Hersham Hounds

1999-20/01/2012

Lulu passed away today after a long struggle with back problems. it was time to end the pain.

She was probably the sweetest natured animal I have ever known (unless you were a cat or a rabbit).

She had been with us through all of the upheavals of life and never complained.

She made us cry and laugh at the same time.

Our grateful thanks must go to Martin Leith of the Leadon Vale Veterinary Centre in Ledbury for looking after her for the last 9 years and being so kind to her on the last visit.

We will miss her so much.

Alan & Mary Seldon

2/5/1999 – 5/12/2011

Missy we had a very enjoyable week’s holiday from 26 November to 2 December 2011 at Little Dumpledale Farm near Haverfordwest that is Missy, Merlin, Menta and your Dad (me). On Friday after we arrived home you decided to have a snooze, on waking up you screamed in pain. That night everytime I went to bed you cried such that I was up all night with you. We went to the vets where you did not murmur at all when the vet checked over your leg, yet on arriving home everytime I touched your leg you yelped. On speaking to the vet we agreed to take you in on the Monday for your leg and hip to be X-rayed, within an hour I was told the very bad news that Bone Cancer had been slowly attacking the Femur in your good back left leg, which was your supportive leg as your back right leg had the hock broken in late 2002 and in 2007 was plated.

I met you in July 2007 and decided to give you a home alongside my GSD Mimi who was still missing my Greyhound Jagger who left me in June 2007. We had great time teaching you to use your right back leg. Then in November 2007 we moved to the Swansea Valley Area and also rehomed Greyhound Merlin who from that day considered you as his Mum. Your femur had snapped right at the top where it joined the ball and socket joint of the hip. We all decided that as your quality of life was now reduced to nil that we would not wake you up. I requested that you be cremated and your ashes returned to me. I went to the vets to see you that afternoon and you looked so lovely and at peace and fast asleep.

We all that is Merlin, Menta, Mickey Finn who you put me onto after your demise as he was at severe risk at Sheffield Council Dog Pound and your Dad (me) all miss you and can’t believe we will not have you around physically, I have felt your presence a number of times since your demise. I have your ashes in a lovely memorial box alongside those of Jagger’s and Mimi’s memorial boxes.

I will never forgot My Missy who came into my life at a time when I needed all the love you gave me, I am so sorry that we could not repair your back left leg such that you could have still be with us. Mickey Finn says thank you Missy for getting Dad to drive up to Sheffield (460 miles return journey) to collect me from Sheffield Council Dog Pound.

10th February, 2000 - 28th December 2011

It is with heavy hearts and many tears that Carla and I find ourselves writing today. After a few short weeks of suffering from a serious back problem, Bandit had a third and major relapse yesterday morning, resulting in his back legs completely failing. We rushed him to Daniel's (My Vet 24-7), and we had no choice other than to let our big old handsome hunk, and best friend Bandit, embark on his journey to the Rainbow Bridge last night. Daniel himself was fantastic, compassionate, understanding and we could not ask for better support, and care, from a vet, for our dogs.

Bandit was my best mate. He was unique, a one-off. From the day we met him at Hersham in 2010, to last night, we bonded in a way I've never bonded with a dog before. I have never known a dog that you can have a conversation with (and understand him!), yet we did with our Bandit.

At weekends, he'd wake us around 8am, because he thought we were running late! At 8pm, he'd wake and nag us, because it was treat time. He'd ask us when he wanted something, be it a walk, dinner, or going into the garden. Two barks for "yes", every time!

Sunday mornings will never be the same again. To see him galloping around Langley Park, as happy as can be, was joyful, and will be an everlasting memory. Even funnier was his weekly chat at the tea-room with Sue and Steve, when they asked him how his week had gone just before the treats came out.

I'm sure his spirit is running around there right now with our old dog Tess, who he helped through her final months back in 2010. They were so close, they are surely together now.

I could go on forever, but one thing I will say is that if we knew back in June 2010 what we know now, would we have still taken home a 10 1/2 year old Bandit with known back issues? YES we would, without a doubt.

Bandit touched everyone he met, and won a place in many hearts, both at home and amongst the wonderful community that is WGW. I'm sure a few of you will also shed a tear for him, as have friends and family here.

We miss you mate, and will love you forever. You will always be in our hearts.

Run free my friend.

Love

Bob, Carla and Little Phoenix xxx

July 1999 – November 2011

My free spirited, feisty little girl has gone to join her ‘brother’ Blue.  Prior to arriving at kennels to choose a dog I had spoken to Denise on the ‘phone and specifically asked for a black dog – she got ‘Megan’ out – quite a clearly a dark brindle but Denise said “she’s nearly black” !!  A friend and I walked with Blue and this nearly black girl who was full of beans and very interested in Blue, the rabbits in the field and generally everything that was going on – we could see that Blue was fairly relaxed in her company.  We took her back and persuaded Denise to let us walk a proper black girl but luckily for Megan, this little girl did not appear to have any interest in us and Blue seemed a little nervous of her.  When we returned to the kennels, Megan was running loose in the pen and greeted us by barking non stop and jumping up and down – my friend said that’s your dog now !! We all entered the pen and with Blue off lead we started playing the chase game – Megan had absolutely no idea what was going on but joined in with gusto – decision was made and we took her home with us (by the time we had reached home in Hampshire she had been renamed Daisy Megan).

Daisy took to home life as if she had been born to it – immediately house trained and not worried about anything.  The first morning I woke up with Daisy in the house, she leapt on top of me, stuck her nose in my face with an excitable expression that basically said “yippee, you’re awake – what happens now?”.  That’s how she lived her life – always happy and usually up to some sort of mischief.

I am lucky in that I live near thousands of acres of army land where Daisy and Blue have been free to run and run and chase various forms of wildlife (once Daisy had learned that little dogs were off limits) - I suspect the rabbit and squirrel populations round here have breathed a sigh of relief.

When I lost Blue in January this year I was worried that Daisy would die of a broken heart; they had not been apart for one day since they met in 2003 but as usual Daisy showed what a tough cookie she is and together we moved on and I was able to spoil and cherish her like the princess that she was.

In her quiet moments Daisy was the most loyal, devoted and cuddly dog.  Not sure I will miss being squashed up in bed because she insisted on sleeping fully stretched out, half way down and across the bed but I miss her huge presence, her feisty personality, her beautiful face and our special cuddles.  I miss her because I love her so much and will never forgot the fun and happiness we shared.

6^TH August 1999 – 14^th November 2011.

Princess collapsed at the kennels on Monday afternoon. She had been remarkably well these past few weeks, and in fact had just eaten her afternoon feed and polished off what her kennel mate Sam had left in his bowl. Despite being rushed straight to our vets there was nothing to be done but to put her to sleep and ease her struggle. I was with her at the end and she slipped away as I stroked her ears and told her how special she was.

This is for you Princess. With love from Denise and everyone who knew you and loved you and made sure that you only ever knew kindness. xxx

COME WALK WITH ME

Come walk with me a little while,
We’ve done this many times before,
Your hand on my shoulder feels warm and familiar,
Portraying a love that’s secure.

The pains in my body,
Like old friends embrace me,
Making our journey slow,
As your voice reassuring, encouraging, rewarding,
Tells me it’s time to go.

And as we move forward,
In familiar comfort,
My pain and discomfort they ease,
And now I am trotting along here beside you,
I look to you eager to please.

And now I am moving at a pace long forgotten,
And as we move further apart,
Your voice gently calls me,
But I know I shan’t lose you,
For I carry you here in my heart.

Don’t fret I can hear you,
And see you and feel you,
No matter how far I may roam,
And at the end of this journey,
I know you will hold me,
And gently you’ll carry me home.

Woofa came to the kennels on the 3rd of December 2006 to become a resident. We first got told that he must not be paired up with a female friend because he used to be a stud dog. This soon changed and we were able to pair him up with our oldest and dearest girls that came into the holiday kennels and he would always share the bed with them like a gentleman.

Dear Woofa gave us a few scares where we didn't think he would come back from the vets, but each time he did and when he recovered he had more bounce then he did before!

He would be one of the first dogs you would hear barking first thing in the morning. He always barked when he wanted something, to go out, to come in. to go for a walk, to be fed or just for a cuddle.

Having been at the kennels for nearly 5 years a lot of people got to know and love Woofa as much as the people to cared for him at the kennels day in and day out and he loved them back just as much.

He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

We will remember the 5th of November (2011), the day dear Woofa left this world, but he will never leave our hearts.

Miss you forever baby boy

Lots of love all at the kennels and all your kennels friends, human and hound alike

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11th February 2000 – 13th August 2011

What can be said? From the time you woke us up in the morning for your early walk, to reminding us it was time for breakfast, from barking at the postman and chewing the post, and then stealing our bed for most of the day and night, but most of all for the love you gave us.

It was a pleasure to own such a gentle and loving boy and all of this will be sadly missed, though you remain in our hearts and thoughts forever.

God Bless You, Sleep tight our boy.

In Loving Memory.

Mum and Dad xxxx

4.8.2005 – 1.8.2011

Who cured Alex of being scared of dogs?... Jamie.

Who stole the chocolate biscuits?... Jamie.

Who chewed the kitchen?... Jamie.

Who ate the wallpaper?...Jamie.

Who stole our hearts and then who broke them?... Jamie.

Sweet dreams our gorgeous dog, always and forever in our hearts. Miss you,…  Jamie.

All our love,

Mum, Dad, Chloe, Joe  & Sam xxxxx

25th June 1998 – 1st August 2011

It is with great sadness that we have to report that our lovely boy Smiler has passed away. We came to the kennels a few weeks back with Smiler after he had been diagnosed with a Tumor on his spine which was inoperable. Sadly he had deteriorated over the last few weeks and we decided the time had come to stop his suffering.

We first saw Smiler at Hersham kennels seven years ago. We had sadly lost our dear old Greyhound Soni and it had left such a gaping hole in our lives that we thought we would come and visit the Kennels to meet the staff and the dogs you had that needed re homing but this trip was just meant to be a visit and a chat !!! Then Denise bought Smiler out well that was it his lovely placid nature won us over immediately so home he came and what a lovely dog he turned out to be nothing Fazed him even when I had my daughters two greyhounds over to stay he took it all in his stride . He loved his walks in the woods where we lived and would chase the squirrels but luckily they were quicker than he was!!

Our beloved Smiler our faithful friend,
and your love you shared till the very end.
For 7 years our family was blessed,
now it's time for you to rest.
You still live on in our hearts and minds, from the loving family you left behind.

Julie & Tony Carpenter

Pippa Jones has written a poignant and articulate article about Rosden Rio who was adopted from Hersham in 2006.

"People who own greyhounds are weird. Categorically strange, and not a little obsessed with their dog of choice. Life revolves around the hound.

Even now, I can ask my mother who her favourite child is and she will say Rio. If he was on ‘his’ sofa, we weren’t allowed to ask him to move. He was given extra treats when Mum thought no one was looking.

He was allowed upstairs, and Mum would arrange the expensive, pink coverlet in her room on the floor so he could lay on it. There is a picture of him next to her bed, in an Art Deco-style, luminous pink frame ... "

Read the full article here. 

October 2001 – 27/04/11

“We are not getting a dog….we’re just going to walk a few, but we are not getting a dog boys ok!”…My mantra to my sons (and husband) the whole journey from Brentford to Hersham. Then Dot introduced us to Belle and that was it – I was hooked & the boys said nothing about the mantra. She gave us nothing but joy for the next 5 years.

Victoria did our home check – I was panicking as I was late leaving work so missed her. Was sure she would turn us down as ‘parents’ to Belle – but she didn’t. We couldn’t wait to bring her home. Belle initially, was very quiet, nervous and extremely wary of men – bit of an obstacle in a all male house except for me. She wouldn’t go through doors if we were stood by them, howled if a broom was lifted near her, refused to eat indoors (even in the pouring rain) and pulled like a horse on the lead! So, 4months later, I decided she needed a mate to help boost her confidence – husband at this point speechless but didn’t remind me that 4 months previously we weren’t getting any dogs. And anyway, two is easier than one.

Jordi dog made his appearance and a love affair between the two began – well – more of a “ I’m the boss of this house, and you will fall into line boy” – which Jordi did, very happily. Not once was there a crossed growl between them in 5yrs. The perfect partnership. Once Belle realised she had our unconditional love, all ‘Belle’s madness’ poured out and the alpha female ‘Don’t mess with the Belle’ made her appearance. Belle was also an excellent communicator. She had a wide range of expressions and moods which she was all too eager to let you know about. Belle’s hooded scowl when showing her disapproval of something you’d done or were about to was classic as was her cocked head ‘lets negotiate that’ look when you were trying to get her in from the garden, or to come back to you when the walk was over, because she had decided it wasn’t time to leave!.
She would always let you know what she wanted, when she wanted it and how much she wanted and woe be tide you if you disagreed. She nibbled your sleeve when excited, and whacked you with a paw if she felt you hadn’t been stroking her tummy just quite long enough. Belle filled our lives with her ways and is sorely missed with her passing.

She was a big, stunning looking girl. The number of people who stopped us to speak about Belle, (always a pitch to promote greyhounds as pets) ask if they could take her photograph; stroke her silky coat will be in triple numbers. Admittedly, she was a bit of a snob, but she did love that attention. Belle was not a great success as a racer, but found her real talent in helping those people with mental health problems to build confidence, and self esteem. She also helped treat those with phobias of dogs, by showing her calm, gentle, placid nature and allowing them to build a trusting relationship with a dog. Belle came a long way from the scared girl we adopted.

Belle had suffered terribly with corns from the time we adopted her. Eventually, after many surgeries we found the vet Daniel Doherty. Once he saw and treated her in Jan 2010, Belle’s life was turned around for the better. No more pain and a much happier girl. In March 2011, 5yrs to the day we had adopted her, she had suddenly developed a limp 3 days prior and despite resting her, she was lame in her right leg. Not the usual sequalea with corns. Off we went to see Daniel and he kept her in for investigation. 3hrs later he told me Belle had Osteosarcoma. Our world fell apart. She came home and we made sure we spoiled her even more than usual. We had 7 more weeks with her until the 27th of April when Daniel agreed it was time to let her go. We were all with her and we all still miss her so very much. Jordi doesn’t know how to take care of himself without her and paces around looking for her at times.

Belle was known by so many people. We had more than 40 texts and calls after her death, and numerous people continue to stop me who had met her to tell me how sad they were to hear of her death. Belle may have been a force to be reckoned with at times, but everyone loved her.

Thank you Belle, for choosing us for your family. We wish we could have had you for longer.We will love you always.

Mum (Sharon) Dad ( Richard) Jack, Euan and Jordi

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13th November 2003 – 14th April 2011

Grace you were just a plain little black girl with a speckled grey face. Overlooked so many times in favour of younger, prettier, girls; girls who behaved themselves around non-greyhounds, something you always found so difficult.

But we loved you. We loved you for your gentle ways, your sweet nature, and your willingness to oblige. We loved you when you were naughty and argued with the greyhounds next door. We loved you unconditionally.

When you were taken ill a few weeks ago we thought we were going to lose you. But you were given a reprieve and we were given hope. Sadly last Thursday that hope was snatched away. The tumours invading your body would only lead to more pain and suffering, and so you needed us to let you go.

Sweet dreams darling Grace, we miss you.

xxxxxx

15.6.2001 - 3.3.2011

It was during a November afternoon in 2004 that I took my first trip to Hersham Hounds.  I was looking for a companion for my Collie Jake.  Denise suggested a girlfriend for him and introduced us to Cody (Suki as she was then called).  Well, what a big girl she was - she made Jake look like a jack russell!  I walked her up the lane with Jake, she was wearing her muzzle and I remember so vividly how graceful she looked as she trotted alongside and she was looking up at me, smiling - it was that smile that did it for me.  I knew she was the one and that she had picked me too.

She had just recovered from a ligament injury which had ended her racing life.  She adapted without any fuss or problems from kennel to home life.  I had to keep her on the lead for the first 2 years as she had a passion for small furry animals, however with time and training she enjoyed off-lead walks wherever we went and had the perfect recall - she was even better than my collie. 

 I used to love watching her run and everyone admired her - she received so much attention and everyone wanted to stroke and fuss Cody.  They loved her silky fur and she had the softest ears.

I can honestly say with hand on heart, Cody has been the easiest, kindest, most gentle natured dog I have ever had the pleasure to own. She never complained, never made a fuss and took everything in her stride.

We sadly lost Jake last year and Cody grieved for him. She was now also starting to show signs of slowing down, she was getting tired and her years were taking their toll on her.

Unfortunately our beautiful girl has taken her place with the angels and has joined Jake at Rainbow Bridge.

Cody, we loved you so much and we will never, ever forget you. You will always be in our hearts. Run fast and free beautiful girl.

We lost our gorgeous Twinkle last year to illness. We adopted Twinkle (and Colin) from Hersham in 2009. We always wanted a dog, but our work schedules didn't allow it. We decided to volunteer walking the hounds as a compromise! I've always wanted a Greyhound, for as long as I can remember. Danjal at first thought I was nuts. He said they were skinny and ugly! My insistence made him research them and won him over. So, of to Hersham we went. 

Twinkle was the first hound we ever walked. She was one of Eve's dogs, and was recovering from surgery. She was so skinny! No fur on her tail, bald elbows, the works. To me, she was the most beautiful dog I've ever seen. I fell in love instantly. Then we walked her and Colin together, once she was sufficiently recovered from her op. They were such a handsome pair. 

 Our work-schedules changed, and we made the decision to adopt them both. We just couldn't take her and leave him.She settled in immediately. No accidents, no destruction, no counter-surfing. A model addition! She was so silky soft and cuddle-some. She always met you with a serious amount of tail-wagging and little jumps and huge smile. Almost immediately it felt as if we've had her for ever.  If she fancied a snack, she would stand by the cupboard door and look at it then me until I get her something! She always got so excited when we were getting ready for a walk. She loved going to Bedfont Lakes and run around in the off-lead area. She never had any issues with any other dog or person we met. And always caught people's attention when we're out and about, because of her size and colouring. (she was a big girl!)

And then in November last year she was just not being herself. Sometimes limping a little, not playing as much. I took her to the Vet's and they said it's a soft-tissue injury. (She's had a few bumps and scrapes from chasing cats(!!) in the past year, so it seemed plausible). She got worse over the next 10 days with talk of Osteo Sarcoma. She became very ill, ending up in hospital.After 3 days, with little improvement, they were talking of chest drains, cracking her chest open, lung tumors and all sorts. With little hope of a positive outcome. We had to make the difficult decision to let her go. She was suffering so much. My heart was breaking. Even though we only had her a year, she was part of the family, and I couldn't imagine the house without her. But we had to let her go. It was the kindest thing we could do for her. And the hardest decision I've ever had to make. We stayed with her to the end and after. But it was so hard to leave her there.

I know this happened on the 16th November 2010, but I just couldn't bring myself to write this before now. And it is still not easy. But I owe it to her to let you know what a wonderful companion and friend she was to us, and how much we loved her, even if it was for such a short time. At least we gave her the opportunity to experience life in the lap of luxury and pampering to her heart's content. And she was not alone in the end. I held her through it all, telling her how much I love her, and how glad I was that she shared the last part of her live with me.

Twinkle, my Angel, I miss you terribly, but you are at peace now, and that helps to ease the pain.

11 years old

I first visited the Hersham kennels seven years ago after my friend’s German Shepherd was saved by a Greyhound blood transfusion.  My friend wanted to thank the Greyhound world for saving her dog’s life and I was so touched by the story.  She told me about the kennels and that members of the public were welcome to go and walk the dogs as a way of socialising them and getting out for some exercise.  It didn’t even occur to me that I could actually own one myself and would never have thought I could have a Greyhound, let alone any dog, as I had never owned a dog before, and I lived in a townhouse with no garden and owned a precious Russian Blue indoor cat.  None of these factors were conducive for owning a dog.  So I took pleasure in visiting the kennels during the week sometimes (or at weekends with my husband and son) and walking different dogs on each visit.

One day I visited the kennels and as I walked through the entrance, the most beautiful Greyhound I had ever seen looked lovingly into my eyes through the wire mesh with the most amazing big, brown eyes.  I felt this dog looked into the very soul of me, and we became attached at that very moment.  I took this dog for a long walk and felt she was asking me to stay with her forever. I ignored all the reasons why it could not work to have this dog, Wish, in my life and with the reassurance, advice and guidance of Denise at the kennels, she came home with us.  I had great confidence that everything would work out, and with the help of my husband Jake, we taught Wish a few rules about our cat, Elly, and helped her to use the stairs, and to understand that she was safe with us. 

She was initially nervous about this new life but I stayed with her all the time, and gave her a routine, which she learned to trust, and most of all got her out and about as much as possible.  Although I was advised to give Wish a coat for cold or rainy days, Wish was our very own Audrey Hepburn.  If we ever used a coat on her, she would refuse to go to the toilet on a walk and we felt sure this was because she didn’t want to spoil her fancy outfit! It wasn’t long before she was enjoying trips in the car to my son’s (Daniel) local school and being petted through the window by all the children.  She became part of me and was with me everywhere I went.  She took a trip to Wiltshire to meet my parents-in-law and their Pointer dog, Mica.  They instantly hit it off and she made their place her second home without hesitation. Even my parents, who were not ‘dog’ people, warmed to her immediately, and my father would regularly ask if he could take her for a walk..  Her beautiful eyes were infectious.  She would lie on her bed and watch me intently as I did my chores, her eyes following me all the time.  She loved nothing better than a gentle stroke and kiss and reassurance that everything was ok.

Training her was a joy as she understood all commands and requests.  For a dog, she was amazing that food was not her main objective.  In fact, a doggy treat was not usually of any use when she was nervous  or unsure of a situation.  Instead, she needed my positive reassurance that everything was ok and then she would give me her special look of love that told me she felt alright again.  She accepted all the different pets that came to us over time. (chickens, rats, mice, budgies and even a rabbit).  Her acceptance of these creatures made us love her even more (even if she did sometimes huff and sigh loudly when we were petting the other ‘furries’ too much!).  She also accepted that when our second child (Laura) was born, my time was taken up with tending to the baby.  She knew I loved her and she was a permanent member of the family.  When we moved to a bigger house with a garden, she loved settling in the sun while we pottered around outside.  Living on a busy road, people on their way to the station would see her on the porch and smile.

When my daughter started school down the road, I was able to walk Wish at pick up time and wait outside the school gate.  All the children would come out and ask to pet her.  She would look so angel-like and soft, as the children stroked her.  So many lives having been touched by Wish and, since losing her, we have had so many people contact us who say they feel our loss and what a special dog she was.

Wish became poorly over time; unnoticeable at first, but looking back I can see many factors building up which led to me having her checked at the vet.  She was diagnosed with proteinuria of the kidneys and there was nothing that could be done. Wish’s last day was a beautiful, unusually, warm, sunny, winter’s day.  We spent it sitting on the porch soaking up the sun, going for a leisurely walk and stroking and kissing her.  She fell asleep gracefully in our arms with no pain or suffering, and I looked for one last time into her beautiful, big, brown eyes, and told her I loved her for eternity.

3.5.2002 – 27.1.2011

Trotter was our first ever dog and he was absolutely fabulous. We knew he was exactly what we wanted right from the first time we saw him and took him for a walk at the kennels. It was with much excitement (and some trepidation) that we collected him to take him home but we needn’t have worried because he settled in quickly and it wasn’t long before he became a much adored and spoilt member of the family. He came everywhere with us – in pubs and restaurants, outdoor concerts, on holidays in the UK and on steam trains, trams and even up in a cable car! He was such good fun and so easy to look after that he gave us the confidence to adopt a friend for him a couple of years later and we thought we’d got the perfect family.

Sadly it was not to be for long as we were devastated to discover that he was suffering from a very painful circulatory disease which prevented him from enjoying all the lovely walks we had planned. We tried to make his life as comfortable as we could but eventually we had to accept that we had to let him go and we were able to kiss and cuddle him as he peacefully went to sleep. We are glad that he is now free of the terrible pain he had borne very courageously for probably much longer than we knew. He was a huge personality and a wonderful companion and he gave us much love as well as lots of laughs and we miss him terribly.

We will never forget him.

Rob, Jane, Tom, Ruth, Margaret and Daisy.

Feb 2011

My baby girl Lass was with me for nearly six years.  She was the most infuriating, stubborn, adorable and gorgeous girl ever.  I took her to the vets on a Monday in February and she was diagnosed with a large tumour in her stomach.  I was heartbroken and couldn't bare to think of life without her.  What would I do when it was cold and she jumped on top of me in the middle of the night, lay on my feet and legs and if i moved hit me with her head until i got into a comfortable position for her?

I had to make the devasting decsion to do the right thing by her.  It wasn't about me but about my little girl going to rainbow bridge with dignity.  I had three days left with her and we made the most of them.  She had roast beef, stew, chicken, tuna, maltesers and anything she wanted. I took her to the local common and let her off her lead, something i've never done before as the little minx would make a run for it and not come back. She was as good as gold, stayed by my side, had her head down every rabbit hole and i even let her eat the rabbit droppings that she was so fond of. 

On the last day we walked and walked and then the vet came to my home.  I did not want her to be frightened or stressed and she wasn't.  She lay on her bed and I lay beside her. I didn't cry but told her how much I loved her and would always love her. I stroked her head and cuddled her and she went to sleep. She has left a big void in my life but I still have her brother Bertie. Bertie got to say goodbye to her as well.  The two of us are lost at the moment and miss her dreadfully. Thank you Lass for being a big part of my life. I love and miss you so much but nothing can hurt you now. Sleep tight my Bonnie Lass.

From your mum Angela

Oct 98  -  Jan 11

I had to say Goodbye to my lovely little girl Tilly on the 8th January 2011 after a long battle living with arthritis, which finally took it's toll.

Tilly was the most gentle, loving and sensitive girl, she only ever wanted to please, and she was my best friend. I was lucky enough to share 10 greyt years with her,  we Reached the Beach, went to Companion Dog Shows and the Annual Greyhound Shows and won lots of Rosettes over the years. We had great times with her friends Jerry Lee a Golden Retriever, his mum Aunty Fletch, and Harvey, a German Shepherd Collie cross who is already at RainBow Bridge waiting to meet and Greet and play once again.

I'd like to thank all at the kennels for their support over the years (Tilly used to enjoy her holidays with you.), and to Congratulate you all for the Greyt work you continue to do.

Tilly and I had lovely walks and times together where she'd be looking up and I would look down. Now on my walks it's me looking up hoping she's looking down. The brightest Star in the heavens is the Dog Star and it seems to be shining a even brighter now!

Rest in Peace without pain lovely girl and once again run as fast as the wind.

I miss you. . .    your loving mum Pauline

 January 2011

Beau sadly went over the rainbow bridge on the 21/1/11.He had been going down hill since xmas and I couldn't bear to see him suffer so letting him go with dignity was the least we could do for him. We miss your singing, chocolate nicking, bread pinching, bed jumping, bin raiding and watching you wrestling in the garden with Billy. Sugar Plum misses you loads and cant understand why you aren't around.

The family love you Beau with all our heart and hope you are now reunited with with your beloved Ruby.

Sleep tight my sweetheart

xx

A poem for Beau
You made us laugh you made us sigh,
there was never a dull moment with you around big guy,
your love of chocolate was worse then mine
my birthday cake which you ate,
but still you would pretend it wasn't you but the chocolate on your face gave us a clue
when we had a BBQ you ate all the  rolls how you opened the packets I will never know.
but for all of your naughtiness you still made me smile

Rest in peace Beau

xxxxx

Farewell Louie. 3.6.1999 -  3.1.2011

Louie saw in the New Year with us and all his very favourite people. He was treated like a king, and no treat was denied him.

Carol and Angie, who both shared his care, took him on his last journey to Daniels and he slipped away with them by his side. Louie touched all our lives, and we shall never forget what a beautiful, gentle, sweet natured lad he was.

Dawn, just one of his special friends sent us this poem, which we’d like to share with you - The Last Battle.

When Louie retired his racing owner tried to take him home, but sadly Louie found life away from the kennels far too stressful. In many cases, when a dog is unhappy in home, they can become destructive like Daisy Annie.

But Louie simply spent both day and night circling around one of the rooms in the house like a caged tiger.

Louie had a bitch for company, was not left for long hours, and as far as we know, there was nothing in the home environment that would have caused Louie to react like this; any other dog would have probably settled in fine.

Eventually it was decided that the best thing for Louie would be to bring him back to the kennels where he had always been happy. As it turned out, this was the right decision for Louie, who settled in like he had never been away. Louie is an absolute sweetheart, who is always so desperate to please.