Greyhound Trust celebrates ten years of giving hounds a happy home

By gholmes

A RECORD 123 retired racing greyhounds were found homes by a Boston-based charity last year.

And the Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust is appealing to local dog-lovers to help make 2009 an even bigger success.

Started at the end of 1998, the Trust is an independent charity dedicated to promoting the qualities of retired racing greyhounds as pets and helping them find good homes.

Spokesman Kev Stow told the Target; "Greyhounds make great pets. They are a gentle, loveable breed and only need two 20 minute walks a day.

"They are also the 40mph couch potatoes of the dog world – loving nothing more than a good snooze.

"We work hard to find forever homes for the dogs in our care and I would like to thank all the members of the public who have provided forever homes, or made donations in the last 10 years."

Susan McKeon was among those who adopted a dog through the charity in 2008, taking Stevie into her home in April.

She said: "Giving a home to Stevie is one of the best things we've done.

"He is such a gentle dog and has quickly become a part of the family.

"He gets on well with our lurcher and after some training he lives happily with our two cats.

"They often cuddle up to him in his basket, dispelling the myth that greyhounds and cats can't live together."

Approximately 10,000 greyhounds retire from racing in the UK each year, normally between the age of three and four.

The Trust rehomes many of these retired racers throughout Lincolnshire and since its inception has found homes for more than 700 greyhounds.

All the dogs rehomed by the charity are neutered and have been vaccinated as well as treated for fleas and ticks.

They also leave the Trust with a leather collar, lead, coat and book about greyhound care.

If you think you could provide a home for a retired greyhound, call Kev Stow on (01522) 569825 or visit the Trust's website at www.community.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lincolnshiregreyhoundtrust/