This lovely boy had a very tough start in life but has really taken to his new home (and his Christmas dinner by the looks of things!!) We're so pleased for you Laddie - enjoy your new year with your special family....

Dear Lisa,
Just to let you know that Laddie has settled in really well!
He is such a good boy and is loved by all! Our son Kian adores him and he has even made friends with our chickens! I am sure he enjoyed Christmas as much as we did. I cant believe he has only been with us for nine days. We would not be without him now.
Hope you like the attached pictures.
Many thanks again!
Best wishes Kay

Iby's right at home

Claire, 21/12/2008

Iby has settled in like a dream. I know it's a cliche, but we really could not imagine life without her.
She has put on a little weight, and is looking really healthy. Her winter coat is beautifully stripy. Her personality continues to shine through. Iby is affectionate, and loves the children. She and Fred go crazy when they come in from school, and even more so when John gets in from work.

I am loving taking them walking. I go through the fields and local woods every morning. We often take them to Westonbirt arboretum, where they run and run. Fred has lost 2kg which was very needed, they sleep together on the sofa at night, and are very, very loved.
So far on our walks, she has caught a rabbit, and a phesant. Yum, yum! A bit embarassing, walking through the centre of Chippenham with dead animals hanging from your dogs mouth!!! Still, it's what she was bred for!

Iby still mouths a little, but the children find it amusing. She is never rough, and has never hurt any of us, even by accident. She likes to let us know she is still there, and if we have watched TV a little too much, she stands in front of it, so we have to give her attention! It works! Iby loves the open fire, and will toast herself infront of it, until we move her out of the way. I'm sure one of these days she will singe her fur!

Well, I hope you have a good Christmas, and please pass on to everyone who took care of Iby, our everlasting gratitude. She is our perfect dog.
I have enclosed some of the most recent photos.
Thank you

Claire

Marta's new start

Jan, 21/12/2008

Little Marta, a tiny whippet x collie has started a new life for herself in Cornwall. This beautiful girl is virtually unrecogniseable from the frightened little scrap who came into kennels with her head hanging low; now she shines with health and confidence and its a joy to see!

Stories and pictures like this are so uplifting......be happy Marta!

Twiglets new start

Laura Leonard, 16/12/2008

Thought I would just send you a quick update. on how our lovely Twiglet (formerly Teaya) is doing. She has settled in extremely well and has certainly got her paws firmly under the table.

She is the most loving, placid, gentle and beautiful girl. She is proving to be bright and sometimes a little cheeky ! She is much younger than Rodney, but treats him with respect and is learning to ignore Olive our old hen. We walk morning and evening, and her and Rodney have become known as the Odd Couple by our neighbours !

I have to admit these are not fantastic photographs, but I hope you can see from our snaps just how much at home she has made herself. Quite frankly I need a larger sofa !!

Last week, Lexie my youngest daughter was sent home from school with a nasty chest infection....Twiglet spent 2 days cuddling her !!

I cannot thankyou enough for helping us find each other. She has quickly become a very special part of our family.

Laura Leonard

Busters Right at Home

Mark Stowell, 15/12/2008

Buster was homed to a wonderful family, the Foards, in Hitchin during November, His new mum Rita wrote this about him.

Dear Mark & Kelli
Just a quick note to say that Buster has settled in very well. He still tends to follow us whenever we go anywhere near the kitchen, but he generally lies on the floor in front of the couch. He is quite the little thief and he enjoys nicking our rubbish bags and spreading the contents round the garden!

He really enjoys his ball and is learning to bring it back to us, the kids at school love him and he wags his tail all the time now. At tea time he is quite the little pig, we will have to watch he doesn’t get too fat !!

He is really good on the lead, although men in caps especially white caps make him quite wary. We love him to pieces and he is defiantly a couch potato as he loves curling up on his duvet and sleeping, that’s were he is at the moment.

We will keep in touch as Buster progresses,

The Foard Family & Buster.

With the letter was a photo of Buster in his usual position!

Peggy Bodhill (Black and White)

Sue Bodill, 13/12/2008

After finishing racing I was looking for a new home Lucille - Lancashire Homing Officer took me in from Lisa in the Cheshire team. My new Dad and Mum were only thinking about having another greyhound as they already had my best friend Bart who is absolutely crackers I might add (but they hadn’t met me with my big brown sorrowful eyes).

So within the space of a week Lucille went to do the home check and took me for the ride and I liked it at this new place got on the settee and that’s where I stayed I was not for leaving. Firstly I was re-named Peggy from Cushie as my teeth chatter so much when I am excited and Bart and me have a competition whose teeth can chatter the most (especially at pigs ear time).

I have now lived with Dad, Mum, Bart & Fudge the Shire for 3 months, Bart and me are always in trouble for something I love destroying egg boxes as you can see from the picture and I do collect things together like shoes clothes, rubbish out of the rubbish bag, but my best trick was the box with the polystyrene shapes in. Mum and Dad do not appreciate me doing this and also don’t appreciate Bart and me playing at night whilst they are trying to watch the television and Dad thinks that we are so looney that he has put us on You Tube (mad greyhounds peggy & bart)

Lucille and Lisa said I was so quiet (ha ha fooled them). This last few weeks I have had to look after Bart as he has not been very well and has to be kept quiet the vet said (he slipped a disc) that’s what the vet thinks! I do love biting his back leg though when I am lying next to him and I really don’t like it when he has to go to the vets on his own and I cry until he comes home. I am happy now in my new home and very much spoiled and Bart and I are looking forward to Christmas and opening our presents (we know we have some because we found the hiding place) and having Christmas dinner of course.

Happy Endings in Gloucestershire

Chris McClelland, 11/12/2008

I did a homecheck for a couple who were looking for a greyhound or lurcher to join them and their family of animals. They have 3 dogs, 1 cat, 30 chickens, a donkey, a goat and several ducks!

A few weeks after the homecheck a black bitch was found wandering in The Forest of Dean. She was picked up and taken to a local vet. This poor girl had been wearing her coat for so long it had, in parts, fused to her body. She was thin and in a terrible condition. We checked to see if anyone had ‘lost’ their dog and drew a blank. She spent several days at the vets before being cat tested – which she passed with flying colours.
She was introduced to her new mum and dad and they fell in love with her.

Mollie as she is now lives in a wonderful loving home, her eyes and coat now shine, she has put on weight and has settled in to her new home, her mum says it’s like she has always lived there.
I have been round to see her and have formed a great friendship with her new mum and dad. She has made so much progress in a relatively short space of time. Mollie loves Simon the cat and Peggy a very special chicken.

Happy endings do happen.