Greyhound Life Blog - May 25 onwards

 

Greyhound Life Blog - May 25 onwards

Adopting a greyhound; life at Whittingham Kennels; stories of our rehomed/adopted greyhounds; information for greyhound lovers!   

If you are considering adopting a greyhound, please view our current "greyhounds looking for homes".

Donations towards our work for rehoming rescued and retired greyhounds are always very much appreciated!  Please go to our Whittingham Kennels' gofundme page, or email us for bank details.      

Painting continues...

The painting squad were back in action today, completing another 8 kennels.

Here is Brett happily demonstrating the finished product from last week! Phil, Doreen, Linda and I have found muscles we didn't know we had!!

We managed to get paint over much of ourselves as well so please excuse our new look when we greet you. We don't need exorcising!!!

Tim and Julie walked all the dogs which enabled us to crack on with the painting and Martin to do the dogs and paint too.

Thanks so much to everyone who helped today.

To adopt Brett or any greyhound/lurcher, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

What on earth...?!?!?!?!

Here is Libby (was Liz) doing well at home and being fascinated by the washing machine! We always remind people that most greyhounds have never experienced things we take for granted because they have not previously lived in a home.


Stairs, televisions, washing machines etc are all a total novelty! Some will find it a great adventure, others will be baffled/curious...and some will be worried at first. But they adapt so quickly and thrive at home.

We have so many greyhounds looking for homes... with over 100 more waiting on our waiting list to get to us.

So to adopt a greyhound (or lurcher) and provide a loving home so they can experience life beyond kennels, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com 

Rocket, Bimble and so many more...

Rocket, the lurcher, has sadly been returned. No negative comments please as the family tried really hard to make it work. He's a young boy so needs an active home...and he's very intelligent and protective too. He needs people who can give him the exercise he needs. He would probably be best in an experienced home and without young children. He is great around other dogs and has grown a little in stature since he was last with us. He deserves the best of homes as he's so young. He can rest (like a greyhound!), but also needs more activity to keep his brain occupied. But he is a lovely boy and we all have a soft spot for him. Home checks apply.

In positive news, our other return, Bimble, was reserved yesterday pending her slotting in with the other greyhounds at this very special home. She's got instruction to be on her best behaviour so we will keep all our fingers and paws crossed! She will go home after her dental operation is sorted out.

Thank you to everyone who spreads the word. Our waiting list is still mammoth for dogs needing a space so telling just one person really helps.

To adopt a greyhound or lurcher, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Dogfest, Knebworth

We were proud to mingle at Dogfest at Knebworth today to wave the flag for greyhounds and show how they can interact with other breeds successfully. Elissa (our TikTok creator) and myself went along with greyhound, Jerry and wearing our Whittingham T-Shirts! Several people asked about greyhounds and adoption so we hope we have done a little to spread the word! We attended the 'Hounds meet' for all sighthounds where whippets were out in abundance but Jerry and some other greyhounds represented their cause well! We also found out that Jerry actually sits down for a treat! Who knew?!!

We were also totally honoured to meet the incredible Pen Farthing from Nowzad again. He truly is my personal hero and inspiration (as I know he is to many) and was also so

very lovely in posing for a photo with us! No matter how many times you hear his story, it is captivating and enthralling; he truly is just the most amazing human being. We also met little Ewok who survived the evacuation from Afghanistan.

Having followed and written about the Nowzad charity from its foundings and knowing about the heroic actions all the way through, we were stunned that the whole field hadn't flocked to see Pen F talk!!

The Nowzad charity is doing vital work in Afghanistan and also in Ukraine. So if you feel powerless with all the horror of what is happening in Ukraine, but want to do something to help, please do head to their page and donate.

The story of Nowzad's foundings is incredible: saving the original dog that Pen had befriended whilst on duty in Afghanistan (despite being in a war zone), setting up the charity and carrying out vital rabies work (amongst other things) to help both the animals and the PEOPLE of Afghanistan; the breath-taking courage and bravery during the evacuation (where he risked his own life for his staff and cause) and the injustice of all that followed; we could have listened to him talk all day!

So if you haven't read his book, 'Operation Ark', about the truth of the evacuation from Afghanistan, you really need to drop everything and buy it. It is one of the most compelling books you will ever read. Go and buy it and buy one for all your friends.

(We wanted to share this again to do our little bit to get the truth out there for the amazing Nowzad team).

In other news, we were also astounded by the amount of people who have approached rehoming centres and struggled to adopt a dog. We like to make our processes smooth and be approachable. There are so many dogs who need a home so whilst we are thorough in assessing potential adopters, if someone is offering a loving home for a dog, we will be glad to hear from you!

So... to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

DogFest Nowzad

Pete Wicks meets former Whittingham resident, Spencer!

Spencer and family meet Pete Wicks!

Our former Whittingham resident, Spencer, had lived with a little French Bulldog and when the family went to find another little friend for him at The Dogs Trust, they met Pete Wicks who was filming for the next series of 'For Dogs' Sake'. It is nice to see our Whittingham stars meeting fellow dog lovers!!!

The family adopted another dog too and were open to all breeds. They came home with....another greyhound!!!

We are so glad another lucky greyhound has found a home and can't wait to see the story when hopefully Spencer and his new friend will feature when the show is broadcast!

Thanks for giving us permission to share the photos and story too!

(We also have so many dogs looking for homes, so if anyone would like to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Home checks apply).

Pete Wicks Fans, Dogs Trust

Sheene and Lulu are lucky; Rocket needs another chance

Sheene, one of our longer stays, found his special home yesterday with a lovely family. They had been walking him for a while and when the time was right for them to adopt, he was the chosen one. He has a few things to learn about home life, but has fallen on his paws.


Lulu has also been officially adopted after sadly being returned. She didn't need to go on the website as we had the perfect home in mind for her with some long standing adopters who have been adopting greyhounds for over 50yrs. Thank you to them. Kiri who was returned aged 12yrs is also on trial with another amazing adopter to see if she will slot in with her other dogs. We will keep everything crossed!

And a huge thank you to our volunteer, Linda, who has stepped in so incredibly kindly all week again. She is so generous with her time and kindness. Thank you, Linda.

Sadly, Rocket the lurcher has been returned as he needs more walking than could be given. He's a special boy and needs the right home. We will do a separate appeal for him soon. He's good with other dogs and just needs another chance.

To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Home checks apply. 

Tilly finds a home

Tilly (now, Pickle) was lucky enough to find her home today. We wish her well as she settles in and thank you to her adopter for giving her a special home. She's now hoping all her friends at the Kennels will find their special places too!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Painting!

10 kennels painted!

A huge thanks to our volunteers, Phil and Doreen, who came and painted most of the completed 10 kennels today (more to do!) with help from Martin and myself. The individual kennels were looking a bit tired so we have freshened them up and will keep ploughing through the kennel block until they are all done.

Space to move dogs is very limited so the dogs are in every available crevice whilst the paint drys! But the hard work will pay off in the long run with it looking cleaner and brighter.

The regular Wednesday squad walked all the dogs and helped keep dogs out of the way whilst we moved beds and bedding around!

Thanks to everyone who helped!

Right...off to do a homecheck now to hopefully see if another lucky greyhound can find a home.

To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Jerry and thanks!

A huge thank you to both Linda and Diane who helped us clean kennels thoroughly today in readiness for painting tomorrow. They worked like troopers and we couldn't have cleaned so many kennels without them.


I did take a photo but we were so busy that it was all a blur. So this is Jerry relaxing on his giraffe instead (despite giving us no assistance at all)!!! 

Ace arrives to find a home

Ace has joined us to begin his search for a loving home. He is a loving boy and been around small children with his trainer. He's been very well cared for after a spell of having to regain weight and was given the best whilst he waited to come to us. We hope he will now find a great home.


To adopt Ace or any other Whittingham hound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Dakota and Toby arrive to find homes

Toby (black) and Dakota (brindle) have arrived to begin their search for forever homes. Both are very placid and calm and should be fine around other breeds with the usual sensible precautions. We will be getting to know them as they settle in and hope they will be falling on their paws into homes soon.

We have one more new arrival tomorrow and are then full again. Further new dogs will arrive when space allows!

To adopt a greyhound and help create space for another to come in to us, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Thanks for the support; Prince finds a home

We are blown away by the support and kindness following our appearance on Channel 5 News yesterday. Luna (was Sox) was so surprised to see herself on screen

that she needed an even longer greyhound sleep than usual!

Thanks so much again to the lovely team from Ch5 News and to everyone who has been sending kind messages.

In other news (!), we were delighted to see Prince find his special home today so we send him off with our love and best wishes.

We have three new dogs arriving this weekend and so many dogs looking for homes.

So, to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Whittingham on 5 News - from 5 News' own text:

Our 5 News ‘Hero of the Week’ is Louise Clark who runs Whittingham Kennels for Retired Greyhounds in Essex.

Racing greyhounds only spend a few years racing professionally, at which point Louise - aka the ‘greyhound match maker’ - steps in to find homes for the dogs.

See the feature here:

5 News (https://x.com/5_News/status/1928156890221166928)

Channel Five News visit Whittingham

A huge thank you to Channel 5 News who filmed today. The finished product was on the 5pm-6pm news last Thursday. We can't thank them enough for featuring the Kennels.

It is all thanks to Penny, Sox (now Luna's) adopter, who put us forward. Thank you so much. It is such a team effort to get these dogs into loving homes and being featured to show how great these dogs are is a real bonus.

To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Appeal for Danny

Danny really deserves a loving home and just needs someone to give him that chance. At 7yrs old and nervous, he would thrive with another confident greyhound companion in the home. He is very loving once he gets to know you but will need an understanding home.

To adopt Danny or another greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Jerry's photoshoot and giraffe!

Here is Jerry's official photo following his Greenwich photoshoot. And here he is at home too! Sophistication versus giraffe! But he's doing well and we can't wait to see the finished book by Pawtiqe Dog Photography when it is published.

If you would like a grand and stately looking greyhound (or giraffe
obsessed greyhound ) in your home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt!

Thank you Karen and Linda

Thanks so much to Karen for all the donations. Absolutely incredible! And to Linda for going to collect everything.


Thanks so much.

Matching the right greyhound with the right home... including with small dogs

Chase (was Jason) and friends

We always like to match potential adopters with the right dog. So we ask questions before arranging an appointment to meet the dogs in order to ascertain the sort of home people can offer and whether we have a suitable dog for that home. Usually we do!

One of the questions is whether the dog needs to live with other animals. If you have other dogs, we will encourage those to come to meet the greyhounds to ensure the greyhound does not see the small dog as a rabbit! Introductions are always carefully managed and supervised and we only recommend those dogs we have already tested and feel confident will interact happily. So many greyhounds live with small dogs or meet them on walks so it is just about finding the right match.

Titch

Titch met two little terriers and a whippet with our super volunteer, Elissa. And was a
total star.

And the photos also show Chase (was Jason) demonstrating how this works as he's settled down with two smaller dogs (and a cat) in his wonderful home.

To adopt Titch or another greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

There is bound to be someone who suits you!

Pixie (Belle), Jet and Harry find homes - but SO many more need our help

Pixie (was Belle)

Belle (now Pixie), Jet and Harry found homes this week. We keep everything crossed that they settle well and send our huge thanks to their adopters.

Harry

Whilst we have had a little flurry of homes, we have an ever growing waiting list for dogs needing a space and are contacted daily about other dogs in need of a space or ending up in pounds in danger of being put to sleep. We are only a small kennels and simply can't take them all as we don't have space. So please do continue to spread the word and adopt if you can. There are so many dogs needing a home.

Thank you.

To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Princess arrives to find a home

Princess is our latest newbie. She did very well on her visit to the town. She's a friendly girl who would love a loving home! We also now have a Prince and a Princess! If you would like to give one of our royal couple a home, please get in touch!

To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Kiri back, Seren homed

We have had to take Kiri back into our care aged 12yrs and after 6yrs at home due to the illness of her adopter's partner. We are gutted that she's come back to us at such an old age but are committed to be there for all our adopted dogs for life. She needs a major dental (), but we do have someone wonderful who is possibly going to offer a home after a visit. We will reveal more when we know for sure!


In positive news, Seren went home today so we keep everything crossed for her as she settles in.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Jollyes partnership!

Whittingham is delighted to have been chosen as the dog charity partner for Jollyes Enfield. Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We are very touched. As a small charity, this will make a big difference.


There will be some representation in store required so if anyone is free to get involved, please do get in touch by messenger or email (wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com). (Myself and the other staff are so busy so additional help here would be a huge help if any of our supporters are willing).

Thanks so very much everyone!
#jollyes 

Thank you Christine - and a lovely photo of Libby (was Liz)

A huge thank you to Christine and everyone who supports the Whittingham Kennels Online Shop - to raise funds for the greyhounds. Christine works so hard and has raised £450 from last month's sales. Amazing.   

(And a photo of Libby (was Liz) with her spaniel friends at home)!

Dogs doing well at home

Libby (was Liz), Tessa (was Tess) and Frilly (pictured) are all doing well in their homes. It is lovely to see them looking so relaxed and happy!

To make another greyhound smile like Frilly, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Adopting a greyhound helps change a life for the better and also enhances your own.

Notice to share

We have been asked to post this notice as it may be of interest to Whittingham's local adopters. All animals are welcome at the outdoor service. It would be lovely to see some greyhounds represented!

A busy Sunday

We have had a busy morning today as Dinky is demonstrating!! Our amazing volunteers walked all the dogs and some went out several times. It is always lovely to see adopted dogs again too. Rocky and Ross are regular visitors!


Liz was lucky enough to find a home with people we know after doing very well with the spaniels that belong to the family. Our paddocks are not used to such energetic dogs!!!! Belle and Sheene were lucky enough to be reserved and Seren was also visited by her new adopter to be.

Thanks to everyone for their help today and to Phil for his superb DIY skills again.

To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Sox falls on her paws in a new home

Sox (now Luna) is settling in well after just one night at home. She still has some learning to do with adjusting to home life but is doing so well for just one day. She is really enjoying her toys and all the affection. What a lucky girl.

We love hearing how our former residents are doing. There are so many dogs needing homes so hearing the positive updates about those rehomed keeps us going. It is what it is all about!

Thanks so much to her fantastic adopters.

And if anyone would like to help another Whittingham dog find their special place, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound.

Tilly and Manny arrive to find homes

Tilly (brindle and white) and Manny (brindle) have joined us to start their search for a loving home. Manny had formerly been known as Nanny as he was such a softie with the puppies. (But we have tweaked his name to make it a little more refined)!

They are both beautiful souls... clean, love everyone and would love to fall on their paws in a loving home. Manny is bouncy and Tilly is a little more subdued but both will thrive in the right homes.

To adopt Manny or Tilly, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Linda's 3000th walk!

Our fantastic volunteer, Linda, counted her 3000th walk today with the lucky, Sheene! What a great idea to keep a note of all the dogs in this way!! Linda has been collecting more bedding this week and we can't thank her enough for all her
dedication and all she does. Thanks to everyone who donated bedding too!

We also waved goodbye to Sox so we wish her all the best as she settles with her lovely adopters.

And a big thank you to Wool Needed For Rescues for the lovely blankets.

Pearl, Annie and Jerry find homes

Annie

Pearl, Annie and Jerry found homes this week and are settling in well so far. May and Leah went home yesterday so we wish them well as they settle too and look forward to updates. Thanks so much to all who adopt or support us.

Jerry and friend

There are so many dogs waiting for loving homes so please do continue to share appeals and spread the word.

It make take a few days (or sometimes a longer/shorter period of time) to settle but as Pearl's new adopters said, "We are having a really good time getting to know each other... and it's so lovely to have her".

Pearl

To help another dog be lucky and find a loving home and the life they deserve, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Laila's incredible skydive!

Well done to our amazing supporters for achieving this amazing sky dive. We are so grateful (and also grateful that we stayed on the ground!!!). Thank you SO much and what a massive leap for Whittingham!!

Please vote for us to be Jollyes' charity!

We are in the final two but need a massive push to win!

Please do vote again for us on their main page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16aHtUq7w3/

Thanks so much!

Annie finds a home!

Today was a huge day for Annie when she made the epic journey from the Kennels to Berlin in Germany where her adopter, Berit was waiting for her. Sirwan from Pet Shuttle Abroad was wonderful and kept myself and Berit informed throughout the journey. Martin got Annie ready for a 6am collection and the long journey began...through the tunnel and then into Belgium, the Netherlands and on to Germany. Berit was waiting at the end to give her the best welcome.

The paperwork and process involved to get Annie to Germany was rather involved so we are all relieved that she got through the border following everything we had to do...including, the rabies injection, animal health certificate and all the paperwork involved with the transportation. Sirwan was so efficient and kind... and they arrived at 9pm (British time) after a mammoth drive.

Thanks so much to Sirwan for his care for Annie and to Berit for giving her a special home. We will all sleep well tonight knowing Annie has arrived!

Jerry's day out!

More photos on instagram/facebook

Jerry spent some time this morning being photographed by Elena from Pawtiqe Dog Photography courtesy of our adopter, Anoushka (with Freya). Elena is producing a project featuring greyhounds and galgos, showing what amazing dogs they are at home.

Jerry spent the night with me as it was an early start in Greenwich. He has been such a good boy. And was a total star with the other greyhounds at home and whilst exploring Greenwich. He posed like a professional too!

He needs the right home for him, perhaps with other greyhounds, but will be the best dog for someone who can understand him.

Thanks so much to Elena and Anoushka. And we can't wait to see the official photos!

Two new arrivals!

Yesterday we took in two young sisters who needed a space as a matter of urgency. We will be assessing them as we get to know them but both are small, friendly and beautiful. Please meet Belle (orange collar) and Titch (green collar)!

For more information about adopting a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

VE Day

Our Whittingham hounds have also been attending VE Day commemorations.

Here is Misty with her adopter, Sandra.

We remember all those who lost their lives during World War Two and all conflicts both past and present.

Please give us a vote! 

If you'd like to give us a vote on this page - please do! Thanks so much! (And thanks to Natalie for alerting us).

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15pwk2yysU/

Millie and Jack 

Millie was lucky enough to find a home today and was quite overwhelmed by everything when she first arrived. She couldn't quite believe the lovely bed and toys were for her! We are sure she will come out of her shell soon when she settles in. Thanks so much to her adopters and we look forward to updates.

Meanwhile, Jack has finally plucked up the courage to get near his little friend (yes, he was frightened of her at first!!!) and has found the sofa.

Two very lucky dogs.

Could you help another greyhound fall on their paws in a loving home?

Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com for more information about adopting from Whittingham Kennels - Retired Greyhounds Charity

Seren and May arrive to start the search to find their homes

Our two new girls, Seren (blue collar) and May (pink collar) arrived today to start their search for a home.

We will assess them as we get to know them!

(We may have visitors for one over the weekend but there are more new girls arriving tomorrow too).

A huge thanks to Sim for the fantastic photos of them!

Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com for further information about adopting a greyhound.

Thank you

Thanks so much to the sender of the biscuits; and to everyone who sends food, parcels and bedding. We really appreciate it.

Will and Jack find their homes

We were very lucky that two dogs found their special homes today. Jack went home to his new adopter and their Jack Russell.

And Will (pictured right) has really fallen on his paws with his exceptionally kind adopter and her other greyhound. As you may remember, Will has a heart condition and so many people responded so generously to his appeal. He needs medication for life and the money raised will cover this. And it is so kind of his special adopter who offered him a home. We can't thank her enough. He's also a very nervous dog so is currently taking refuge in the bathroom (!), but we know he will come round with the confidence of the other greyhound and the kindness of his adopter.

We look forward to hearing how both settle in.
Thanks so much again.

To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
The dogs waiting for homes have all sorts of temperaments to suit all sorts of home set ups.

Sox and Jack arrive to find their homes

Sox and Jack were new arrivals this week. Both are reserved as they suited people who had enquired and needed the dogs to be good with other breeds. More new arrivals are scheduled for this week so please do keep spreading the word so we can tackle our huge waiting list of dogs as fast as possible. There are so many needy dogs waiting to just get to us.

Thanks to everyone who does adopt or support. We couldn't do it without you.

Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound.

Lucky and Tess settle in

Lucky is doing well in her new home and is looking very relaxed!!
And news from Tess' adopters is that she is also settling very well (and now called Tessa). Tess had been overlooked for a while for no good reason so it just proves how the longer stays can thrive when they get to the right home.


We are so delighted to see them both doing well and a huge thanks again to their adopters.

We are gradually taking in our new girls who will be looking for homes and hope to be as lucky as Lucky and Tessa. We will be full again by next weekend.

And let's not forget the boys. They are equally as deserving with so many male greyhounds on our waiting list.

Thanks to everyone who adopts, shares the word or supports us in any way.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com

Warmer weather; Tess and Lucky find a home

It's nice to be able to put the winter coats away!

We were delighted to see Lucky into her new home today with her special adopter. And Tess also fell on her paws today with some lovely adopters (who have had greyhounds from us before). We hold our breath as they settle but can't wait to hear
updates!

Thanks so much to everyone who adopts. There are always so many more dogs waiting, but helping one changes that dog's world and helps another too. To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com