Spark's new fella

I'm always learning something new about greyhounds when I visit the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels. And I guess as a novice I can be forgiven the occasional (or not so occasional) stupid question.

The latest hound to make me look daft was Spark's new fella, a wee little dog called Pete. Yes - the fantastic news is that Mikey's home trial went well. He's now been signed for and is living in a new home.

That meant there was a spare berth in Spark's cabin, and Pete was the dog that filled it. He's a dear little black boy with a white flash on his nose, and when I saw him in the paddock he ran straight over to me, looked cute, and whimpered for dog treats. As a bit of a soft-touch (how do they all know?) I fed him a couple of treats, and then decided I had to take this mischievous pair out for a walk.

Pete's a charmer and started giving me doe eyes every two minutes as we walked. He even seemed to be a bit of a calming influence on Spark. However, I couldn't help noticing that his trainer or owner had done something really quite odd to his coat.

It looked like his back legs and tummy had been shaved - I could understand it if he was a bitch (spaying?), but in a male dog? Perhaps some way of streamlining the dog when racing?

So, when I got back to the kennels, I quizzed one of the kennel hands. "Why on earth has he been shaved?"

I got back an incredulous look. Then laughter.

Apparently Pete is suffering from something that affects a lot of dogs on the track - I looked it up when I came home and found it was called Bald Thigh Syndrome - it could be stress related and the good news is it often clears up once the dog stops racing.

Not always though, and the kennel hand told me that one of her dogs gets this every year around about bonfire night - not surprised, all those loud bangs make me jump too.

School holiday doggy mania

It was the first really cold morning of the autumn this morning, and as I walked to the local branch of the retired greyhound kennels there was still a thick frost on some rooves and cars. The day was gloriously sunny though, so there was no need to wrap the dogs up in warm coats.

It's also half-term for most schoolchildren at the moment - always a manic time to walk the dogs. Sure enough there were several families, with children ranging in age from 6 or 7 to teenagers, walking the dogs.

Insurance stipulations say that no-one under the age of 16 is allowed to walk the dogs by themselves. However the kennels have found a brilliant way around this. An adult is given the "main" lead, and then all the kids in the party have a lead which they can attach to the main lead.

This is great because it means everyone gets to walk the dog together, but the dog, and all the children, stay absolutely safe - a greyhound can accelerate from 0-40mph in just a few steps, so it's best to have more than one hand on the lead.

On this subject, when you walk a greyhound you have to hold the lead in a special way - with the loop at the top in the palm of your hand, and then the lead looped again around your forearm. The dogs can take you by suprise if they "bolt" and this ensures they don't pull the lead straight out of your hands.

Greyhound Racing Programme

There was just a nod to rehoming in the programme on greyhound racing on Radio 4 this morning.

It did give an insight into the lives of the trainers, owners and bookies though. The programme is available on the listen again webpage on the BBC. (It's choice of the day at the moment, or look for "Lives in a Landscape" in the alphabetical listings. It should be available for a week).

It's well worth listening to if you want a flavour of greyhound racing without actually visiting the stadium.

I do think it's a bit of a shame that Alan Dein didn't spend a few minutes talking about one of the rehoming charities such as the Retired Greyhound Trust. There are two branches specifically dedicated to rehoming Walthamstow hounds - and I think the programme should have asked what happened to the hounds once the stadium had closed. Sure, he followed one of the trainers to Sittingbourne stadium, but not all of the dogs are racing elsewhere.

Greyhound Racing Programme Radio 4

There will be a programme about the closure of Walthamstow greyhound racing stadium on Radio 4 this Monday 27 October at 11am.

Listen along - or I'll blog about it afterwards. I'm hoping they'll mention something about greyhound rescue and rehoming.

NEWSFLASH: Dogs are good for you

Quick news update. The Dogs Trust says that owning or interacting with dogs is good for your health.

I can certainly corroborate that. I've often gone to walk the dogs at our local greyhound rehoming centre in a foul mood. I could be worrying about where the next commission or next piece of work will come from, have been rained on on the way to the kennels, or just got out of the wrong side of the bed.

On the way to the station I'll be muttering to myself: "Oh, I really can't be bothered to do this today."

Five seconds after picking up Nicky, or another dog, for the first walk of the day - or even before, because one of the hounds is doing something daft in the paddock - all my worries are forgotten and I'm gently chatting nonesense to my canine companion.

Plus all that walking keeps your fitness up. You can take any number of dogs out that you like or a walk, I tend to go for 5 walks with either a single dog or a pair, meaning I get nearly three hours of fresh air, and around two hours of walking.

Mikey goes for a sleepover

The rehoming procedures at our local Retired Greyhound Kennels are absolutely brilliant. Prospective owners have plenty of opportunity to spend time with the homeless hounds, there are homechecks to ensure the dog will be safe and happy, and the whole family - kids, canines and all - can come down to find their perfect greyhound.

Once you think you know which dog you want to adopt you can take them home to see how they fit into your household - before signing the rehoming paperwork.

Mikey, Spark's kennelmate, is on a sleepover. He's a young black lad who has been in the kennels for 3 or 4 months. When he first came in he was flittery on a lead, and we wondered whether he had ever been walked. This whole business of being taken out for 20 minutes by a human companion seemed rather foreign to him.

What a difference a few weeks of love and regular walks can make. I couldn't believe my eyes last week when I saw Mikey behaving perfectly on the lead, while being walked with a sweet little Jack Russell bitch. A few days later the Jack Russell's owner came to pick Mikey up and take him home for a few days. No news yet - so here's hoping that this is another match made in heaven.

Spark sees the fox

Last walk of the day was Spark, a black bundle of energy, who exploded out of her kennel, legs aquiver, straining on her lead, proclaiming: "Let me at 'em!"

Spark's kennel mate is on a home trail, so sadly for her (but thankfully for the rest of us), she lacked someone to cause trouble with. That didn't stop her though, and as I was dragged out of the front door of the local Retired Greyhound Trust home one of the kennel hands thoughtfully yelled: "If she sees anything that isn't another greyhound, just remember to hold on tight."

Yep, Spark is one of THOSE greyhounds. Like other sighthounds, greyhounds have been bred to chase something that is small and moving. This doesn't mean that they all do, and some take no notice as rabbits and squirrels cross your path. Most of the others won't take chase especially if you firmly tell them "no!"

However there are a few special exceptions, and Spark is one of them, who get wildly excited if they see something - anything - that isn't another greyhound.

As I struggled to close the gate, with Spark pulling frantically, I heard someone say: "I'm not sure who's taking who for a walk." Gate closed, the dog rushed to the side of the lane and sighed in relief - all that panic was because of a full bladder.

Suitably relieved, Spark settled down nicely onto the lead. Ten minutes in I was congratulating myself on how well the walk was going. The dog was behaving impeccably, trotting gently by my side and occasionally demanding a tickle. Must be that naughty kennel mate that causes all the trouble.

Then we saw the fox. Spark went rigid and then she pulled. Ready for this, I had her on an extremely short lead, she wasn't going anywhere.

"No," in a quiet but strict voice, "No. Good girl." After a few seconds I started to try to move her on. Spark wasn't having any of it - dog and fox were now staring at one another in a mexican stand-off.

"C'mon girl," finally she seemed to hear me, and she started to move still staring fixedly at the fox. After a bit of a wrestle I got her behind a hedge and she relaxed slightly, still glancing behind her.

A few yards on the fox was almost forgotten, so I gave her a cuddle and told her she was a good girl.

On the way home Spark had a spring in her step. "Ah, these walks are wonderful," she beamed. "I like to keep the volunteers on their toes."

Larry the stockbroker

If Larry was human I'm sure he'd be a stockbroker. If not a stockbroker he'd at least be an investor in the FTSE - he reacts in the same way the stock markets are reacting at the moment.

Larry is a stunning brindle boy. Brindles are tan and brown with tiger stripes, and most are rehomed in the blink of an eye. Larry's been in the local greyhound rehoming kennels for about 6 months because he's a bit of a silly billy.

When you first meet him, he's nervous, he's skittery, and will jump at his shadow. Or a leaf. And if he hears a male voice his legs will spin round and he'll drag you back to the kennels - and safety.

After a few walks, he's a different dog. "Me, scared? No, must have been another brindle," and he trots off confidently, happily leading the way. You think to yourself: "Brilliant, a breakthrough, he's really come out of himself."

Then something happens, you haven't walked him for a few weeks, or he sees A WHITE VAN, and the nervous jittery boy is back, plunging and lunging back to the safety of the kennels. (See I told you he was a stockbroker).

"Poor Larry," laments one of the walkers. "He's so nervous he'll never find a home." And yet, with the kennel hands, with his regular walkers, he's a completely different loving boy.

Go on, when you go to choose your hound, give one of the shy ones a go.

Josh finds heaven on earth

Josh is a big beautiful black and white retired racing hound, and he came into the kennels in a bit of a state. He had sore paws and a sore nose, was skinny, and had yellow urine stains on his coat. Poor boy.

I've been walking greyhounds from the local Retired Greyhound Trust kennels for about 6 months now. When Josh was given to me the kennel hand said: "We don't know much about him, he only came in two days ago." It turns out Josh probably had no bedding to sleep on - just a wooden bench - and also may have been kept muzzled all day, every day.

You're never sure what you are going to get when you walk a new greyhound for the first time. Some are so terrified they don't want to leave the kennels. Others seem to have never been walked before and are not sure what to do, either looking at you for reassurance every two seconds, or skittering and flittering from side to side, sniffing every glorious new smell. Some pull like steam-trains, others never relax, constantly scanning for something to chase. Most though are a delight, and happily trot by your side, with the occasional adoring glance - from both walker and dog - as you chat to them.

Josh was one of the latter, a true delight, the relaxing walk punctuated from time to time by a big head resting on my arm and demanding tickles. By the time I'd got him half way round his walk I had already fallen in love. (It has to be noted that this is not an unusual occurence).

Once back at the kennels Josh's sore paws and nose had to be seen to - after dog treats. "Yum," said Josh in between mouthfuls. Then he was given lots of tickles and cudddles, to which he gave a couple of whimpers in delight. After a wash Josh's sore paws and nose were slathered in Sudocreme, and he was led back to his kennel seemingly walking on air.

One of kennel hands laughed and said: "He thinks he's gone to heaven." Just wait until he gets a home.

Wonderful news: Sal gets a new home

Wonderful news! Sal, one of the long-term residents at the local retired greyhound kennels, has found a new home. She is a beautiful, friendly, blue girl, who loves tickles, cuddles and walks.

Sal, however, knows her own mind, she's very powerful, and has a very keen chase instinct.

Greyhounds are sighthounds and they have been trained to chase something that is small, furry and runs. However, different greyhounds show different levels of "interest" in small animals. Some have no interest at all, others, like Sal, will chase - and if allowed catch - anything and everything and will be very actively alert on their walks.

This meant Sal needed very experienced owners, who wouldn't mind keeping her muzzled and on the lead when she was out.

Happily, after nearly two years in kennels, Sal has just found some loving owners who will do her justice and give her a wonderful new home. Sal will be their third greyhound and, I think, more than just a little bit spoilt. Lovely girl.

Nicky goes to the park

Nicky is my current favourite. He's a darling little black boy and not much more than a puppy.

The local retired greyhound kennels have several paddock areas where dogs can spend some time outdoors when they are not being walked. One of the areas faces the tables the walkers sit at when they are waiting for their dogs.

The first time I saw Nicky he was wagging his tail so vigourously that he was shaking the mesh fence between us. I knew I would have to walk him on my next visit.

Two months later and Nicky is always the first dog I take out for a walk. He helps me unpack my rucksack when we get back and usefully points out the dog treats by sticking his nose inside. Obviously I would have forgotten all about them if he hadn't shown them to me.

However, we have just had the best treat ever. My husband had promised that we could take Nicky to the park. Not sure who was must excited - me or the dog - as this was the first time I had walked greyhounds away from the kennels.

The dog looked a little unsure when we asked him to get into the car, but soon got the idea and jumped in unaided. Nicky was so thrilled on the drive to the park, and stood with his head firmly stuck between the two front seats taking everything in. (Mental note: dog guard would be useful if we do this often).

Just a tiny hiccough when we got to the park - Nicky tried to follow me out of the front door. I rushed round to the back of the car, and he quickly realised it would be much easier to get out of the boot door.

Near the kennels Nicky sniffs for England, sometimes taking over thirty minutes to do what should be a fifteen minute walk, and I was rather worried that we wouldn't get very far with him at the park. Imagine all those wonderful new smells.

I was happily suprised. I've never seen Nicky so interested and alert. Absolutely everything was exciting. He drank in everything - obviously never imagining that such an interesting world existed outside the kennels.

He was so well behaved and happily trotted to heel - well apart from when something particularly interesting caught his attention. He skipped at squirrels, he gawped at the big lake, and he was just a little bit scared of the ducks and other dogs.

Our lovely boy didn't even complain when we got a bit lost and took him on a longer walk than we expected. Although about 10 minutes before the end of our nearly four-mile walk his head went down because he was "just sooooo tired". A quick cuddle and he assured me he'd march on. We were soon back at the car, and to show us that he now knew exactly what to do, he leapt into the back of the car, and lay down - happy and exhausted.

Shawn gets a girlfriend

Dogs at the local retired greyhound kennels are usually kennelled in boy and girl pairs. However the boys are often on their lonesome, because girls are often rehomed more quickly. This seems to be because people think that females will be easier to handle. Not always the case, but that's another story. (Let's just say if anyone asked me what type of greyhound to adopt I'd say - GET A BLACK BOY - the "pretty" dogs and the females seem to go first, so there are some super black boys waiting for homes.)

Anyhow Shawn is a gentle black and white boy who had been in kennels for a few weeks. I had taken quite a shine to him, and we were just about to go for our constitutional, when one of the kennel hands shouted: "Hang-on will you take out two?"

I agreed, and myself and Shawn were introduced to Pretty, a petite black and white girl who had arrived from Ireland the day before. After the prerequisite sniffing and doggy introductions I was asked to take them for a walk and "see how they get on together".

These two lovely dogs seemed to be made for one another. They were soon walking side by side, with Shawn towering above Pretty, because she is such a tiny little thing. Several Kodak moments later (one particularly sticks in the mind - with Shawn putting his head protectively over Pretty's back) we all get back to the kennels, with me able to happily report that they've got on very well - and that Shawn need no longer be lonely.

Dog tails

Hoorah! I've worked out how to create links to each of the dogs that I've written about.

Click on a name to hear that hound's tale.

• Angie (black girl - rehomed)
• Ava (white and blue - on trial)
• Becker (black boy)
  
• Becky (black girl - rehomed)
• Chas (white and tan boy - rehomed)
• Dumbo (white and tan boy)
  
• Emma (blue girl - on trial)
  
• Flo (black girl)
• Frank (black and white boy)
• Jay (white and brindle boy - rehomed)
• Joe (black boy - rehomed)
• Josh (white and black by - rehomed)
• Kelly (tan girl - rehomed)
• Kenny (black and white boy)
  
• Mark (white and brindle boy - rehomed)
• Mikey (black boy - rehomed)
• Missy (brown and brindle girl)
• Nicky (Nero*: black boy)
• Nobby (blue boy - rehomed)
• Ollie (blue boy - reserved)
  
• Pete (black boy - rehomed)
• Poppy (white and black girl - rehomed)
• Pretty (black-and-white girl - rehomed)
• Sal (blue girl - rehomed)
• Shawn (Clyde*: white and black boy)
• Spark (Star*: black girl)
• Topsy (black girl - rehomed)
  
• William (white and brindle boy - on trial)

17 April 2009 - I've moved this to the end of the blog listings so that it's not the first thing you see when you search.

*When I first started writing this blog I changed the greyhounds names. However - with the blessing of the folks at my local kennels - I started using real names at the start of 2009.

I've put the real names of just those dogs that are still to be rehomed (as of mid April 2009) on this list.