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.