Growing Old (Dis)gracefully

Baby, born 2004

Everybody’s favourite hound to take for a walk, apparently he’s Mr. Perfect once he’s left the kennels and turns into the lane. Getting him on the lead is another matter as he’s so excitable, although I have to say this has improved in the time he has been with us, and I’m sure that once he’s in a home and getting regular outings he will settle down even more. 

Beryl, born 2004

This should really read growing old disgracefully as Beryl is definitely a girl who knows her own mind and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. She also still considers anything non-greyhound “very interesting.” Still she’s not been with us very long so in all fairness she’s not been out and about enough to learn how to behave when meeting other breeds. For all this she’s a great girl who enjoys a cuddle and a fuss.

Riva, born 2007

Riva’s Easter Visit

We’ve had the pleasure of Riva’s company twice previously, just for a few hours during the day. This weekend she came for an overnight stay and considering how little she’s been away from the kennels we were surprised at how smoothly everything went.

She hopped into the car with no problems and although initially a bit anxious, she settled down very quickly this time. She’s inclined to get up when the car slows or changes direction but I’m sure with a bit more travelling experience this will lessen.

When we got home she settled a lot quicker than her last visit: after a trip round the garden it was straight on to ‘her’ sofa and I sat with her for a while.

When I moved she followed, but when she found out it was for boring things like emptying the washing machine, she soon lost interest and went back to the sofa. She wasn’t bothered by the machine, nor the dishwasher, radio and TV. She wasn’t that keen on the vacuum cleaner - just her bad luck it was being used (not a very regular occurrence but it was being tested after being taken to bits) – but just took herself into another room until it had finished.

Our walks were in Windsor Great Park on Saturday afternoon, our local woods on Sunday morning and Chertsey Meads in the afternoon. We met a great variation in breeds and sizes and Riva behaved very well towards them. With the larger types she’s simply curious and then friendly close up. The smaller, quicker ones are naturally more interesting but I just spoke to her when we saw one (and praised her for not reacting afterwards) and there were no problems.

In equine terms, Riva would be a shy feeder. Being a veggie household, we don’t have that many things to tempt her with (some bought in turkey breasts were all she was interested in) but again, with all the new experiences to take in, perhaps she’ll be more settled another time. She did enjoy her Dentastix though!

She spent most of the evening on the sofa (only a 2-seater, so a bit crowded) beside me. She had a few stressy periods (or it may have been warmer than she’s used to).
In any case I found it best to ignore her if she started panting and then make a fuss of her when she was calmer. She’s a very affectionate girl and responds to attention and tummy tickles.

Obviously, it’s early days as regards house-training but she’s so quick at learning things that it’s not going to take long. Each time she was invited to go out she did so and performed the necessary. I took her out last thing and waited until she’d relieved herself and she was clean all night.

Our resident boy sleeps on his own bed in our room overnight and Riva was provided with another one in the opposite corner. All very well, but she thought our bed looked better. She jumped on and was then led off and onto her bed 6 times! At this point she realized that the sleeping arrangements were non-negotiable, settled down and slept all through the night.

On Sunday morning she was less inclined to follow me around or if she did, she’d go back to the sofa pretty quickly. She enjoys looking out of the window and watching the world go by or mooching around the garden if it’s mild enough. She’ll investigate household items and things that happen to be about the place but I didn’t feel anything was in danger of being ‘collected’ or otherwise misappropriated.

All in all, Riva was the perfect guest. The most striking difference in her behaviour was when out walking. There was none of the tense, I’ve-set-all-my-muscles-and-I-can-pull-harder-than-you posture that probably puts people off. She moved energetically but with a relaxed stride, taking in all the new sights and experiences, walking along with a loose lead. The pictures I took as proof may not have come out that well (an extra pair of hands would have been useful), so you’ll have to take my word for it!

Any effort you’d put into a girl like Riva would be paid with interest. She’s loving, clever and adaptable and she doesn’t deserve to have been overlooked for so long. Under different circumstances, I mightn’t be bothering with this report, but The Boss Man (aka Bilbo Baggage) has decided he’s too old and set in his ways to start sharing us again. So be it, but there must be someone out there with a large sofa that’s looking a bit empty!

Ann

Also - Read all about her agility training.

Pick 'n Mix Delights

Damson, born 2006

Damson is over looked time and time again and no one can understand why.......she's beautiful!

Not overly confident in herself and never one to sell herself to potential homers; there's only a handful of people who see this girl for what she is....gorgeous! She wears a harness for her walks as it stops her from pulling but it doesn't stop her from leaping. Up the lane she goes leaping over each speed bump; all 4 paws off the floor in sheer delight at being out on a walk. We ♥ Damson xxx

Read a foster report on Damson

Don (born 2009) and Clove (born 2010)

Melanie

There is a fine line between crazy and spirited and Melanie treads it well. She is in many ways cut from the same cloth as our permanent resident, Dennis, who turned out to be the best dog ever. 

She is also a looker and scrubs up really well. So we had hope that with a bit of time and effort she too would become the perfect pet. We had been walking Mel for a few weeks and thought it would be good for her development to get her round for a home stay, her first ever.

So a bit of background. Mel doesn't get out too much. She is so enthusiastic that she can be a bit of a handful. On our first walk she pulled all the way round and on encountering a member of another breed, particularly small dogs she lets loose a huge demonstration of enthusiasm that was neither aggressive nor passive but exceptionally energetic. As the weeks have gone on she is much better on the lead, suits a harness better than a neck collar and is becoming much better around the big dogs. There is still a way to go with the little ones but she is moving in the right direction. My view is she is actually a bit of a scaredy because she hides behind me when she is unsure but if a dog comes within her defensive perimeter she repels borders, not by biting but howling and jumping. In the short time we have known her that perimeter is becoming smaller.

We picked her up earlyish on a Sat with a view to getting some miles into her before we took her to the house. Unfortunately the snow put paid to a big walk so a short walk and into the house she came. This is when I was absolutely astounded. Crazy Mel turned into Loving Mel. Granted she was doing a serious bit of pacing and panting but after about an hour when she settled into the new environment she came over for cuddle. That was the rest of the afternoon, whenever she got up for a quick patrol she came over for a bit of fuss.  Amazing. I think she is the most affection seeking greyhound we have met.

She also possesses a dog superpower that when you tickle her chin she locks eyes on you and gives you a look that makes your legs wobble and heart melt. Who can resist her charms?

She settled into house life as the day went on, she did not know what to make of the TV surround sound at first but soon got used to it. She was a little anxious through the night but that is to be expected. Sunday morning walk she was an angel. We had the park to ourselves but no pulling, just a gentle trot around, no stress at all.

Down to the practicalities, she got on well with our current hound Dennis, is house trained and went to the door when she wanted to go. We took her out every 2 hours and she woke us up in the night when she wanted to go. She is not fussy with her food and eats like a horse.

So in a nutshell you will either love Mel or not very quickly. She is not the dog for everyone but if you are happy to teach her the rules, invest a bit of time you will get a real character, full of spirit and personality. But Mel is at the start of her journey to become a family pet. She needs a bit of help; she won't get any better if she is not taken out. She is quick to learn and gives a huge amount back, just one of her super power looks and you will be hooked.

Ask for her by name, Marmite Mel.

Simon

Waiting to Blossom

Annie

Annie came to stay with us as a second dog and try a friend for Victor. She travelled the half hour in the van with Victor with no problems just panted a bit. First stop the garden when we arrived home as you do and then she found her bed space and there she stayed. We kept their muzzles on for the first day and night but there were no issues and any growls were from Victor.! Annie was unsettled and breathed heavily and panted at times for a good few days but still had a good appetite and ate all her dinners. She really didn't want to move from the bed space so we did have to put a lead on her at dinnertime and to coax her to the garden for well over the first week BUT she knew when it was walk time and was out the bed and happily wagging her tail with Victor as we got her coat and lead on.

Outside on walks Annie`s nervousness really does show she can be very skittish and if there are people around coming towards her or loud sounds she just pulled off away from them and is quite a strong little girl. She is just trying to distance herself and needs a calm voice to quieten her down. walking the two alone I found it quite a task. She also still takes an interest in the small breed dogs but its not a problem.

On the flip side though, when she feels comfortable she also liked a sneaky roll in the grass and a good sniff round you can see her cheeky side come out .

The second week in the house she began to move around the house alone and even did the stairs a few times if she was nervous and she went into the garden with Victor on her own and to eat. By the third week she was laying with us in the lounge much more relaxed.

Annie had no accidents and she never touched anything in the house whilst we were out and they were left every weekday for a couple of hours after the first week no problem.

Annie is a lovely girl and she was beginning to feel comfortable around us although Victor seemed to have had his nose put out of joint as he tried sooo much harder to get all the attention and often pushed his way in on Annies cuddles !

She has not stayed with us as we feel that she would thrive better as the number one dog in a home where she does not have to share everything and can have her mum and dads full attention and learn to trust them and feel most wanted. She will be easier to walk on the lead alone to start with too.She was not bothered by Victor so i don't feel that it would make a difference if there was another dog or not in the home. Annie is a lovely girl and deserves (as they all do ) to be some-ones baby and spoilt and pampered alone. I`m sure she will settle fine and gain some confidence as she learns all about the big wide world and that it wont hurt her. She has a cheeky side that does come out when she forgets she`s scared bless her.

Good luck in finding your forever home Annie. Some very lucky people will have a lovely sweet little pet when your paths cross xx Glenda Poole.

Siobhan, born 2007

This little girl is a real cutie and definitely worth getting to know. She’s a bit excitable round non-greyhounds when her enthusiasm gets the better of her but its nothing that’s not manageable and we feel sure will improve with regular outings. 

Ellen, born 2010

So different from the shy little girl we first met – though occasionally her nerves come through. Best suited to a home with a dog for company to show her the ropes.

Naughty But Nice

Gypsy

Gypsy girl came to stay with us for 3 days and nights recently. She is a dainty greyhound with a sweet nature, the waggliest tail and is always happy. Travelling back to Cheam she settled well in the car and lay down all the way, only getting up when I opened the hatch.

I took her for a walk round the neighbourhood and she was interested in everything, same applied when she came into the house. Every object within reach had to be investigated and she loved watching tv. Although she was happy in her bed, usually on her back with legs akimbo, she loved the sofa and, when allowed, jumped up and snuggled in.

Gypsy, unfortunately, has only her 4 fangs and one molar so eating is a little bit different for her. She scoffed all the food she was given and particularly liked roast chicken, grilled bacon with scrambled eggs and canned fish. She manages treats quite well considering but anything too hard or chewy (pig's ear, rodeo) is beyond her. From the start she knew to do her business outside and would stand by the door to let me know. Gypsy settled well at night and slept through till morning, no whining or mess. One night I heard her growling and there she was standing on the sofa looking at the strange dog in the mirror!

Friends of mine joined us for a walk in Nonsuch park on Saturday where Gypsy reacted quite strongly to other breeds of dog and became a bit stressed. She is fine when the dogs are behind a hedge or gate but running free she seems to find that a threat. We went back to the park on Sunday and her behaviour improved slightly. Gypsy is naive, this was her 1st time away from the kennels and I feel she will continue to improve with exposure to other breeds.

We loved having Gypsy at home with us, she was a sweetie and very affectionate. She is ready to go home and I think she'd be happy to share with a calm boy who can show her the ropes and give her confidence.

Debbie Watton

Brosey

Disqualified in his first and only race, Brosey certainly needs a friend to call his own. He's a cheeky chappie who loves a cuddle, loves his walks and luuuurves his grub! He's already made such an improvement since he's been with us, but he's still quite strong on the lead and would benefit from an experienced walker to show him the outside world in a calm, controlled manner.

Foster Report

Brosey came to stay with us for a few days last week, he is a beautiful, 4 year old black hound who is awaiting his forever home. I had walked him several times at Hersham and found him to be a sweet natured and playful boy, I was soon to find out he is a whole lot more.

Brosey had to be coaxed into the back of the car but then travelled well, laying down until we arrived at our destination 16 miles later, as soon as he entered the house he busied himself sniffing everywhere and familiarising himself with his new surroundings.

Greyhounds often pant and pace for a while in these situations but in less than 2 hours Brosey was sitting in his bed calmly, having eaten a tasty dinner.

I took him out to the garden and walked him at regular intervals to get him in the habit of doing his business outside. He is a quick learner and next day he stood at the patio doors or front door when he needed to go out.

I spent a lot of time with this boy over the next few days and he is a joy to have around, playful, affectionate, willing to learn, eager to please, interested in everything around him (nosey Brosey) and most of all happy. He has the most gorgeous velvet coat, I could stroke him for hours and he would let me.

Wooden floors, hairdryer, vacuum cleaner, television, mirrors, glass doors, Brosey was exposed to all these and none fazed him, he takes it all in his stride.

He isn't a jumper and didn't try to get on the sofa, none too keen on stairs he stayed on the ground floor. We had visitors one evening and he just lay in bed letting them pet him and feed him treats, he was a big hit. He slept well each night, no crying or whining, and there was no mess in the morning.

Brosey loves his food and ate well, trying roast chicken, liver and scrambled egg, finishing each evening in bed with a pig's ear.

Our trip to Nonsuch park was a treat, he enjoyed his long walk and I'm sure he had a huge grin on his face. Brosey is a strong dog on the lead but responds well to guidance as he is so willing, like many ex-racing greyhounds he does react to other breeds of dog and this is the one area in which he will need a little patience from his new owners. I believe this patience will be well rewarded as he is such a lovely, sweet dog who would make a great pet.

Sandy

Last weekend Sandy came to stay with us for a night. We had walked her a few times before at the kennels and soon found out that she was just as lovely at home …

We picked Sandy up on Saturday morning and after being lifted into the car, she soon settled down and was more than happy to sit and look out of the rear window.

When we arrived home she walked into the house without hesitation, and although she was quiet at first it didn’t take long for Sandy to get to know us and feel at ease. Too our amusement she would lie down facing the TV and she seemed to enjoy watching the rugby as much as we did!

Sandy is ever so affectionate and sweet-natured, and loves nothing more than someone stroking her soft coat. Sandy would leap up at the sound of our voices and greet us with a wagging tail.

She loved to wander from person to person, lapping up all of the attention.

When it was time to go on a walk, Sandy would happily put her head on my lap whilst I put her lead and muzzle on. She would then wait patiently by the front door, eager to get outside. Once outside, Sandy was inquisitive and keen to explore.

She didn’t seem very interested in cats or rabbits at all and sometimes we spotted them before she did! She wasn’t fazed by different breeds of dogs either, but was a little wary and became scared if they came too close. However with regular visits to the park we are sure that she would learn quickly that there is nothing to worry about.

Sandy was also really well behaved in the house. There were no accidents or nasty surprises! She also decided that she didn’t want to try to climb the stairs and she wouldn’t come in the kitchen either – instead she’d wait patiently in the doorway when she could smell her food.

All in all, Sandy is a fantastic greyhound and we really enjoyed having her around. She is ever so friendly, affectionate and calm. This lovely little lady is very deserving of a loving home.

Emily

Ben

Many of you will know Ben; he has two black eyes and it has to be said is turning yellow/brown in some areas.

He is also one of the dogs that we will warn you, ‘doesn’t like others in his face’ and he may even have taken you by surprise with an impromptu bark in the yard or paddocks. This is all very unfortunate because Ben is actually lovely and very affectionate. 

He is very loving and desperately wants to show you this, but unfortunately, as is his nature, he doesn’t always get it right. 

That said he is unlikely to get many chances in the home due to his size, looks and rather forthright views when it comes to other members of his species.

However, in my opinion none of this makes him un-homeable; he just needs the right person…

Read the full story of what happened when Toby took Ben home for the night.

Pops

We picked up Pops on Sunday 6th Jan.  I had been to the kennels quite a few times and Pops just stood out.  His grey face is just lovely.

I had done my research, Born Oct 06 in Ireland, he was the most successful racer from the litter of 10. His racing name was Brinkley’s estate, but it had been changed from Droopy’s director.  He had ran 87 competitive races and won 15, and come 2^nd 12 times.  He was active 2008 – 2011 and his best year was 2010.  He has earned his retirement.

He has been perfect, he has not set a foot wrong, he is the perfect house guest, no accidents or damage at all, and you hardly know he is around! 

We have had frequent visitors, everyone falls for his eyes, and everyone is amazed at how quiet he is. 

Read the full Home Report and fall in love with Pops the way Simon and Ryan did.

 Tai, born 2008

Young and Active

Poirot, born 2008

Paddy, born 2008

Behaves just like a baby, all over the place, but adoring, happy and affectionate. Needs work with non-greyhounds as he is very excitable but once he puts his brain in gear he’ll make a fantastic family pet.

Sky, born 2008

A confident out-going girl for an active family.

Very excitable around other breeds so needs a confident and experienced owner.

She is very loving and would be so worth the effort put into socialising her.

Pansy, born 2009

Pansy is a sweet natured girl who loves her cuddles!

She takes everything in her stride and is a pleasure to walk.

She is very interested in other dogs, particularly the smaller breeds, so would benefit from more socialising.