The lockdown may have stopped a lot of things, but it hasn’t stopped our homing efforts. We have now introduced a virtual home check which allows prospective owners homes to be viewed via Zoom, FaceTime or WhatsApp. We will continue to use this method even after lockdown as it can speed up the homing process and any queries can of course also be checked out in person, if need be. We have formed a small Lockdown Homing Team to undertake these home checks in their own time.

From the beginning of 2020 we have rehomed an amazing 58 hounds, with 39 of these rehomed since the start of lockdown. Our wonderful supporters have also fostered an astonishing 30 hounds during the pandemic. Not only has this given these hounds the chance to experience life outside kennels, but it also gives us an invaluable insight into how they behave in the home. This enables us to match dogs more easily with new owners and enables up to date write-ups for potential new owners.

Even more remarkable is that due to Carol’s efforts over the past few years, the Sanctuary is no longer as we once knew it. We do not give up on rehoming any hound, as we firmly believe every dog in our care has the right to a forever home – but it has to be with the right person. It is our goal to ensure that every hound that comes through our gate has the best opportunity to spend the rest of their days roaching on a comfy sofa. Some hounds may take longer than others and some may have issues, but we never give up on them, and nor should we.

We know we haven’t seen you in person for the last few months, but your support has been wonderful in these difficult times. Many of you continue to work tirelessly in the background to support and raise funds for us without asking for recognition or reward.

On behalf of all the Trustees, we would like to thank not only you, our supporters, but also Carol and all the staff for their fantastic endeavours, particularly since the end of March when the lockdown started.

Finally, we are working on plans to enable all visitors to once again visit the kennels, although this will initially be by appointment only to ensure everyone’s safety. We will let you know as soon as we are able to, so please keep an eye on our Facebook page and website.

Meanwhile, rest assured that the hounds are still going out on their much-loved daily walks with the staff, but we – and they – will be delighted to see you all when we are open again. Thank you for all your kind messages of support, continued donations, and fundraising ideas to help us through this difficult period.

Much love from us all at Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare and especially from all our amazing hounds.