Retired Greyhounds

Wet, wet, wet

2009-07-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

And now the hot weather is followed by torrential rainstorms and flood alerts. A typical British summer then.

The wet conditions cut short my walking duties yesterday, and I only managed to do three circuits with various dogs - so not much progress made on favourites again. A sweet black boy called Kevin is a strong contender, however he is already on the reserved list, so I suspect he won't be about next time I visit.

One dog that will probably not make it onto my favourites list is a tan bitch called Rosie. A better name for her would be Butch - she's big and strong and more tank than hound - and if she was human she'd either be a bouncer or a weight-lifter.

Rosie doesn't behave very well with other dogs, so she needs to be kept on a very tight lead whenever another greyhound comes into sight. (It's preferable if she doesn't see them at all).

She also has a pesky habit of jumping at least five foot into the air to try and shake the lead out of your hand - you really have to be on your guard around her.

Anyhow Rosie was my last walk of the day. I didn't expect her to be the last walk but the heavens opened about 2 minutes away from the kennels.

Now, we don't run with the greyhounds (can you accelerate from 0-40 mph in just a few steps?) but the rain was really torrential.

Should I run back? At this point dog-mountain Rosie was giving me disgusted looks and saying: "Can't you switch this weather off?"

"Run, I dare you," said Rosie. No way, thought I. Not sure it would be particularly cool to be dragged into the kennels by a charging Rosie, besides the scrages from the gravel would hurt.

I gave Rosie a hard stare and stepped up my pace - my trousers were soaked through at this point - and we got back to the kennels just before the thunder and lightning struck.

As there were other dogs in the yard Rosie had to be returned to her kennels immediately, but not before casting me a look which said: "Can't believe you didn't run, you are just such a chicken."

Re-homing update

2009-07-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

A quick rehoming update.... while I was away from the kennels doing my exams my lovely Nicky was rehomed with another greyhound. Apparently he has settled in well.

It's great that he has another canine companion - he always seemed much happier when he was kennelled with another dog.

And news of my lovely pal Shawn. He's found a home too! This is really brilliant news, as he's been in kennels for far too long. I really hope he does well.

So, my search for favourites has started again. I didn't get very far this week - the heat sapped us all, and it was more than enough to think about getting the dogs out for a walk without overheating... no chance for having a think on who would become my next faves.

Hot weather tips for dogs

2009-07-02T02:47:00.000-07:00

After the freezing conditions in February, we now have a heatwave, and already there are many terrible stories of dogs dying because they have been left in cars - just terrible.

The Dogs Trust has published some advice on keeping dogs healthy during the heat. Here's the top tips.

NEVER leave your dog in the car in warm weather. Just twenty minutes waiting in a hot car can prove fatal.
Walk your dog in the morning and evening when the weather is cooler and make sure shady spots and drinking water are available.
Clip the fur of particularly hairy hounds and apply canine sun cream to areas most likely to burn: ears, nose, and belly. Human suncream can be toxic so buy a special pet version from your local pet shop.
Be extra vigilant with older and overweight dogs as they are more prone to overheat. In a real emergency wet your dog thoroughly and use a household fan to blow cool air over their head and body. Seek urgent veterinary attention.
If your dog takes a dip in a lake or pool make sure you rinse him immediately as soon afterwards as possible. Never allow your dog to drink from ponds unless the water is clear as algae in the water can produce toxins that are rapidly fatal.

If your dog shows signs of distress – such as excessive panting, blueness of the tongue or collapse contact your local vet immediately.

Stay safe!

Another shout for black hounds

2009-06-24T00:27:00.000-07:00

Apologies again for the downtime during May and the start of June due to exams (don't try to learn anatomy in your mid-30s is my only advice).

And apologies especially to Lesley who commented back in April on how brilliant black greyhounds are.

I've commented many times that the black dogs (and girls) seem to get overlooked in the kennels - just because at first look they are not as striking as some of the other animals.

Anyhow, here's Lesley's post.

"I have a retired greyhound called Annie (racing name Annalee Girl). She is jet black apart from a white chest and 4 small bits of white on each foot. When I first got her she was also a bit tatty, but now 2 years on she is absolutely gorgeous. Her coat shines and she is just so pretty. Everyone comments on her."

I would always go for a black one they are wonderful. There is no other breed on earth that I would choose now."

Thanks so much Lesley for that ringing endorsement, and - all - keep on posting comments and sending emails. I'll try to include them wherever possible.

Wimnledon tennis hounds

2009-06-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the tennis at Wimbledon? I am.

If you haven't got a ticket, but are still hoping to see some action you can always queue. It may take a few hours to get in, but it's a great atmosphere and every seems to have fun.

Even better you may get to meet some greyhounds up close and personal. Volunteers from Wimbledon Greyhound Rescue are patrolling the crowds with their greyhounds - and you will get to see how brilliant hounds are as pets, and ask all those questions you never dared about how they integrate as family dogs. (Pretty well by most accounts).

PS C'mon Murray!

Tweet tweet

2009-06-19T04:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm now on twitter. Not sure what it's going to mean for the hounds, but watch this space.

In the meantime you can read my twitter updates in the bottom right hand corner of this page, or you can follow me by clicking on this link.

While I'm talking about the virtual world Melanie Winstone from Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare has asked me to mention her sponsored slim for the kennels.

She is collecting money through the kennels through Just Giving and seems to be doing really well so far - 8lbs lost since she started in May. Good on you Melanie.

I'm hoping she'll give us updates as she progresses.

Hello! It's me again!

2009-06-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

Well, after what seems like an age, I'm back!

The exams finished last week, and so yesterday, at the first possible opportunity, I visited my darling hounds.

During the weeks I'd been away many of my favourites have been rehomed, but Shawn is still waiting to be rehomed. The fabulous news is that he has been reserved (not before time).

When I arrived at the kennels he was in the yard with another of the volunteer walkers, and as I walked across to them I wondered whether he'd remember me.

He's not the most demonstrative of dogs so I was delighted that as I sat down, he walked across and buried his head in my lap.

"Oh, he likes you!" the walker said.

"Where have you been? I've missed you," said Shawn. I was thrilled, and sat there cuddling him until it was time for him to go back to his kennel.

Helping hounds

2009-05-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Just taking a quick break from revision misery to post this link sent by a fellow greyhound addict.

I'm sure that hound is SUPERVISING the kids...

Exams

2009-04-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

I have exams from late-May to mid-June, so will be having a break from the blog until they are over.

I may do some brief updates - if I get a chance to go down and see the dogs. (May be necessary for my sanity).

In the meantime if you want to pen a blog entry please email me at retiredhound@yahoo.co.uk

Greyhound evangelists

2009-04-22T00:23:00.000-07:00

It's funny, but it seems once people have greyhounds, they won't have another type of dog. (Of course there's always the problem of the one just not being enough).

There are also a lot of quiet greyhound evagelists around and in fact - as my husband has found - once you start talking about greyhounds, lots of people either own them, or have a yearning to.

We'll often stop and happily talk to complete strangers just because they have a hound or two in tow!

And the owners are a fount of knowledge - we'll have detailed chats about how far they like to walk, whether the dogs get on with cats, where they were rehomed from, and how they are just the right size and shape for a dog.

We've also become compulsive greyhound spotters... it's amazing how you usually see at least the one on every long ramble.

Ava at home

2009-04-20T00:38:00.000-07:00

I've heard news of my lovely big white-and-blue lass Ava.

The folks that she's on trial with contacted me through this blog and the wonderful news is that she's settling in well. They've already got one retired hound - a black boy called Mick.

Now as I've mentioned before the black dogs hang around longer in kennels than their more striking counterparts. However, here's what Mick's owners say about him:

"We re-homed Mick from Hersham and though he was a bit tatty when we first got him, he's scrubbed up very well indeed! Through a good diet, lots of grooming and a soft bed (well, usually the sofa!), the quality of his coat has improved no end. People now regularly comment on what a striking dog he is and '...Oh, isn't his glossy black coat beautiful!?!'"

So, for those of you who are tempted to go for a "prettier" coat colour than black . Don't!

Back to Ava. The little tinker is up to mischief as usual and, amongst other things, has been chewing homework... great excuse that.

And - I have a picture. Here are Ava and Mick together:

Nicky in love

2009-04-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

As suspected Nicky's latest kennel mate was rehomed last week, leaving him on his own once again.

The dogs at the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels are generally kennelled in boy and girl pairs, so it wasn't too much of a surprise to find that Nicky had a new kennel mate when I visited last week - a lovely little black bitch, with a white tip to her tail, called Holly.

She had only come into the kennels the previous day, having just finished racing - she had been disqualified for distracting the other dogs while on the track. What a little tinker.

Now, the big surprise was how smitten Nicky was with her. Honestly he was acting like a teenager in love. I've never seen ANYTHING like it.

The normally quiet lad came bounding out of the kennels with a big grin on his face, and proceeded to SHOW OFF all the way round our walk - whether it was rolling on his back with all four paws in the air, crouching down in front of her and wagging his tail, or pressing his head against her head, it was clear he was besotted. (Perhaps she had the same effect on the other greyhounds while racing?)

Anyhow, I wondered whether she was coming into season. Apparently not. Must be puppy love?

Let's see whether they are still in the same kennels when I visit next week, too much attention can get a bit much for a girl, and we really don't want any more biting!

Dog tails

2009-04-15T00:03:00.000-07:00

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

I've moved the Dog tails posting right to the end of the blog list, so that it's not the first thing you see when you click on a dog's name. Click here to read it.

First dog Bo

2009-04-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

The Obama's dog has arrived at the White House, and he has a blog.

First dog Bo is a Portugese water hound, and was chosen because one of the Obama daughters has an allergy to dogs.

The Obamas wanted a rescue hound, and they were pretty lucky to find a water hound in a pound - there aren't that many "hypoallergenic" dogs to be found in rescue homes. (And those that are are snapped up pretty quickly).

If you suffer from dog allegies, don't despair, there is a breed of dog that might suit you - and there are plenty waiting for a new home. The breed's a greyhound - they tend to be better for people with allergies because they have just one coat.

To find a rescue kennels near you start here or here.

Limp mystery

2009-04-09T00:04:00.000-07:00

Well Missy's limp is still a bit of a mystery. Her visit to the vets last Friday threw no light on the matter, so she's in for an x-ray today.

I'm hoping to find out more tomorrow - weather permitting we're taking my favourite boy, Nicky, out for the day - so I'll get an update on Missy then.

I do hope it's nothing more than a stubborn muscle strain. I took her for a walk earlier in the week, and, to be honest, the limp was barely in evidence. Apparently it gets worse towards the end of the day.

And she does love having the offending limb massaged. I've found that if I rub her leg muscles with the heel of my hand, she sinks into me in delight. (If she were a cat I think she'd be purring). It may not actually help her leg, but Missy ADORES the attention.

Help please!

2009-04-08T00:04:00.000-07:00

I've decided to reorganise the blog slightly, and have changed some of the labels (part way down the right hand side of the web-page) so that they should be more useful if you're coming here to search for certain topics.

Can you let me know if the reorganisation makes subjects easier to find? And is there anything that's missing that you'd like to see?

Finally if anyone knows how to split the "Labels" I'd love to also put each of the dogs' names on the blog entries... but I think it would be confusing to mix dog names with specific greyhound related entires.

Drop me an email (retiredhound at yahoo.co.uk) if you know how, or if you have any other comments. Thanks in advance!

Long term residents

2009-04-06T00:44:00.000-07:00

Why some dogs stay in kennels for just a few days, while others stick around for months is sometimes a bit of a mystery. It could be just that some are much better at doing the "I must behave" than others.

Nicky and Shawn have seen several of their girls rehomed, while they've remained in the kennels for many months. In fact I can't even remember the name of Nicky's latest kennel mate - she's already got a reservation on her and may not even be there when I walk him this week.

You do get to know the longer-term residents well though - and you get a real buzz when you find out that one has either been reserved or rehomed. The latest to have a reservation on her is Spark and she's been in the kennels for as long as I can remember.

Spark's a lovely little girl, with a brilliant personality, but she can be a bit of a handful at times. (Especially when she sees something like a fox). However, in the right home she'll do brilliantly. I really hope she has a good home trial.

Hop-along gal

2009-04-03T00:02:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking of that cheeky chimp Missy today.

She had a dreadful limp last week, and could barely walk on one of her front legs. She seemed to have difficulty lifting one of her paws off the ground, and had to drop her shoulder really low to get her toes up and through the air.

Poor girl. She was a lot better this week - and I had to look very carefully to work out which leg was slightly lame - but she's had the limp in one form or another for a while, so the guys at the kennels have decided that it's time Missy saw the vet again.

I do hope all goes well. Missy is a very lively girl - in fact I was quite worried this week when I arrived at the kennels and she didn't have nose and front paws PRESSED to the kennel window BEGGING for a walk - however, I think she was just having a little rest after breakfast. Five minutes later there she was, grinning at me.

I am really hoping that the vet finds there's not a lot wrong with her, and half suspect that she just keeps on re-pulling a muscle with all her jumping. I'll keep you updated.

More walkies...

2009-04-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

Last post I forgot to mention the naughty dogs like Flo, who are always quite keen to get one over you when you take them for a walk.

Flo's a crafty, but lovable, black girl, and I've often seen her flying around the paddocks, with a poor walker holding on for dear life. (In fact I think I've been one of them).

She can be a little minx and loves nothing more than pulling... however she's also very smart, so the trick with Flo is to let her know that she's not going to get away with any pulling WHATSOEVER.

And, after a few minutes tug-of-war between Flo and walker, settles down onto the lead nicely and shows that she is, in fact, a delightful little girl.

Beware though if at any point she thinks she's got the upper hand - off she'll go, puffing and straining ahead of you!

Walkies!

2009-03-30T01:17:00.000-07:00

Many of the greyhounds at the local retired greyhound trust kennels are super on the lead. Somehow they just seem to KNOW how to walk to heel.

Others are not so good. Last post I mentioned Becky who had been in the kennels for months because she pulls when she first goes out with a new walker.

In fact she is pretty good on the lead once she gets to know you, and she's a joyful little girl which makes her quite a pleasure to take for a walk.

There are a few tricks I've been taught to get dogs to behave on the lead.

The first is simple. Talk to them. OK you may feel like a bit of a nutter - although what's more natural than talking to your dog (NB I lost it years ago) - but it's a lot less embarrassing than being seen with the dog taking you for a walk.

There is another trick, and this is to hold the lead in your right hand, and have the dog on your left hand side. You can then press the palm of your left hand onto the lead to bring them back to heel, whenever they start to strain.

This is the method I used to teach Becky to walk to heel - and you only have to use it until they get the idea - and it also worked for my big girl Ava.

Sometime neither of these methods work, but there is another solution and that's a harness. These take a bit of getting used to - you don't have control of the dog's neck - but thankfully I had plenty of practice with Nicky (who couldn't walk on a lead for a while because of a wound on his neck).

Harnesses are pretty good for controlling the big powerful boys like Becker, with one reservation. You have to watch the dog's body language quite closely, because if they're on a harness it's easier for them to have a leap at unsuspecting squirrels, or cats, or other dogs. Just be ready to grab their collar!

Rehoming, rehoming, rehoming

2009-03-27T01:10:00.000-07:00

Well it's all rehoming, rehoming, rehoming, at the moment, which is nothing short of excellent news.

Just last week at the kennels we were bemoaning the fact that Becky does herself no favours when she first meets someone - she PULLS and PULLS and PULLS when she's taken out by a stranger.

It's a real shame because she's actually super on the lead - once she gets to know you - however, the result of her PULLING so far has been that she's been overlooked time and time again.

Until now that is. I visited the kennels earlier this week to discover Becky was no longer there.

I found this a bit puzzling and thought that maybe she had been moved to the kennels just down the road (and are sometimes used if the girls who haven't been spayed yet go on heat).

I questioned one of the kennel hands later in the day to discover the great news that she'd been rehomed with another of our rehomed rescue hounds who had been feeling lonely by himself. Brilliant.

Further rehoming news is that Emma is on home trial. Ava went to the rugby last weekend and is now reserved.

I feel this is a fitting event for my darling big lass - if she were human she'd play rugby and probably be a prop!

Guess who's back?

2009-03-25T01:15:00.000-07:00

Just a quick one today as I'm about to go and walk the hounds. Guess who I'm going to see? Yes, Nicky's back. I am contemplating calling him boomerang dog.

I actually saw him next week and he was looking happy and relaxed. He's currently kenneled with Emma (another boomerang dog) - and it's a really nice pairing.

I had a wonderful greeting from both (well if you count being whipped by tails wagging a wonderful greeting that is), and Emma made "take me home" eyes all the time she was out.

They also decided it was a good idea to glue themselves to my legs when it was time to go back to the kennels - very amusing!

I haven't got to the bottom of why Nicky has come back - maybe I'll find out more today - but Emma was returned because of a change in her owner's circumstances.

And, I think this is another brilliant thing about our local retired greyhound rehoming kennels - they'll always take a dog back, and this means the dog will ALWAYS have a safe and happy home.

Laurel and Hardy

2009-03-23T01:14:00.000-07:00

The good news is that there have been plenty of rehomings over the past couple of weeks. And the great news is that Nobby is one of the dogs that has gone to a new home.

This means that Ava has a new kennel mate, he's Dumbo - an older white-and-tan boy - and if Ava could be described as "wider-than-average" Dumbo is on the skinny side. They make quite a funny pairing, as they are about the same height in the shoulder... but Ava is roughly twice the size of Dumbo.

Brings to mind the classic comedy pairing of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. "Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into," although more likely to be Nobby saying it to Ava rather than the other way round.

Ava IS much less mischievous with Dumbo than with Nobby, although I wouldn't like to point a finger at Nobby and say he's the naughty one... they're both as bad as one another.

Nobby has some older children in his new home, so I'm he'll have tons of fun getting into trouble with them.

Shawn maligned!

2009-03-20T00:39:00.000-07:00

I have to hang my head in shame, I've maligned Shawn. Poor boy, I accused him of blotting his copy-book and having a contretemps with Kenny.

I take it back! I walked Shawn and his white-and-brindle girlfriend Missy today, and when I came back Kenny, and partner Lass were in the paddock. I braced myself, and put both Shawn and Missy on a very short lead.

I walked the two dogs quickly past the paddock - at this point Kenny was barking his head off and leaning against the fence - to reciprocal barking and growling from... Missy. The little tinker!

I was quite surprised because if there's any arguing to be done - and to be honest, there's not an awful lot that goes on - it's usually between the male dogs (3 or 4 usual suspects). And Shawn will growl occassionally, although again, he usually growls while leaning heavily against my legs. In the previous incident one of the dogs had leapt at Kenny - and I just assumed it was Shawn. I feel SO guilty.

Anyhow, I took both Missy and Shawn a distance away from the paddock and gave them a good fuss. Every so often Missy would turn around and bark at Kenny. Kenny returned the favour.

Meanwhile Shawn cuddled in close and looked deeply into my eyes. "See I told you it wasn't me".

Twitching with greyhounds

2009-03-18T01:33:00.000-07:00

Well spring is well and truly upon us... for the moment. The birds are really active and as there are no leaves on the trees yet, this offers a ton of bird-watching opportunities.

Certain greyhounds are the best possible bird-spotting companions imaginable. Take Becky for instance. Not a lot gets past her. As soon as she sees movement in the trees she homes in on it, and it means you get to spot some really interesting little birds.

The other day it was a woodpecker - we often hear them around the kennels - but they are tiny little birds, so quite difficult to spot.

Not for Becky - although she gets bored as soon as she realises it's not a squirrel! And then really bored when I spend five minutes watching the bird and telling her all about it.

"C'mon, there's squirrels out there," she says.

Spring is in the air?

2009-03-16T01:41:00.000-07:00

We were away on holiday last week, and I didn't get to see the hounds. So, with great excitment I checked the website of the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels to find out which, if any, dogs had been rehomed while I was away.

Guess what! Guess what! Guess what! I am soooo excited. William is on the reserved list. Can I say it again? I am soooo excited.

A reservation is just the first step in the rehoming process, so I have to keep everything crossed for this lovely boy. This sweet lad just isn't very good at selling himself to potential owners, and actually when you get to know him he is a delightful boy. I really hope everything goes well.

Another long-term resident name on the reserved list is Ollie, a big beautiful softie of a blue boy, who is more horse than greyhound.

All thrilling news, and I can't wait to hear more when I visit the kennels later in the week.

Steam-train dogs

2009-03-11T00:59:00.000-07:00

Some of the greyhounds, like Nicky, seem to instinctively know how to walk on the lead and trot happily to heel from day one.

Others, like Becker, don't know their own strength, and can be difficult to handle, until you try a different tack and put them on a harness. Suddenly they realise that they have a human companion, and actually it's quite nice to walk by your side.

Then there are others like Becky, who'll pull like a steam-train the first few times you take them out, completely ignoring you and straining to get ahead. Then, there's a change.

I don't know whether it's because they get to know you, or whether they are a bit more confident that they'll get a good walk, but all of a sudden they become a delight on the lead, and happily trot by your side.

It means that dogs like Becky often get overlooked as potential rehomers opt for a more genteel dog... so I guess a plea is, if you have the time, visit the local rehoming centre more than once - you may be pleasantly surprised how some of the dogs change once they get to know you!

Duck!

2009-03-09T04:51:00.000-07:00

I guess ducks look fairly strange if you've never seen one before. Frank, a handsome big black-and-white boy certainly thought so.

We'd just finished eyeballing the chickens - there's a chicken run down one side of the paddocks at the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels - which was great fun for all. Actually, the chickens were in a fairly feisty mood, so I'm not sure whether they, or Frank, won the staring competition. (Later on in the walk the chickens were standing, regimented, on a raised plank in their pen - looking for all the world as if they were guarding THEIR home from those pesky hounds).

Anyhow, turn the corner into the paddock (marsh is a better word for it at the moment) proper, and what should we see, but a pair of mallards - male and female - waddling back. Frank was mesmerised, what on earth was that with a strange gait and funny shape.

Waddle, waddle. The ducks came towards us. Frank jumped backwards, kindly landing on my toes, and then started to creep forwards. The ducks spotted him and took off quacking as they flew, which Frank found even MORE surprising.

He turned to me and looked quizzically. "Funny type of greyhound," he said, before continuing on his way.

Nicky news

2009-03-06T00:06:00.000-08:00

I've heard news of Nicky - and apparently he was nervous at first, but settling in well. I am so pleased for my sweet little darling, and I really hope that things continue to go well for him, and we will have another happy doggy ending.

I thought this would be a good chance to have a review of all the dogs that I've walked that have been rehomed since I started this blog (nearly 6 months ago). These aren't all the dogs in the kennels (I reckon I write about around 1 in 6 of them). Forgive the self-indulgence.

So, from the most recently rehomed we have:

Nicky (fingers crossed! fingers crossed!) a sweet little black dog and my special boy
Crafty old black girl Angie, who had been in kennels for a number of month
Ditzy blonde bombshell Kelly
Beautiful intelligent black girl Topsy
Kennel clown with a jumbo appetite Josh
Scardey-cat Joe
Lovely, but growly, white and brown Chas
Darling, beautiful, black-and-white Pretty
Another white and brindle growler Mark
Jay who likes to chase ANYTHING
Poppy who pulls like a train
Mischeivous black boy Mikey
And Pete (just recently) of the bald thigh syndrome
Finally, Sal, who likes to chase things too

So that's 14 dogs rehomed since October. Bearing in mind that I probably don't meet 4/5 of the dogs at the kennels, that's a heck of a lot of dogs that are in new homes thanks to greyhound rehoming (If I only meet 4/5ths, I estimate around about 50-70 will have been rehomed from the kennels in total over that period).

That's a lot of happy waggy tails! Bless them all - such loving dogs, who expect so little, but give so much.

Sweet William

2009-03-04T00:03:00.000-08:00

I have a bit of a soft spot for William, one of the white and brindle boys who has been at the kennels for a number of months now.

I wasn't always so fond of him. The first couple of times I took him for a walk I was a complete nervous wreck. William can be a growler and a barker, and he'll growl and bark at some other male greyhounds. He's quite a big boy, so you have to make sure you hold on TIGHT.

After he's gone to the toilet he'll gouge the ground raking up piles of earth. You can tell when William's been out, because there are deep scratch marks all the way down the sprint and around the paddocks.

I think, however, that William is just a bit confused, and all he needs is someone with patience, love and understanding to bring him out of himself. (And I hope they walk through that kennel gate sometime soon).

I came to this conclusion when I noticed that William wags his tail madly at a dog while barking and growling. A mixed-up boy if I ever saw one.

I've also discovered that you can usually calm him down by stroking his head and speaking calmly to him.

If there's one thing William loves is love, cuddles and attention. So, if you can find a quiet place to wait-a-while and have some cuddles and tickles, you'll be rewarded by just about the most vigorous tail-wagging you've ever seen.

There's another thing that he loves as well, and that's treats. William likes to do something akin to kangaroo-jumping for treats - he bounces up and down on his back legs just begging for you to give him something.

How could you resist?

Counting hounds

2009-03-02T00:57:00.000-08:00

You know what it's like. You wake up in the middle of the night and your mind starts ticking over.

Soon enough you're wide awake and worrying about the STRANGEST things. Did I shut the fridge door properly? Or are the cats, at this very moment, feasting on the remainder of today's roast chicken?

I wonder how I can solve the international financial crisis? Will the tubes be running properly tomorrow morning?

You know the sort of thing...

Anyhow, I have an excellent solution, which gets me back to sleep in no time at all. It's called "Counting hounds". The idea is you go through the alphabet and think of a dog that you've walked for each letter.

A is for Ava, B is for Becky, C is for Chas. You get the idea. You rarely get further than G for Georgia. And I defy you to get past M for Mikey.

Zzzzzzzzzz.......

White House dog breed chosen

2009-02-27T00:55:00.000-08:00

It looks like the Obamas have finally settled on a Portugese water hound as the next dog-in-residence at the White House. Apparently the search is now on for a rescue dog.

I wish them luck and I am sure that they will find a dog waiting to be rescued somewhere in the United States - but they would a made life a whole lot easier for themselves if they had chosen a greyhound!

Like Portugese water hounds, greyhounds also seem to be good for some people that have allergies to dogs. This seems to be because they have just the one coat.

There are thousands of greyhounds waiting to be rehomed. Click here for a starting point for UK rehoming kennels, there are many others as well. I'm still working on lists for the US & elsewhere in the world - do send me links if you want to be included and are not already.

If you have allergies, and want a dog, go visit your local kennels! You should be able to spend plenty of time with the dogs to see if they trigger your allergies. They'll have all ages of dog, and while your unlikely to get a very young puppy, you may be able to get a young dog - like my lovely Ava - who has all the bounce, energy and naughtiness of a puppy. If you want a more sedate dog, they'll be there too. You could choose an old age pensioner, or go for a placid five-year old.

One final hint - ask to look at the black dogs. They're often overlooked, because they are not as pretty as some of the others. And I find these guys are often the best dogs in the kennels. (Just don't tell blue-and-white Ava I said that, she'd never forgive me).

Keep your fingers crossed for Nicky

2009-02-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

Dear little Nicky is out on home trial! I am keeping everything crossed that he has found his "forever" home, and ask that you keep everything crossed too.

I really hope that this home works out for him - my lovely boy has been in kennels for far too long. I do feel sad that I may not be able to walk him again, but this is far outweighed by the joy that he may have found a duvet to call his own. He is such a super boy (and I suspect if he had been a colour other than black he would have been rehomed months ago).

This could leave a big gaping hole in my top dog list. It almost goes without saying that Ava and Nobby have bounced (a very appropriate word for this naughty pair) to the very top of my list - and are now the first dogs I walk when I go to the kennels - but I now have another vacancy.

Shawn can rest assured that his place remains intact, but I like to have three sets of dogs that I walk regularly (I usually do five walks).

The search will have to begin next week... although there seem to be plenty of new dogs to choose from. I'll keep you posted.

Rehoming news

2009-02-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

It was my Angie that has been rehomed. And she SEEMS to have settled in quite nicely judging by the pictures I've seen of her.

Meanwhile little Nicky has another new kennelmate - new to him, but sadly not new to the kennels. Emma is back due to a change in her owner's circumstances, and I can report that she is blue under her kennel coat.

Anyhow the partnership may not last long - I am hoping for good news about Nicky when I next go to the kennels. He has a reserve on him, so I hope he will finally be going home!

A word about muzzles

2009-02-20T00:43:00.000-08:00

Following my post earlier in the week about the Shawn and Kenny face-off. I thought I should tell you a bit more about the rules that we follow when we walk greyhounds from the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels.

I've already talked about how we keep the dogs safe by always walking them on a lead. We also hold the lead in a special way with the loop at the top in the palm of our hand, and then the lead looped again around our forearm.

When I pass other dogs I always ensure that there is at least one walker between the sets of dogs - and always ensure that my dogs are on a short lead as we go by.

Finally all the hounds are walked with a muzzle. This protects the dogs if they do decide to have a bit of a nip and a growl. (I guess it also protects any unsuspecting squirrels that might be rooting around in the undergrowth. Although most aren't stupid enough to hang around for too long!)

This is not popular with all hounds and some will do all they can to get rid of the dreaded contraption. They'll do this by trying to flick it off with their front paws, or by rubbing the muzzle HARD against your leg. Neither method works.

However one day a few weeks ago I was asked to walk one of the dogs from the adjoining racing kennels. This lovely little black girl had developed a bit of a knack of getting rid of the muzzle. Something like a shake and a sharp flick of the head which would - somehow - send the muzzle flying in the air into the undergrowth.

I'm still not sure how she did it - the muzzle wasn't particularly loose, but in the end I did it up REALLY REALLY tightly, and this seemed to do the trick.

Shawn blots his copy book

2009-02-18T00:36:00.000-08:00

It was another school half-term week and another case of doggy-mania at the kennels yesterday.

The yard was packed, the paddock - well the part of it that you could get to, most is still flooded - was packed, the lane was packed. You could barely move for greyhounds and walkers.

It was all a bit too much for Shawn. Since Kelly was rehomed he is sharing Missy, a cheeky - and very lively - white and brindle girl. The pair SEEM to get on very well, but I think this includes having a nice chat about how much fun being naughty is!

Recently Shawn has become a bit of a growly dog around some other males. He's actually generally pretty good, and will only growl if they try to sniff either him or his girlfriend, and I've found I can usually get him to stop if I firmly tell him NO!

Earlier on in fact he'd had a bit of a growl and I'd stopped him, told him NO and the rest of the walk had been uneventful. That was until we got back to the yard.

There was a crowd of people around the gate into the yard, and I heard some growling and barking. So, I decided to take Shawn and Missy on another loop.

BIG MISTAKE. On the way back, very close to the yard, we met Kenny. Kenny is the old man of the kennels, he takes no prisoners, and likes to have a good yell at everyone. I put both dogs on a very short lead, and walked them past Kenny. Kenny started growling and barking, Shawn reciprocated, and Missy - obviously thinking she was missing out - leapt towards Kenny. (At least I think that's what happened - it's all a bit of a blur).

"NO!!!! ENOUGH OF THAT" I yelled, dragging the dogs away. No harm done - apart from a bit of a shaken walker.

Shawn seemed to know that he'd overstepped the mark, because as soon as I sat down he buried his head into my side and demanded cuddles and tickles - he's not normally so demonstrative - and gave me a look as if to say: "But, butter wouldn't melt in my mouth." Hmm, I don't think so my boy!

Angie goes home?

2009-02-16T03:28:00.000-08:00

It's now been two-and-a-half weeks since I've seen the hounds - I hope to walk them tomorrow. Can't wait!

But the exciting news is I think that old terror Angie may have been rehomed (Nicky's latest girlfriend). Of course there could be another Angie at the kennels - I guess I will have to wait until I get there tomorrow to find out. It'd be lovely if she did find a home.

The lovely Topsy has also been rehomed, so it'll be a case of beginning to fill up the top-dog spots again. I'm sure Shawn and Nicky will still be there - but who knows? Someone may have come down to the kennels and fallen in love with them... watch this space!

Another allergy finding

2009-02-12T00:31:00.000-08:00

Well I promised another allergy finding (apologies to all of you that have never had a sniffle, sore eyes, or itchy skin when around a dog).

As usual the last time I was at the kennels I walked the lovely Ava and Nobby again, and once again, the lovely Ava asked for a hug. She's so cute when she does this that I couldn't resist - this is despite the fact that she had just waded through some big puddles and the mucky girl had mud and water all the way up her legs.

My big girlie is really coming out of herself, so, after I had told her it was OK to put her paws on my shoulders, she jumped up, and firmly planted one on my chin and lower lip, scragging my face a little.

I moved her paw down and gave her a big hug all the time thinking: "Oh heck, that'll do it, I'm going to come up with several massive itchy red welts on my face."

Usually dog claws don't even have to puncture my skin to make me come up in a reaction, which looks a little bit like insect bites. In fact I've sometimes been seen to dance the fandango trying to avoid the claws of little dogs when they're trying to jump up and I'm in shorts. The little dogs think it's a great game.

I usually carry antihistamine cream with me, which calms the reaction down, but of course on this day I'd forgotten it.

Anyhow, Nobby and Ava were at the start of their walk and I wasn't going to let them suffer because of my stupidity. So we carried on, and I forgot all about the scratch, until... erm... that evening when I looked in the mirror at home and saw four very faint triangular marks in a rough paw mark on my face.

I suppose it could be that her claws weren't very doggy at that point (very muddy though), but it looks like the greyhounds have passed another allergy-test.

Just the final allergy test of getting them into the home to pass then - and the reason I haven't done this is I'm terrified they'll make me sniffle in an enclosed environment, and I'm not ready to find out that news yet!!

Dogs all snowed in!

2009-02-10T00:36:00.000-08:00

Well not quite, but I've just had a look at the website for the kennels that I walk for and discovered that for at least part of last week dog-walking was cancelled!

(So my horrible cold came at the right time then). There are some wonderful pictures of the dogs in the snow though. I do hope everything is clear next week - so that I can back to see everyone.

Absent friends

2009-02-09T00:16:00.000-08:00

Flip, I'm missing my hounds. I didn't get to see them all last week thanks to a cold and snow and now I'm busy with work all week. So it'll be nearly three weeks between greyhound fixes.

To get a hound ration I've been regularly checking the kennel's website, and have discovered, sadly, that one of the most laid-back and funniest dogs at the kennels has died.

Barney was a lovely black-and-white boy and a fantastic greyhound ambassador. He loved his walks and was brilliant with children - more than once, I passed him in the paddocks lying on his back, all four paws in the air, with several children giving him a tummy-tickle.

He knew his own mind, as I'd found to my cost on a couple of occasions, when I tried to go in the WRONG direction. Barney would lie down until you went in the direction he wanted you to (in fact he'd often use this as an excuse to ask for a tummy-tickle as well).

He also loved his pig ears, and would take them back to his kennel, to chew on, often eating some of his bedding as well. (I found out that it passes through unchanged, just in case you wondered!!).

He really was a lovely dog, a true gent, and will be sorely missed.

The backward shuffle

2009-02-06T00:28:00.000-08:00

Honestly, Nicky is such a little pickle at times. He's a lovely handsome boy, but sometimes he's a bit nervous. And he dosn't like unexpected sounds.

Last week when we were walking without Angie - she had an appointment at the dentist - we heard several distant, but quite distinct, bangs. I'm not sure whether they were to do with the building work, or whether it was a nearby farmer with a gun, but anyhow Nicky decided he didn't like the noise AT ALL.

When he's worried, Nicky paces backwards and forwards, so I crouched down and gave him a cuddle. It seemed to work, and we resumed our walk.

It was only when we got close to the kennels that I realised he was still worried by the bangs. The fields were badly flooded, so I decided to take Nicky down the lane so that he could have a longer walk - closer to the reccomended 20 minutes.

As we started down the lane Nicky turned to face the kennels and walked backwards - we must have looked a very strange sight, walker and dog facing in opposite directions, but matching each other stride for stride.

Nothing would make Nicky turn around and I thought he probably wanted to join some dogs that had gone in the other direction. So I waited until they were out of sight, and tried again. Once again, Nicky started to walk backwards, facing the kennels.

OK, thought I, maybe he just doesn't fancy the lane today. So, I took him another direction - again away from the kennels - same reaction. Nicky faced the kennels and started to walk backwards, matching me pace for pace.

Poor boy - the loud bangs had obviously upset him more than I realised, so, it was back to the kennels.

Dreaded Lurgy

2009-02-04T04:31:00.000-08:00

Disaster - today was meant to be the day I walked the hounds, but there's still snow on the ground, and I've woken up with a bit of a cold and a rattley cough.

I've decided that being outside walking hounds for three hours probably wouldn't be the best thing for me... but I am missing my weekly greyhound fix already. What's worse, I'm busy working all next week, so I will have to go a whole two weeks without seeing my guys and gals. What a depressing thought!

Anyhow I am just about to drag myself back to bed with a hot drink - probably the best thing for me.

And don't worry, I still have plenty to write about (including another allergy revelation) so will continue to post over the next few days.

Cough. Cough. Sniff.

Winter wonderland

2009-02-02T02:56:00.000-08:00

Here in London we have had the worst snowfall in 18 years. As I sit in my office there's a heavy covering of snow elsewhere - I'd estimate nearly a foot - and apparently conditions will deteriorate throughout the day.

Needless to say I'm thinking about my hounds - I'm sure someone will have been able to get through on the roads to look after them. Although, one things for certain, there's no chance of me getting to the kennels. I go by train from central London, and apparently the weather is even worse south of us - where the kennels are - so I am sure that the trains won't be running!

The dogs should all be fairly snug in their kennels, but I don't think they'll get much of a walk today. I bet all the food will be frozen as well - this will cause trouble for the kennel hands.

Anyhow, hopefully, I'll be able to get to see everyone later in the week and I will hear all about the fun and games then.

"I must behave" works a treat

2009-01-30T08:31:00.000-08:00

Just back from the dogs - and I have to report that the "I must behave" trot worked for Kelly, and she has been rehomed with the couple that I saw her walking with last week.

A few more rehoming updates as well - lovely Topsy is on a home trial, so fingers crossed that that goes well. Also I didn't see kennel clown Josh about today (and believe me you know if he's about), so he was either having a quiet one, or has been rehomed too. Quite an eventful week.

Crafty old Angie wasn't about either, and for a minute I thought that she had been rehomed, but no, she was just on a trip to the dentist - I'll take her out next week.

The "I must behave" trot

2009-01-28T01:57:00.000-08:00

I first saw it with Mikey, and now I am convinced that there is an "I must behave" trot.

Mikey did it on his first walk with his new owner and her Jack Russell. It's quite difficult to describe, but if you've seen it you'll know what I mean. It's as if the greyhound is concentrating with every fibre in their body, and they walk with a very purposeful bouncy stride, worried about putting a foot wrong.

I thought it might just be Mikey, but now I've seen blonde-bombshell Kelly do it. Normally she's as daft as a brush.

Last week I took her on her regular walk - with boyfriend Shawn - and true to form she was just as silly as ever.

After the walk a couple with two other dogs wanted to walk Kelly. They were considering rehoming a greyhound, and lo- and behold, as they took Kelly out, she started doing the "I must behave" trot, and was most unlike the Kelly I know!

I've not been down to the kennels this week, but checking on their website, I've spotted that she's been reserved... I can't wait to find out who's reserved her. The "I must behave" trot may have just done the trick.

Ava asks for a hug

2009-01-26T00:22:00.000-08:00

I've walked Ava and Nobby every time I've visited the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels over the past couple of weeks, and I'm happy to report that they've really started to settle down.

Yes... they do come out of their kennel like a bullet out of a gun and ...yes... they are a bit of a handful to get out of the yard if there are a number of dogs around. But, they settle down quickly on the lead, are getting the idea of walking to heel (most of the time) and they LOVE their walks.

The longest walk I've taken them on is 40 minutes, and they showed no sign of flagging. So, I think these guys would love to go for a bit of a day out and a much longer walk... although I'm not sure that my husband would allow me to take both of them in the back of the car.

They are both becoming much bolder with me. Last week Ava decided that she wanted a hug half way round our walk. She looked at me shyly, and then, very meekly lifted her front paws, before putting them back down on the floor.

I tapped my shoulders and said: "Yes you can come up". She didn't need another invitation. My only problem was getting her back down again to carry on with the walk... she was quite happy where she was!

Meanwhile Nobby just prefers "sitting" on my lap when we are back in the yard, either by putting his front paws on my knees, or shuffling back so that his chest is resting on my thighs, and then relaxing. A perfect way to give an unsuspecting walker numb legs...

Becker epiphany

2009-01-23T00:08:00.000-08:00

Becker is a pickle. He's a wonderful cuddly big black boy who just wants love and tickles. However he does himself no favours (with me at least) by his behaviour on the lead.

Becker is one of the few dogs that - until now - I have been unable to get under control on the lead. He just PULLS and PULLS. A total workout, but not a relaxing walk. (It has to be said that some of the other walkers seem to have found the knack with him).

He's absolutely gorgeous in the kennels, and likes nothing more than a tickle and a cuddle. And he loves his treats - and takes them very gently (once you've told him NICELY).

Sometimes, as he drags you around the paddock, he realises that maybe, just maybe, he's pulling a bit too hard, and stops with a look of utter apology on his face. "Sorry don't know my own strength."

However, yesterday I had an utter epiphany with Becker (or it might have been the other way round). I walked him in a harness.

WHAT A JOY. He walked TO HEEL. This is unheard of. He was BRILLIANT (well apart from one incident when he and another boy decided to grumble at each other - I just held him by the collar to make sure there was no silly nonesense. He soon calmed down).

I think Becker might have enjoyed it too because he wagged his tail for the entire walk.

Allergies... again

2009-01-21T00:49:00.000-08:00

A quick post today, but following my post on allergies earlier in the week. Lots of people are still visiting this blog to find out a bit more about dog allergies and I just want to stress that if you are allergic to most dogs you MAY still be allergic to greyhounds. For instance I've not had one in the house, so am still not sure if they'll make me sniffle in this environment. So don't necessarily assume they will be the dog for you!

However, there is a good chance that they will NOT inflame your allergies. This seems to be because they do not have an undercoat.

Also, if you choose to take on a greyhound they are likely to already have their adult coat - puppy coats of dogs like labradoodles often do not inflame allergies, while the dogs adult coat may (depending on the dog - labradoodle coats are very variable).

So - if you have allergies - go and visit the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels (see links on the right or do a search on the internet). Get up close and personal - take them for a walk, fuss them, cuddle them - and see whether you react. Let's hope they ARE the dog for you

Even more on allergies and greyhounds

2009-01-18T23:59:00.000-08:00

Not surprisingly, given all the speculation on the new dog for the Whitehouse, there's been an awful lot in the papers about allergies to dogs recently - and it's still one of the most popular reasons that people are coming to this blog.

It seems the Obamas have settled on either a labradoodle or a portugese water hound. And guess what? The portugese water hound shares a coat characteristic with the greyhound - neither have an undercoat.

In an earlier post I speculated that the greyhound's lack of undercoat may be the reason that they don't seem to inflame my allergies in the same way as other dogs, and now it seems that this may have some basis in fact.

Incidentally I've also seen that the very best dog for allergy sufferers is the poodle, because they have a "woollen" coat.

However, if like me, you'd prefer a rescue dog, I'd thoroughly recommend giving a greyhound a go. There are plenty of retired racing hounds waiting for a good home.

You'll be able to spend plenty of time with them to see if they inflame your allergies and, crucially, you'll be able to spend time with dogs that have their adult coat. Many dogs - like labradoodles - may have a different non-allergenic coat as a puppy, which may mean that you become allergic to the dog as he or she gets older.

Go on, visit your local retired greyhound kennels and give a hound a home.

The arrival of Ava and Nobby

2009-01-16T00:16:00.000-08:00

Several hounds have been rehomed recently, so last time I walked dogs from the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels I was asked to collect a new pair from the holding kennels.

There always seem to be more greyhounds (especially true for boys) needing a home than there are spaces in the main kennels. As a result some of the newer dogs are kept in a seperate set of kennels - which are also used as a boarding kennels - a couple of hundred metres away.

It's quite exciting to pick up new dogs, because you know absolutely nothing about them and have no idea what you might get. I wandered down to the holding kennels and asked for the next pair... and was given two HUGE dogs.

I couldn't tell who was the female, and who was the male. The girls are usually at least a little bit smaller than the boys. There wasn't much to pick between these two. And they were VERY LIVELY. What had I let myself in for?

I was soon told that the beautiful blue dog was the boy and called Nobby. The chunky white and blue girl was Ava and "pulled a bit". At this point I was DRAGGED towards the kennel gate, and through it. (Luckily someone had the sense to quickly open it first).

These guys were really ready for a walk. After an initial tussle (incidently Nobby pulled more than Ava), both settled down nicely onto the lead.

Nobby needed a little bit of persuasion, but I've got a trick for that. The idea is that you hold the lead in one hand, and then put the dog on the opposite side of your body, with the lead running across your front. It's then possible to put your free hand on the lead to keep the dog walking to heel.

Part way round and a real test - kamikaze cat sped out onto the path ahead of us. Neither dog lurched although Nobby stared fixedly at the cat, and I think he will take chase if given another chance. All in all though a good first walk, and I delivered both dogs safely to their new temporary home.

Joe goes home

2009-01-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

When I got to the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels, I discovered that one of my favourite black boys Joe, had just been rehomed!

It's brilliant news, because the poor black boys - through no fault of their own - seem to be overlooked time and time again.

Once again there seems to have been a bit of a rash of rehomings over the past couple of weeks with at least 8 dogs going to new homes - including little Emma with her mysterious coat. I'm worried I'll never know what colour she was under that brown fuzz.

The other fantastic piece of news is that kennel-clown Josh has been reserved. Fingers-crossed for this wonderful big bouncy lad. He's going to be a super pet for someone.

Taking the bull by the horns

2009-01-12T01:21:00.000-08:00

Since the strange case of Nicky biting Becky, he has been sharing with kennel-horror Angie.

Angie is a big, confident, black girl who takes no prisoners, and the theory is that no-one will be brave enough to bite her.

The first time I met her - several months ago - she bounced all over the place as she was being bought out of her kennel.

"She seems very pleased with herself," I said to the kennel hand. At which the kennel hand rolled her eyes and said: "Yes, she's just very pleased at being Angie."

Angie is strong, and will chase anything. As a result for the last few weeks I've been walking Angie and Nicky separately. However, she has proven to be really well behaved on the lead. (I've not seen the cat or the foxes while I've been out with her - and I suppose it could be a different matter if we spotted them).

She's also been quite good in the yard, and although she's very keen to take treats, I've found that if I tell her sternly "nicely" before I give her the treat, she'll take it very gently from my hand.

So this all resulted in me offering to take both Nicky and Angie out for a walk together. Silence fell. Then a quiet: "Are you sure?"

I replied that I was and that I'd bring the dogs back immediately if there were any problems. We were out for 40 minutes (I had to take a long phone call half way round the paddock) and both dogs were really well behaved. I'm sure Angie is just biding her time...

Smarter than the average hound?

2009-01-09T01:28:00.000-08:00

I think my little Topsy might be smarter than the average hound. (Now I've posted this I'm sure she'll prove me wrong be doing something really daft - either the next time I walk her or with someone else at the kennels).

She seems really quick on the take-up. I've already written about how gentle she is when she jumps up - most of the other dogs put their full weight on you and can knock you for six when then put their paws on your chest - but she seems to know that it's best to put barely any weight on you and just lean very lightly.

This has served her well. Topsy's partner Joe is a bit of a pig when it comes to treats. He's working towards the labrador-greyhound look and will eat all his treats and anyone else's that he can get his chops on.

Topsy has learnt - within a couple of weeks - that an easy way to ensure she gets her fair share of treats is to lean gently on my left forearm while they are being handed out. This means she is high enough above Joey to be able to take the treat from me without him being able to snatch it.

Another thing she learnt very quickly was how to open the gate at the bottom of the sprint. It only requires a push, but every other dog waits for me to open it for them, which can sometimes mean a juggling of leads. Topsy doesn't even break step, and opens the gate with her nose, and strides straight through. Clever girl!

I think this means that it might be quite easy to train her... although I suspect, like other smart dogs, she might become naughty if she gets bored.

Tails from home

2009-01-07T01:58:00.001-08:00

One of the absolute joys of walking dogs from the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels is that dogs come back - to visit that is, not for good.

Other owners come back to walk some of the hounds that are currently enjoying kennel life. (Anyone who is thinking of doing this should BEWARE. You might end up with more than you bargained for).

Pretty's owner was back at the kennels over the Christmas period, she hadn't bought the Pretty with her, but I had a good chance to chat and find out how the dog was settling in.

Turns out that she's become really playful and a bit of a tomboy. She's still a bit nervous around people that she doesn't know, but is already charging up to and dancing at the feet of the people that she knows in the park. She is happily playing with other dogs (and showing off with a turn of speed that leaves them all in her wake). All in all it sounds like she is having a LOVELY time.

Another dog that I got to meet over the Christmas period was Chas. He was rehomed over the summer, and had been overlooked in the kennels for many, many months. This was posssibly for a couple of reasons - firstly he's quite big, and secondly he was a bit growly around other males.

What a difference a loving home can make! I barely recognised Chas - he was looking so relaxed. I had a chat with his new owner and found out that he was settling in nicely. He could still be a bit growly with other males, but that he was getting better all the time. Brilliant news!

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T02:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year all and I hope you had a restful festive season.

It's certainly been very festive here with hard frosts and even snow this morning. The ground has been frozen solid the last couple of times I've walked the dogs at the local retired greyhound kennels.

The frozen ground hasn't bothered most of the hounds, but Nicky's reaction has been a delight. Dance of the sugar plum fairy springs to mind. Unfortunately, less prima ballerina, more elephant in hob nail boots. He skitters across the ice as if it's going to bite him (I guess he could have sensitive paws!).

One question that has been answered is Nicky and his reaction to cats. Kamikaze cat is still doing the rounds and we saw her the other day. I have to report the sad news (for me) that Nicky did not pass his cat test, so he will not be coming home to meet my fluffas.

In fact my normally docile Nicky became very animated when he saw the cat, growling and straining at the lead... oh dear... not a good sign. And he's barely blinked when he's encountered squirrels (I think he may just not have seen them). He is absolutely brilliant with small dogs though.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2008-12-24T03:05:00.000-08:00

There was a very festive feel at the kennels today - chocolates galore for the kennel-hands and volunteers, and lots of treats for the dogs.

Many of the dogs were in impish moods, with kennel-clown Josh giving me a slobbery dog-kiss (URRRGH) on the nose when I was least expecting it. I wouldn't have minded, but I hadn't even been walking him. He's such a cheeky so-and-so these days.

Little Topsy was as sweet as ever, and demanded several hugs as we went round the usual circuit through the paddocks. Then at the end of the walk she decided she needed a big cuddle before she went back to her kennel.

I'm sure I looked a little odd, sat down, with Topsy's front paws on my lap and her chin resting on my head.

I am now going to take a few days off, and will probably not post again until the New Year.

No such luck for the kennel hands and helpers at the rehoming kennels - there's still dogs to be fed and walks to be had - so they'll be in as normal on Christmas day and Boxing day. I'm sure lots of volunteers will visit as well. I really hope one and all will have a very Merry Christmas.

The other top dog spot is filled

2008-12-22T03:26:00.000-08:00

I think my search for favourite dogs is complete - for the time being.

I've decided that I'm going to try and walk Joe and Topsy every time I go to the kennels. They are a lovely pair and really nice to walk together.

I've got a soft spot for Joe, because he's just such a scare-dy cat (or dog, if I was being totally accurate).

Topsy is full of life and really cheeky. However, the most endearing thing about her is the way she greets you.

Some of the dogs jump up and put their paws on your shoulders out of sheer exuberance when they first come out of their kennels. If you're not expecting it, it can knock you backwards. You quickly get to know the very exuberant dogs and you just learn to BRACE yourself.

Topsy is different. She comes out of her kennels quite quietly, fixes you with her gaze, and then, gently, hops up onto her back legs, and carefully places her front paws on you.

There she stays looking lovingly into your eyes until you remind her that a walk would be lovely and - nice as the cuddle is - we really are not going to get very far like this.

Shawn's new girlfriend

2008-12-19T00:35:00.000-08:00

Shawn has a new girlfriend. Pretty was rehomed several weeks ago, and now a new gal has moved into Shawn's kennel.

I don't think it's going to last. Kelly is an absolutely stunning blonde bombshell. She's confident and gorgeous, ditzy and sweet. She'll be rehomed within weeks.

Kelly is just really lovely and will temporarily fill one of my top girl spots. (I like walking Shawn with his partner anyhow). She - hopefully - will be such a great greyhound ambassador.

She's so happy to go and say hello to everyone. She was quite keen to give the mechanics in the garage that is close to the kennels a hand when I walked her. (Most dogs are a bit unsure or scared of the garage). As she left, all the mechanics had a massive grin on their faces - yes she'd worked her charms within a few seconds.

Shawn's a really good boy (thank goodness)

2008-12-17T05:10:00.000-08:00

Dogs from the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels are always walked on the lead.

This is the case for a few reasons - some of the dogs have never been "formally" walked before, and they need to learn how to settle on a lead. Some of the dogs are nervous and would bolt if not on the lead, at least until they get to know you.

Others would shoot off into the distance at the first sight of something to chase. Finally some of the male dogs don't get on, and you need to be able to control them if they start to argue with one another.

I sometimes have nightmares about dropping a lead, or not picking up a lead properly, but thankfully I've had no problems... until today that is.

Last walk of the day was Shawn and his lovely new girlfriend (I am going to tell you all about her in another post - watch this space). She was very sprightly out of the kennels, however I grabbed the leads, and was out of the kennel gates and walking up the lane - Shawn happily trotting by my side - when I looked down, and to my horror, saw that his lead was loosely draped over his girlfriend's lead. I almost fainted!

Thank goodness for lovely Shawn being such a nice boy to walk, as I tightly wrapped BOTH leads round my arm, he looked up at me and continued trotting happily by my side muttering "You know me, I wasn't going anywhere, me".

Cat testing... by mistake

2008-12-15T02:48:00.000-08:00

There was a bit of cat testing by accident at the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels today.

I was out with the first dog of the day - a shy black boy called Joe, who I hadn't walked before - and lo and behold, sitting on a woodstack, in the middle of the small field was a tortoise-shell cat. Either a very foolish, or a kamikaze, tortoise-shell cat.

I approached the woodstack with Joe, fully expecting the cat to rush off. As Joe approached he stared, the cat looked haughty, then Joe jumped out of his skin... and... hid behind my legs.

The cat continued to look haughtily at us, and Joe shook as we walked past the woodstack. He had obviously decided that the cat was a completely terrifying creature.

The next dog I took out was Joe's girlfriend, Topsy. Amazingly the cat was still in the small field. Not for long though. Topsy took one look at the cat, and decided to chase. I luckily had her on a short lead, so the cat made her escape into the undergrowth.

The next two walks were feline-free - unfortunately so with Nicky, because I'd love to see how he reacts. (If he was well-behaved around the cat the husband may allow me to foster Nicky for a few days).

Last walk of the day was daft-old Shawn. I saw the cat darting along the path a few yards ahead of us, tail in the air. Not sure Shawn noticed though - as Mr Dopey-draws didn't react at all.

Coat mystery solved

2008-12-12T00:29:00.000-08:00

The mystery of Emma's strangely coloured thick coat has been solved. I thought that she was a bit of a two-tone girl (chocolate AND blue), and Lita from the Greyhound Awareness League has kindly dropped me an email with an explanation.

Here's the answer:

"I just wanted to reply to your questioning of Emma's chocolate colour fur and the thickness. From my experience greyhounds that are kept in outdoor kennels have what we call 'kennel coats', which is a thickening of the fur (to keep warm).

"When these hounds begin to live indoors in a warm environment, they begin to cast this old coat of fur (which can even come out in tufts and clumps) over a period of a few months.

"In the case of black greyhounds, the kennel coat can be a reddish/brown colour until cast off, and underneath the new fur is black and shiny. It can be an amazing transformation!"

I shall watch Emma with interest and let you know if she begins to shed her coat - I'll be very excited to find out what colour her hair is underneath the thick brown kennel coat. I suspect she'll be blue, but it looks like there's a very good chance she could be another black girl.

Watch this space... that is if she isn't rehomed in the meantime.

Why GREY hounds?

2008-12-10T01:04:00.000-08:00

This is a question that has troubled me for some time. Why are greyhounds called GREY hounds?

Wolfhounds and deerhounds are both named after their original purpose - that is, respectively, they were bred for hunting wolves and deer.

Before I'd spent much time with greyhounds I assumed it was because the hounds were grey. However I've long since learnt that they can be almost any colour under the sun, but very few are grey. And those that look grey in colour are actually officially termed 'blue'.

So where 'greyhound' came from is a bit of a mystery - a quick search on the internet showed that the name has its roots in the mists of time.

The greyhound is an ancient breed, and the common consensus is that the name comes from the Old English word grighund. Hund is the precursor to the modern day hound, and apparently grig has no modern day derivation, but does refer to dogs in old English.

However - as fascinating as the roots of the breed name are - I'd like to propose another reason for breed name. Ever noticed, just like us, how older dogs get white hairs on their chin, and the real OAPs have white faces? Yep, that's why I think they are called greyhounds.

It's official: Dogs have feelings too

2008-12-08T01:58:00.000-08:00

Scientists from Vienna have just published research, which confirms something that every dog owner already knows, that dogs have feelings too.

Apparently they are prone to all sorts of emotions including jealousy, envy and pride. Having walked dogs from the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels I'd add joy, love, laughter and mischief to that list too. (Probably all emotions at the same time in the one dog when it comes to Spark).

Fear, as well unfortunately, as we have lovely dogs like Larry who start their lives in the rehoming kennels terrified. However after months of love and kindness in kennels, a nervous dog will start to come out of himself or herself and slowly blossom.

I'm also sure that dogs can become depressed. Take Josh for instance, he's now the clown of the kennels, and a completely different character than the one that first came into the kennels.

One of the most prevailing emotions I get from the dogs at the kennels is love and affection though. There's nothing better than the first time a shy dog greets you - often by putting their front paws on your shoulders - or takes a treat from you after weeks of work trying to make them more secure. Then you really know you've made a difference, and that this hound is well on their way to a new home.

Top girl search begins

2008-12-05T00:49:00.000-08:00

I wrote last week about how I needed to find some new favourites at the local retired greyhound rehoming centre, because my two top dogs had been rehomed.

With Nicky back in kennels until after Christmas, I actually only need to find a new favourite girl, and the search started in earnest today. I didn't get very far because it was FREEZING, with intermittent sleet showers, and instead of doing my usual 5 circuits with 5 different single or pairs of dogs, I only did three.

I did, however, meet the beautiful Emma. She's shy in kennels, but a cheeky little so-and-so - always demanding cuddles and tickles - once you take her out for a walk.

She's the oddest colour I've ever seen on a greyhound. At first you think that she's a blue (grey) and then you get a bit closer and she actually looks quite chocolately. She's also got quite a thick coat.

I've done a quick search and can't find out an equivalent colour on the greyhound websites - so if anyone has any idea on her "official" colour please drop me a line.

Anyhow, I'll definitely take Emma out next time I visit the kennels - however, I've still to decide whether she'll fill the "top girl" spot.

The reason is she is one of those dogs that's quite "keen", with a well developed chase instinct, and one thing I like from my favourites is to be able to daydream that I might be able to take them home with me. We have two cats - and I don't they'd have a very peaceful life with Emma.

Friends Reunited

2008-12-03T00:51:00.000-08:00

Shock! Horror! I got to the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels today to find that Nicky was back in kennels.

I was relieved to hear that he hadn't misbehaved on his home trail - in fact according to all reports he acted impeccably. However, the family who want to take him have decided that they can't take him until the New Year.

This means that he's back off reserve - in case someone else falls in love with him in the meantime. If not he already has a loving home to go to.

Now, I just have to persuade the husband that we really need to foster this lovely boy over Christmas. I'm sure Nicky would LOVE turkey.

For the love of dogs

2008-12-01T00:07:00.000-08:00

One of the great things about walking dogs from the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels is that you often get to meet, and chat with, people who are considering rehoming dogs.

I love this as it gives me a chance to enthuse about greyhounds to people who are more than willing to listen and that want to pick your brains. And it's great to support potential rehomers by giving them another perspective on the dogs in the kennels.

What's also interesting is to hear their experiences of other non-greyhound rehoming centres. The tales they've given me make me think that, in my totally biased opinion, our local kennels are brilliant.

There are usually 50-60 dogs in the kennels at any one time. This is a relatively small number and gives the kennel hands, and volunteer walkers, a chance to get to know the personality of many of the dogs. In turn this gives a real insight into the sorts of homes that each dog would be happy in.

What seems to be most appreciated by the potential rehomers is that they also get a chance to walk a number of dogs when they visit.

Brilliant because they can see how wonderful greyhounds are on the lead, how comical they are, and - yes, canny, canny, kennel hands, we know your game - fall hopelessly in love with at least one of the dogs.

A bit more about allergies and greyhounds

2008-11-28T01:30:00.000-08:00

Quite a few people seem to have come to this blog to find out more about why some people who have dog allergies are not allergic to greyhounds.

There seems to be a lot of myth and misinformation around dog allergies - and the cause of my dog allergy is still a bit of a mystery to me.

I discovered that I wasn't allergic to all dogs several years ago, when - to my initial horror - I found that I had to spend Christmas in a house with a dog that was, at least partly, Irish wolfhound. He was certainly Irish wolfhound in size and had a wiry coat, however, he definitely was a bit of a mix of other breeds. Probably several. And a total loony.

No-one had warned me, I had no asthma inhaler or anti-histamines with me (the anti-histamines don't tend to work for me anyone), and all the pharmacies were closed for the festive season. To add insult to injury the next door neighbour's poodle seemed to spend most of her day lounging around with the Wolfhound. I resigned myself to a miserable Christmas.

The allergies never appeared, and I spent most of the holiday either tickling the Wolfhound, or sitting with the poodle staring mournfully into my face, begging for cuddles.

Since starting to walk greyhounds from the local rehoming kennels it also seems that I'm not allergic to these dogs.

I've recently discovered that greyhounds and poodles have something in common - they both have just a single coat. Most dogs have a undercoat underneath their top-coat, so I think it may be this undercoat that I'm allergic to.

However there seems to be no rhyme or reason to the dogs people are allergic to - a friend's son is OK with golden retrievers. I am not. Wheaten terriers are often named as good dogs for those with allergies. I come in bumps when I touch them.

So, the only advice I can give to those looking for a dog that will not trigger their allergies is spend tons of time with different breeds. And don't forget the anti-histamines.

Parting is such sweet sorrow

2008-11-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

My darling boy Nicky is being rehomed. It's brilliant news, but also a little sad.

Our last walk - well unless anything goes 'wrong' and I really hope it doesn't - was today. Tomorrow Nicky will be going to his new home. He has another small dog for company, ideal as he is still quite young and can be nervous at times. I was overjoyed at the rehoming kennels, but now I'm feeling maudlin.

My husband and I did discuss taking Nicky home with us, but for various reasons - not least because I thought he would be better off with another dog - we decided not to take him.

As the months went by I thought that perhaps no-one would take Nicky on board - he's a black boy and they always seem to be last in the rehoming queue - and that perhaps we'd have many more months of walks together.

Anyhow, a home is the best place for him. So, with Pretty rehomed recently too, I have a couple of favourite dog vacancies.

There are plenty of contenders and I'll have hours of fun meeting lots of new dogs, learning all about their unique personalities, and their funny habits.

The strange case of the bites in the night time

2008-11-24T01:27:00.000-08:00

Considering that there are 50-60 greyhounds in the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels at any one time, the dogs are generally incredibly good natured with one another.

There are some dogs like Mark, currently on home-trial, who will have a growl and bark at some other males. However, these dogs are well-known for their behaviour, and we make sure we don't bring them into the yard when there are male dogs about.

If I meet another dog while out on a walk with one of the growly dogs, I simply keep him on a short lead, make sure we pass walker to walker - so that the dogs are on the far side of one another - and speak gently to him as we pass. It usually works, but if the dog gets worked up, I just calmly walk on with him barking and growling. The other male is soon forgotten.

However, in the past week, there has been a strange spate of dogs biting their kennel-mates at night. Well, when I say a spate, there have been two incidents. It's remarkable, because it's unusual. Both pairs were long term partners, and in both the males were previously bitten by other partners.

One of the dogs involved is my favourite Nicky. He'd been bitten several times previously, but this time the worm turned and he bit his partner Becky.

Poor old Tim - a lovely bay boy - was also bitten by his long-term partner.

Two mysteries - why do these boys always seem to get bitten? One answer could be that the females are often more dominant and these guys are just a bit wimpy. Another answer that a kennel-hand gave, probably only partly tongue in cheek, is that the dogs are just really annoying.

The other mystery is why now, when the dogs have been happily kennelled together for several weeks? One theory is it could be those pesky fireworks, which are still going off around the kennels.

All the dogs have new kennel-mates so hopefully peace will once again reign.

The problem with puddles...

2008-11-21T05:46:00.000-08:00

The fields at the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels are still a bit of a quagmire, and I was really pleased that I remembered to take my wellies today.

You see, some of the greyhounds are really picky when it comes to wet ground. Yes, while some seem to relish splashing in the puddles and come back from their walks exhilarated and covered in mud, others are prima donnas when and won't get their paws wet.

Nicky doesn't make too much of a fuss and will walk through puddles. However, he does seem to prefer dry ground beneath his feet. In fact he's quite good at finding it.

It's not always apparent which bits are sodden and which give a firm footing - so if I have Nicky with me, I'll send him ahead, and he'll me on the driest path through the fields. What a smart lad!

Just as well really, as his new girlfriend, Tootsy, can't stand puddles. She looks completely mournful if she has to walk through one, and casts you a look of "Oh, do we have to? And where can I get some greyhound wellies," before trudging on, the martyr.

Horace, an elderly brindle boy, doesn't stand for any nonsense at all and just refuses to go on if the ground looks wet.

The worst - and the reason why it's crucial to wear wellies while working with the hounds - are the princesses. These dogs, like little black and white Lucy, are usually female, and will not get their paws wet for anyone.

Unlike Horace, they won't refuse to walk in the field, it's just if there's only enough dry ground for one set of paws or feet, they'll claim it and shove you into the puddles. And, it's amazing how adept at pushing you to one side a greyhound will be.

A single plank through a particularly muddy piece of ground? You'll spot it, you'll think you've stepped out towards it, and then you'll find yourself ankle deep in mud, with a greyhound tiptoeing along said plank.

Outfoxed by a hound? Honestly, I don't know how they do it.

Any tips gratefully received, or should I just carry a cape, Walter Raleigh-style, so that I can lay it across offending puddles?

Greyhounds are addictive

2008-11-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

There's been another rash of rehomings at the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels with Greg, an eight-year old black and white boy, going on home-trial and two black and white girls - Pretty and Poppy - being signed for today.

It's the two girls that have made me absolutely certain of one thing. Greyhounds ARE addictive. Both are going to homes that have at least one other hound in residence.

And hey presto, after a quick search on the internet, I've found that there's even a term to describe it: chipping. As with potato chips - the US name for crisps - when you've got a greyhound it's almost impossible to stop at one.

I'd long since suspected this was the case, having met many people at the kennels who have 2,3, 4 or even more dogs. They're often nosing around to find another hound to add to their happy gang.

The most embarrassing discussion with a multi-dog owner was when I was discussing the best way to handle two dogs. I'd recently discovered that in most cases it was easiest to hold both leads on the same hand and walk the dogs on the same side as each other.

The kennel hand I was talking with agreed and said that she always walked her dogs like this. She said it meant that she could put one onto the other side of her if one of the dogs was misbehaving. I commented that I'd found this useful as well.

Only later did I discover that she has SIX dogs. Oh dear, I am such an amateur.

Mud glorious mud

2008-11-17T01:50:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to take my walking boots and not my wellies with me when I went to walk the greyhounds at the local greyhound rehoming kennels.

Big mistake. Silly me thought that, as it had been dry for the last few days, the ground would be relatively firm. I had forgotten that we'd had several days of torrential rain in the past two weeks.

Ooops - part of the field was more like a swamp. There was no way I was getting round it, so I decided to take the dogs around a smaller overgrown field. Larry was the first hound I walked, and after trying to skitter back to the kennels after seeing A BLUE VAN, he settled quite nicely onto the lead and LOVED going around the overgrown field.

I wasn't sure of the path through the undergrowth, and Larry took advantage of this by sniffing every single tussock of grass to be seen. He thought it was all WONDERFUL. It was the same story for all the other dogs I took out - so I've made a mental note to make sure I vary their routes a little bit more in the future.

Potential homes for tough-to-place dogs

2008-11-14T01:21:00.000-08:00

Well it was all change when I went to the local retired greyhound kennels today - two of the tougher-to-rehome dogs have gone on home trials.

As I've said many times, most greyhounds docile, gentle and quite laid back. (Check out the about greyhounds section on the RGT website).

Most walk on the lead without pulling, and some can live with cats, small dogs, and other small pets. I've seen figures which suggest somewhere between 60-90% of hounds can be trained to live with smaller animals, depending on the rescue home you talk to.

On cats in particular - apparently 1 in 10 have no chase instinct whatsoever (ie they'll either be terrified of your cat, or take no notice), and the other 5-8 in 10 can be trained to live with a cat. Check out this link.

Anyhow that leaves some that cannot be trusted with cats or other small animals at all. Perhaps understandably, people are often reticent to take these dogs on, and they are left in the kennels for months and months.

I've already mentioned Sal who was rehomed last month. Now Jay and Mark - both with strong chase instincts - have gone on home trials.

Jay, a very friendly, brindle boy is apparently doing well in his new home with three other greyhounds. Mark a sweet - but nervous and growly around large dogs - white and brindle went to his new home sporting a natty new box muzzle today.

Good luck to you both boys. I really hope I don't see you again - unless it's at one of the kennel jollies and you're back to visit.

Boing said Madge

2008-11-12T01:04:00.000-08:00

For weeks after starting walking dogs from the local retired greyhound kennels I wondered why prospective adopters were required to have a six foot high fence around their garden.

Greyhounds are usually placid dogs - often described as couch potatoes - and even the biggest of them (the biggest are usually about 30 inches at the shoulder) shouldn't be able to get their snout much higher than 4 foot surely?

Then I met Madge, as I walked into the yard Madge said: "BOING!!!!" and then launched herself several feet into the air. From a standing start. "BOING," said Madge, "BOING, BOING, BOING."

I wondered whether, a bit like Zebedee from the Magic Roundabout, all four paws had been fitted with springs, but no, once she had calmed down, I saw her paws were normal. She's just quite excitable.

Since then Madge has proven she is quite adept at the Harrier jump-jet take off in any circumstance. She's quite a small dog, so if a hedge or bramble bush gets in the way and there could be a rabbit or another dog on the other side - what better way to check than the vertical take-off?

Greyhounds and allergies

2008-11-10T01:28:00.000-08:00

Well it turns out that my suggestion that the Obamas should take on a greyhound wasn't quite so tongue in cheek as I thought.

No, I don't have an inside line to the President-elect's office, but I do know that greyhounds can be good for some people who are allergic to most dogs. In fact it seems to be a bit of an open secret - and I've met many people at the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels who find that greyhounds do not trigger their allergies.

I seem to be one of them - I am dreadfully allergic to most dogs. I don't even have to touch one and I can be wheezing and sneezing within a few minutes of walking into a room that's had a dog in it. If I touch them I come up in inflamed itchy patches on my skin, and if I touch my eyes afterwards they swell up and water. Antihistamines do not do any good.

Not so for greyhounds - after all the time spent cuddling and fussing them over the past few months I am confident they don't trigger my skin allergies.

I don't know whether they make me wheeze and sneeze, because I haven't spent any time with them indoors - however, I do know if I decided I might want to take one on I could take him home with me for a few days to test whether he triggers my allergies.

I'd strongly encourage anyone with allergies to go to their local greyhound kennels and give these dogs a go. They're likely to have their adult coat so you can be sure you won't develop allergies to them as they grow from puppy to dog - as can be the problem with labradoodles and goldendoodles.

Also it gives you the chance of giving a home to a "rescue" dog, with all the advantages of the back-up and support of the retired greyhound kennel team, a knowledge of the dog's character, and the chance to give him or her a second chance in life.

Table manners

2008-11-07T01:04:00.000-08:00

Most of the greyhounds at the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels have impeccable manners when eating dog treats. In fact for many of the dogs, and the volunteer walkers, the best part of the walk is dog treats and cuddles in the yard after a brisk 20-minute spin around the kennel's fields.

Some walkers bring their own treats - sausages, cheese, anything from Bakers, and Schmakos always seem to go down well - and there are a couple of large dog bowls containing an assortment of treats.

Many of the dogs will wait and eat the treat gently out of your hand. When you give them the dog bowl full of treats, they'll root around until they find one that they like, and eat that one, rather than scoffing the whole bowl at once.

There are exceptions and one of them is Josh. Since coming in as a poor sorry skinny thing a couple of weeks ago Josh has come out of himself. He's now one of the happiest, most gregarious, dogs in the kennels - and definitely a larger-than-life character, which is saying something given he's the size of a small cart horse.

He has also lost his appetite and found a donkey's. And he's very cheeky when it comes to treat time, and more than ready to help himself. (Post-walk treat mantra: This is not a buffet).

He disgraced me a couple of weeks ago, when he landed head-first into one of the dog bowls - they had turned into plastic pumpkin buckets in time for halloween - tipped it up and guzzled about a dozen down. He only stopped when I managed to manhandle him away.

That was nothing compared to the trouble one of the other walkers had today. There was a tempting bag of sausages on the table. The walker didn't have a chance, in one swoop, Josh grabbed them with his teeth and PULLED, sending sausages flying all over the floor and causing mayhem amongst all the dogs in the yard.

Pandemonium ensued as volunteers desperately tried to pick up the scattered sausages before they were all hoovered up by an exultant Josh.

Made me think that Josh was wrongly named though - surely he should be Scooby-Doo?

Hooray Obama!

2008-11-05T03:05:00.001-08:00

Not that this blog is for political comment at all - but I am so thrilled that Obama has won the US Presidential election.

And.... the Obamas are going to get a new puppy for the Whitehouse - any of the US greyhound rehoming places able to convince them to take on a hound?

Rehoming procedures part 2

2008-11-04T04:07:00.000-08:00

I've already said how brilliant the local retired greyhound kennel's rehoming procedures are. What I didn't mention was they are not necessarily so good for a volunteer walker with favourite dogs. The first three dogs I asked for this morning were either out for a daytrip (Nicky and his kennelmate Becky were living it up at the park), and Pretty was being pampered on a sleepover.

Poor old Shawn was feeling very sorry for himself, because he was without his kennelmate, so we went for an extra long walk. When we got back to the kennels we found, to his delight, that one of the other volunteers had cooked up some sausages.

Sausages are the only treat that Shawn will eat and he wolfed them down with gusto. He then had plenty of cuddles, but I couldn't help feeling sorry for him as he was led back to his kennel by himself. Hopefully Pretty will be back to keep him company some time later today.

Remember, remember the 5th of November

2008-11-02T01:03:00.000-07:00

Like many dogs, some greyhounds are scared of loud noises. On a walk a sudden crash can send a dog like Larry bowling for the safety of the kennels. Others, like Nicky, will tug at the lead, with their ears back and tail between their hind legs until you speak softly to them, and they continue on their way.

So just a reminder to keep your pets safe around Bonfire Night. People have started letting off fireworks around here already - so we like to ensure that the cats are in, with the cat flap locked, before it gets dark.

The Retired Greyhound Trust gives some good advice on what to do during the firework season, and I'm sure it extends to all dogs, not just greyhounds. The main thrust is that you should take the dog for their final walk before it gets dark, draw the curtains at dusk, and turn the radio or television on.

The RGT also says that your dog will look for your response to strange sounds - so try not to jump - let your dog go to where they feel safe, and don't pamper them (they'll react more).

Spark's new fella

2008-10-30T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-27T04:29:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-22T02:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-17T00:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-15T02:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-10T04:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-08T01:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-01T03:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

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.