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.
Bert in water
We were wondering why the task of filling the water bowls seemed to be unending. 
The culprit actually showed us why as we were filling them today!!! 
(Bert is one of the lurchers that we rescued and he is reserved). We hope he doesn't do this at home!!!!
Two weeks to go until our event...
Sammy says thank you
Sammy and everyone at Whittingham want to thank Ellie for collecting for us. And to Claire and Mimram Vets for all their support.
Keep an eye on Tiktok too as some great videos were filmed!
We have so many dogs waiting for a loving home. Get in touch and we will match you to the right dog. Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Fifi in France
What a wonderful video and promotion for greyhounds from Fifi's amazing adopters in France. They've given permission to share it and we are sure you'd like to see it!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com (Unless we know you, we normally home within a 90 mins radius of the Kennels as homechecks are essential).
Brian says, thank you!
New boy, Brian, wants to thank Smokey's adopters and H R Buzzacott for the food donations. There is interest in Brian pending visit and he's a lovely boy.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thanks, Steve!
Thank you!
A MASSIVE thank you to Steve who managed to salvage our website from mad settings and thus also save my sanity!!
Can't thank him enough.
Phew!!
Homing enquiries very slow
Homing enquiries have almost dried up entirely and yet we have so many beautiful dogs just waiting for their special homes. Our list of dogs waiting with trainers for a space to come in also continues to grow.
We have some really easy dogs who are good with other breeds, like Sammy lurcher ...and Xanadu (who was sadly returned). We also have a few dogs who are used to the home environment. Rodney (picturesd), for example, desperately needs a new home as he is so stressed in Kennels. There are also many dogs who have only known Kennels and who will adjust quickly too.Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound or lurcher. Homechecks apply.
International Dog Day
Frankie (was Charlie)
International Dog Day means we celebrate with some photos of former Whittingham residents doing well.
Frankie (was Charlie) has settled superbly and Emily is enjoying new experiences.
Emily
Roxy went home and is finding her feet and we have wonderful news that Jet is doing well. We look forward to photos of the latter.
Roxy
We have so many dogs desperately waiting for their chance of a loving home. To adopt a greyhound or lurcher, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Galley Hill is Open
Please note, Galley Hill is open. Sat nav is sending people the back way. It is easier to get to the moon that way so please go via Galley Hill.
Whittingham's Walk - and Natalie's Gifts
Our next event is on the horizon on 15th September and we hope to see you there. The walk will leave the Kennels at 11am, followed by refreshments from our very talented staff member, Sim.
There will be a few stalls with our calendars, teddies, stickers and T shirts and a raffle overseen by our lovely volunteer, Natalie. She will also be selling her wares too, kindly donating to Whittingham.
She is now doing personalised items and can take orders through our email address (wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com). You can see some samples in the photos on this post. They are £3.50 which is a special rate as the money is coming to Whittingham. She has also different coloured ribbons, beads and remembrance designs so just let us know what you would like if you order any.
We look forward to seeing you on 15th September (or beforehand if you'd like to adopt a greyhound)! Of course, you could always adopt a greyhound and bring him/her along to the walk! Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you - the greyhounds enjoy their gifts
Thanks so much to Judy and Mark for all the treats, goodies and gifts. The dogs loved them this afternoon Mark drove all the way from Rugby to bring them. And a massive thanks to Robbie, Sarah and family with Jude for all their kindness and support.
St Guinefort's Day
St Guinefort's Day
Today is our annual recognition of the greyhound saint (St Guinefort) on 22nd August (his Saint's day). Guinefort was a greyhound belonging to a 13th Century Nobleman. Guinefort was left to guard the baby whilst the family went out and defended it from a snake. The family mistakenly thought the dog had hurt the baby and Guinefort was slain. But they later found the baby was alive thanks to the bravery of the dog. So Guinefort was regarded as a Saint and miracles said to be performed at a well nearby.
We think all greyhounds show this love to their adopters. They are very loyal, very loving and always excited to see people they know. They get to know the staff and volunteers at the Kennels and the nervous dogs come out of their shell, whilst the more confident dogs shower love on everyone. They are also sensitive dogs and they all just want a loving home where they can be loved as they deserve.
To adopt a greyhound and have your very own loyal soul in the legacy of St Guinefort, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Len's last talk
Len's last talk with his adopter, Martin (not our staff member!) was another successful gig at the Shefford WI. One talented lady even baked greyhound themed cakes to welcome them. His fame goes before him! We can't thank Martin and Len the greyhound enough for all their efforts in promoting Whittingham, raising funds, spreading the word about greyhounds needing homes and generally highlighting our work. Len has been exemplary in showing what great dogs greyhounds are. His laid back and gentle manner has endeared him to everyone who has met him. Total stars!
So many dogs needing homes...
We have so many lovely dogs available for adoption at the moment with almost no enquiries coming in. Sadly, Glen is also coming back after just a few days at home. He was clean and followed instruction quickly but the other dog in the home is poorly. We have a huge waiting list so let's spread the word to get some of these beautiful souls into loving homes. They all deserve the best and it is so sad that so many dogs nationwide are waiting for a life beyond kennels.
They can all be seen on our website under the section ' greyhounds looking for homes'.We will ask you for a description of the sort of home you can offer and ask for photos of your garden and where the dog will sleep. We will then invite you to meet the dogs at the Kennels, followed by a home check. We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible, whilst also ensuring our dogs only go to the best loving homes. You will be given all the necessary equipment when you adopt as well as back up for the lifetime of the adopted dog.
Thank you for the donations
Returns and first time dogs
At Whittingham, we always take dogs back if it doesn't work out in the home at any time. Obviously, we hope every homing will be a forever home but sometimes dogs need to come back and we will always put the dogs' welfare first.
Unfortunately, we have had a few unexpected returns which throws our space out so we can't move forwards for moving backwards. Most have been in their homes for over 1-2 yrs. They are all in good condition and we will make sure vaccinations are back in date before they are homed again. Alice was returned after 2yrs due to redundancy. Thankfully, she is now reserved with one of our lovely walkers; Rodney (was Captain) (pictured) is back. He needs to be muzzled on walks as he will react to cats. He will be tested again around small dogs. Sadly, Rhino's second home didn't work out as he was far more boisterous in his new home. (No negative comments please as his second adopters were very upset and will find the right dog for them when the time is right). He will be fostered in the bungalow with Martin until the right home comes along. No negative comments please as we have all tried our best to help and these dogs had settled at home. But obviously circumstances have arisen and they all just need another chance.
Sometimes the easiest dogs are those who have been homed before. Many times, if circumstances have changed, it is no fault of the dog and they just need another chance. Returnees are house trained, used to the home environment and more acclimatised to life beyond kennels. So please be encouraged to have a returnee! We also have many other dogs waiting for their first time home beyond life as a racing dog. So there is bound to be the right dog for you! Please get in touch!To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you Anett and Lilys Kitchen (and Diane)!
A huge thank you to Lily's Kitchen (and our volunteer, Anett for contacting them) for their huge generosity and donations. It is so kind. We are overwhelmed by their generosity and kindness.And a massive thank you to Diane for helping to bring it all in.
Thor meets his match!
When Alex (now Thor) was described as being the size of a small horse, we can now prove that this wasn't far off! What a wonderful home he has found. A huge thanks again to his adopters.
Hot weather days
PLEASE NOTE: when weather is forecast to be very hot, walking at the kennels will either be cancelled or curtailed. This doesn't apply to anyone who has already planned to come and meet the dogs. Thanks so much for your understanding.
Tilly adopted - thank you to her foster carers
A huge thank you to Jules, Suj and family who were fostering Tilly and have now given her a permanent home along with their other greyhound, Russo. She has really fallen on her paws with such lovely people.
We can't thank them enough.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you
A huge thank you from Betsy (still looking for a home) and everyone at Whittingham Kennels to our amazing supporters. To Les and Doris for donating money via Les' dog walking, Tracy with Emily who is always so kind, Rita and Vivian with Happy for their generosity, Andrew and Dena for sending donations and everyone else who donates via amazon or with donations big or small. It all makes a huge difference.
And a huge thank you to Michelle Brown who had an open day and raised a fantastic amount for Whittingham (on top of her marathon running too). We are so grateful.
Thanks to everyone who supports. It all helps to keep Whittingham going.
Adopting a greyhound also obviously really helps as it gives a dog a loving home and means we can take another dog from our waiting list. We always say that adopting one dog actually helps two dogs.
So...to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
So many dogs needing homes, but two lucky dogs find homes
We have so many dogs waiting for loving homes at the moment; with trainers calling daily to see if we have space. We can't move more dogs in until we have homed some and sadly it is two steps forward, three steps back at the moment. 
Peggy went to new adopters. Whilst she was with us, we had to carry out a major dental so this delayed her going home. (But we always aim to never pass on a vet bill). So when this was sorted, she was able to go home. We are so grateful to her new adopters for being so understanding and helping her settle to the changes of life at home. Thank you to both sets of adopters and to everyone else who has helped out this week.To adopt a greyhound and help another of our dogs into a loving home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Greyfest: Thank you, Natalie
Greyfest 2024 is taking place this weekend and our very own, Natalie, adopter of Blue and Jerri was there yesterday to promote Whittingham Kennels - Retired Greyhounds Charity. We can't thank her enough for the time and effort that goes into doing this. It is always really difficult when every stand at the venue has the same cause, but she did amazingly well and got Whittingham's name out there. She also met some familiar faces and spent the day cuddling greyhounds. Thank you so much, Natalie. Amazing. 
Epping Forest Community Lottery
We are now part of the Epping Forest Community Lottery which supports charities in the local area. Tickets available by following this link:
Alex and Fifi settling in
Thanks to everyone for following Alex's journey to Jersey and Fifi's journey to France. Here are a few photos of them doing well and settling into their respective homes. Thank you again to their amazing adopters.(And please note that we generally home within a 90 mins radius of the Kennels unless we know you. This is to enable essential homechecks).To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Paddy (now George)
Paddy (now George) fell on his paws with a lovely family today. We keep everything crossed whilst he settles as he is a nervous chap, but he's a very lucky boy. A huge thank you to his adopters for giving him a special home. We have so many greyhounds (and two lurchers) looking for a home. To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Care in hot weather
Please note: it is likely to be too hot for walking at the Kennels this week. Thank you for your understanding. This applies to the Kennel dogs, but also adopted dogs. Please only walk your dogs early morning or late evening when it is cooler. In the meantime, take a leaf out of Yogi's book and enjoy the rest, preferably with a giraffe, fox and octopus!!!
Alex to Jersey
Alex's storyWhat a very lucky boy he is to go to the amazing Kathrine and Matthew. Many will remember that we shared an appeal to try to get a home for Alex, our oldest resident. He is a large chap and we had a good response, but several promising enquiries drifted away. Our lovely friend, Gail, who homed greyhounds on the Channel Islands for years and only recommends the best homes, also shared him. And Matthew and Kathrine offered him a home. They had also previously adopted Hero from us and support Whittingham so we know what lovely people they are and what an amazing home they offer in Jersey.So we booked the Pet Bus to get Alex to Jersey. It arrived at 4.15am yesterday to pick him up. Martin, the staff member, handed him over and then we all sit chewing our nails until he arrives! He travelled over by ferry with the amazing people from the Pet Bus who kept us all informed and his new adopters even paid extra for him to have his own cabin as the ferry was taking the longer crossing time.He seems fascinated by the sea (video in the comments) and he arrived safely last night. We can't thank his new adopters enough, and Gail who is the backbone behind everything. And the Pet Bus for taking such good care of him.We look forward to updates too!To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
The adventures of Fifi and AlexFifi to France
Both arrived at the same time which rather magnified the excitement but made social media posts difficult!!! So we will do them in order of departure. Fifi tonight and Alex tomorrow! They each (and their amazingly special adopters) deserve your full attention!! 
Our nails are bitten down to the elbow as we follow their journeys but we are so pleased they have both arrived safely.Fifi departed the Kennels on Sunday morning at 6am (ouch) when I drove her to Chingford for her to be collected by the pet transporter. We normally only home within a 90 mins radius of the Kennels so we can do checks and rechecks. But if we know people, we will make the exception. Jacqui has adopted from us when she lived locally and then moved to France. She is a wonderful home so when she was looking to adopt another greyhound, we knew whoever she had would be very lucky. She came over to meet the dogs and Fifi was chosen... and then the paperwork began to get her to France. Not the easiest mission! But she set out on Tuesday with the transporter and arrived today!! No wonder our nails are chewed to the knuckles!! But she has already had a good sniff around and met Jacqui's other dog. What a lucky girl she is.A huge thank you to Jacqui and family for all their help and kindness. The adventures of Alex will have his own special post tomorrow. We can't wait to share that with you too!To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Jack - a very happy ending
Here is Jack living his best life with Marie and family.
Rescue/rehoming can be very demoralising sometimes with the huge numbers of dogs of all breeds (and all animals) waiting desperately for a loving home. (And the endless requests for spaces). But seeing one of our long term boys (who we thought might stay with us indefinitely) doing so well makes it worthwhile. Thanks so much to Marie and family. What a lucky boy he is.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you Medivet and Pets at Home
Thanks so much to Medivet for all their amazing collections for us. And to Pets at Home for their lifeline vouchers (which we get when you spend in store with a VIP card and choose us as your charity). It resulted in a car load of stuff. Thanks so much to everyone for the support (and to Tim for his help unloading).
Boris with his toys
Boris enjoyed playing with toys after he participated spectacularly in some TikTok filming. He's our longest stay because he needs socialising around other breeds; but otherwise he is a lovely boy. Friendly, confident and shares happily with female greyhounds, he would slot into an experienced home perfectly.
To adopt Boris or any other Whittingham hound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Sundays News!
Jet had visitors today and did very well. His new adopter is coming a few more times before he is able to go home but interactions with the other dogs are very good.
We are also delighted that little Paddy lurcher (now to be called George) was reserved by a lovely family.Fifi also set out on her adventure to her new home and we will update when she arrives!We had many visitors and volunteers today and big Bert (lurcher) had his first walks with Phil and later, Alex. We will be getting him used to walking as he's a powerful boy, but extremely gentle and affectionate.
Some great videos were also produced for our TikTok page so give it a follow and don't miss out!To offer a greyhound or lurcher a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Jerry says, thank you
Jerry and all his friends would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who sends gifts: The Spiller family all the way from USA (who adopted a Whittingham greyhound prior to relocating to the USA), Sue, Michelle and everyone who we don't know about (when there are no labels included). It helps us so much.
Thank you.
Frankie needs a new home
Frankie has sadly been returned after going home on Sunday. All the relevant checks and processes were undertaken so no negative comments please. Frankie behaved perfectly from day one. He has been clean, settled, mastered the stairs, great with other breeds and really friendly. The couple just decided that it wasn't right for them. But the good news is that we know he will be the perfect candidate for any home. So to adopt Frankie, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com (He has a very slight nervous side so we won't home him with very young children; otherwise he is perfect)!
A story to share
Many of you will remember the events of August 2021 and the evacuation of Afghanistan. At the time, we shared the plight of the Nowzad Charity, run by the incredible Pen Farthing. It was the least we could do to try to bring some support and I know many of our supporters sent them a donation. Their staff and animals were in the most desperate of circumstances at the time and having followed the charity from the outset, I (Louise) knew what an incredible team it is, led by the most inspirational of human beings. They have done (and continue to do) such amazing work for the people and animals in Afghanistan (and now Ukraine too). From preventing rabies in both people and animals, to education, rescue and care for working animals/street animals. Humans and animals benefit from their work and the charity was set up as a response to both human and animal need.
Pen Farthing has just published his book about the events of that time and it is the most unbelievable and sensational read. I implore everyone to go and buy the book, to read it and buy it for everyone you know! Again, I know many of our supporters donated at the time so I'm sure you would want to know about this now. The story is truly breathtaking in its sequence of events. The courage, dedication and resilience of those involved, particularly Pen, his team and all the staff is off the scale. The injustice of the lies and spin of what then befell him/the Nowzad charity from some politicians and press is enough to make your blood boil on their behalf too. 
I was honoured and privileged to go to the book launch last night in London and hear the story and see the photos from Pen Farthing and meet little Ewok, the dog who headed the campaign at the time.
They went through so much, so the least I could do is share this post with our supporters and urge you to go and get the book: Operation Ark by Pen Farthing. It is available on the Nowzad website and amazon. We don't normally share the work of other charities on our page as we just focus on letting you know about what is happening at Whittingham. But this story needs to be heard.
Glen would love to find a home!
Well, sadly Glen's rallying cry didn't help to win the Euros last night, but he could win a place in your heart! He's hoping his loving home will be on the cards very soon. He's a big, handsome chap who just needs someone to give him a chance. It is his 'goal' in life (groan)! On a serious note, he has been improving around other breeds and is fine with whippets. But he would need work around small dogs. He really wants to get out of Kennels and find a loving home. (Then we can all sing, "Glen is coming home, he's coming home..." which would be an even better result than the football)!
Glen for England!
Tag finds a special home; Andy is returned
A huge thank you to Denise and family for adopting Tag today. He went with two other dogs to experienced adopters and is a very lucky boy. Here he is with his whippet friend.
It was one out, but one in today as Andy was sadly returned. But he's a lovely boy so we are hopeful he won't be back with us too long.
But today is Tag's special day so again, a huge thanks to his lovely adopters. (Some fabulous TikTok videos were filmed today too! Keep an eye on our TikTok page for these great videos and thanks again to Elissa and Louis for all their hard work).
Thank you to the Spiller family
Thank you so much to the sender of the food. So so appreciated.
Bursting at the seams but Scooby and Jack find wonderful homes
We are still bursting at the seams with dogs with Andy due to be returned on Saturday too. But yesterday was a happier day so we would like to focus on that today. Our first lucky dog to be homed was Scooby who went home to people whose family have adopted from Whittingham before. He lives with their beautiful whippet. Scooby had been handed around a lot before coming to Whittingham so to see him settled in a home with his new friend is so heart warming. His weight fluctuated whilst with us so he needs to gain a bit, but we know he will soon fill out now he is in a home again. What a lucky dog with a lovely family.
It was a tough act to follow but we are delighted to say that Jack, our longest stay, went home in the afternoon! Jack had been in a home before but needed a special home that could understand his issues. He was the most perfect dog in the Kennels and was obviously waiting for one of our volunteers who had walked Jack a lot in the past! Marie and family are so kind for giving him the chance. They are experienced sighthound adopters and were given Jack's whole history. He jumped into the car without a second look and clearly knew it was his time for a home.We now hold our breath until they settle but a huge thanks to both sets of special adopters. We still have so many beautiful dogs waiting for homes. To adopt a greyhound or one of our special lurchers, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com or visit our website to see all the available residents waiting for homes: www.wkretiredgreyhounds.co.uk
Our 2025 Whittingham Calendar - thanks to Judy
Our 2025 calendar has gone off to print and should be ready in August and in time for our walk in September. This is all thanks to the amazingly talented, creative and patient, Judy. She is also extremely generous as she covers all the printing costs so the whole price of the calendar can come to Whittingham for the dogs in our care. We will let you know when they are available. A sample copy can be seen at the Kennels from Thursday.
All the photos are taken from our newsletters, featuring adopted Whittingham dogs at home. Judy works so hard choosing and designing it.
Thanks so much again to Judy.
Three girls fall on their paws; but please keep sharing and adopting
Bluebell
Three girls have fallen on their paws this week: Bluebell, Pepper (now Gracie) and Colleen. All are exceptionally lucky and Pepper is also living with a parrot. And Colleen went with Fred who was adopted 9yrs ago. We can't believe where time goes and are so lucky that such lovely people always stay in touch.
Thank you to their very special adopters.
(Fred) and Colleen
We are also grateful to everyone who responded to our appeal as we overflow with dogs. We have had interest in Alex and some others so we hope we will be able to get some more into loving homes soon and ease the situation at the Kennels. 
Pepper (now Gracie) and parrot
Thank you to all who sent donations and support for us taking in the needy lurchers too. All three are beautiful dogs and we will keep them safe until we find them (and the greyhounds) loving homes.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Please note
Please note. We have taken IN three lurchers who are now safe with us. There seems to be a bizarre misunderstanding.The truth is that we have taken these IN to make sure they are safe and we will find loving homes for them. Until then, all dogs stay with us.We never EVER put a dog to sleep.To adopt a greyhound or one of these three lurchers, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you, Dee and Aggregate Industries
A MASSIVE thank you to Dee and family who brought up so many wonderful donations from her workplace, Aggregate Industries. They are always so wonderfully supportive and so generous. We are simply blown away (and washed away today!!!) by their kindness and phenomenal support. Thank you so much.We were also delighted to see Pepper and Colleen home with lovely adopters who have adopted from us before. We will share photos soon!
Election Day...
The humans are going out to vote. The dogs just want loving homes, lots of love, lovely walks, plenty of sleep and nice dinners. Anyone who can offer them that gets their vote!
To adopt a greyhound email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you for the donations; from Dusty who has sadly been returned
Dusty, who was sadly returned yesterday, would like to say thank you to Emma, Julie, Michelle and all other senders of goodies. It really enriches their lives. Thank you so much.
Second appeal for Alex...
Second Appeal for Alex 
We are appealing again for a home for Alex who is 7yrs old and a really gentle giant. He is great around other greyhounds and other breeds and walked with our volunteer, Linda, around the town last Friday without any issue. After a 5hr round trip to his new home today, the potential adopter thought he was too big. Therefore, he is looking for a home again. We would respectfully ask you to read the information thoroughly before you decide to offer him a home. (All the necessary emails/checks were also carried out). We will drive him anywhere within reason but we do ask for serious offers only please.Alex is a dear soul and a really big greyhound. He could be mistaken for a miniature pony!! But he walks nicely on the lead and his two brothers are thriving in their homes, having been previously homed from Whittingham. He is 7yrs old which is a trickier age. He just really needs a chance. He is a gentle and affectionate boy.We are overflowing with dogs at the moment and have two dogs who may need to be returned due to a change in circumstances for their adopters. We literally have nowhere to put them. We are taking a dog this week who needs a space and will then be shutting our doors to new dogs from trainers until we can home some of the current residents. The dogs we have homed remain our priority and we will have to put them somewhere. I apologise to all the trainers waiting. Our hands are tied and we are doing our best working every hour of the day. We know the waiting time for dogs on the list is many months now. It is a similar picture with all rehoming centres (for all sorts of animals). We are all doing our best to take as many as we can but everyone is at breaking point.To rehome Alex or any Whittingham greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
In memory of Rory...
A huge thank you to Sarah and her sister, Emma for thinking of Whittingham in their memorial for their special and beloved greyhound, Rory. It was such a touching tribute to their special boy and so kind that they remembered the Kennels too. Their friends and friends of Rory have been so generous in donating and sending food/treats etc in his honour.
It just shows how greyhounds touch so many lives and their love can spread to so many. What a wonderful legacy Rory leaves in promoting greyhounds too.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Colleen looking for a home
Beautiful Colleen is still looking for a loving home. She's so affectionate and just wants to cuddle you all the time. She's 2yrs old so still a real baby. She went home for a few days and was clean and well behaved. She was unsettled on her own (but this is to be expected during the first week at home with a younger greyhound) so would benefit from another dog as a companion or someone who can just help her settle in. She is such a loving girl and whoever adopts her will be very lucky.
To adopt Colleen or another Whittingham hound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com Home checks apply (unless we know you already)!
Some of our dogs looking for homes! (Please see the page 'Greyhounds looking for homes' on this website)
Tess - looking for a home
Some of our current residents looking for homes. Colleen and Lokie are the youngest at 2yrs old. And the rest are between 3yrs and 6yrs.
To adopt a greyhound and help change their world (and help us accommodate more who need a space), email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
They are neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and come with four weeks free insurance, collar, lead, muzzle, coat, advice booklet and a lifetime of back up with our support.
Thanks for the bedding!
A huge thank you to the donor of all this bedding. Wow!! And a huge thank you to our amazing volunteer, Linda for putting it all away in the shed etc. We are always grateful for any bedding (unless it contains feathers).Today has been a total nightmare with all sorts of issues on a variety of things happening behind the scenes ranging from sorting dogs out, veterinary visits and all the charity administration. Hurling ourselves into this bedding feels quite appealing!To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Appeal for Alex and adopters
Appeal for Alex
Alex is a dear soul and a really big greyhound. He could be mistaken for a miniature pony!! But he walks nicely on the lead and his two brothers are thriving in their homes, having been previously homed from Whittingham. He is 7yrs old which is a trickier age. He just really needs a chance. He is a gentle and affectionate boy.
We are overflowing with dogs at the moment and have two dogs who may need to be returned due to a change in circumstances for their adopters. We literally have nowhere to put them. We are taking a dog this week who needs a space and will then be shutting our doors to new dogs from trainers until we can home some of the current residents. The dogs we have homed remain our priority and we will have to put them somewhere. I apologise to all the trainers waiting. Our hands are tied and we are doing our best working every hour of the day. We know the waiting time for dogs on the list is many months now. It is a similar picture with all rehoming centres (for all sorts of animals). We are all doing our best to take as many as we can but everyone is at breaking point.
To rehome Alex or any Whittingham greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Glen and Fifi join the Euros
Move over Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate; our Whittingham residents are getting into the football spirit and have the speed and talent to match. Glen (in blue) and Fifi (in red) have been in training in opposing teams! We are not sure they got the kit instruction though! 🤣🤣 (You can see the full match on our TikTok page)!
Glen is really hoping for an England win, but even more than that he wants to get nearer his *goal of finding a home. He is such a lovely boy and just needs a chance.
Fifi, by contrast, is now torn in her allegiance as she was very lucky to be reserved by a long-term friend of the Kennels and will be moving to France (once we can all sort out the nightmare logistics of getting her there). We will have to be really on the ball to get everything right!!
But seriously, she's a really lucky girl and as she's our longest stay girl, we are so delighted. England may be through to the last sixteen but sadly we have endless numbers of greyhounds waiting for a home. We are now completely full and have had very few enquiries for a month (and we need to take in a few urgent cases too so have to make room somehow).
If you were thinking about adopting a greyhound, now is your time!Let's not just bring football home, but greyhounds too!Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound
Message to our volunteers re the hot weather
Please note: due to the hot weather, the dogs will not be walked this week. Thank you to all our volunteers for their understanding. The dogs will go out in the paddocks briefly throughout the day. And will continue to go out early morning and evening, as always.
Visitors are welcome but you will not be able to take the dogs out.
We will keep this under assessment as the week progresses but this is the case until at least Friday.
But the dogs still need homes and we are FULL to bursting point with another return in the pipeline. So please help by adopting a greyhound and getting them into a cool home. 😎 Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Hot Weather Warning
Now that we finally have some better weather, it is now too hot!!
Please remember it is best not to walk your dog at all on hot days (unless you can stick to very early or very late when it is cool). ((Please check pavements with the back of your hand if you do go out in the evening to make sure it isn't too hot for their paws)).
Make sure plenty of water is available for your dogs at all times and never leave them in a car.
TikTok features Whittingham's Got Talent
Our fantastic volunteers, Elissa and Louis, are creating brilliant videos each week for our TikTok page. If you haven't checked it out, you are missing a treat. Elissa is so talented and creative (and keeps on top of all the trends) to make sure Whittingham's message gets out there. And she is ably assisted by Louis who often stars in the videos to help promote Whittingham and rehoming the greyhounds.
The Whittingham's Got Talent film features so many great acts! Here is a clip of the Whittingham choir in action. And for anyone worried about Clive in his magic act. He reappeared spontaneously in his kennel. What a clever boy!
Follow us on TikTok: Whittingham_KennelsAnd email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound
Scooby - looking for a home
Scooby is our latest arrival. He's had a lot of upheaval in his life as he has been handed around to multiple trainers before ending up in a home where we learned he then needed a space in a rehoming kennel. Once we knew who he was, we were able to trace his history. He really deserves a loving home now so we hope his next move will be his last whenever he is adopted. He's used to the home environment, is happy and waggy and great with children. He just needs a chance. He will be further assessed as we get to know him.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Snoods and a fly past
Thanks so much to Chris for making these snoods. So very kind of her.
Our own royal (new boy, Charlie) had his very own fly past today too (well, that's what he said)!
Charlie and Pepper arrive to look for homes
Introducing our two newbies, Pepper (Blue girl) and Charlie (Black dog). So if you had ever thought about adopting a Custard and a Pepper (of course you have), Whittingham is the place for you!
Here are some photos that were not easy to obtain as the two new dogs are very affectionate and kept photobombing the other! We will assess them further as we get to know them, but they are confident and happy souls.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you to Udon's adopters
Thanks so much to Fran and Leon with Udon for sending such lovely gifts to Roxy and her friends. So very kind. And to Yusin and family with Shadow for their very generous Tesco order.
Xanadu finds a home
At Whittingham, we always warn that there could be a settling phase with any new greyhound. Usually greyhounds adapt very quickly to home life and some will walk in as if they've always been there. But some just need a little time to understand how to behave in a home but it doesn't take long and we are always on hand with advice.
Frankie (was Xanadu) has been a total star! His adopter said, "Frankie is doing amazingly well! I really was expecting some sort of adjustment period but he’s faultless. Not a single accident and acting like this has been home all his life".Well done, Frankie... and thanks to his adopters!
There are so many other dogs looking for homes, so please get in touch if you'd like to adopt a greyhound. Email: wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Udon (was Monty) and Roxy celebrate their birthday
Happy Birthday to adopted Whittingham dog, Udon (was Monty) and his sister, our bowl collector, Roxy who is still looking for a home. They were 7yrs old today.
Udon has really fallen on his paws and we hope Roxy will be lucky soon too.When you adopt a greyhound, you can find out so much information about their lives and ancestry. It makes them different from other breeds as you can trace so much about their history. There are facebook groups or the site www.greyhound-data.com which can lead you to information about their past and relations.
To adopt Roxy or another Whittingham hound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Tina settles in at home
Rosie and Tina
We had a lovely update last night that Tina has settled in very well after being reunited with her mum, Rosie; and introduced to the other resident greyhounds in the home.
Keith said, "After only a week she has settled in very well and is most likely one of the most affectionate of the girls. She has so far been clean with no accidents,loves her food and likes to be near (us)". She also enjoys playing with Rose in the garden.Thanks so much to Keith and son, Duncan for giving her a special home.
Baby, Tina and Rose
Homing enquiries are almost non-existent so we celebrate each home whilst also hoping the other Whittingham residents will fall on their paws soon too. We have over 100 dogs waiting for a space with us so the pressure of homing is intense at the moment. But we can only do what we can do. Therefore, please keep spreading the word about how many greyhounds need loving homes. And if you can adopt a greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com Xanadu... and Paddy the lurcher
Paddy and rabbit
Xanadu (now Frankie) went home today with his suitcase packed and with the promise, as always, of our ongoing guidance. However, he seemed to take everything in his stride and spent the whole time wagging his tail as soon as he arrived at his new home! Both he and his sister, Julietta, have gone to live with small children. We will keep everything crossed until they settle, but both have very caring adopters.
Last week, we also took in a little lurcher who needed a space when he had served his time in the pound. We have such a long waiting list for greyhounds but sometimes we can make space for needy cases when possible. Thanks to Elissa and her mum and Louis for letting us small dog, cat and inadvertently rabbit test him yesterday. He was a total star and is hopefully reserved pending confirmation as a result.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thanks Matthew and Kathrine and all donors
Thank you so much, Matthew and Kathrine. And to Sally for the biscuits yesterday. We are so grateful for your kindness.
Holly moves in with Summer and a cat (and special adopters)
Holly is doing so well after only a few days at home and getting used to the cat. Huge thanks to her adopters, Sam and Tom for taking the care needed at the start with sensible introductions.
The right dog can live with cats and other animals with the usual sensible initial precautions.
A huge thanks to Jane who lets us cat test. It really helps to narrow it down to the right dog in the right home.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Dogs at home
Hank at home
Homing enquiries are really slow and this is compounded by the fact that our waiting list for dogs needing homes is growing daily. But we have had some very lucky dogs go home
recently. As a result, we want to celebrate those wonderful homes we have found and thank their lovely adopters. The photos show what great dogs greyhounds are and how quickly they slot into home life. There are more photos on facebook/Instagram of some recently homed dogs: Dolly (living with another Whittingham hound), Misty, Hank, Holly (living with another Whittingham hound and a cat), and Tina. Tina's mum, Rosie, went home a while ago and when her adopters learned Tina was waiting for a home too, they brought Rosie to see her. The reunion was lovely and we will do a proper post on her once we know for sure that Tina has definitely slotted in successfully with the other resident dogs. Julietta is also on a home visit and we will await their final verdict too.
Misty at home
Thank you to everyone who gives our dogs a chance. Despite the critical situation with dogs (and all animals) at the moment, we won't compromise on homes. Everyone has a home check (unless you have adopted from us before and this has already been carried out).
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Foxy, Custard, Holly and thank you to Michelle
New girl, Custard (black) ((no, I didn't name her!!!)) and new boy, Foxy (white and black spots) are here and are looking for homes. They are both confident and friendly and will be further assessed as we get to know them.
We also saw Holly off to her lovely adopters today so we wish her well. And a huge thank you, also, to Michelle for sending food donations via Pets at Home. Thank you so much.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
D-Day
Our youngest resident, Colleen is the representative to add Whittingham's voice to the commemorations for D-day. Only 80yrs ago, thousands of young people died defending freedom on the beaches of Normandy. Whilst we are lucky enough to live in peace, we remember that wars are still raging around the world and humans and animals are dying and suffering terribly as a result, both in battle and as civilians.
Animals were also involved directly on D-Day. Bing was a dog, specifically a German Shepherd, parachuted into Normandy with the Allies on June 6th 1944. He sniffed out land mines and post-war, was awarded the Dickin Medal, the highest honour the UK gives animals in war. Pigeons were also used as messengers.We will remember their heroism and sacrifice, human and animal.
Volunteers Week...
It's Volunteers Week this week so this is a huge shout out and thanks to our committed team of established Whittingham volunteers.
We have great groups of people during the week and on Saturdays/Sundays.
There are also volunteers behind the scenes who help at events and beyond, carry out homechecks, act as our trustees, raise money and profile etc etc etc. Len's adopter, Martin, has been doing the talks in his spare time; Keith raises money through photography and Erssie's knitting patterns are always raising funds. Natalie is attending GreyFest, Phil and helpers put all our new beds together in their spare time, Judy designs and produces our calendar, Jim paddocks every Sunday evening, Diane sits with the dogs and Elissa oversees 
our TikTok page, ably creating content assisted by Louis. People collect bedding and food for us, notably Louise and Simon, Graham with Polly, Claire at Mimram Vets, Wendy with Honey and so many others on an ad hoc basis. We also have Tilly in foster with volunteers Jules, Suj and family.
Our staff also do much of their duties beyond the Kennels and behind the scenes as volunteers.
Some of the volunteers are pictured here and both those pictured and non-pictured (along with all our adopters and supporters) all keep Whittingham running! Thank you to them all.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you, Ann
A huge thank you to Ann with Sally who adopted Dolly today. The two dogs were very gentle together and Dolly has already found her bed. What a lucky girl to find such a special home.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
ChumChum and family win first prize
ChumChum (was Vince) is another great ambassador for adopted greyhounds. His lovely adopters really persevered with him at the start as he took a little longer than some to settle. But look at him now!
His adopter, Anu, said: "ChumChum is winning hearts wherever he goes". He recently won 1st prize in Best Rescue Dog at Chenies Manor House. Anu continues, "We are so proud of his achievements. He spread a good word about greyhounds and how gentle and lovely they are! The judge said greyhounds don't get enough press and the more they are out in public events like this, the more people know about them and their gentle temperament. Thank you for all you do and making us a part of it".The thanks are all on us to the whole family for their kindness and dedication. And well done to ChumChum for being a great ambassador. We love the historical Tudor judges/presenters too! When you adopt from us, you become a part of the Whittingham family and promoting greyhounds wherever you go quickly becomes part of your day!Alex is with us currently looking for a home and happens to be ChumChum's brother. You never know, you could adopt a potential show winner too!!To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Martin and Len visit Hunsford Cubs
Martin and greyhound, Len fulfilled another engagement on 23rd May when they gave a talk to Hunsford Cubs. They had a huge audience with 33 cubs attending their session.
Martin explains the history of greyhounds as well as the personal history of Len (the race shown is one that Len, No. 6, led from the start andLen has been a phenomenal advocate for greyhounds at all the talks and we can't thank his adopter, Martin, enough for taking the time to give us so much support and taking his Whittingham collection tin with him when he delivers other 'non-greyhound' talks too. Len's calm demeanour with all his audience, young and older, has shown what great dogs greyhounds are with people of all ages. The photos show how relaxed the young people are with him too.Apart from the support for us, there are thousands of greyhounds needing homes around the country so the photographs are a huge way of showing why everyone should adopt a greyhound! So!...to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Hank and Misty find homes
Hank, (who came in on Thursday and managed to secure himself a home on Friday), is adjusting to home life. He has a few settling issues to overcome at this early stage, but is learning the ropes about how to behave at home.
Here he is with his small friend!
In other news, Misty went home to a special family yesterday. And I (Louise) was reunited with two of my former teachers from 20yrs ago as they are the parents of Misty's new adopter. It was such a pleasure to see them. We now hold our breath until she settles!
There are so many dogs who suit so many different home set-ups.So...to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you Mimram Vets, Claire and Finn
Thank you so much to Claire with Finn who collects so much from her workplace donations at Mimram Vets. Food and bedding is always so appreciated, as is all their support.And a huge thank you to Sadie for her kind donation. She is so generous.Thanks for all your support.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Hank finds a home; Rhino and Evie need a home
In good news, we had some lovely visitors today who have reserved Hank. A very quick homing for him, but he was the right dog with their small dog.
In sad news, we are going to have to start looking for a new home for Rhino and Evie after a change of circumstances for their adopter. It is particularly gutting about Rhino as he was one of our long stays and gets stressed in Kennels. They are ok where they are for now but will need to be rehomed by September. They are house trained, great with people but may need some work around other breeds. They are ok to be left for a few hours but Rhino will be best suited to a home where he isn't alone too long. They do not need to be homed together but would ideally go with another dog.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Hank - looking for a home
Introducing new boy, Hank. He has joined us today to begin his search for a loving home. He is good around other breeds and a docile soul. He is ready to go but we will be assessing him further over the next few days as he settles in.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Champ and Happy fall on their paws
Happy and Champ, the two brothers who really fell on their paws on Saturday and were lucky enough to stay together, have been doing very well at home. They have met other dogs without incident and have been very excited by their new home. Here they are resting together! Thanks so much to Cliff and Claire for giving them such a special home and keeping them together.
To help a greyhound into a loving home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Roxy the helper
Roxy is a lovely girl who is really helpful (or thinks she is) around the Kennels. Her brother, Monty (now Udon) found a wonderful home and we are really hoping her chance for a loving home will come soon too. She is blue in colour, 6yrs old, good on the lead but needs a few more introductions to other breeds. Could you offer Roxy the special home she deserves?To adopt Roxy or any other Whittingham hound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
The Greys Brothers Tour!
Greyhound, Len and his adopter, Martin are coming towards the end of their tour. There are still some photos to come, but Martin has written the following summary of their year's work which was both an effort in raising awareness and raising funds. They have smashed their target amount, raised smiles and spread greyhound love wherever they went with, as Martin says, a huge range of ages enjoying their visits. We can't thank Martin (not our staff member - but Len's adopter, Martin!) enough for his incredible dedication to our cause and for all his efforts in securing bookings (as well as creating the talks themselves, of course). Again, if anyone else wants to continue this legacy, please do email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Here is Martin's write-up:
Len scampers across the finish line!
I am sure that many of you have had quite enough of receiving regular Facebook updates about Len’s exploits as he travelled the globe - well Herts and a bit of Essex and Beds - in his efforts to raise funds for Whittingham. If so, you may now be relieved to hear that his year of fund-raising has formally come to a close.
Pleasingly, announcements that Len’s talks were ending brought a welcome flurry of late bookings in May, leading to his final surge down the finishing straight and a successful conclusion.
The recent, generous bookings by Cubs, Beavers and Adult groups, plus cash in his collecting box, mean that Len’s final donations total is over £1500. This is far in excess of our wildest dreams when we set off on this trip together into unknown territory on 26 May 2023.
His journey comprised:
• Over 20 visits made
• 600 plus people met
• Audiences aged from 4 to 96
• £1562.55 raised in donations
I am immensely proud of Len, who embarked on our tour just two months into adoption. Often feisty with non-greyhounds, he is a model of good behaviour with all two-legged creatures, young and old. A couple of late nights saw him keel over and fall asleep, but he accepted all manner of petting, talking-tos and mayhem throughout, without a care in the world.
I hope we have enlightened and entertained all whom we met; showing that ex-racing greyhounds ( especially big, black fellows! ) are docile, loving, undemanding, and fully deserve adoption as family pets. Our personal bond has been forged and strengthened through our joint efforts to repay Whittingham in a small way for all their hard work on behalf of the greyhound community.
Of course, there have been a few disappointments along the way and to present a balanced picture I feel that I should mention them:
• Obtaining bookings and then donations from local schools was difficult and largely unproductive
• We regularly requested help but gained few leads or bookings via the Whittingham Community; ‘Loves’ and ‘Likes’ have been very welcome but don’t generate any funds, unfortunately
• Perhaps, most sadly, nobody seems prepared to take on the talks mantle from us now that we have retired, despite my offer of full support in the future. Apparently, there will be no lasting legacy.
In summary, then, I believe that the ‘Len Sessions’ have made a worthwhile contribution both to supporting Whittingham and the wider Greyhound world, post-racing. Both Len, and I, have had a great time, as have our audiences, young and old. He now deserves a second retirement, basking in the belief that there can be a grand life after racing for all greyhounds; just give them the opportunity and they will repay you many times over and show the public what they may be missing!
Our sincere thanks to all those who wished us well and helped us along the way!
Martin and Len (‘The Greys Brothers!’)
Long-termer, Max at home
Many people have been asking how our long termer, Max, has been settling at home. So here he is with his friend, Mia. He's loving playing with tennis balls and investigating all the new adventures of home life. He still has a few things to learn but is generally settling very well. A massive thanks again to his adopters for giving him the chance.
In other news, we were delighted to see brothers, Happy and Champ go home to their special home today. We wish them well and look forward to updates!
Now let's find homes for all the other residents too!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Len and Martin visit Puckeridge Cubs
Greyhound, Len and his adopter, Martin, have been to two more Beaver groups this week with a large audience at each. They went down a storm as usual with Len being a total hit! Photos will follow from those sessions. Meanwhile, here they are at their Puckeridge Cubs visit on 14 May, accompanied by Martin's wife, Sian. (Some faces have been obscured for privacy reasons). (More photos on our social media pages)
We literally can't thank them enough for all their time and dedication. Whittingham Heroes!!To adopt a greyhound and join the Whittingham family, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you anonymous donor
Thank you to the Donor of the food that arrived today. There was no label to thank you but we do really appreciate it.
Thank you, Graham and Drydogs.co.uk
Thank you so much to Graham with Polly (pictured) who drove all the way from near Henlow today with donations, treats, food and bedding. He is always so supportive.
And separately, a huge thank you to www.drydogs.co.uk and all who nominated us to receive their gifts. We were very touched to have been chosen. 
Thanks so much for all your support.
Thank you
Thanks so much to Maria and family with Tali. Not only sending gifts to the Kennels but being so generous with a donation too. Thank you so much.
Recently homed hounds
Max
Max, Aurora (was Snowy), Lila (was Rosie) and Evie are all recently homed and settling in. It is lovely to see them make the transition from Kennels to home life and thrive in loving homes. Thank you to all their adopters.
Aurora (was Snowy) with Magic
We have so many dogs waiting with us at Whittingham Kennels (and waiting to get into Whittingham). They all deserve loving homes.
Lila (was Rosie)
Evie
So to offer a greyhound a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Raffle prize winners
We have a few unclaimed raffle prizes. We will keep them at the Kennels until your next visit. Thank you again everyone!Unclaimed raffle winners:332 - Ian S19 - Roger S (Luna)167 - Carole Rogers140 - Barney 213 - Lesley K123 - Paul H51 - Rita89 - Sue Turner Ross414 - Jane(The rest were claimed on the day or have been contacted)
Alex and the team say 'thank you'
Alex and all the Whittingham team would like to say a massive 'thank you' to everyone who supported us yesterday. The total raised from the day was an amazingly whopping £1281.36
Well done everyone!
Sunday 29th May 2024 Event...
A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who attended our event today. It is always so lovely to see our dogs visit us again and see they are doing well. There were some sibling reunions amongst the dogs: resident, Tina (who is reserved) was reintroduced to her sister, Barcode (was Pam); and resident, Alex was reintroduced to his brother, ChumChum!
Tim, Val and I arrived early to clean and feed all the dogs. And Linda, Martin and Stephen came early to set up too. Linda worked like an absolute trouper setting up (and packing away) and overseeing a stall so a special thank you to her. Our regular volunteer, Doreen, started walking the dogs early and then set about working in the kitchen on food and drinks with Tim. Both flew around with orders all day! An absolutely HUGE thank you to the amazing, Theresa, who was ably assisted by Pete. Her generosity and commitment to our events is truly breathtaking and we can't thank her enough for being so supportive. She donates all the food so that the Kennels receives all the money and her food is always delicious and goes down wonderfully. She works so VERY hard and is absolutely amazing!
Natalie was brilliant with making sure as many raffle tickets were sold as possible. She is now our official 'raffle seller' and always does a superb job. She will be at Greyfest in August promoting greyhounds (and Whittingham) and we know she will totally smash it! She's such an asset to the team at events and we are so grateful that she steps in to fulfil this role. Mark is also a total star and jumped behind a stall with Doug and started selling items. Linda, Val and Stephen were also behind a stall for the whole time; whilst Martin and I were in the Kennels getting dogs out for visitors. Thank you to everyone who bought merchandise (which went down well). Arctophiles (google it) loved the teddy bears (!) and the T-Shirts and stickers were a real hit too. Thank you to everyone who brought up food, bedding and treats too; and to Roger with Luna who brought in home-made fig jam which was quickly snapped up as soon as it went on the table! We have a lot of unclaimed raffle prizes as many people had gone home when the raffle was drawn, but we will put this up tomorrow and keep the prizes at the Kennels until you are passing/visiting. Some winners were pulled out of the bucket several times so we did distribute the prizes fairly too! It was also lovely to see Tilly who is being fostered by Jules and Suj (with their other greyhound, Russo). They are being wonderful with Tilly and so kind too.Thanks to everyone who helped us put everything away afterwards too, whilst Jim did the evening paddocking. The day was rounded off after Amanda drove all the way from Glastonbury with adopted Whittingham greyhound, Magic (was Donnie) to adopt Snowy. They used to live in Kent but have subsequently moved. We will look forward to updates and hope she settles well at home. There was interest in some other dogs but no other firm reserves; but we hope the presence of so many greyhounds getting along well shows what great dogs greyhounds are in any context.
(More photos on our facebook page).Thank you again to everyone for coming and to all those who helped in such a tremendous way.We look forward to seeing you at the next event or if you would like to adopt a greyhound at any point beforehand! Just email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com for more information.
Setting up for our event...
We are busy setting up for our event (Sunday 19th), at 11am and look forward to seeing everyone. We started at the crack of dawn to get all the dogs cleaned and fed and they are looking forward to seeing everyone too!11am-2pm at the Kennels.
Max finds a home
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our event tomorrow. 11am until 2pm at the Kennels.
And in some really exciting news, one of our longest stay dogs, Max, went home today. Max had to go to the right home that understood what he needed. He went to lovely people that we knew (who had recently lost their beloved male greyhound) and who have another of our female greyhounds. We will look forward to hearing updates. We are so grateful to them that he has been given the chance. Here he is in the paddocks last week!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you to Luna's adopters
Thank you so much to Luna's adopters who popped up today with food. We are so grateful.
We are looking forward to seeing them and everyone at our event on Sunday between 11am and 2pm. Our neighbours at number 5 and opposite number 4 have kindly given extra parking. And you are welcome to park in front of the gates of the cemetery (which is sadly too wet to use itself). The farmer will also open the little slip road between the turn and Kennel 1 if he can. There is also the little car park opposite hillside kennels.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Thanks so much for all your support.
Alex and Misty join us to find homes
Misty
Alex and Misty joined us today to begin their search for their homes. Misty is a dear little girl (black with white flecks); and Alex is a handsome boy who is 7yrs old. He has been waiting in racing kennels for a long time but it is now finally his turn. He also turns out to be the brother of Vince (now known as ChumChum) who we homed a while ago. He looks very much like his brother too! Let's make him as lucky as his brother.
Alex
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Rosie finds a home; so many dogs waiting
Rosie fell on her paws today in a new home with lovely adopters. She has a few things to master and was a little overwhelmed at first but she relaxed when she found her giant caterpillar and box of toys. Thank you to her adopters and we look forward to hearing how she settles.
There are SO many dogs who are desperate for a loving home. We have so many gentle souls who are waiting patiently. To offer a greyhound a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Appeal for homes in a national crisis
Like many other rescue/rehoming centres nationwide, we have a full kennel and a huge waiting list of dogs who need to come to us. We have so many beautiful dogs waiting for their special homes. All different characters and personalities. We have had very few enquiries over the past month and whilst we have a couple going home (which is wonderful and many thanks to their adopters), we are very worried about not being able to home the other residents or move through our huge waiting list.
So please keep spreading the word about greyhounds needing homes. They all need love!To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com ((And a friendly note to trainers, we haven't forgotten you and will get to your dog as soon as possible. Ringing to find out when a space is available is a pointless exercise as we don't have a crystal ball. We will be in touch when we have space and as you get to the top of the list. Thank you for your patience)).
Thank you, Diane; Thank you, Keith
Thanks so much to Diane (with Teddy, Flora etc) for her donations. Bedding and treats for the dogs. And items for our event on Sunday. She's an amazing adopter and so incredibly kind.
And a huge thanks to our other amazing adopter, Keith (with multiple greyhound girls) for raising money for us through his photography at Harlow. We are so grateful.
Homes needed; Evie is lucky
Homing enquiries are almost non-existent, but Evie is one lucky dog who fell on her paws today with the loveliest of families. She is a very lucky girl and was so good with all the neighbouring dogs on the introductory walk around the block. A total star! Thanks so much to her lovely adopters.
If you haven't got a greyhound, you really should adopt one so please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to make all our current residents as lucky as Evie.
Whittingham Merchandise
We will have our Whittingham merchandise for sale next week at our event. Udon (was Monty) has befriended our new teddy bear. (Don't worry, the scale of the teddy in this picture is more accurately seen by the hand, rather than the greyhound)!!!!
All the other teddies will need good homes too!! And the greyhounds hope they will be chosen as well so to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Open Day
One week to go before our Open Day next Sunday 19th. There will be stalls, delicious food thanks to our truly dedicated and generous adopter, Theresa. And the chance to meet our current residents and other Whittingham supporters and former residents. We will also have some new Whittingham merchandise for sale! So don't miss out and we look forward to seeing you at the Kennels next Sunday!
Tina is looking for a loving home
This is Tina who joined us today to start her search for a loving home. She is a dear little soul and very similar in temperament to her sister, Pam (now Barcode) and her mum, Rosie; both also homed by Whittingham. We hope she will also fall on her paws in a loving home before too long. She will be further assessed as we get to know her, including her reaction around other breeds. But if she's like her family, she should be ok with the usual initial careful precautions.
Monnie finds a home
We were delighted to see Monnie (now Mimi) into her home yesterday. A huge thanks to her adopters. She is settling well so far. What a lucky girl.
To make all the dogs as lucky as Mimi and adopt a greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Champ and Happy in the bungalow
Champ and Happy have been moved to a spare room in our bungalow so they have more space (before they go home at the end of the month). They've been very good in there (not all the dogs will settle in the bungalow) and they've been enjoying their ear treats today. (Yuk, but the dogs love them)!!! Thank you to everyone who sends gifts and donations for the dogs. We are so grateful.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Adopting again... and Bluebell who needs a loving home
We were really touched by the sentiments of Amanda, recent adopter of Finbar (was Finn), when she said, "how is it possible to love a hound so much in such a short time? And when grieving another beloved hound". We echo that feeling. There are so many dogs needing loving homes and the greatest legacy to a beloved previous dog is to offer another needy soul a loving home (when you feel the time is right). They will never 'replace' the lost dog but will be a new special dog with their own uniqueness, whilst also embodying the characteristics universal to all greyhounds: loving, loyal and lazy!
Bluebell is one dog looking for a home and is really hoping someone will come along to give her a second chance after she has had to be returned through no fault of her own due to illness in the family. She is house trained, gentle, good with small breeds (with the usual careful introductions) and used to the home environment. She can be a little stronger than some on the lead but this would soon ease.To offer another lucky dog a home or offer a greyhound a home as first time adopters, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Len on tour
Len and his adopter, Martin, visited a local women's club yesterday in their final month of their tour! Martin reports that, "the group loved Len and he wandered round in his normal docile manner". He behaved impeccably as always (with the exception of nicking a digestive biscuit from a lady's handbag!!!) and will be visiting a Cub group next week.
We can't thank Martin and greyhound, Len enough for their incredible kindness and commitment to these talks. The photos from all their talks show how great greyhounds are with people of all ages and why everyone should adopt a greyhound! This, in itself, has highlighted how they make great additions to any home. They are great ambassadors and fundraisers for greyhounds and for Whittingham Kennels. Thank you so much Martin and Len. (Ps. This is not the same Martin as our staff member).To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Happy and Champ fall on their paws
Although homing is still slow, we were thrilled today to see the brothers, Champ and Happy reserved. They are going to lovely adopters who have been adopting from Whittingham for over 24yrs. They are exceptionally lucky and we are so delighted they will be able to stay together and go to such a special home. They will be going home at the end of the month.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Clive helps around the Kennels?
A lovely bright day to hang washing over the fences. Until Clive decided to get it in for us. Brilliant. 
Thank you, Broadway Pet Stores and John
Thank you to Nigel and Sue at Broadway Petstores for collecting food etc for us. It's really appreciated and all helps keep costs down. Thank you to John for bringing it to us.
Barcode at the Polls
It's good to see our former resident greyhounds exercising their democratic right. This is Barcode (was Pam) going to the polls. We assume she voted for extra bonios and good weather for walks, but she is keeping her vote confidential. Barcode is the puppy of Rosie (homed a little while ago) and her sister will be coming in to look for a home when we have space.(We also think Barcode is an inspired name change for a brindle lady)!!To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you, Ann
Colleen and Clive are here to say a huge, HUGE thank you to Ann, friend of our volunteer, Linda, who has just been extremely generous in sending a donation. We are so grateful and can't thank her enough.
(Colleen and Clive are both looking for homes. So to adopt a greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com)
Huge thanks again to Ann for her exceptional generosity.
Thank you
Thank you so much to Julie and Fiona (with Savy) and Rebecca (soon adopting Monnie) for their kind donations. We are so grateful for your generosity and your kindness in thinking of us.
Our adoption process and pack
Our adoption kit....
Many people ask about our adoption process. When you get in touch about adopting, we will ask you some questions about the sort of home you can offer. This helps us to guide you towards certain dogs who we feel will match your circumstances. All our dogs are different and will suit different home set-ups.
We invite you to visit the Kennels to meet the dogs. If you want to reserve someone, we will then come along and do a home visit (unless you have adopted from us before and this has already been carried out).
When you adopt, we give you the kit we believe is correct for a greyhound: collar/lead, house collar, information booklet, muzzle and, where possible, a coat. The dogs are all neutered, vaccinated (paperwork supplied) and come with four weeks free insurance. There are three forms to sign: change of ownership of microchip, the form for the free insurance and our adoption form (which states that if things do not work out, you must return the greyhound to us and never pass him/her on). We also give you a toy as a gift from us!
We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible, whilst also ensuring that the dog is finding a good home and adopters know what to expect.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Some former residents!
Sonny
We love receiving photos of our former residents doing well. The photos show why everyone should adopt a greyhound! (More photos on our facebook and instagram pages)
Margo
You can teach them to drive (well, sort of)!!
Sid (was Smasher)
((Apologies to any Spurs fans but Sid (was Smasher) was on the winning side yesterday))!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Snowy says well done Louis!
Snowy and everyone at Whittingham want to say thank you and well done to Louis who ran 10k in the rain this morning. What a total hero and a truly dedicated supporter. We can't thank him enough.
Follow his whole run on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGe9oKhuF/
Well done again. Absolutely amazing.
Lokie's luck for Louis
Lokie is very relaxed on his pillow and wants to wish our fab volunteer, Louis, luck for his 10k run. Louis often features in our TikTok videos so don't forget to follow us on TikTok too (whittingham_kennels) where Elissa is producing some brilliant videos. They are really putting themselves out with their commitment to Whittingham with the filming and the run so we can't thank them enough.
Lokie and the other kennel residents are pleased to relax and watch other people do their share of running now! They are really making the most of retirement!
Lokie is still also hoping for his special home to come along too. He's a lovely boy and really wants a life beyond Kennels. So to adopt Lokie or any other Whittingham dog, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thanks so much again to Louis!
Xanadu and thanks
Xanadu would like to thank Chris and Peter (who had Floyd) for their biscuits donation.Xanadu is a new chap and very loving and friendly.To offer him a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Treats enrich the dogs' lives
We are so grateful to everyone who sends treats for the dogs. Whilst some are not that appetising for humans, the dogs love them!! Not only are they really enjoyed as a tasty bonus, but they act as a source of enrichment and some treats are also really good for their teeth.
Like all good animal welfare organisations, we are aware that our dogs need enrichment as well as comfortable beds and time in the paddocks whilst they wait for their loving homes. Giving out treats helps them have something to focus on before we close them in for the night or to give variety to their day. Our volunteers and visitors also love engaging with the dogs by giving out treats too. The nervous dogs gain their confidence with new people and the confident dogs often show the other dogs that all is well when they can accept treats too! Some greyhounds haven't always known treats, but they soon learn to enjoy them! It is really rewarding for the humans to see the dogs enjoying themselves too!So thanks so much to everyone who brings treats to enrich our dogs' lives. They are so very grateful.
Thank you to Jules and family - Tilly in foster
A HUGE HUGE thank you to Jules and family (with Russo) who have stepped in to foster Tilly while her adopters are unable to have her. Tilly's adopters will have her back when their circumstances allow, but for the meantime, she is staying with Jules and family. We can't thank them enough. (We don't usually use foster homes because it means the dogs get overlooked when not at the Kennels, but in these situations, it is a total godsend).
Thank you
Thanks so much to Emma (with Arnie and Jet) for her generosity in sending gifts for Jerry; and to Susan (with Kitty), Ruth and family (with Leon and Indie) and the Pankiw family (with Opie and Trixi) for their generosity too. It's really appreciated.
Very few enquiries; so many dogs
Enquiries to adopt have ground to a total halt. We are taking in a few dogs from our list this week but have not had a single adoption enquiry for two weeks. We won't be able to move forward until we home some more. So, if you are thinking about adopting, please do get in touch. We have some beautiful souls just waiting to love and be loved.
Fifi and Glen are ready to be your best friend!To adopt a greyhound or find a friend for an existing greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Well done Michelle!
Well done, Michelle. An amazing run, completing the marathon in 3hrs and 24 minutes. Incredible!We felt exhausted just watching it!
Huge thanks again and congratulations... and to everyone who has sponsored too.
Marathon mention!
Thanks to #bbcmarathon for reading out our message of support for Michelle, running the marathon today. It was wonderful that they read the full message so that the cause of greyhound homing was mentioned on BBC1 and that they told viewers how much the dogs sleep too! It's only a moment of publicity but it all helps to highlight that everyone should adopt a greyhound!
To sponsor Michelle, please find her fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfun.../michelle-brown-920...
Good luck, Michelle!
Thank you
Thanks to Leshantha, the kind sender of the disinfectant. And to our volunteer, Linda, who is always so generous.
Jerry
Life in rehoming/rescue has ups and downs. We try to keep our social media posts upbeat, but there are always things happening behind the scenes too.
So, in the spirit of reality, if you visit us, you may meet Jerry who is not on the website.
Yesterday, we took Jerry back after he displayed quirks in the home which are extremely out of character for greyhounds. He will now stay with us (unless someone totally suitable comes along. We are only ever honest about our dogs and will explain his behaviour in the home).
No negative comments please. His adopters tried very hard with him and were absolutely devastated that all their efforts didn't find a solution.
Jerry is a lovely boy at the kennels and perhaps some previous trauma has made him defensive in a home environment. We know he was starved in the first home he had and was told off for trying to get food. Even this, however, doesn't usually cause the unpredictable behaviour seen in this home. Either way, he is safe with us and will be given extra walks whenever volunteers come to take the dogs out. We can't stress enough how rare it is for a greyhound to behave in this way. It certainly doesn't reflect all the other dogs in the Kennels.
Even though we have a mammoth waiting list of dogs waiting to come in, our priority must always be the dogs we know.
We have so many loving and gentle dogs in our care all desperate for good homes. And we have several new arrivals scheduled over the next week or so. So, to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Please support Michelle!
Fifi and Glen are here to remind you of Michelle's marathon mission on Sunday in support of Whittingham Kennels. If anyone would like to sponsor her, please find her fundraising page as
follows: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfun.../michelle-brown-920...
Fifi and Glen are both waiting patiently for loving homes. They'd really love to love you!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you, Tony
A huge thank you to Tony who came up with a van load of stuff for the greyhounds and to raise money. He's always so kind and supportive. Thank you again.
Colleen and Kiki find homes; new arrivals
Update: since posting this, Colleen has sadly been returned. So she is now looking for a home again.
Colleen (now Charlotte) (pictured) really fell on her paws today in her new home. She has found the bed already and is a very lucky girl.
Kiki (now Zola) also went home this morning and is doing well so far.
We are so lucky to have such lovely adopters. Thank you to both sets of adopters.
We are taking in some new arrivals and crawling through our enormous waiting list. However, we still have over 100 dogs waiting to come to us with the list growing daily.
So to offer a greyhound a home, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Let's make them all as lucky as Colleen and Kiki.
Blue's story - from chase to friend
Blue's story: We are often asked if the more reactive (to other breeds) dogs will calm down at home. The answer is 'yes', but with patience, training and exposure. Wayne and Lydia adopted Blue nearly a year ago and he was very difficult with other breeds at first. However, thanks to their perseverance and kindness, look at him now!
It just shows that all the greyhounds need to be given a chance. The reactive ones will learn; the nervous ones will become even more loyal; the bouncy strong ones will calm down; the perfect ones will continue to thrive! There is a greyhound to suit all sorts of circumstances so please come and find your most loyal friend and adopt a greyhound by emailing wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
New greyhound, Rosie, arrives to find a home
New girl, Rosie, joined us yesterday to begin her search for a loving home. She is happy, dainty and playful and would really love to experience life beyond kennels. She is excited about going for a walk, but quickly calms down once underway.
To offer Rosie a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Andy and Margo find their special homes
We were delighted to see Andy and Margo into homes yesterday. Here is Andy on his first day. We look forward to updates and thanks so much to their adopters.
We are gradually taking in some new arrivals so will be getting to know them.
To offer a greyhound a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you, Louis and Elissa
Wow, thanks so much to Louis, our fantastic volunteer. Elissa and Louis are so supportive so please support Louis as he raises money for us. Amazing! Thanks so much and do follow Elissa's brilliant TikTok page too. (Please see our social media pages to view the video).
Thank you, Louis
Thanks so much to our volunteer, Louis for wearing the T-Shirt to promote Whittingham through his boxing gym. It's such a great way to spread the word.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Spring Open Day: Sunday 19th May
Lokie would like to let everyone know that we have rescheduled our event for Sunday 19th May at the Kennels between 11am and 2pm.
There will be stalls, lovely food courtesy of Theresa's kindness; and the chance to meet with other greyhound enthusiasts and meet the current greyhound residents. We look forward to seeing you then!
Thanks for our new grass
Thanks so much to the kind donor who paid for three sections of fake grass. It is the dog friendly version and is in the gateways to three of our muddiest paddocks. This will be a godsend in the winter when the dogs, staff, volunteers and beds are all smothered in filth!!The dogs are already enjoying sitting on it in the sun!
Two brothers arrive to find their homes
Two new boys arrived today. They are brothers and called Champ and Happy. Champ is the one with more white on him. They are mega affectionate and gentle, neutered and ready to go and very friendly. It would be lovely to keep them together, although we know that will be hard in the present climate of homing. They are 5yrs old, but seem younger!
To offer these boys or another Whittingham hound a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you, Sally
Thank you so much to Sally for the regular donations of biscuits. So kind of you. To donate via our amazon wishlist, please follow this link: Amazon wishlist
April is 'Adopt a greyhound' month
Follow us on TikTok
Don't forget to visit and follow our new TikTok page run by our volunteer, Elissa. Search for whittingham_kennelsElissa and Louis are producing some fantastic videos highlighting individual dogs looking for homes and also the reason why greyhounds in general are such great dogs! To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Carol and Finbar (was Finn) at home
It's always lovely when people let us know how the dogs are settling. We always mention that there may be a settling phase until the new greyhound understands the new routine and life away from Kennels. And we always hold our breath during this time!
Here are Carol (above) and Finbar (was Finn) (left) doing so well on only day two. A huge thank you again to both sets of adopters. To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Carol and Finn fall on their paws
In a little flurry of homing today, we were delighted to see Carol (pictured) go home with lovely adopters who have adopted from us before and who felt ready to welcome another deserving and lucky greyhound into their home. Carol is very lucky indeed.
In the second homing, we saw Finn go home to lovely people who have also adopted four greyhounds over the years from Whittingham. He is also exceptionally lucky.There are so many deserving greyhounds who need a loving home and who are hoping to fall on their paws too. So please continue to share and spread the word so we can get more dogs in from our ridiculously long waiting list and home those still waiting patiently at Whittingham. It is so sad that so many loving souls are waiting in Kennels for their chance to find loving homes.But today is all about Carol and Finn. So a huge thank you again to both sets of adopters.To adopt a greyhound and join the Whittingham family, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you for the muzzles, Jo
Thank you so much to Jo with Zoe (was Mo) for their generous donation of muzzles. It is SO so kind. Thank you so much again. Now they are off walking too!
Monty finds a home!
Monty (now known as Udon) went home today. And he's already playing in the garden! Thank you so much to his adopters. We hope he continues to settle well!We will be taking some new dogs in as soon as we hear that a couple of other recently homed dogs are settling fully. We will look forward to welcoming them into the Whittingham fold. With over 100 greyhounds waiting for a space, we are going one dog at a time.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Roxy and Boris send their thanks to Claire/Mimram Vets
Roxy and Boris would both like to say thank you so much to Claire and the team at Mimram Vets for raising money and collecting bedding etc for Whittingham Kennels. We we are so grateful.
Roxy and Boris are both looking for homes. To adopt a greyhound, email
wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Finn really wants a home
Why oh why do we still have Finn?! He's such a lovely boy... great with other breeds and a really gentle soul. He has lived in a home before so won't be phased by the home environment. And he loves the company of other dogs so would make a great second dog. Could you offer Finn the loving home he craves?
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Whittingham joins TikTok - thank you to Elissa
Our fantastic volunteer, Elissa, has created a TikTok page for the kennels and already created its first video. Please give us a follow. Search for whittingham_kennelsAnd a massive thank you to Elissa for doing this for us.
Woody falls on his paws
Woody, now to be known as Prince, found his home today with a very experienced adopter. Thanks so much to Brenda and family... (and with huge thanks to Judy and Mark Zatonski - Judy who designs and produces our calendars, and Mark who drove all the way from Rugby to bring their friend, Brenda, to collect Woody).
What a lucky boy. We sent him on his way with a hug from all the staff and are delighted to know he has a wonderful home.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Stormy and Emily settle in at home
A reminder that our event is CANCELLED today as rain was forecast. (Just pretend the sun isn't shining 
). We will reschedule and hope it doesn't rain then!!!
So instead, here are some photos of Emily and Stormy (Storm) who went home on Friday. Emily is clearly already in control of the remote control... and Stormy looks so comfortable in his lovely big bed.Thank you to both adopters and everyone who gives a lovely home to one of our dogs.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Happy Easter from Whittingham Kennels
Len and his adopter, Martin are star attendees at Weald Hall fete
Adopted greyhound Len, and his adopter Martin (our amazing volunteer ((not staff member))...) spent today at the Weald Hall fete. They had visited this care home before at the request of our former volunteer, Roy, who is now a resident. After their previous visit, which had enriched the lives of all the residents, Len and Martin were invited back to attend the Fete. We can't thank them enough for their kindness and dedication. It is so wonderful that they agreed to attend and raise the profile of Whittingham and greyhounds in general.
Martin reports that it was a very happy day and "great for handing out publicity, educating people,...(and)...chatting to residents and visitors". Len was as amazing as ever, "spending
most of the time just wandering about freely, making new friends young and old, with never a cross word. People wanted to see him in his racing jacket"...so here are some lovely photos of the day. One picture is with the singer who entertained the assembled host. Len even had his own dedicated song when the singer "sang 'Hound Dog' on request for Len who listened attentively throughout"!Thank you SO much again to Martin and greyhound, Len. They are truly wonderful ambassadors for showing how brilliant greyhounds are at adjusting to every situation and proving that they make great pets for everyone! We are sure that more people will have had their eyes opened to the wonders of greyhounds today as a result of their support.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you for your marathon efforts, Michelle
Margo and Ed want to say a huge thank you to Michelle for running the marathon for Whittingham. We rehome dogs for Michelle when we have space and it is kind of them to think of us as their cause.
If anyone would like to sponsor her, the page is below:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfun.../michelle-brown-920...
To offer Margo or Ed a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Margo is perfect with small dogs and very loving; Ed is a gentle soul who also loves a cuddle.
Emily and Storm find their special homes
Apart from the cancellation of our event on Monday, our Easter weekend started positively with Emily finding her special home with Tracy and family. They had lost their beloved greyhound, Bree and were in a position to offer another lucky dog a home. Emily had come into us directly from a home so must be so glad to be out of Kennels. Here she is settling in at home already.
The second lucky dog today was Storm, who found his special home with Maurey and Manuel. They had also had to say goodbye to their beloved greyhound, Micky and wanted to give another dog a home. Storm is the third whittingham hound who has fallen on his paws with Maurey.
What a lucky duo today. And a huge thank you to both sets of adopters.
We also saw Monty reserved yesterday to lovely people who will be taking him home next weekend.
Thank you to everyone who spreads the word. There are SO many greyhounds waiting on our list so we focus on the individuals. And we are so grateful to everyone who gives our hounds fantastic homes.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Easter Event cancelled (or postponed) due to the weather
New bears and stickers; good news for some dogs
We have a couple of new items of Whittingham merchandise that will be available at our event on 1st April, Easter Monday, at Whittingham Kennels - Retired Greyhounds Charity between 11am and 2pm.(Stickers... and Teddy bears looking for good homes)!
In other news, we were delighted to see Shirley home yesterday and hold our breath until we know she has settled. She was the happiest dog in the Kennels and wagged her tail all the time. She also loved her food and despite being petite, would wolf down a huge bowl in seconds! Thank you to our friends at Barley Greyhound Sanctuary - Essex who recommended her adopters when they didn't have anyone suitable for the home. It's always lovely when rehoming/rescue centres can work together.We were also delighted to see Andy and Emily reserved at the weekend; with also interest in Holly, Kiki and Pam depending on their reactions to the other animals in the households (and visiting animals). They will all be with us for a little while until the relevant home checks and tests are completed. So do come and join us on Easter Monday for our open day.... or otherwise, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound
Len and his adopter make £1000 target
Wow, Len and his adopter, Martin, are smashing records with their fundraising. We can't thank them enough for all their time and commitment to this.
There is still time to book a talk so please do let me know if you would like to welcome them to your group or organisation. Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com Thanks so much again to them.
Bed making continues...
Another day of bed making was in progress today. We can't thank them enough for their incredible kindness and skills. Phil, Doreen and also Pete and Steve who joined them today have been beyond fantastic. They did so many today and only ten double beds now need to be made. Amazing. Thank you to them all so SO much.
We are FULL
Carol, who came in recently and is looking for a home, would like to tell everyone that we are full. With four new intakes and Clive being returned at the weekend (no negative comments please because his adopters tried very hard) we are literally full to bursting.
(So a friendly note to trainers, we will resume taking in dogs when we home some of our current residents. We simply cannot take more dogs at the moment so phoning/emailing to know how long it will be is simply unanswerable).
Homing enquiries are very minimal. We have two people due to visit but otherwise not a single enquiry in over three weeks.
The situation nationwide is at crisis point. So please adopt before you shop. And please stop breeding more. Animals of every description are in need of homes and rehoming/rescue centres are beyond breaking point.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Please think of another...
Thank you, Diane
Dinky (and his friends) would like to say a huge THANK YOU to our lovely volunteer, Diane, who spent the morning cleaning the bungalow kitchen.
The bungalow tends to deteriorate into a state of squalor so it is a brave person who attempts to tackle it. With so many dogs to care for, it is a task that always seems to fall by the wayside.Thank you so much, Diane.
Reminder of our upcoming event...
New arrivals and some returns means we are full to the maximum
Colleen
Three new ladies arrived yesterday: Pam, Kiki and Colleen. They are all really friendly and loving. They will be tested around other breeds as soon as possible, but the signs are promising! We will get to know them further as they settle in.
Kiki
With Finn sadly being returned today (no negative comments please), we are now absolutely overflowing. So if anyone was thinking about adopting a greyhound, now is the time! Finn was perfect with small dogs, very affectionate and cuddly. 
Pam
To offer a greyhound a home, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Rose and a full kennel
Rose, who went home with Keith and his son, Duncan, is settling in with their other dogs and learning the ropes at home. She's also got the appropriate headgear for this rainy weather!!
We have a kennel full of beautiful dogs of every temperament and size. Large and smaller boys; smaller girls... and many are good with other breeds and share happily with other greyhounds. We are absolutely at breaking point for space so if you were thinking of adopting a greyhound, do get in touch. Homechecks apply.
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
New greyhound, Carol, looking for a home
Carol is one of our most recent arrivals. She is a dear little soul who loves affection and didn't want to be hooked up to the dog parking for her photo because she wanted a cuddle instead! She'd really love a loving home!
To adopt Carol or any other Whittingham greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
New beds
A HUGE and ABSOLUTELY massive thank you to Phil who came up today to start changing the kennel beds. It is a huge project and Phil has so kindly been taking bits of bed home and fixing them at home in his workshop. The legs all needed fixing to the bases and we could not have done it without Phil's skills. We literally can't thank him enough. Ably assisted by our other Sunday volunteer, Doreen, they have started constructing them and we have begun to start the long process of replacing each chewed wooden bed with these new modern beds. The old beds really needed replacing (after 100yrs) and when the new beds arrived in a million pieces, we were rather overwhelmed by the task! But Phil and Jo have been wonderful and not only adapted them, but also worked out how they all went together.
Thanks so much to them for their help and expertise. And moreover, their patience.We are also topping off the beds with the new blankets donated by Ann and the vetbed given by Greyhound Walks.We were also delighted to see Finn home. Thanks so much to his new adopter and we look forward to updates.
Thank you
Thank you to Hilda (with Bran (was Arthur)) and all those who leave positive reviews on Google or Facebook. It really helps to raise the profile of Whittingham Kennels - Retired Greyhounds Charity and encourage others to adopt. If anyone else would like to do so, we are always grateful.And a huge thank you to Judi and Roger (with Jasper) who drove donations of bedding and other items to us. It is so kind and so appreciated. We still have a full house with so many needy dogs waiting for loving homes (and so SO many waiting to come in). Every day we receive multiple calls from trainers who are desperate for spaces for so many dogs. So to adopt a greyhound (and help another come in to us), email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com Thank you.
Thank you, Medivet
A huge thank you to Medivet (Waltham Abbey) for collecting so many donations for us. It's really appreciated and goes such a long way to help support all the greyhounds in our care.
Happy Mothering Sunday
Cheeky, Rose and Finn
Today, we were delighted to see both Rose and Cheeky into homes. Rose was adopted by a lovely family who lost their beloved previous greyhound, Audrey, and were able to offer another lucky hound a home; and here is Cheeky, now Bryn, sitting in traffic on his journey home with his adopters, Slyvia and Ben, who have adopted four greyhounds over the years from Whittingham Kennels - Retired Greyhounds Charity. Both dogs have fallen on their paws.
Whilst we have had a little flurry of adoptions (which is always wonderful), we have so many beautiful dogs still waiting for their special places (and still an astronomically long waiting list for dogs needing to get to us).So...to adopt a greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
New greyhounds, Woody and Andy arrive to find their homes
Andy
Two new boys have arrived to begin their search for loving homes. They are in immaculate condition and will be assessed around other breeds as soon as possible. Meet Andy (black) and Woody (Black and white).
They've been patiently waiting their turn for many months so let's hope a loving home awaits them soon.
Woody
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Luna (was Lady) at home
It is lovely when adopters send us photos of the dogs settling in so well; often with the intention of highlighting how great they are and how everyone should adopt a greyhound! Luna (was Lady) is doing her bit to show this for all her friends at the Kennels who are still waiting for their loving home.Thank you to her adopter, Jess, for the photos!
Tricia goes to Guernsey!
Tricia had an unusual night overnight, but has landed on her paws this morning. A huge thank you to Brenda and Ian who have given her a special home after losing their previous beloved greyhound. And a huge thank you to our lovely friend, Gail, for recommending the home. On Guernsey! Gail homed greyhounds in the Channel Islands for many years and often recommends her adopters if a home becomes available. We know she only recommends the best.
So Brenda contacted the Pet Bus (who we also knew after dear Hero found his home on Jersey with our wonderful supporters, Matthew and Kathrine) ... and Tricia set sail yesterday, leaving the Kennels at 4pm yesterday afternoon and arriving at 7am this morning. It's a sleepless night of clock watching for us but she was in very good hands as the Pet Bus team are great. They accompany them all the way and keep us posted with photos. She has already found the bed and now we keep everything crossed that she settles quickly.Thanks so much again to everyone who has helped Tricia find her special home.
Bonty and Clive at home
Bonty and Clive are also settling in after going home on Sunday. They are generally doing well, but do have a few settling hurdles to overcome. Thank you to their special adopters.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Dogs at home!
Mary
We love to keep in touch with our adopters and share the photos of our adopted dogs in our newsletters.
Here is Mary, who was adopted 1yr ago, and is doing so well and is so loved.
Bran (was Arthur)
And Pickle, Bran (was Arthur) and Margo, who all went home recently.
Pickle
Margo is still getting used to the cats so we are keeping everything crossed, but a huge thank you to her patient and caring new family.
Margo and friend
Thank you to all our adopters and we look forward to seeing more potential rehomers too!
Join us on Easter Monday for our event
Do join us for our event on Easter Monday: food, stalls and meet the greyhounds and other greyhound enthusiasts.
Clive, Bonty... and Rose head home; and new arrivals are due in to begin their search for loving homes
This is Clive and Bonty heading to their new home with Lauren, Paul and family. They came to choose one new family member (they have adopted greyhounds from us for many years) and couldn't decide between them... so took both! We now hold our breath as they settle in at home. But they have really fallen on their paws into a super home. Thank you to the whole family for adopting again. It is lovely when we know they will be so well cared for.
We also saw Rose off to her new home (all being well with the other dogs). And the other Rose went out to a local football match with her new adopters and is going home officially next Saturday.
It is great to see the dogs into wonderful homes. And it also means we can help the next dogs come in from our astronomically long waiting list! There are still so SO many dogs needing loving homes so if you would like to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com and we would be delighted to find you the right match.
When Rosie met Rose...and Pickle!
When Rosie met Rose...
Keith and Duncan visited today with Rosie and introduced her to Rose with a view to adopting their sixth greyhound. Number five meets number six! Rose has already met one of the others and all went well. So she is going home tomorrow to meet the other four and we will keep everything crossed!
In other unexpected news, we were delighted to see Pickle off with one of our homed boys, Ted, after the sad loss of their female greyhound. Pickle has really fallen on her paws. It also allowed us the opportunity to let a few of our other dogs meet the small dog that came along with the family too. Emily and Shirley went in the paddocks with her happily. And Loki also sniffed her through the fence. Betsy and Roxy showed a little more interest so will need more care around smaller breeds but all of them were manageable. Thanks so much to Tracy and family for adopting Pickle.
Thanks also to Emma and Sarah (with Rory) who brought us bedding and are always so supportive and generous. It is always lovely to see our adopters and adopted dogs again.
To adopt a greyhound and join the Whittingham fold, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Star and Margo
Pixie-Star (Star) at home
We were delighted to receive the photos of Pixie-Star (Star) settling in yesterday. After just a few hours, she had found the sofa and enjoyed a nice walk. Thank you Rebeca and Erik for helping her settle.
We are also delighted that Margo is doing well so far around all the other animals. Huge thanks to Elissa, Louis and Jackie for giving her a chance.
Margo at home
For any new greyhound, some greyhounds will settle very quickly and others may take a little longer. We always advise that is important to remember that everything is new to them and it is a whole change of scene, as well as new people.Timescales differ for them all but it is important to remember there is likely to be a settling phase.Huge thanks to both sets of adopters for being prepared to work with this and we hope we can find the same for them all.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Introducing Loki and Rocky - 2 new greyhounds looking for a home; and Star and Margo go home
Loki - greyhound looking for a home
The two new boys have arrived, Loki (fawn) and Rocky (brindle). They both are beautiful and will be great once they get to know you. Rocky, especially, needs a little time to get used to you before he fully trusts. But we know both will be great additions for the right home.
Rocky - greyhound looking for a home
We also saw Star into her home today with her lovely new adopters so we wish her well and look forward to updates. Margo has also gone home with our super volunteers to see how she gets on with their cats and small dogs. We have told her to be on her best behaviour as she will really fall on her paws if she does well.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you
Thank you to the sender of the dog food. Very much appreciated.And to Ellie and Michelle who came in the rain with bedding and walked some dogs between the rain! Always lovely to see them.
Introducing Finn...
Introducing Finn...There is possible interest in Finn but this film shows why he is such a great boy!To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Jarvis and friends
We had to share this wonderful photo of Jarvis (originally Fozzie) with his two friends. It shows how good greyhounds can be with smaller dogs (with initial care and the right match). Thanks to his adopters, Jill and Sam, for sending the photo.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Arthur (now Bran) finds his home
Arthur, now Bran, went to his new home today and immediately found the sofa. We will keep everything crossed until we know he has settled but he has gone to an experienced home. Thank you to his adopter.
We have also taken in new boys, Loki and Rocky this week and will be getting to know them. Both are already neutered and ready to go!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Three new greyhound arrivals, Emily, Rose and Holly
Emily
Introducing Emily, Rose and Holly - 3 new girls! Whilst we are struggling to move many new boys in from our list, we did have some space for some new ladies. So we will be getting to know these three lovely girls.
Emily came from a pet home as she was originally homed directly from a trainer. She turns out to be our long-stay, Jack's litter sister! Small world! Holly and Rose came in today and will be looking for their perfect homes in due course too.
Holly
So many dogs need homes! 
Rose
A huge thanks to all our volunteers today. Bernie popped up for a visit and it was lovely to see him doing so well. Usual visitors, Jack, Ross and Zoe were also looking wonderful! Thanks to all their adopters and our volunteers for their help.
To adopt a greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you to James for the bedding
A huge thank you to James for collecting bedding, food, toys etc. So so kind and so appreciated.We also have good news that Arthur has been reserved today!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Paddy the greyhound falls on his paws
Paddy
Paddy has fallen on his paws with the parents of the adopters of Mags and Harriet. They all look very comfortable!!! A huge thanks to the whole family.
There are lows and highs in animal rehoming/rescue, but it makes the job worthwhile to see these dogs in loving homes. We hope for the same for all the greyhounds waiting in Kennels and all those waiting to come in. Our list of greyhounds needing a space at Whittingham Kennels grows longer every day.
Arthur the greyhound really wants a loving home
It would be wonderful if we could find a home for Arthur. He spent time in doggy day care whilst in his first home and is pictured here with all the other breeds. So we know he is great with other dogs. He went on a trial with some of our lovely volunteers and was absolutely brilliant with them. Sadly they couldn't keep him as their cat was petrified (no fault of Arthur), but their report about him was glowing.
Greyhound, Dancer, falls on her paws in a lovely home
We were delighted to receive these photos of Dancer (now Phillipa) tonight. She went home on Saturday and has settled so well with Geoffrey (formerly Zippy). A huge thanks to her adopters, Mike and Lynda. They have said how pleased they are that they decided to adopt a second greyhound. And we are delighted too!So if you are considering adopting one dog or also a second dog, please do email
wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Ted graduates from Dog School
Congratulations to Ted (was Robbie) on graduating from Dog School! Ted had not been in his new home that long, but thanks to his lovely adopters, Diana and Andrew, he is already showing that greyhounds do so well beyond kennels. The rest of the Kennel residents are academics in the waiting too! They just need a loving home! To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Shirley can't wait!
Most of the greyhounds take treats so gently.... and then there is Shirley who just bypasses the human and sticks her head in the bag!!! 
She's a real character!! Whoever adopts Shirley will be very lucky. She is always happy!! She just needs a few more careful introductions to other breeds.
In other news, we were delighted to see Dancer off today with her lovely adopters. We wish her well and look forward to updates!
Meet Frankie...
Meet Frankie...To adopt Frankie, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com Thank you again to Grace and Kev for producing these lovely videos.
Meet Glen...
Meet Glen....To adopt Glen or any other Whittingham greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Bernie and Lady find their homes
We were delighted to see both Bernie and Lady (now Luna) into their homes today. We hold our breath until we hear how they settle but Bernie looks pretty comfortable already!! He's a very lucky boy.Thank you to both families for giving the dogs homes. We have got to know both sets of adopters as they have visited until the date of adoption and we will look forward to continued updates.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
The adventures of Rio by his adopter, Caterina
At Whittingham, we always want to keep in touch with our adopters and be there for our previous residents if there is ever an issue throughout their lives.Ultimately, of course, we hope for loving homes for them all and are often kept informed of the adventures of our previous residents.
We were delighted to receive this clever artwork from Caterina, adopter of Rio and TinyMabel. With Richard Skipworth as her inspiration, Caterina has charted Rio's journey so far. She starts with his birth, racing career, the injury he sustained on the track... to coming to Whittingham where he found his loving home with Caterina. His adventure continued when faced with stairs and learning how to behave and relax at home...and latterly finding a friend in TinyMabel and continuing her story too.
We think it is lovely!
To adopt a Whittingham dog and give him/her a life of love beyond kennels, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Meet Storm...
To adopt Storm or any of his greyhound friends from Whittingham Kennels - Retired Greyhounds Charity, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
St. Valentine...
Happy St. Valentines day with love from Betsy and all the greyhounds. All they want is to love and be loved so if you are thinking about adopting, today is the day! Let them race into your heart!
Did you know? St. Valentine is not only the patron saint of love, but also of beekeepers; against fainting; and plague! (How romantic)!!
So how did the day that commemorates the martyrdom of a Roman priest become associated with love? The answer is vague but there are two main suggestions. The first is that St. Valentine secretly married young couples in defiance of the Emperor Claudius' ban on marriage. And the second is that love birds tend to find a mate in mid February. This may also link to a poem by Chaucer written in about 1375 where he attributed birds (and humans) finding a mate to Saint Valentine's day.
Either way, our loving hounds just want to find love with you! So to make their Valentine's day wishes come true, adopt a greyhound and email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Meet Bonty...He has been waiting far too long for his special home. Could it be you?To adopt Bonty or any of his greyhound friends from Whittingham Kennels, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Meet Roxy...
To adopt Roxy or any other Whittingham greyhound in need of a loving home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Meet Ed...
To adopt Ed or any other greyhound looking for a loving home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Meet Pickle...
To adopt Pickle or any Whittingham greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Please give us a vote! Thank you! Click on:
Cat testing heroes!
A HUGE thank you to Jane and her daughter for letting us come and cat test two dogs tonight. It REALLY helps us know who to put forward to the right adopters. And the biggest thank you, goes to their cats, of course! 
Greyhounds, Alan and Ella find a home together
We haven't had many homing enquiries this week, but we did see Alan and Ella into their home on Wednesday. They are a very lucky duo and went to a lovely home with people who have had greyhounds in the past. Thank you to their adopters.
We hold our breath until they have settled but they found the sofa on the first day and have been doing well with other breeds on walks.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Meet greyhound, Betsy - looking for a home
Meet Betsy... To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Orla falls on her paws...
We would like to say a huge, HUGE thank you to Roxanne and Martin who have adopted Orla formally this week. They were exceptionally kind to foster Orla last year when her adopters were unexpectedly posted to Australia for work. Upon their return, they were unable to keep Orla ....and Roxanne and Martin were so kind to take her back, despite having adopted another beautiful rescued dog in between too. We can't thank them enough. We have been kept involved throughout the entire process.
Orla is an exceptionally lucky girl and her previous adopters will be staying in touch too.
Thanks so much, Roxanne and Martin.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Meet greyhound, Boris - looking for a home
Introducing Boris....To adopt Boris or any of his greyhound friends, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Greyhound, Len meets the the Heart to Herts group with his adopter, Martin
Len and his adopter Martin visited the Heart to Herts group yesterday and had a really enjoyable evening (despite the weather)!
They were such a welcoming group and had heard Martin talk pre-Covid on other topics. They were so generous - giving an extra £30 and bolstering Len and Martin's total. Len/Martin have now reached £800 and heading for an even bigger target. We cannot applaud them enough.
Martin and Len have been (and continue to be) so amazing in their talks tour; not only raising money but bringing awareness about the gentle nature of greyhounds. They bring information, but also comfort and joy in the process to such a variety of groups and people of all ages. All this helps to show what great additions greyhounds are to the home.In separate news, today, we saw Len's brother, Alan (together with Ella) into their new home. We wish them well and look forward to updates. Alan and Ella were like chalk and cheese - Alan was serene and calm; Ella was intrigued by everything and couldn't wait to explore! They are all unique and individual characters.So if you'd like to adopt a greyhound or hear a Martin/Len talk, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Royal connections for our Whittingham hounds
It comes to something when Whittingham hounds (and their friends) manage to upstage the King. (Well, we thought so anyway)!! Here is Hope on the news (with his adopter Terry (and Pat)) and his friend Gippy (and adopter, Bev). To adopt a greyhound and gather royal connections (
), email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com(See our Facebook or Instagram page for the video!)
Meet greyhound, Jack - looking for a home
The adopters of Swifty (now Loki) have been coming to the Kennels over the last few weeks to film the dogs and promote them via videos. Thank you so much Grace (and dad, Kev) for your amazing hard work and talent. The first two films feature Sheene and our long termer, Jack. This second post features Jack.We know this will be a great way to highlight the dogs and generally show how great greyhounds are...with the hope of leading to more adoptions.Thank you so much again to them for working so hard on these videos.
Grace (and Kev) film each dog looking for a home Meet greyhound, Sheene - looking for a home
The adopters of Swifty (now Loki) have been coming to the Kennels over the last few weeks to film the dogs and promote them via videos. Thank you so much Grace (and dad, Kev) for your amazing hard work and talent. The first two films feature Sheene and our long termer, Jack.
We know this will be a great way to highlight the dogs and generally show how great greyhounds are...with the hope of leading to more adoptions.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Get Knitting - thanks to Erssie
Our wonderful supporter, Erssie, continues to support us so generously through the sale of her knitting patterns. She raised a whopping £250 in January. Thank you SO much, Erssie. And please do continue to knit and raise money for greyhounds at the same time! You can find her patterns at: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/erssie
Greyhound, Len visits his brother, Alan
Our greyhound ambassador, Len, visited today with his adopter, Martin. We have Len's brother, Alan, in the Kennels (who is hopefully going to his new home next week), but Martin and Len wanted to meet him and we have received these lovely photos of them today. Also pictured is our staff member and volunteer, Sim. (Len is in the blue collar)!
A huge thank you to Sim (and the other staff) for stepping in today and over the last few days whilst I've been off sick with kidney stones. It's been a really busy weekend with messages and emails to keep on top of so knowing the work at the Kennels was covered has been a godsend. And a special big thanks to Sim and volunteer, Tim (with Bert), for stepping in to collect a dog on Friday too. We have some wonderful volunteers and adopters so thanks to everyone who came this weekend; and don't forget, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound! There are always so SO many waiting for loving homes.
A greyhound pack
Keith (and his son, Duncan), show their five girls with spectacular photographic expertise once again! We just had to share this photo! It shows again how well greyhounds get on with each other. They are a very lucky pack. Now, we just need to encourage them to adopt a sixth!!
Spencer one year on...
It was almost a year ago when we had an urgent request to take in Spencer who had been injured in trials after coming over from Ireland for the sales. He had nowhere to go so with the help of Debbie and Steve, we magic-ed a space and took him in.
After recuperation with us, he really fell on his paws (sensibly, this time!!), with a lovely family and now has a new rescued friend too. What a lucky boy and we love this photo. Thank you to his lovely adopters for sending it. It really shows the lovely homes and happy endings we want for all our residents (and those waiting to come in).
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Chloe and her new family...
Today we visited the wonderful people, Liz and Martin, who so kindly took in Chloe the greyhound and Harley the husky after their adopter, Bob, very sadly died. Liz and Martin already had their own dog (pictured) and had known Bob, who was devoted to his dogs. They were so kind to step in for two elderly dogs. Sadly, Harley was already very elderly and fragile and didn't have long with them. But they have agreed to keep Chloe for the rest of her life too. She gets on well with their other beautifully natured resident dog (pictured) and what a very lucky girl she is to go to such lovely people.
Thanks so much to them both.
Bonty and his shadow...
We had some lovely visitors and walkers yesterday. Lady was reserved and two other girls (Dancer and Rose) also reserved pending final confirmation.
Thanks to our lovely volunteers, Elissa and Louis who collected loads of bedding for us; to Monty and Doodle's adopters who are always so generous and to everyone who came and walked.
(Meanwhile, Bonty appears to have a rebellious shadow! He and his shadow would also love a home)!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Buddy is reunited with his adopter
This week we helped see Buddy reunited with his adopter who has moved to Spain. Buddy was a very lucky boy as his adopter was only prepared to relocate if he could take Buddy with him. We had to sort the final paperwork and see him into the transporter van.
There was an anxious wait to make sure he got through customs (with the threat of having to drive to Folkestone to collect him if not!), but thankfully all was well.
And he has arrived in Spain happily. Good luck Buddy and we look forward to hearing about your continued adventures.
A crisis in animal welfare...
There is a huge crisis with animal welfare in this country (and the world) at the moment. We are full. Every rehoming and rescue kennel/centre is full and animals of all description are desperately in need of homes. There are hundreds of greyhounds now backing up in kennels and we have calls daily from trainers who are desperate to home their dogs. We are going as fast as we can but simply can't move more in until some of our current residents get homes. So if you are thinking of adopting, please do get in touch. Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com Thank you. (No pro or anti racing comments please. Let's just focus on finding these needy souls loving homes).
Thanks for the donations and introducing new greyhound, Ella
Thank you so much, Susan with Kitty. And introducing our newest arrival, Ella. She is a very happy soul, although she's not going to stay that pristine for long in our muddy paddocks!
Thank you, Sadie and family
We reset into a new day. But we would like to thank everyone for your kindness and compassion for Penny yesterday. It is really appreciated.
Paddy would also like to share our thanks to Sadie and family for their very kind donation. They have adopted four dogs from Whittingham over the years (including, Fudge, who looked a bit like Paddy) and always been so kind. Sadly, personal reasons have prohibited another adoption but they have been so kind to donate so generously. Thank you so very much.To adopt Paddy or any Whittingham greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
A very sad day
Penny - rest in peace
These are never posts we want to write, but life in rescue/rehoming has some very low lows. Penny, who was only less than 18 months old, was spayed today and whilst the operation went well, she was put in her crate to recover and her heart stopped. Resuscitation failed and Penny has died. We don't like sharing these kind of posts but it is in honour of her memory. She had her whole life ahead of her and potential visitors too. She was brought over from Ireland by her trainer (who we work with and who also supports us) as a rescue mission when she was worried about Penny's welfare. We agreed to take her immediately as a result. Everyone did their best for her.
She was a dear little soul, friendly and happy. And we are all absolutely devastated. We wish we could have seen her into a wonderful home where she would have had many years ahead of her. Presumably there must have been some underlying problem as this just doesn't happen. So many dogs pass through our doors and we have only ever had this happen once before in nearly 20 years. It is a rare and freak event. But no less heartbreaking.Rest in peace little puppy Penny. May all the animals we have all ever loved be there to meet you.
Two's company...
Greyhounds generally love the company of other greyhounds so whilst they are fine on their own, if you have been thinking of adopting a second, they will likely love the company! Oaky and Sylvie prove how well they get on at home together....or, alternatively, Sylvie makes a comfortable pillow! To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Come and meet the new greyhound arrivals!
All the new dogs who have arrived over the last week have been doing very well. They've been down to the town and most have proven to be good around other breeds (with the usual careful introductions). So if you are looking to adopt a greyhound, there are so many lovely dogs waiting for a home. Our original residents are also waiting patiently and many of them are also good around other breeds. Finn and Bernie have also met other breeds successfully and both have been in a home before so are used to the home environment too. To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
During and after storms
With the ferocious winds tonight and tomorrow, please check all fences to ensure your garden is still secure before letting dogs out. Stay safe everyone!
Len and Martin at Ware Cub Pack
Len and his adopter, Martin, attended Ware Cub Pack on Thursday and had a very enjoyable time. Martin said, "the cub pack...(had)...the usual level of enthusiasm and Len was his perennial docile and tolerant self"!Sadly, the photos are a little blurry but it shows just how great greyhounds are around children and Len is such a great ambassador for his friends waiting at the Kennels for their special homes. His brother, Alan, is now at Whittingham and waiting for a home. He is very similar in temperament to Len so we know he will be a great addition to the home. Alan was tested around other breeds yesterday and found to be unreactive and good (with the usual initial care).A huge thanks to Len and Martin for their time, commitment and devotion in promoting Whittingham. Their fundraising has been exceptional. (Please note this is not the staff member but a different 'Martin'!).
To adopt Alan or another Whittingham greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you for your generosity
New girl, Penny, would like to thank Cheryl (with Spartan); Beck and George (with Ernie) and Sally (for the biscuits). She hopes it is all for her but she's been told she has to share!
Pippa and Louie as therapy dogs and promoting Whittingham
Louie and Pippa, along with their adopter, Claire, carried out their first therapy session with students at the University of Hertfordshire.
Claire said, "we know greyhounds are the perfect pet- but today we shared our love with others". They spoke to both staff and students and very kindly promoted Whittingham and the joys of rehoming a greyhound.Well done Claire, Louie and Pippa
Alan, Tricia and Monty - three more greyhounds seeking loving homes
Three more new arrivals! Alan (black), 
Tricia (blue/brindle) 
and Monty (blue). 
Monty is our Roxy's brother (he was known as 'Money', but we have tweaked it)! And Alan is the famous Len's brother. Len and his adopter have been giving another talk today so Alan has a lot to live up to! He is slightly smaller than his brother but very loving and shares happily with Tricia. We will be assessing them all further but all seem confident, happy and loving.
Thank you for the donations
Thank you so much to Gina, Henry, Anoushka, Katherine, Heather and Sue for food and blankets. And to anyone who has sent anything. And to Beck and George. It is amazingly kind and we are so grateful.
Boris, our long stay greyhound, would love a home
One of our longer stays is Boris. He's a lovely boy, shares happily with the female greyhounds, loves everyone and enjoys his food. His only downside is that he will need further socialising with other breeds so needs an experienced or understanding home in that respect. He's otherwise a beautiful chap.
To adopt Boris or one of his friends, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com Thank you to our volunteers, James and Jo for the photo.
TinyMabel thrives at home
We were delighted to receive these beautiful photos of TinyMabel doing well at home. We hope her human family has some space on the bed! A huge thanks again to Caterina and family for giving her such a special home.How the current kennel residents would all love to be so lucky and have a warm and loving home, especially in this weather.
Thank you, Graham (and all who gave to him)
A HUGE thank you to Graham (with Polly) for bringing a car load of stuff from food to bedding that he has collected; and to those who added to the supply. That's amazingly kind. Thanks to everyone who supports us and to all who have helped with blankets, duvets etc recently.
Three new greyhounds arrive for homing: Dancer, Betsy and Paddy
Three more new arrivals today. They will be up for homing once we have assessed them but all seem beautiful, affectionate and friendly.Dancer (in pink coat), 
Paddy (fawn) 
and Betsy (brindle and white) 
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you
Thanks so much Susan with Kitty and all other donors. It is so appreciated and really helps keep Whittingham going.
Betty finds a new home; greyhound Cheeky arrives
Yesterday, we had a new arrival called Cheeky; and were also delighted to see Betty into her new home. 
Cheeky - greyhound looking for a home
Betty at home
Thanks very much to Anoushka for recommending adopting a greyhound to her family. We know she will be very loved.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com We have so many with differing characters just waiting to love and be loved!
Thank you for your generosity
Thank you so much to Matthew and Kathrine; Laurel, Jo and Matthew; Heather; and our volunteer, Linda. Your generosity is so very much appreciated.
Two new greyhound arrivals: Sheene and Rose begin their search to find loving homes
Sheene - greyhound looking for a home
Introducing two more of our new arrivals: Rose and Sheene. They have been waiting so long to get to us but are absolutely beautiful. They are both really loving and gentle so now we hope it is their chance to find loving homes.
Rose - greyhound looking for a home
There are more new arrivals over the next week too.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Tiny Mabel finds her loving home with greyhound, Rio
We were delighted to see Mabel (Tiny) go home with Rio today. She was so small that it took several different collars to finally find the perfect fit. Thanks so much to her special adopters for giving her the chance and understanding that she will be nervous at first. We know Rio will show her the ropes and we can't thank her new family enough. Good luck Tiny Mabel. We will look forward to hearing how you get on.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you, Cate
Thank you so much, Cate, for sending coats, snoods etc. It is so appreciated.
Duvets and blankets always gratefully received
We are quite low on blankets and duvets. If anyone is having a clear out, please throw them our way. We can take any bedding of any kind unless it has feathers in it. With all the mud and washing, we are always in need of this type of thing.Thanks very much to all who collect for us.Items can be dropped at the Kennels any day between 10 and 3.Update: thank you so much to everyone who has responded to our request
Arthur appeals for homes
Max, Jack and a kennel full of greyhounds
Our two long termers: Max and Jack
Max (white) and Jack (black) need special homes which understand their needs. So we are being careful where they go. Both are wonderful in the Kennels and we know they will be brilliant in the right homes. Max needs particular care around other breeds; and Jack likes his own space. They are safe with us but we ultimately hope they will fall on their paws in loving homes. Jack is a particular favourite with walkers as he is so good on the lead; both are clean in their kennels and very loving with us. We would love 2024 to be their year! If you can offer either a home, please email us!
If Max or Jack understandably don't suit you, we have a whole kennel full of other greyhounds who all need their own special home too. We have a range of individuals who are good with other breeds, friendly, clean, good on the lead and just want to love and be loved.If you can offer a greyhound a loving home, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
New greyhound arrivals... Clive and Star
We have started to take in our new arrivals. Meet Clive and Star!
(Clive is standing by the wall; Star is on the green mats in the paddocks).
Both are affectionate and friendly and will be further assessed as we get to know them.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Charlie, Molly... and Henlow Stadium
Charlie at home
The photos show Charlie doing well at home. He wasn't the easiest at the beginning but is now doing so well. All credit to Lisa and family. The other photo shows Molly at home with her greyhound friend. She is also settling in well and all thanks to Sarah for giving her a lovely home.
Molly at home
In other news...You may have read that Henlow Stadium is closing soon. As you may know, we work with Henlow trainers so we have been keeping on top of the timings. Most trainers will go to (and are already at) other tracks, but we will now prioritise a few dogs that need to come in. (This is not the place for racing views so any comments will be removed). We will just continue to work in the best interests of the dogs and will continue to take in dogs from the same trainers who may have moved to other tracks. We are always being called by trainers nationwide who are looking for spaces...so we will just continue to take dogs from our waiting list. If we have space, we will transfer to other tracks officially, but at the moment, our waiting list of over 100 dogs is still very much in focus.So if you are looking to adopt, now is the time! We are taking in many dogs throughout January so please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound (or two)!
New Instagram page and thank you
New Instagram page. Find us at: www.instagram.com/whittinghamkennels
Tracey has been updating the original page on the other account but we will transfer to the new page now so please do follow us! Thanks to her for the time she has put in. I'll be overseeing the new page so I will be getting the new page going.
In other news, a huge thanks to our Sunday volunteer, Jim and wife, Avril. They are so very generous and Jim also comes up in all weathers each Sunday evening to paddock. Last night was particularly bleak as it was suddenly raining and cold! Ouch!
And a huge thank you to our Saturday volunteer, Elissa, for asking for donations to Whittingham for her birthday. It is SO kind.
Thanks to everyone who supports us and let's make 2024 a good year for homing.
Happy New Year!
Whittingham's Year in Review
It's been a tough year for all rescue/rehoming charities and we have also felt the pressure. The constant demand for spaces and continuous requests are very draining as we can only help as many dogs as we can. We take dogs from our waiting list in order and never know whether he/she will be calm and easy to home or will need a lot of work and time to get used to other breeds.
Despite this, we have managed to exceed last year's total. We prefer to focus on the individuals, but numbers inevitably come into play when we have over 100 dogs waiting to simply come in. So in 2023, we homed 88 dogs with a further three reserved to go home in January.
(Please note that returns are only counted once when they go to their forever homes). So this total is literally 88 dogs homed this year.
We are so grateful to our wonderful adopters who make the job worthwhile. Seeing the dogs being loved in a home is why we do this.
Whilst Whittingham had existed for many years, when we were forced to go independent as a charity, we were very concerned that we might not keep up with similar organisations. So whilst it is never a competition (a greyhound homed from anywhere is always to be celebrated), it is reassuring that we can take our place amongst other rehoming centres.
We hope we can find even more homes next year as it is clear that the numbers of greyhounds needing homes are vast and each one deserves a special and loving home. That said, we will always home check every home (unless you have adopted from us before and already had a home check) and will not compromise on homes. The important thing is to find the right home for each dog in our care and match appropriately for adopters' sakes too. This is why we ask for your circumstances and the type of home you can offer before you come to an appointment to meet the dog.
A huge thanks to the trustees, staff, volunteers, adopters, donors and supporters who all keep Whittingham going. It would not be possible without such a range of support and help. To all who spread the word that greyhounds make great additions to the home, thank you. Let's hope all the current residents find their special place in 2024.
Thank you and Donald reserved!
Thank you so much to Peter and Jenny (with Fred), and to Tamara and Robert and all other donors for your kindness and generosity. It is so overwhelmingly kind and keeps Whittingham going.
We were delighted too, to see Donald reserved today and another couple considering Betty. It was also lovely to see some of our other adopters who visited too!
Robbie settles well at home
We were delighted to receive photos of Robbie (now Ted) doing well in his home. He's taking everything in and whilst there are still a few things to learn, he has already found the sofa, mastered the stairs and is enjoying his dinners. Thanks so much again to Diana and Andrew for giving him a special home.
Separately, thanks to everyone who helped find Clover yesterday. We are so relieved she is home safely and it sounds like a wondeful community effort.In the light of that (and just generally), please be aware of fireworks over new year and try to keep the TV on loudly and curtains closed. Please make sure you do the fishtail collar and lead up right behind the ears and that harnesses are fitted correctly. Should they be spooked, this makes it harder for them to break loose. If you can avoid walking after dark, that's ideal.(We are able to offer further tips on fireworks if your dog is particularly worried). To offer a greyhound a home, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Robbie and weather!
What a strange weather day! Soaked one minute and sun the next. Our lovely walkers braved the rain this afternoon and we also waved goodbye to Robbie who has fallen on his paws with Diana and Andrew. We will post a full year's roundup on new year's eve but it would be lovely to get some more into loving homes beforehand!!To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you
Thanks so much, Elaine (with Rachel) and any other senders I may have missed. Thank you. And to Claire with Finn for bringing more donations today.
A special thanks to Jo and Phil who came up in the rain today to help with some DIY stuff. Thank you.
Adopted greyhounds celebrating Christmas and beautiful window tribute
We have had some lovely photos of our adopted dogs celebrating Christmas. We hope all the current residents will feature next year as they wait patiently for their homes. Here is Peggy! There are more ore photos on our facebook page.
The photos include a beautiful window decoration from Gertrude's adopters which celebrates Gertrude and also their previous dog. We think it is always lovely to adopt again to offer another needy dog a loving home and is a real tribute to the previous dog. Each is unique and irreplaceable, of course, but so is a new needy soul. So if there is a space, it is lovely when people are able to give another dog a loving home.
Thanks to everyone who adopts, supports and spreads the word! Happy Boxing day!To adopt a greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Merry Christmas!
Swifty finds a home!
We were delighted to wave Swifty off to his new home today. We only home to people we know in the run up to Christmas and Swifty's adopters felt ready to adopt again after losing their beloved Trev. A huge thank you to them and we wish him well and look forward to updates!
Bluebell at home, Mabel is reserved and our thanks to all donors
We were delighted to see Mabel (was Tiny) reserved by Caterina and her son, who already have Rio. It will be lovely for her to go with another dog and they are very understanding about her nervousness. She will go home in January.
Thanks so much to other senders of items for the dogs. It all helps so much. Thank you, Sally for the biscuits.
We were also delighted to hear that Bluebell (pictured) is settling well. She went home last weekend.
Thanks to her adopters and everyone who adopts and supports. It is so appreciated.
Thank you, Medivet Waltham Abbey
Thanks so much to Medivet, Waltham Abbey for all their collections. We really appreciate it.
Thank you Katie and everyone for your generosity
Thanks to dog groomer, Katie (with Lola and Merlin) for donating for each groom up to Christmas. She has groomed over 127 dogs and must have arms like Mr Tickle!!! So generous and kind of her. And thank you to everyone who has donated via Gofundme or our bank account. We are so grateful for your generosity and support.To adopt Ed or another Whittingham greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you
Wow. We have had a day of lifting! Huge thanks to Tim and Linda for staying all day and helping us with everything. Thanks to George from G Logistics for collecting a pallet load of dog food as a donation. And we were very moved to receive gifts from Kathrine and Matthew in memory of Hero. And a lovely hamper from Sarah, Robbie and Gracie (with Jude). So so kind. We are so truly gratef
We were wondering why the task of filling the water bowls seemed to be unending.
The culprit actually showed us why as we were filling them today!!!
(Bert is one of the lurchers that we rescued and he is reserved). We hope he doesn't do this at home!!!!
Keep an eye on Tiktok too as some great videos were filmed!
We have so many dogs waiting for a loving home. Get in touch and we will match you to the right dog.
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
What a wonderful video and promotion for greyhounds from Fifi's amazing adopters in France. They've given permission to share it and we are sure you'd like to see it!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
(Unless we know you, we normally home within a 90 mins radius of the Kennels as homechecks are essential).
There is interest in Brian pending visit and he's a lovely boy.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
A MASSIVE thank you to Steve who managed to salvage our website from mad settings and thus also save my sanity!!
Can't thank him enough.
Phew!!
We have some really easy dogs who are good with other breeds, like Sammy lurcher ...and Xanadu (who was sadly returned). We also have a few dogs who are used to the home environment. Rodney (picturesd), for example, desperately needs a new home as he is so stressed in Kennels. There are also many dogs who have only known Kennels and who will adjust quickly too.
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound or lurcher. Homechecks apply.
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| Frankie (was Charlie) |
Frankie (was Charlie) has settled superbly and Emily is enjoying new experiences.
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| Emily |
Roxy went home and is finding her feet and we have wonderful news that Jet is doing well. We look forward to photos of the latter.
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| Roxy |
We have so many dogs desperately waiting for their chance of a loving home. To adopt a greyhound or lurcher, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
The walk will leave the Kennels at 11am, followed by refreshments from our very talented staff member, Sim.
There will be a few stalls with our calendars, teddies, stickers and T shirts and a raffle overseen by our lovely volunteer, Natalie. She will also be selling her wares too, kindly donating to Whittingham.
She is now doing personalised items and can take orders through our email address (wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com). You can see some samples in the photos on this post. They are £3.50 which is a special rate as the money is coming to Whittingham. She has also different coloured ribbons, beads and remembrance designs so just let us know what you would like if you order any.
We look forward to seeing you on 15th September (or beforehand if you'd like to adopt a greyhound)! Of course, you could always adopt a greyhound and bring him/her along to the walk!
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We think all greyhounds show this love to their adopters. They are very loyal, very loving and always excited to see people they know. They get to know the staff and volunteers at the Kennels and the nervous dogs come out of their shell, whilst the more confident dogs shower love on everyone. They are also sensitive dogs and they all just want a loving home where they can be loved as they deserve.
To adopt a greyhound and have your very own loyal soul in the legacy of St Guinefort, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We can't thank Martin and Len the greyhound enough for all their efforts in promoting Whittingham, raising funds, spreading the word about greyhounds needing homes and generally highlighting our work. Len has been exemplary in showing what great dogs greyhounds are. His laid back and gentle manner has endeared him to everyone who has met him. Total stars!
They can all be seen on our website under the section ' greyhounds looking for homes'.
We will ask you for a description of the sort of home you can offer and ask for photos of your garden and where the dog will sleep. We will then invite you to meet the dogs at the Kennels, followed by a home check. We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible, whilst also ensuring our dogs only go to the best loving homes. You will be given all the necessary equipment when you adopt as well as back up for the lifetime of the adopted dog.
At Whittingham, we always take dogs back if it doesn't work out in the home at any time. Obviously, we hope every homing will be a forever home but sometimes dogs need to come back and we will always put the dogs' welfare first.
Sometimes the easiest dogs are those who have been homed before. Many times, if circumstances have changed, it is no fault of the dog and they just need another chance. Returnees are house trained, used to the home environment and more acclimatised to life beyond kennels. So please be encouraged to have a returnee!
We also have many other dogs waiting for their first time home beyond life as a racing dog. So there is bound to be the right dog for you! Please get in touch!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
And a massive thank you to Diane for helping to bring it all in.
PLEASE NOTE: when weather is forecast to be very hot, walking at the kennels will either be cancelled or curtailed.
This doesn't apply to anyone who has already planned to come and meet the dogs.
Thanks so much for your understanding.
We can't thank them enough.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
And a huge thank you to Michelle Brown who had an open day and raised a fantastic amount for Whittingham (on top of her marathon running too). We are so grateful.
Thanks to everyone who supports. It all helps to keep Whittingham going.
Adopting a greyhound also obviously really helps as it gives a dog a loving home and means we can take another dog from our waiting list. We always say that adopting one dog actually helps two dogs.
So...to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Peggy went to new adopters. Whilst she was with us, we had to carry out a major dental so this delayed her going home. (But we always aim to never pass on a vet bill). So when this was sorted, she was able to go home. We are so grateful to her new adopters for being so understanding and helping her settle to the changes of life at home.
Thank you to both sets of adopters and to everyone else who has helped out this week.
To adopt a greyhound and help another of our dogs into a loving home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We are now part of the Epping Forest Community Lottery which supports charities in the local area.
Tickets available by following this link:
Thanks to everyone for following Alex's journey to Jersey and Fifi's journey to France. Here are a few photos of them doing well and settling into their respective homes.
Thank you again to their amazing adopters.
(And please note that we generally home within a 90 mins radius of the Kennels unless we know you. This is to enable essential homechecks).
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Paddy (now George) fell on his paws with a lovely family today. We keep everything crossed whilst he settles as he is a nervous chap, but he's a very lucky boy. A huge thank you to his adopters for giving him a special home.
We have so many greyhounds (and two lurchers) looking for a home. To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Please note: it is likely to be too hot for walking at the Kennels this week. Thank you for your understanding.
This applies to the Kennel dogs, but also adopted dogs. Please only walk your dogs early morning or late evening when it is cooler.
In the meantime, take a leaf out of Yogi's book and enjoy the rest, preferably with a giraffe, fox and octopus!!!
Alex's story
What a very lucky boy he is to go to the amazing Kathrine and Matthew.
Many will remember that we shared an appeal to try to get a home for Alex, our oldest resident. He is a large chap and we had a good response, but several promising enquiries drifted away. Our lovely friend, Gail, who homed greyhounds on the Channel Islands for years and only recommends the best homes, also shared him. And Matthew and Kathrine offered him a home. They had also previously adopted Hero from us and support Whittingham so we know what lovely people they are and what an amazing home they offer in Jersey.
So we booked the Pet Bus to get Alex to Jersey. It arrived at 4.15am yesterday to pick him up. Martin, the staff member, handed him over and then we all sit chewing our nails until he arrives! He travelled over by ferry with the amazing people from the Pet Bus who kept us all informed and his new adopters even paid extra for him to have his own cabin as the ferry was taking the longer crossing time.
He seems fascinated by the sea (video in the comments) and he arrived safely last night.
We can't thank his new adopters enough, and Gail who is the backbone behind everything. And the Pet Bus for taking such good care of him.
We look forward to updates too!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Both arrived at the same time which rather magnified the excitement but made social media posts difficult!!!
So we will do them in order of departure. Fifi tonight and Alex tomorrow! They each (and their amazingly special adopters) deserve your full attention!!
Our nails are bitten down to the elbow as we follow their journeys but we are so pleased they have both arrived safely.
Fifi departed the Kennels on Sunday morning at 6am (ouch) when I drove her to Chingford for her to be collected by the pet transporter. We normally only home within a 90 mins radius of the Kennels so we can do checks and rechecks. But if we know people, we will make the exception. Jacqui has adopted from us when she lived locally and then moved to France. She is a wonderful home so when she was looking to adopt another greyhound, we knew whoever she had would be very lucky. She came over to meet the dogs and Fifi was chosen... and then the paperwork began to get her to France. Not the easiest mission! But she set out on Tuesday with the transporter and arrived today!! No wonder our nails are chewed to the knuckles!! But she has already had a good sniff around and met Jacqui's other dog. What a lucky girl she is.
A huge thank you to Jacqui and family for all their help and kindness.
The adventures of Alex will have his own special post tomorrow. We can't wait to share that with you too!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Rescue/rehoming can be very demoralising sometimes with the huge numbers of dogs of all breeds (and all animals) waiting desperately for a loving home. (And the endless requests for spaces). But seeing one of our long term boys (who we thought might stay with us indefinitely) doing so well makes it worthwhile. Thanks so much to Marie and family. What a lucky boy he is.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt Boris or any other Whittingham hound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Jet had visitors today and did very well. His new adopter is coming a few more times before he is able to go home but interactions with the other dogs are very good.
We are also delighted that little Paddy lurcher (now to be called George) was reserved by a lovely family.
Fifi also set out on her adventure to her new home and we will update when she arrives!
We had many visitors and volunteers today and big Bert (lurcher) had his first walks with Phil and later, Alex. We will be getting him used to walking as he's a powerful boy, but extremely gentle and affectionate.
To offer a greyhound or lurcher a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you.
(He has a very slight nervous side so we won't home him with very young children; otherwise he is perfect)!
Pen Farthing has just published his book about the events of that time and it is the most unbelievable and sensational read. I implore everyone to go and buy the book, to read it and buy it for everyone you know! Again, I know many of our supporters donated at the time so I'm sure you would want to know about this now. The story is truly breathtaking in its sequence of events. The courage, dedication and resilience of those involved, particularly Pen, his team and all the staff is off the scale. The injustice of the lies and spin of what then befell him/the Nowzad charity from some politicians and press is enough to make your blood boil on their behalf too.
They went through so much, so the least I could do is share this post with our supporters and urge you to go and get the book: Operation Ark by Pen Farthing. It is available on the Nowzad website and amazon.
We don't normally share the work of other charities on our page as we just focus on letting you know about what is happening at Whittingham. But this story needs to be heard.
On a serious note, he has been improving around other breeds and is fine with whippets. But he would need work around small dogs. He really wants to get out of Kennels and find a loving home.
(Then we can all sing, "Glen is coming home, he's coming home..." which would be an even better result than the football)!
It was one out, but one in today as Andy was sadly returned. But he's a lovely boy so we are hopeful he won't be back with us too long.
But today is Tag's special day so again, a huge thanks to his lovely adopters.
(Some fabulous TikTok videos were filmed today too! Keep an eye on our TikTok page for these great videos and thanks again to Elissa and Louis for all their hard work).
It was a tough act to follow but we are delighted to say that Jack, our longest stay, went home in the afternoon! Jack had been in a home before but needed a special home that could understand his issues. He was the most perfect dog in the Kennels and was obviously waiting for one of our volunteers who had walked Jack a lot in the past! Marie and family are so kind for giving him the chance. They are experienced sighthound adopters and were given Jack's whole history. He jumped into the car without a second look and clearly knew it was his time for a home.
We now hold our breath until they settle but a huge thanks to both sets of special adopters.
We still have so many beautiful dogs waiting for homes. To adopt a greyhound or one of our special lurchers, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com or visit our website to see all the available residents waiting for homes: www.wkretiredgreyhounds.co.uk
All the photos are taken from our newsletters, featuring adopted Whittingham dogs at home. Judy works so hard choosing and designing it.
Thanks so much again to Judy.
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| Bluebell |
Thank you to their very special adopters.
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| (Fred) and Colleen |
We are also grateful to everyone who responded to our appeal as we overflow with dogs. We have had interest in Alex and some others so we hope we will be able to get some more into loving homes soon and ease the situation at the Kennels.
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| Pepper (now Gracie) and parrot |
Thank you to all who sent donations and support for us taking in the needy lurchers too. All three are beautiful dogs and we will keep them safe until we find them (and the greyhounds) loving homes.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Please note. We have taken IN three lurchers who are now safe with us. There seems to be a bizarre misunderstanding.
The truth is that we have taken these IN to make sure they are safe and we will find loving homes for them. Until then, all dogs stay with us.
We never EVER put a dog to sleep.
To adopt a greyhound or one of these three lurchers, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you so much.
We were also delighted to see Pepper and Colleen home with lovely adopters who have adopted from us before. We will share photos soon!
To adopt a greyhound email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Second Appeal for Alex
We are appealing again for a home for Alex who is 7yrs old and a really gentle giant. He is great around other greyhounds and other breeds and walked with our volunteer, Linda, around the town last Friday without any issue. After a 5hr round trip to his new home today, the potential adopter thought he was too big. Therefore, he is looking for a home again. We would respectfully ask you to read the information thoroughly before you decide to offer him a home. (All the necessary emails/checks were also carried out). We will drive him anywhere within reason but we do ask for serious offers only please.
Alex is a dear soul and a really big greyhound. He could be mistaken for a miniature pony!! But he walks nicely on the lead and his two brothers are thriving in their homes, having been previously homed from Whittingham. He is 7yrs old which is a trickier age. He just really needs a chance. He is a gentle and affectionate boy.
We are overflowing with dogs at the moment and have two dogs who may need to be returned due to a change in circumstances for their adopters. We literally have nowhere to put them. We are taking a dog this week who needs a space and will then be shutting our doors to new dogs from trainers until we can home some of the current residents. The dogs we have homed remain our priority and we will have to put them somewhere. I apologise to all the trainers waiting. Our hands are tied and we are doing our best working every hour of the day. We know the waiting time for dogs on the list is many months now. It is a similar picture with all rehoming centres (for all sorts of animals). We are all doing our best to take as many as we can but everyone is at breaking point.
To rehome Alex or any Whittingham greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
It just shows how greyhounds touch so many lives and their love can spread to so many. What a wonderful legacy Rory leaves in promoting greyhounds too.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt Colleen or another Whittingham hound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Home checks apply (unless we know you already)!
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| Tess - looking for a home |
To adopt a greyhound and help change their world (and help us accommodate more who need a space), email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
They are neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and come with four weeks free insurance, collar, lead, muzzle, coat, advice booklet and a lifetime of back up with our support.
A huge thank you to the donor of all this bedding. Wow!!
And a huge thank you to our amazing volunteer, Linda for putting it all away in the shed etc. We are always grateful for any bedding (unless it contains feathers).
Today has been a total nightmare with all sorts of issues on a variety of things happening behind the scenes ranging from sorting dogs out, veterinary visits and all the charity administration. Hurling ourselves into this bedding feels quite appealing!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We are overflowing with dogs at the moment and have two dogs who may need to be returned due to a change in circumstances for their adopters. We literally have nowhere to put them. We are taking a dog this week who needs a space and will then be shutting our doors to new dogs from trainers until we can home some of the current residents. The dogs we have homed remain our priority and we will have to put them somewhere. I apologise to all the trainers waiting. Our hands are tied and we are doing our best working every hour of the day. We know the waiting time for dogs on the list is many months now. It is a similar picture with all rehoming centres (for all sorts of animals). We are all doing our best to take as many as we can but everyone is at breaking point.
To rehome Alex or any Whittingham greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Glen is really hoping for an England win, but even more than that he wants to get nearer his *goal of finding a home. He is such a lovely boy and just needs a chance.
Fifi, by contrast, is now torn in her allegiance as she was very lucky to be reserved by a long-term friend of the Kennels and will be moving to France (once we can all sort out the nightmare logistics of getting her there). We will have to be really on the ball to get everything right!!
But seriously, she's a really lucky girl and as she's our longest stay girl, we are so delighted.
England may be through to the last sixteen but sadly we have endless numbers of greyhounds waiting for a home. We are now completely full and have had very few enquiries for a month (and we need to take in a few urgent cases too so have to make room somehow).
If you were thinking about adopting a greyhound, now is your time!
Let's not just bring football home, but greyhounds too!
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound
Please note: due to the hot weather, the dogs will not be walked this week. Thank you to all our volunteers for their understanding. The dogs will go out in the paddocks briefly throughout the day. And will continue to go out early morning and evening, as always.
Visitors are welcome but you will not be able to take the dogs out.
We will keep this under assessment as the week progresses but this is the case until at least Friday.
But the dogs still need homes and we are FULL to bursting point with another return in the pipeline. So please help by adopting a greyhound and getting them into a cool home. 😎
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Now that we finally have some better weather, it is now too hot!!
Please remember it is best not to walk your dog at all on hot days (unless you can stick to very early or very late when it is cool). ((Please check pavements with the back of your hand if you do go out in the evening to make sure it isn't too hot for their paws)).
Make sure plenty of water is available for your dogs at all times and never leave them in a car.
Our fantastic volunteers, Elissa and Louis, are creating brilliant videos each week for our TikTok page. If you haven't checked it out, you are missing a treat. Elissa is so talented and creative (and keeps on top of all the trends) to make sure Whittingham's message gets out there. And she is ably assisted by Louis who often stars in the videos to help promote Whittingham and rehoming the greyhounds.
The Whittingham's Got Talent film features so many great acts! Here is a clip of the Whittingham choir in action. And for anyone worried about Clive in his magic act. He reappeared spontaneously in his kennel. What a clever boy!
Follow us on TikTok: Whittingham_Kennels
And email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Our own royal (new boy, Charlie) had his very own fly past today too (well, that's what he said)!
Here are some photos that were not easy to obtain as the two new dogs are very affectionate and kept photobombing the other! We will assess them further as we get to know them, but they are confident and happy souls.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Frankie (was Xanadu) has been a total star! His adopter said, "Frankie is doing amazingly well! I really was expecting some sort of adjustment period but he’s faultless. Not a single accident and acting like this has been home all his life".
Well done, Frankie... and thanks to his adopters!
There are so many other dogs looking for homes, so please get in touch if you'd like to adopt a greyhound. Email: wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Udon has really fallen on his paws and we hope Roxy will be lucky soon too.
When you adopt a greyhound, you can find out so much information about their lives and ancestry. It makes them different from other breeds as you can trace so much about their history. There are facebook groups or the site www.greyhound-data.com which can lead you to information about their past and relations.
To adopt Roxy or another Whittingham hound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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| Rosie and Tina |
Keith said, "After only a week she has settled in very well and is most likely one of the most affectionate of the girls. She has so far been clean with no accidents,
loves her food and likes to be near (us)". She also enjoys playing with Rose in the garden.
Thanks so much to Keith and son, Duncan for giving her a special home.
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| Baby, Tina and Rose |
Homing enquiries are almost non-existent so we celebrate each home whilst also hoping the other Whittingham residents will fall on their paws soon too. We have over 100 dogs waiting for a space with us so the pressure of homing is intense at the moment. But we can only do what we can do. Therefore, please keep spreading the word about how many greyhounds need loving homes. And if you can adopt a greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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| Paddy and rabbit |
Last week, we also took in a little lurcher who needed a space when he had served his time in the pound. We have such a long waiting list for greyhounds but sometimes we can make space for needy cases when possible. Thanks to Elissa and her mum and Louis for letting us small dog, cat and inadvertently rabbit test him yesterday. He was a total star and is hopefully reserved pending confirmation as a result.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
The right dog can live with cats and other animals with the usual sensible initial precautions.
A huge thanks to Jane who lets us cat test. It really helps to narrow it down to the right dog in the right home.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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| Hank at home |
recently. As a result, we want to celebrate those wonderful homes we have found and thank their lovely adopters.
The photos show what great dogs greyhounds are and how quickly they slot into home life. There are more photos on facebook/Instagram of some recently homed dogs: Dolly (living with another Whittingham hound), Misty, Hank, Holly (living with another Whittingham hound and a cat), and Tina. Tina's mum, Rosie, went home a while ago and when her adopters learned Tina was waiting for a home too, they brought Rosie to see her. The reunion was lovely and we will do a proper post on her once we know for sure that Tina has definitely slotted in successfully with the other resident dogs. Julietta is also on a home visit and we will await their final verdict too.
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| Misty at home |
Thank you to everyone who gives our dogs a chance. Despite the critical situation with dogs (and all animals) at the moment, we won't compromise on homes. Everyone has a home check (unless you have adopted from us before and this has already been carried out).
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We also saw Holly off to her lovely adopters today so we wish her well. And a huge thank you, also, to Michelle for sending food donations via Pets at Home. Thank you so much.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Animals were also involved directly on D-Day. Bing was a dog, specifically a German Shepherd, parachuted into Normandy with the Allies on June 6th 1944. He sniffed out land mines and post-war, was awarded the Dickin Medal, the highest honour the UK gives animals in war. Pigeons were also used as messengers.
We will remember their heroism and sacrifice, human and animal.
We have great groups of people during the week and on Saturdays/Sundays.
There are also volunteers behind the scenes who help at events and beyond, carry out homechecks, act as our trustees, raise money and profile etc etc etc. Len's adopter, Martin, has been doing the talks in his spare time; Keith raises money through photography and Erssie's knitting patterns are always raising funds. Natalie is attending GreyFest, Phil and helpers put all our new beds together in their spare time, Judy designs and produces our calendar, Jim paddocks every Sunday evening, Diane sits with the dogs and Elissa oversees
our TikTok page, ably creating content assisted by Louis. People collect bedding and food for us, notably Louise and Simon, Graham with Polly, Claire at Mimram Vets, Wendy with Honey and so many others on an ad hoc basis. We also have Tilly in foster with volunteers Jules, Suj and family.
our TikTok page, ably creating content assisted by Louis. People collect bedding and food for us, notably Louise and Simon, Graham with Polly, Claire at Mimram Vets, Wendy with Honey and so many others on an ad hoc basis. We also have Tilly in foster with volunteers Jules, Suj and family.
Our staff also do much of their duties beyond the Kennels and behind the scenes as volunteers.
Some of the volunteers are pictured here and both those pictured and non-pictured (along with all our adopters and supporters) all keep Whittingham running! Thank you to them all.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
His adopter, Anu, said: "ChumChum is winning hearts wherever he goes". He recently won 1st prize in Best Rescue Dog at Chenies Manor House. Anu continues, "We are so proud of his achievements. He spread a good word about greyhounds and how gentle and lovely they are! The judge said greyhounds don't get enough press and the more they are out in public events like this, the more people know about them and their gentle temperament. Thank you for all you do and making us a part of it".
The thanks are all on us to the whole family for their kindness and dedication. And well done to ChumChum for being a great ambassador. We love the historical Tudor judges/presenters too!
When you adopt from us, you become a part of the Whittingham family and promoting greyhounds wherever you go quickly becomes part of your day!
Alex is with us currently looking for a home and happens to be ChumChum's brother. You never know, you could adopt a potential show winner too!!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Martin explains the history of greyhounds as well as the personal history of Len (the race shown is one that Len, No. 6, led from the start and
Len has been a phenomenal advocate for greyhounds at all the talks and we can't thank his adopter, Martin, enough for taking the time to give us so much support and taking his Whittingham collection tin with him when he delivers other 'non-greyhound' talks too. Len's calm demeanour with all his audience, young and older, has shown what great dogs greyhounds are with people of all ages. The photos show how relaxed the young people are with him too.
Apart from the support for us, there are thousands of greyhounds needing homes around the country so the photographs are a huge way of showing why everyone should adopt a greyhound!
So!...to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Here he is with his small friend!
In other news, Misty went home to a special family yesterday. And I (Louise) was reunited with two of my former teachers from 20yrs ago as they are the parents of Misty's new adopter. It was such a pleasure to see them. We now hold our breath until she settles!
There are so many dogs who suit so many different home set-ups.
So...to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
And a huge thank you to Sadie for her kind donation. She is so generous.
Thanks for all your support.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
In sad news, we are going to have to start looking for a new home for Rhino and Evie after a change of circumstances for their adopter. It is particularly gutting about Rhino as he was one of our long stays and gets stressed in Kennels. They are ok where they are for now but will need to be rehomed by September. They are house trained, great with people but may need some work around other breeds. They are ok to be left for a few hours but Rhino will be best suited to a home where he isn't alone too long. They do not need to be homed together but would ideally go with another dog.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To help a greyhound into a loving home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt Roxy or any other Whittingham hound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Here is Martin's write-up:
Len scampers across the finish line!
I am sure that many of you have had quite enough of receiving regular Facebook updates about Len’s exploits as he travelled the globe - well Herts and a bit of Essex and Beds - in his efforts to raise funds for Whittingham. If so, you may now be relieved to hear that his year of fund-raising has formally come to a close.
Pleasingly, announcements that Len’s talks were ending brought a welcome flurry of late bookings in May, leading to his final surge down the finishing straight and a successful conclusion.
The recent, generous bookings by Cubs, Beavers and Adult groups, plus cash in his collecting box, mean that Len’s final donations total is over £1500. This is far in excess of our wildest dreams when we set off on this trip together into unknown territory on 26 May 2023.
His journey comprised:
• Over 20 visits made
• 600 plus people met
• Audiences aged from 4 to 96
• £1562.55 raised in donations
I am immensely proud of Len, who embarked on our tour just two months into adoption. Often feisty with non-greyhounds, he is a model of good behaviour with all two-legged creatures, young and old. A couple of late nights saw him keel over and fall asleep, but he accepted all manner of petting, talking-tos and mayhem throughout, without a care in the world.
I hope we have enlightened and entertained all whom we met; showing that ex-racing greyhounds ( especially big, black fellows! ) are docile, loving, undemanding, and fully deserve adoption as family pets. Our personal bond has been forged and strengthened through our joint efforts to repay Whittingham in a small way for all their hard work on behalf of the greyhound community.
Of course, there have been a few disappointments along the way and to present a balanced picture I feel that I should mention them:
• Obtaining bookings and then donations from local schools was difficult and largely unproductive
• We regularly requested help but gained few leads or bookings via the Whittingham Community; ‘Loves’ and ‘Likes’ have been very welcome but don’t generate any funds, unfortunately
• Perhaps, most sadly, nobody seems prepared to take on the talks mantle from us now that we have retired, despite my offer of full support in the future. Apparently, there will be no lasting legacy.
In summary, then, I believe that the ‘Len Sessions’ have made a worthwhile contribution both to supporting Whittingham and the wider Greyhound world, post-racing. Both Len, and I, have had a great time, as have our audiences, young and old. He now deserves a second retirement, basking in the belief that there can be a grand life after racing for all greyhounds; just give them the opportunity and they will repay you many times over and show the public what they may be missing!
Our sincere thanks to all those who wished us well and helped us along the way!
Martin and Len (‘The Greys Brothers!’)
Long-termer, Max at home
In other news, we were delighted to see brothers, Happy and Champ go home to their special home today. We wish them well and look forward to updates!
Now let's find homes for all the other residents too!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We literally can't thank them enough for all their time and dedication. Whittingham Heroes!!
To adopt a greyhound and join the Whittingham family, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
And separately, a huge thank you to www.drydogs.co.uk and all who nominated us to receive their gifts. We were very touched to have been chosen.
Thanks so much for all your support.
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| Max |
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| Aurora (was Snowy) with Magic |
We have so many dogs waiting with us at Whittingham Kennels (and waiting to get into Whittingham). They all deserve loving homes.
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| Lila (was Rosie) |
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| Evie |
We have a few unclaimed raffle prizes. We will keep them at the Kennels until your next visit. Thank you again everyone!
Unclaimed raffle winners:
332 - Ian S
19 - Roger S (Luna)
167 - Carole Rogers
140 - Barney
213 - Lesley K
123 - Paul H
51 - Rita
89 - Sue Turner Ross
414 - Jane
(The rest were claimed on the day or have been contacted)
Well done everyone!
Tim, Val and I arrived early to clean and feed all the dogs. And Linda, Martin and Stephen came early to set up too. Linda worked like an absolute trouper setting up (and packing away) and overseeing a stall so a special thank you to her. Our regular volunteer, Doreen, started walking the dogs early and then set about working in the kitchen on food and drinks with Tim. Both flew around with orders all day!
An absolutely HUGE thank you to the amazing, Theresa, who was ably assisted by Pete. Her generosity and commitment to our events is truly breathtaking and we can't thank her enough for being so supportive. She donates all the food so that the Kennels receives all the money and her food is always delicious and goes down wonderfully. She works so VERY hard and is absolutely amazing!
Natalie was brilliant with making sure as many raffle tickets were sold as possible. She is now our official 'raffle seller' and always does a superb job. She will be at Greyfest in August promoting greyhounds (and Whittingham) and we know she will totally smash it! She's such an asset to the team at events and we are so grateful that she steps in to fulfil this role. Mark is also a total star and jumped behind a stall with Doug and started selling items. Linda, Val and Stephen were also behind a stall for the whole time; whilst Martin and I were in the Kennels getting dogs out for visitors.
Thank you to everyone who bought merchandise (which went down well). Arctophiles (google it) loved the teddy bears (!) and the T-Shirts and stickers were a real hit too. Thank you to everyone who brought up food, bedding and treats too; and to Roger with Luna who brought in home-made fig jam which was quickly snapped up as soon as it went on the table!
We have a lot of unclaimed raffle prizes as many people had gone home when the raffle was drawn, but we will put this up tomorrow and keep the prizes at the Kennels until you are passing/visiting. Some winners were pulled out of the bucket several times so we did distribute the prizes fairly too!
It was also lovely to see Tilly who is being fostered by Jules and Suj (with their other greyhound, Russo). They are being wonderful with Tilly and so kind too.
Thanks to everyone who helped us put everything away afterwards too, whilst Jim did the evening paddocking. The day was rounded off after Amanda drove all the way from Glastonbury with adopted Whittingham greyhound, Magic (was Donnie) to adopt Snowy. They used to live in Kent but have subsequently moved. We will look forward to updates and hope she settles well at home. There was interest in some other dogs but no other firm reserves; but we hope the presence of so many greyhounds getting along well shows what great dogs greyhounds are in any context.
(More photos on our facebook page).
Thank you again to everyone for coming and to all those who helped in such a tremendous way.
We look forward to seeing you at the next event or if you would like to adopt a greyhound at any point beforehand! Just email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com for more information.
11am-2pm at the Kennels.
And in some really exciting news, one of our longest stay dogs, Max, went home today. Max had to go to the right home that understood what he needed. He went to lovely people that we knew (who had recently lost their beloved male greyhound) and who have another of our female greyhounds. We will look forward to hearing updates. We are so grateful to them that he has been given the chance. Here he is in the paddocks last week!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We are looking forward to seeing them and everyone at our event on Sunday between 11am and 2pm. Our neighbours at number 5 and opposite number 4 have kindly given extra parking. And you are welcome to park in front of the gates of the cemetery (which is sadly too wet to use itself). The farmer will also open the little slip road between the turn and Kennel 1 if he can. There is also the little car park opposite hillside kennels.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Thanks so much for all your support.
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| Misty |
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| Alex |
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
There are SO many dogs who are desperate for a loving home. We have so many gentle souls who are waiting patiently. To offer a greyhound a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
So please keep spreading the word about greyhounds needing homes. They all need love!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
((And a friendly note to trainers, we haven't forgotten you and will get to your dog as soon as possible. Ringing to find out when a space is available is a pointless exercise as we don't have a crystal ball. We will be in touch when we have space and as you get to the top of the list. Thank you for your patience)).
Thanks so much to Diane (with Teddy, Flora etc) for her donations. Bedding and treats for the dogs. And items for our event on Sunday. She's an amazing adopter and so incredibly kind.
And a huge thanks to our other amazing adopter, Keith (with multiple greyhound girls) for raising money for us through his photography at Harlow. We are so grateful.
If you haven't got a greyhound, you really should adopt one so please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to make all our current residents as lucky as Evie.
All the other teddies will need good homes too!!
And the greyhounds hope they will be chosen as well so to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To make all the dogs as lucky as Mimi and adopt a greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Bluebell is one dog looking for a home and is really hoping someone will come along to give her a second chance after she has had to be returned through no fault of her own due to illness in the family. She is house trained, gentle, good with small breeds (with the usual careful introductions) and used to the home environment. She can be a little stronger than some on the lead but this would soon ease.
To offer another lucky dog a home or offer a greyhound a home as first time adopters, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We can't thank Martin and greyhound, Len enough for their incredible kindness and commitment to these talks. The photos from all their talks show how great greyhounds are with people of all ages and why everyone should adopt a greyhound! This, in itself, has highlighted how they make great additions to any home. They are great ambassadors and fundraisers for greyhounds and for Whittingham Kennels. Thank you so much Martin and Len.
(Ps. This is not the same Martin as our staff member).
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
(We also think Barcode is an inspired name change for a brindle lady)!!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
(Colleen and Clive are both looking for homes. So to adopt a greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com)
Huge thanks again to Ann for her exceptional generosity.
We invite you to visit the Kennels to meet the dogs. If you want to reserve someone, we will then come along and do a home visit (unless you have adopted from us before and this has already been carried out).
When you adopt, we give you the kit we believe is correct for a greyhound: collar/lead, house collar, information booklet, muzzle and, where possible, a coat. The dogs are all neutered, vaccinated (paperwork supplied) and come with four weeks free insurance. There are three forms to sign: change of ownership of microchip, the form for the free insurance and our adoption form (which states that if things do not work out, you must return the greyhound to us and never pass him/her on). We also give you a toy as a gift from us!
We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible, whilst also ensuring that the dog is finding a good home and adopters know what to expect.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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| Sonny |
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| Margo |
You can teach them to drive (well, sort of)!!
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| Sid (was Smasher) |
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Follow his whole run on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGe9oKhuF/
Well done again. Absolutely amazing.
Lokie and the other kennel residents are pleased to relax and watch other people do their share of running now! They are really making the most of retirement!
Lokie is still also hoping for his special home to come along too. He's a lovely boy and really wants a life beyond Kennels. So to adopt Lokie or any other Whittingham dog, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thanks so much again to Louis!
Xanadu is a new chap and very loving and friendly.
To offer him a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Not only are they really enjoyed as a tasty bonus, but they act as a source of enrichment and some treats are also really good for their teeth.
Like all good animal welfare organisations, we are aware that our dogs need enrichment as well as comfortable beds and time in the paddocks whilst they wait for their loving homes. Giving out treats helps them have something to focus on before we close them in for the night or to give variety to their day.
Our volunteers and visitors also love engaging with the dogs by giving out treats too. The nervous dogs gain their confidence with new people and the confident dogs often show the other dogs that all is well when they can accept treats too! Some greyhounds haven't always known treats, but they soon learn to enjoy them! It is really rewarding for the humans to see the dogs enjoying themselves too!
So thanks so much to everyone who brings treats to enrich our dogs' lives. They are so very grateful.
(We don't usually use foster homes because it means the dogs get overlooked when not at the Kennels, but in these situations, it is a total godsend).
Fifi and Glen are ready to be your best friend!
To adopt a greyhound or find a friend for an existing greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Well done, Michelle. An amazing run, completing the marathon in 3hrs and 24 minutes. Incredible!
We felt exhausted just watching it!
Huge thanks again and congratulations... and to everyone who has sponsored too.
To sponsor Michelle, please find her fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfun.../michelle-brown-920...
So, in the spirit of reality, if you visit us, you may meet Jerry who is not on the website.
Yesterday, we took Jerry back after he displayed quirks in the home which are extremely out of character for greyhounds. He will now stay with us (unless someone totally suitable comes along. We are only ever honest about our dogs and will explain his behaviour in the home).
No negative comments please. His adopters tried very hard with him and were absolutely devastated that all their efforts didn't find a solution.
Jerry is a lovely boy at the kennels and perhaps some previous trauma has made him defensive in a home environment. We know he was starved in the first home he had and was told off for trying to get food. Even this, however, doesn't usually cause the unpredictable behaviour seen in this home. Either way, he is safe with us and will be given extra walks whenever volunteers come to take the dogs out. We can't stress enough how rare it is for a greyhound to behave in this way. It certainly doesn't reflect all the other dogs in the Kennels.
Even though we have a mammoth waiting list of dogs waiting to come in, our priority must always be the dogs we know.
We have so many loving and gentle dogs in our care all desperate for good homes. And we have several new arrivals scheduled over the next week or so. So, to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
follows: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfun.../michelle-brown-920...
Fifi and Glen are both waiting patiently for loving homes. They'd really love to love you!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Kiki (now Zola) also went home this morning and is doing well so far.
We are so lucky to have such lovely adopters. Thank you to both sets of adopters.
We are taking in some new arrivals and crawling through our enormous waiting list. However, we still have over 100 dogs waiting to come to us with the list growing daily.
So to offer a greyhound a home, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Let's make them all as lucky as Colleen and Kiki.
It just shows that all the greyhounds need to be given a chance. The reactive ones will learn; the nervous ones will become even more loyal; the bouncy strong ones will calm down; the perfect ones will continue to thrive! There is a greyhound to suit all sorts of circumstances so please come and find your most loyal friend and adopt a greyhound by emailing wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To offer Rosie a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We are gradually taking in some new arrivals so will be getting to know them.
To offer a greyhound a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Lokie would like to let everyone know that we have rescheduled our event for Sunday 19th May at the Kennels between 11am and 2pm.
There will be stalls, lovely food courtesy of Theresa's kindness; and the chance to meet with other greyhound enthusiasts and meet the current greyhound residents. We look forward to seeing you then!
The dogs are already enjoying sitting on it in the sun!
To offer these boys or another Whittingham hound a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Don't forget to visit and follow our new TikTok page run by our volunteer, Elissa. Search for whittingham_kennels
Elissa and Louis are producing some fantastic videos highlighting individual dogs looking for homes and also the reason why greyhounds in general are such great dogs!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Here are Carol (above) and Finbar (was Finn) (left) doing so well on only day two. A huge thank you again to both sets of adopters.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
In the second homing, we saw Finn go home to lovely people who have also adopted four greyhounds over the years from Whittingham. He is also exceptionally lucky.
There are so many deserving greyhounds who need a loving home and who are hoping to fall on their paws too. So please continue to share and spread the word so we can get more dogs in from our ridiculously long waiting list and home those still waiting patiently at Whittingham. It is so sad that so many loving souls are waiting in Kennels for their chance to find loving homes.
But today is all about Carol and Finn. So a huge thank you again to both sets of adopters.
To adopt a greyhound and join the Whittingham family, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Monty (now known as Udon) went home today. And he's already playing in the garden! Thank you so much to his adopters. We hope he continues to settle well!
We will be taking some new dogs in as soon as we hear that a couple of other recently homed dogs are settling fully. We will look forward to welcoming them into the Whittingham fold. With over 100 greyhounds waiting for a space, we are going one dog at a time.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Roxy and Boris are both looking for homes. To adopt a greyhound, email
wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Our fantastic volunteer, Elissa, has created a TikTok page for the kennels and already created its first video. Please give us a follow. Search for whittingham_kennels
And a massive thank you to Elissa for doing this for us.
What a lucky boy. We sent him on his way with a hug from all the staff and are delighted to know he has a wonderful home.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
). We will reschedule and hope it doesn't rain then!!!So instead, here are some photos of Emily and Stormy (Storm) who went home on Friday. Emily is clearly already in control of the remote control... and Stormy looks so comfortable in his lovely big bed.
Thank you to both adopters and everyone who gives a lovely home to one of our dogs.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Martin reports that it was a very happy day and "great for handing out publicity, educating people,...(and)...chatting to residents and visitors".
Len was as amazing as ever, "spending
Thank you SO much again to Martin and greyhound, Len. They are truly wonderful ambassadors for showing how brilliant greyhounds are at adjusting to every situation and proving that they make great pets for everyone! We are sure that more people will have had their eyes opened to the wonders of greyhounds today as a result of their support.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
If anyone would like to sponsor her, the page is below:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfun.../michelle-brown-920...
To offer Margo or Ed a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Margo is perfect with small dogs and very loving; Ed is a gentle soul who also loves a cuddle.
The second lucky dog today was Storm, who found his special home with Maurey and Manuel. They had also had to say goodbye to their beloved greyhound, Micky and wanted to give another dog a home. Storm is the third whittingham hound who has fallen on his paws with Maurey.
What a lucky duo today. And a huge thank you to both sets of adopters.
We also saw Monty reserved yesterday to lovely people who will be taking him home next weekend.
Thank you to everyone who spreads the word. There are SO many greyhounds waiting on our list so we focus on the individuals. And we are so grateful to everyone who gives our hounds fantastic homes.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
(Stickers... and Teddy bears looking for good homes)!
In other news, we were delighted to see Shirley home yesterday and hold our breath until we know she has settled. She was the happiest dog in the Kennels and wagged her tail all the time. She also loved her food and despite being petite, would wolf down a huge bowl in seconds! Thank you to our friends at Barley Greyhound Sanctuary - Essex who recommended her adopters when they didn't have anyone suitable for the home. It's always lovely when rehoming/rescue centres can work together.
We were also delighted to see Andy and Emily reserved at the weekend; with also interest in Holly, Kiki and Pam depending on their reactions to the other animals in the households (and visiting animals). They will all be with us for a little while until the relevant home checks and tests are completed.
So do come and join us on Easter Monday for our open day.... or otherwise, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound
There is still time to book a talk so please do let me know if you would like to welcome them to your group or organisation. Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thanks so much again to them.
Another day of bed making was in progress today. We can't thank them enough for their incredible kindness and skills. Phil, Doreen and also Pete and Steve who joined them today have been beyond fantastic. They did so many today and only ten double beds now need to be made. Amazing. Thank you to them all so SO much.
(So a friendly note to trainers, we will resume taking in dogs when we home some of our current residents. We simply cannot take more dogs at the moment so phoning/emailing to know how long it will be is simply unanswerable).
Homing enquiries are very minimal. We have two people due to visit but otherwise not a single enquiry in over three weeks.
The situation nationwide is at crisis point. So please adopt before you shop. And please stop breeding more. Animals of every description are in need of homes and rehoming/rescue centres are beyond breaking point.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
The bungalow tends to deteriorate into a state of squalor so it is a brave person who attempts to tackle it. With so many dogs to care for, it is a task that always seems to fall by the wayside.
Thank you so much, Diane.
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| Colleen |
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| Kiki |
With Finn sadly being returned today (no negative comments please), we are now absolutely overflowing. So if anyone was thinking about adopting a greyhound, now is the time! Finn was perfect with small dogs, very affectionate and cuddly.
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| Pam |
To offer a greyhound a home, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We have a kennel full of beautiful dogs of every temperament and size. Large and smaller boys; smaller girls... and many are good with other breeds and share happily with other greyhounds. We are absolutely at breaking point for space so if you were thinking of adopting a greyhound, do get in touch. Homechecks apply.
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt Carol or any other Whittingham greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thanks so much to them for their help and expertise. And moreover, their patience.
We are also topping off the beds with the new blankets donated by Ann and the vetbed given by Greyhound Walks.
We were also delighted to see Finn home. Thanks so much to his new adopter and we look forward to updates.
Thank you to Hilda (with Bran (was Arthur)) and all those who leave positive reviews on Google or Facebook. It really helps to raise the profile of Whittingham Kennels - Retired Greyhounds Charity and encourage others to adopt.
If anyone else would like to do so, we are always grateful.
And a huge thank you to Judi and Roger (with Jasper) who drove donations of bedding and other items to us. It is so kind and so appreciated.
We still have a full house with so many needy dogs waiting for loving homes (and so SO many waiting to come in). Every day we receive multiple calls from trainers who are desperate for spaces for so many dogs. So to adopt a greyhound (and help another come in to us), email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you.
Whilst we have had a little flurry of adoptions (which is always wonderful), we have so many beautiful dogs still waiting for their special places (and still an astronomically long waiting list for dogs needing to get to us).
So...to adopt a greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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| Andy |
They've been patiently waiting their turn for many months so let's hope a loving home awaits them soon.
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| Woody |
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Luna (was Lady) is doing her bit to show this for all her friends at the Kennels who are still waiting for their loving home.
Thank you to her adopter, Jess, for the photos!
Tricia had an unusual night overnight, but has landed on her paws this morning. A huge thank you to Brenda and Ian who have given her a special home after losing their previous beloved greyhound. And a huge thank you to our lovely friend, Gail, for recommending the home. On Guernsey! Gail homed greyhounds in the Channel Islands for many years and often recommends her adopters if a home becomes available. We know she only recommends the best.
So Brenda contacted the Pet Bus (who we also knew after dear Hero found his home on Jersey with our wonderful supporters, Matthew and Kathrine) ... and Tricia set sail yesterday, leaving the Kennels at 4pm yesterday afternoon and arriving at 7am this morning. It's a sleepless night of clock watching for us but she was in very good hands as the Pet Bus team are great. They accompany them all the way and keep us posted with photos.
She has already found the bed and now we keep everything crossed that she settles quickly.
Thanks so much again to everyone who has helped Tricia find her special home.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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| Mary |
Here is Mary, who was adopted 1yr ago, and is doing so well and is so loved.
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| Bran (was Arthur) |
And Pickle, Bran (was Arthur) and Margo, who all went home recently.
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| Pickle |
Margo is still getting used to the cats so we are keeping everything crossed, but a huge thank you to her patient and caring new family.
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| Margo and friend |
Thank you to all our adopters and we look forward to seeing more potential rehomers too!
We also saw Rose off to her new home (all being well with the other dogs). And the other Rose went out to a local football match with her new adopters and is going home officially next Saturday.
Keith and Duncan visited today with Rosie and introduced her to Rose with a view to adopting their sixth greyhound. Number five meets number six! Rose has already met one of the others and all went well. So she is going home tomorrow to meet the other four and we will keep everything crossed!
In other unexpected news, we were delighted to see Pickle off with one of our homed boys, Ted, after the sad loss of their female greyhound. Pickle has really fallen on her paws. It also allowed us the opportunity to let a few of our other dogs meet the small dog that came along with the family too. Emily and Shirley went in the paddocks with her happily. And Loki also sniffed her through the fence. Betsy and Roxy showed a little more interest so will need more care around smaller breeds but all of them were manageable. Thanks so much to Tracy and family for adopting Pickle.
Thanks also to Emma and Sarah (with Rory) who brought us bedding and are always so supportive and generous. It is always lovely to see our adopters and adopted dogs again.
To adopt a greyhound and join the Whittingham fold, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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| Pixie-Star (Star) at home |
We are also delighted that Margo is doing well so far around all the other animals. Huge thanks to Elissa, Louis and Jackie for giving her a chance.
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| Margo at home |
For any new greyhound, some greyhounds will settle very quickly and others may take a little longer. We always advise that is important to remember that everything is new to them and it is a whole change of scene, as well as new people.
Timescales differ for them all but it is important to remember there is likely to be a settling phase.
Huge thanks to both sets of adopters for being prepared to work with this and we hope we can find the same for them all.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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| Loki - greyhound looking for a home |
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| Rocky - greyhound looking for a home |
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
And to Ellie and Michelle who came in the rain with bedding and walked some dogs between the rain! Always lovely to see them.
Introducing Finn...
There is possible interest in Finn but this film shows why he is such a great boy!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We have also taken in new boys, Loki and Rocky this week and will be getting to know them. Both are already neutered and ready to go!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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| Emily |
Emily came from a pet home as she was originally homed directly from a trainer. She turns out to be our long-stay, Jack's litter sister! Small world! Holly and Rose came in today and will be looking for their perfect homes in due course too.
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| Holly |
So many dogs need homes!
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| Rose |
A huge thanks to all our volunteers today. Bernie popped up for a visit and it was lovely to see him doing so well. Usual visitors, Jack, Ross and Zoe were also looking wonderful! Thanks to all their adopters and our volunteers for their help.
To adopt a greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We also have good news that Arthur has been reserved today!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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| Paddy |
There are lows and highs in animal rehoming/rescue, but it makes the job worthwhile to see these dogs in loving homes. We hope for the same for all the greyhounds waiting in Kennels and all those waiting to come in. Our list of greyhounds needing a space at Whittingham Kennels grows longer every day.
He went on a trial with some of our lovely volunteers and was absolutely brilliant with them. Sadly they couldn't keep him as their cat was petrified (no fault of Arthur), but their report about him was glowing.
A huge thanks to her adopters, Mike and Lynda. They have said how pleased they are that they decided to adopt a second greyhound. And we are delighted too!
So if you are considering adopting one dog or also a second dog, please do email
wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Congratulations to Ted (was Robbie) on graduating from Dog School!
Ted had not been in his new home that long, but thanks to his lovely adopters, Diana and Andrew, he is already showing that greyhounds do so well beyond kennels. The rest of the Kennel residents are academics in the waiting too! They just need a loving home!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
She's a real character!! Whoever adopts Shirley will be very lucky. She is always happy!! She just needs a few more careful introductions to other breeds.
In other news, we were delighted to see Dancer off today with her lovely adopters. We wish her well and look forward to updates!
Meet Frankie...
To adopt Frankie, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you again to Grace and Kev for producing these lovely videos.
Meet Glen....
To adopt Glen or any other Whittingham greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you to both families for giving the dogs homes. We have got to know both sets of adopters as they have visited until the date of adoption and we will look forward to continued updates.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
At Whittingham, we always want to keep in touch with our adopters and be there for our previous residents if there is ever an issue throughout their lives.
Ultimately, of course, we hope for loving homes for them all and are often kept informed of the adventures of our previous residents.
We were delighted to receive this clever artwork from Caterina, adopter of Rio and TinyMabel. With Richard Skipworth as her inspiration, Caterina has charted Rio's journey so far. She starts with his birth, racing career, the injury he sustained on the track... to coming to Whittingham where he found his loving home with Caterina. His adventure continued when faced with stairs and learning how to behave and relax at home...and latterly finding a friend in TinyMabel and continuing her story too.
We think it is lovely!
To adopt a Whittingham dog and give him/her a life of love beyond kennels, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Did you know? St. Valentine is not only the patron saint of love, but also of beekeepers; against fainting; and plague! (How romantic)!!
So how did the day that commemorates the martyrdom of a Roman priest become associated with love? The answer is vague but there are two main suggestions. The first is that St. Valentine secretly married young couples in defiance of the Emperor Claudius' ban on marriage. And the second is that love birds tend to find a mate in mid February. This may also link to a poem by Chaucer written in about 1375 where he attributed birds (and humans) finding a mate to Saint Valentine's day.
Either way, our loving hounds just want to find love with you! So to make their Valentine's day wishes come true, adopt a greyhound and email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
He has been waiting far too long for his special home. Could it be you?
To adopt Bonty or any of his greyhound friends from Whittingham Kennels, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt Pickle or any Whittingham greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We hold our breath until they have settled but they found the sofa on the first day and have been doing well with other breeds on walks.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Meet Betsy...
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Orla is an exceptionally lucky girl and her previous adopters will be staying in touch too.
Thanks so much, Roxanne and Martin.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Introducing Boris....
To adopt Boris or any of his greyhound friends, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
They were such a welcoming group and had heard Martin talk pre-Covid on other topics. They were so generous - giving an extra £30 and bolstering Len and Martin's total. Len/Martin have now reached £800 and heading for an even bigger target. We cannot applaud them enough.
Martin and Len have been (and continue to be) so amazing in their talks tour; not only raising money but bringing awareness about the gentle nature of greyhounds. They bring information, but also comfort and joy in the process to such a variety of groups and people of all ages. All this helps to show what great additions greyhounds are to the home.
In separate news, today, we saw Len's brother, Alan (together with Ella) into their new home. We wish them well and look forward to updates. Alan and Ella were like chalk and cheese - Alan was serene and calm; Ella was intrigued by everything and couldn't wait to explore! They are all unique and individual characters.
So if you'd like to adopt a greyhound or hear a Martin/Len talk, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
It comes to something when Whittingham hounds (and their friends) manage to upstage the King. (Well, we thought so anyway)!!
Here is Hope on the news (with his adopter Terry (and Pat)) and his friend Gippy (and adopter, Bev).
To adopt a greyhound and gather royal connections (), email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
), email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com(See our Facebook or Instagram page for the video!)
The adopters of Swifty (now Loki) have been coming to the Kennels over the last few weeks to film the dogs and promote them via videos. Thank you so much Grace (and dad, Kev) for your amazing hard work and talent.
The first two films feature Sheene and our long termer, Jack. This second post features Jack.
We know this will be a great way to highlight the dogs and generally show how great greyhounds are...with the hope of leading to more adoptions.
Thank you so much again to them for working so hard on these videos.
The adopters of Swifty (now Loki) have been coming to the Kennels over the last few weeks to film the dogs and promote them via videos. Thank you so much Grace (and dad, Kev) for your amazing hard work and talent.
The first two films feature Sheene and our long termer, Jack.
We know this will be a great way to highlight the dogs and generally show how great greyhounds are...with the hope of leading to more adoptions.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you SO much, Erssie.
And please do continue to knit and raise money for greyhounds at the same time! You can find her patterns at: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/erssie
A huge thank you to Sim (and the other staff) for stepping in today and over the last few days whilst I've been off sick with kidney stones. It's been a really busy weekend with messages and emails to keep on top of so knowing the work at the Kennels was covered has been a godsend. And a special big thanks to Sim and volunteer, Tim (with Bert), for stepping in to collect a dog on Friday too.
We have some wonderful volunteers and adopters so thanks to everyone who came this weekend; and don't forget, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound! There are always so SO many waiting for loving homes.
Keith (and his son, Duncan), show their five girls with spectacular photographic expertise once again!
We just had to share this photo! It shows again how well greyhounds get on with each other.
They are a very lucky pack. Now, we just need to encourage them to adopt a sixth!!
After recuperation with us, he really fell on his paws (sensibly, this time!!), with a lovely family and now has a new rescued friend too. What a lucky boy and we love this photo. Thank you to his lovely adopters for sending it. It really shows the lovely homes and happy endings we want for all our residents (and those waiting to come in).
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thanks so much to them both.
Thanks to our lovely volunteers, Elissa and Louis who collected loads of bedding for us; to Monty and Doodle's adopters who are always so generous and to everyone who came and walked.
(Meanwhile, Bonty appears to have a rebellious shadow! He and his shadow would also love a home)!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
And he has arrived in Spain happily. Good luck Buddy and we look forward to hearing about your continued adventures.
There is a huge crisis with animal welfare in this country (and the world) at the moment. We are full. Every rehoming and rescue kennel/centre is full and animals of all description are desperately in need of homes. There are hundreds of greyhounds now backing up in kennels and we have calls daily from trainers who are desperate to home their dogs. We are going as fast as we can but simply can't move more in until some of our current residents get homes.
So if you are thinking of adopting, please do get in touch. Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you.
(No pro or anti racing comments please. Let's just focus on finding these needy souls loving homes).
Paddy would also like to share our thanks to Sadie and family for their very kind donation. They have adopted four dogs from Whittingham over the years (including, Fudge, who looked a bit like Paddy) and always been so kind. Sadly, personal reasons have prohibited another adoption but they have been so kind to donate so generously. Thank you so very much.
To adopt Paddy or any Whittingham greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Penny - rest in peace
She was a dear little soul, friendly and happy. And we are all absolutely devastated. We wish we could have seen her into a wonderful home where she would have had many years ahead of her. Presumably there must have been some underlying problem as this just doesn't happen. So many dogs pass through our doors and we have only ever had this happen once before in nearly 20 years. It is a rare and freak event. But no less heartbreaking.
Rest in peace little puppy Penny. May all the animals we have all ever loved be there to meet you.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
All the new dogs who have arrived over the last week have been doing very well. They've been down to the town and most have proven to be good around other breeds (with the usual careful introductions). So if you are looking to adopt a greyhound, there are so many lovely dogs waiting for a home. Our original residents are also waiting patiently and many of them are also good around other breeds. Finn and Bernie have also met other breeds successfully and both have been in a home before so are used to the home environment too.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Len and his adopter, Martin, attended Ware Cub Pack on Thursday and had a very enjoyable time. Martin said, "the cub pack...(had)...the usual level of enthusiasm and Len was his perennial docile and tolerant self"!
Sadly, the photos are a little blurry but it shows just how great greyhounds are around children and Len is such a great ambassador for his friends waiting at the Kennels for their special homes. His brother, Alan, is now at Whittingham and waiting for a home. He is very similar in temperament to Len so we know he will be a great addition to the home. Alan was tested around other breeds yesterday and found to be unreactive and good (with the usual initial care).
A huge thanks to Len and Martin for their time, commitment and devotion in promoting Whittingham. Their fundraising has been exceptional. (Please note this is not the staff member but a different 'Martin'!).
To adopt Alan or another Whittingham greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Louie and Pippa, along with their adopter, Claire, carried out their first therapy session with students at the University of Hertfordshire.
Claire said, "we know greyhounds are the perfect pet- but today we shared our love with others". They spoke to both staff and students and very kindly promoted Whittingham and the joys of rehoming a greyhound.
Well done Claire, Louie and Pippa
Three more new arrivals! Alan (black),
Tricia (blue/brindle)
and Monty (blue).
Monty is our Roxy's brother (he was known as 'Money', but we have tweaked it)! And Alan is the famous Len's brother. Len and his adopter have been giving another talk today so Alan has a lot to live up to! He is slightly smaller than his brother but very loving and shares happily with Tricia. We will be assessing them all further but all seem confident, happy and loving.
To adopt Boris or one of his friends, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you to our volunteers, James and Jo for the photo.
A huge thanks again to Caterina and family for giving her such a special home.
How the current kennel residents would all love to be so lucky and have a warm and loving home, especially in this weather.
A HUGE thank you to Graham (with Polly) for bringing a car load of stuff from food to bedding that he has collected; and to those who added to the supply. That's amazingly kind.
Thanks to everyone who supports us and to all who have helped with blankets, duvets etc recently.
Three more new arrivals today. They will be up for homing once we have assessed them but all seem beautiful, affectionate and friendly.
Dancer (in pink coat),
Paddy (fawn)
and Betsy (brindle and white)
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Yesterday, we had a new arrival called Cheeky; and were also delighted to see Betty into her new home.
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| Cheeky - greyhound looking for a home |
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| Betty at home |
Thanks very much to Anoushka for recommending adopting a greyhound to her family. We know she will be very loved.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We have so many with differing characters just waiting to love and be loved!
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| Sheene - greyhound looking for a home |
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| Rose - greyhound looking for a home |
There are more new arrivals over the next week too.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We are quite low on blankets and duvets. If anyone is having a clear out, please throw them our way. We can take any bedding of any kind unless it has feathers in it. With all the mud and washing, we are always in need of this type of thing.
Thanks very much to all who collect for us.
Items can be dropped at the Kennels any day between 10 and 3.
Update: thank you so much to everyone who has responded to our request
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Our two long termers: Max and Jack
If Max or Jack understandably don't suit you, we have a whole kennel full of other greyhounds who all need their own special home too. We have a range of individuals who are good with other breeds, friendly, clean, good on the lead and just want to love and be loved.
If you can offer a greyhound a loving home, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
(Clive is standing by the wall; Star is on the green mats in the paddocks).
Both are affectionate and friendly and will be further assessed as we get to know them.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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| Charlie at home |
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| Molly at home |
In other news...
You may have read that Henlow Stadium is closing soon. As you may know, we work with Henlow trainers so we have been keeping on top of the timings. Most trainers will go to (and are already at) other tracks, but we will now prioritise a few dogs that need to come in. (This is not the place for racing views so any comments will be removed). We will just continue to work in the best interests of the dogs and will continue to take in dogs from the same trainers who may have moved to other tracks. We are always being called by trainers nationwide who are looking for spaces...so we will just continue to take dogs from our waiting list. If we have space, we will transfer to other tracks officially, but at the moment, our waiting list of over 100 dogs is still very much in focus.
So if you are looking to adopt, now is the time! We are taking in many dogs throughout January so please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound (or two)!
Tracey has been updating the original page on the other account but we will transfer to the new page now so please do follow us! Thanks to her for the time she has put in. I'll be overseeing the new page so I will be getting the new page going.
In other news, a huge thanks to our Sunday volunteer, Jim and wife, Avril. They are so very generous and Jim also comes up in all weathers each Sunday evening to paddock. Last night was particularly bleak as it was suddenly raining and cold! Ouch!
And a huge thank you to our Saturday volunteer, Elissa, for asking for donations to Whittingham for her birthday. It is SO kind.
Thanks to everyone who supports us and let's make 2024 a good year for homing.
Despite this, we have managed to exceed last year's total. We prefer to focus on the individuals, but numbers inevitably come into play when we have over 100 dogs waiting to simply come in. So in 2023, we homed 88 dogs with a further three reserved to go home in January.
(Please note that returns are only counted once when they go to their forever homes). So this total is literally 88 dogs homed this year.
We are so grateful to our wonderful adopters who make the job worthwhile. Seeing the dogs being loved in a home is why we do this.
Whilst Whittingham had existed for many years, when we were forced to go independent as a charity, we were very concerned that we might not keep up with similar organisations. So whilst it is never a competition (a greyhound homed from anywhere is always to be celebrated), it is reassuring that we can take our place amongst other rehoming centres.
We hope we can find even more homes next year as it is clear that the numbers of greyhounds needing homes are vast and each one deserves a special and loving home. That said, we will always home check every home (unless you have adopted from us before and already had a home check) and will not compromise on homes. The important thing is to find the right home for each dog in our care and match appropriately for adopters' sakes too. This is why we ask for your circumstances and the type of home you can offer before you come to an appointment to meet the dog.
A huge thanks to the trustees, staff, volunteers, adopters, donors and supporters who all keep Whittingham going. It would not be possible without such a range of support and help. To all who spread the word that greyhounds make great additions to the home, thank you. Let's hope all the current residents find their special place in 2024.
Thank you so much to Peter and Jenny (with Fred), and to Tamara and Robert and all other donors for your kindness and generosity. It is so overwhelmingly kind and keeps Whittingham going.
We were delighted too, to see Donald reserved today and another couple considering Betty. It was also lovely to see some of our other adopters who visited too!
Separately, thanks to everyone who helped find Clover yesterday. We are so relieved she is home safely and it sounds like a wondeful community effort.
In the light of that (and just generally), please be aware of fireworks over new year and try to keep the TV on loudly and curtains closed. Please make sure you do the fishtail collar and lead up right behind the ears and that harnesses are fitted correctly. Should they be spooked, this makes it harder for them to break loose. If you can avoid walking after dark, that's ideal.
(We are able to offer further tips on fireworks if your dog is particularly worried).
To offer a greyhound a home, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We will post a full year's roundup on new year's eve but it would be lovely to get some more into loving homes beforehand!!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
A special thanks to Jo and Phil who came up in the rain today to help with some DIY stuff. Thank you.
Thanks to everyone who adopts, supports and spreads the word! Happy Boxing day!
To adopt a greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thanks so much to other senders of items for the dogs. It all helps so much. Thank you, Sally for the biscuits.
We were also delighted to hear that Bluebell (pictured) is settling well. She went home last weekend.
Thanks to her adopters and everyone who adopts and supports. It is so appreciated.
Thanks to dog groomer, Katie (with Lola and Merlin) for donating for each groom up to Christmas. She has groomed over 127 dogs and must have arms like Mr Tickle!!! So generous and kind of her.
And thank you to everyone who has donated via Gofundme or our bank account. We are so grateful for your generosity and support.
To adopt Ed or another Whittingham greyhound, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Wow. We have had a day of lifting! Huge thanks to Tim and Linda for staying all day and helping us with everything. Thanks to George from G Logistics for collecting a pallet load of dog food as a donation.
And we were very moved to receive gifts from Kathrine and Matthew in memory of Hero. And a lovely hamper from Sarah, Robbie and Gracie (with Jude). So so kind. We are so truly gratef