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.
Windy weather
Thank you, Lucille and family
Thank you so much to Lucille and family for all their collections. We really appreciate it.
Andy's day out
See our social channels for Andy's trip to Pets at Home - he was brilliant!
Thank you to Royal Canin
We are so blown away by the support of Royal Canin which has donated all this dog food today. Thank you so very much Royal Canin for all your support. And to Karen for emailing them.
Jerry says 'thank you'
Jerry would like to raise a nose-toast to Christine and donors (and buyers)!
A massive thank you to Christine for her amazing hard work in raising £400 from her online sales. People have been so generous with many purchasers rounding up their payments for the dogs. A special mention to those who donated items for Christine to sell: Judy Zatonski, Natalie Conway, Denise Dubarbier, Kerry Hill, Jean McDonnell, Heather Parkes and everyone who donated.
Surplus items will be available at our Christmas Open day on Sunday 15th December at the Kennels between 11 and 2.
Timmy says 'thank you'
Timmy was also photographed by Vickie. He's really keen to find himself a loving home. He says he has been with us too long so it must be his turn soon!
He would also like to thank Elaine (with Rachel) for the coats and say a huge thank you to Phil, assisted by Doreen, for mending our shed roof. He's also been overseeing the pipework for renovations to our borehole! 
To adopt Timmy or any other Whittingham hound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Foxy says 'thank you'
Foxy would like to thank Katherine, Yvonne, Karen, Janey, Sarah, Tim and Maisie for their donations. As well as Vickie and Val for their kindness and his lovely photo!Thanks to everyone for your support.wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Jason finds a home
We took Jason to his new home today. Thank you to Toots' adopter for recommending his new adopter.It is a very unusual home and very different environment with lots of other animals so he has a few challenges ahead, but we will keep everything crossed that he learns quickly. He's a very lucky boy!See Facebook and Instagram for the video of him playing with his toys and all snuggly in his new coat!To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com Homechecks apply.
Andy - back and needs a new home
Andy is back with us and looking for another home. He is 6yrs old, walks nicely on the lead and is very affectionate. We won't home him with small children as he likes his own space when asleep, but he is great around small dogs and loves his toys. He had a little trip out on Saturday with our TikTok creators and behaved impeccably.
To adopt Andy or any other Whittingham greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Calendars sold
Please note that all calendars are now sold. Thank you to everyone for your support. And to Judy for printing and producing them.
Lizzie has arrived and is looking for a home
Today we took in Lizzie. Lizzie was not originally homed by us but we were asked to take her in when her elderly owner could no longer cope. She was homed by her racing owner originally. We will need to sort her out with vaccinations etc and then she will be ready for homing. She is super affectionate, has been in a home, is very excited to be out and about and is 7yrs old. She is far from petite and dainty, but she is a lovely girl!
To adopt a Whittingham hound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Whittingham in the spotlight
This weeks community spotlight falls on the fabulous local charity Whittingham Kennels - Retired Greyhounds Charity They would love to hear from you if you would like to adopt a greyhound or support their work. They are passionate about greyhound rescue and adoption and adopt/rehome greyhounds to Essex, London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and beyond; generally areas within 1hr of Waltham Abbey. you can find their information and contact details in the Community Directory on the app
#walthamabbey #adoptagreyhound #walthamabbeymums #eppingmums #walthamcross #enfieldlove #lovedogsforever #walthamcross #eppingforest #enfield #loughton #chingford #broxbourne
Foxy says thank you
Foxy, our resident dalmatian lookalike, would love a new home. He's quite petite and very loving. He is 6yrs old and yes, he is a greyhound!
In the meantime, he would also like to thank Leshantha (with Jake and Una) and Hannah (with Billy) for their generosity, and Sarah for her donations this morning and everyone else who has been sending parcels and donations. Thank you so much.
To offer Foxy or one of his friends a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Frankie, Sid and thank you
We were delighted to see Frankie home today. She continued to do really well with the little dogs so we will keep everything crossed that she settles well. We were also delighted to see Sid home too. He has gone with another of our greyhounds as well as their corgi. Thanks so much to both sets of adopters.
Sadly, it is always two steps forward and one step back as Andy (who was rehomed in August) is being returned. We will put him back up for adoption when he comes in.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Christmas Open Day
Meeting our greyhounds...
When you enquire about adopting, we ask you for information about the sort of home you can offer one of our greyhounds. We will ask a range of questions so we can have a think about which dogs will suit your circumstances most appropriately. All the greyhounds have similar characteristics, but also their own unique personality and suitability.
If you have other dogs, we will arrange a time to visit so you can bring your other dogs with you to meet any hopeful candidates to adopt.
This is Frankie who did really well with the dogs belonging to her lovely new potential adopters. She is scheduled to go home on Wednesday after the obligatory homechecks etc. She did so well and we were so proud of her!
Alice, Fi and Mavis also met little dogs over the weekend and did really well. We hope their turn will come soon too.
Thank you to all who visited.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
All the available dogs can be seen on our website: www.wkretiredgreyhounds.co.uk
Support us via Pets at Home
Don't forget you can support Retired Greyhounds Charity, Whittingham Kennels via your VIP card when you shop at Pets at Home. Just select us as your charity and we will get lifeline vouchers to spend in store! (You used to have to select Hendon Branch but I understand that we can now be selected generally). Thanks so much!
Feeling blue!
We are all turning a bit blue today (!!) with the cold weather so those of us who are meant to be blue are making the most of publicising their plight. They would all love to be in good homes and out of the Kennels. Midus is reserved pending confirmation, and Fi (pictured) and Sid would love homes too. We know Sid is great in a home environment and proved himself to be completely clean at home too. Could you offer Fi, Sid or any of our residents a loving home?
Koko and her siblings
Koko and her ears are pleased to introduce themselves. She and her brother, Midus, are new arrivals and the siblings of previously homed dogs, Xanadu and Julietta. (They are also half siblings to Sheene who is also with us looking for a home). They all have similar temperaments and are really lovely dogs; ideal for a first time greyhound adopter. Midus is reserved so let's get Koko a home too!To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Mavis; and thank you
Mavis, the rescued lurcher, would like to introduce herself and also thank the recent donors for their generosity. Thank you to Michelle for the Butchers donation from Pets at Home, and Leonard the greyhound for the amazon donations.Mavis is looking for a home. She's great around smaller breeds and smaller than the greyhounds (but bigger than a whippet). She travels really well in the car and is so affectionate and loving. She loves to jump up to give cuddles!
3 years - 19th November
Today is the third anniversary of our independent charity. Whittingham Kennels already existed to home greyhounds and had been set up for over 25 years prior to this. But we had to form an independent charity to continue its work after the death of its founder in January 2021.
It was a real struggle, particularly at the start, with all the legal formalities, interpretation and costs. And like all rehoming/rescue kennels, the struggle continues with endless dogs needing a space and very few offers of homes at the moment. Of course, it can be soul destroying with so many dogs waiting, but the best part is seeing the dogs go home and bringing in new dogs. So we have pushed through and stabilised things, continued rehoming as many dogs as possible to loving homes and also continued our place amongst other rehoming/rescue kennels. Thank you to everyone who supports us. We have known many of our adopters and supporters for nearly 20yrs and are so grateful for your continued support and the loving homes that you give our dogs.Please do continue to spread the word about the numbers of greyhounds and lurchers nationwide who need a home. To adopt from Whittingham, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Bert
Many will remember Bert, the lurcher we took in after he had served his time in the pound. He went home last week with the wonderful Fiona who also has Jet the greyhound from us (as well as other rescued breeds). Here is Bert on a walk, doing well so far. We can't thank Fiona enough for giving him a chance. He was an unusual chap for us to home but we all absolutely adored him as we got to know him.
To offer a greyhound (or the occasional lurcher) a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Lady settling at home; appeal for the returned dogs
Lady has been settling into her new home this week and we are delighted that she's doing well. She's a very lucky girl to be back in a home just before the cold weather sets in fully.
Those dogs who have previously been in a home really know what they are missing. Although we keep the kennels as warm as possible, it is not the same as having a loving home.
So if you can offer our other returned dogs a home (especially El, Rhino or Jerry), they would be very grateful.
Of course, if these particular dogs don't fit your circumstances, we also have another 20 dogs who would be very happy to be in a loving home too! We have dogs with a range of personality! They all want a warm, loving home and have lots of love to give!
They can all be seen on our website: www.wkretiredgreyhounds.co.uk
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you!
Thank you so much to Stacey, Linsey and Lucy for all the donations. We are so grateful to everyone who supports us. And the dogs love the treats!
Our Opening Hours
Just a friendly reminder to all our visitors and volunteers that we are open between 10 and 3. Walking the dogs is only from 10am so staff starting at 7.30am can get the cleaning and feeding done before visitors arrive. Thanks very much for all your support.
Living with other animals
Here are former residents, Mabel (was May) (with her spaniel friend) and Opie (with her feline friend eating her dinner) showing that greyhounds can be homed with other animals including cats and other breeds. If you have other animals in your home, just let your adoption centre know and we will match you with suitable greyhounds to choose between.
If you have cats, you may have to wait for the right dog to come along; but if you have small dogs, we have several dogs in the Kennels who would be right for you! Just get in touch and email us to enquire about adopting: wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
(Obviously Mabel and Opie are happily homed and not available!!)
We will remember them
Today we remember the humans and animals who have heroically served, suffered, been injured and died as a result of human conflict. The red poppy commemorates the human casualties, the purple poppy commemorates the animal victims and the Nowzad poppy is brought out each year in honour of its foundation as a result of military action and also commemorates animal and human victims of war.
Horses are the most obvious animal which have been used in human combat over centuries, suffering and dying alongside their human soldiers; but other animals from glow worms, pigeons, camels to elephants (and all sorts of animal mascots) have served. They are honoured at the Animals in War Memorial on Park Lane. Dogs also played and continue to play multiple roles in war zones. This ranges from those directly involved in combat, to search and rescue dogs, message carriers and sniffing out mines. Dogs have been the main recipient of the The Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. 
Dogs (and other animals) can also bring great comfort to those deployed in military action so we should remember their loyalty and companionship in all circumstances and strive to reflect that loyalty to them in our own relationships with dogs (and other animals).We remember the casualties of all previous wars but also remember that there are many conflicts still raging across the world, with both human and animal victims (both military and civilian) on all sides. We will remember them.
Rhino has a day out
Rhino went out last weekend to an enclosed dog park with our TikTok coordinator and stars, Elissa and Louis. It was really lovely for him to have some individual attention. He loved it! He ran around the full perimeter fence with his large toy carrot and had a fabulous time. He would so love to be in a home again. He's great with other greyhounds and loves affection and his food. He is house trained and even talks to you! His only downside is that he does need careful handling around other breeds. But that would improve with the right person.
Thanks again to our super volunteers for giving him an expedition and a lovely day out.
Now we just need an adopter to make his day too!
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com for more information about our adoption process.
Thank you Clare, and Claire and Mimram Vets
Thank you to Clare and family for their donations; and to Claire and everyone at Mimram vets for collecting so much bedding etc for us. Every bit helps to keep Whittingham going.Adoption enquiries are almost non-existent so if you would like to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We have so many dogs waiting for loving homes and a waiting list of over 100 dogs. It is taking over a year for dogs to make it into us once they go on the list.Thank you.
Thank you to Butchers Dog Food
We are blown away by the generosity of Butchers Dog Food which has donated a pallet of food amounting to 196 boxes. This will keep us going for ages. Thank you so much #butchersdogfood Mind blown!!! wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Alice and Carol join us to find homes
Alice (brindle and white) and Carol (black and white) joined us last week to begin their search for a loving home. Both are gentle and friendly and happily share their kennels. They seem fine around other breeds with the usual careful introductions.
If you can offer one of our dogs a loving home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Homechecks apply.
Winks and Xanadu find a home; thank you to Wendy
A huge thank you to Wendy who so kindly ordered us some coats and has donated so many items for our Christmas gathering too. A special mention to Lucy from freemakerhounds.com and Deborah from greathounds.co.uk for sending some more for our charity too. So very kind.Thank you to their lovely adopters. If you'd like to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com We have so many who would love to slot into your home!
Jet says thank you...
Jet would like to say a massive thank you to Graham with Polly who came today with donations and money raised from his disco. We are so grateful for all his efforts and dedication. And to Shefford bowls club which raised £60 at their disco.
And a huge thank you to Christine who works so hard raising money on items sold through Facebook and also came with tons of duvets yesterday.
Thank you everyone for all your support.
This time of year...
Our greyhounds have been starring on our TikTok page for Halloween. Foxy lived up to his racing name and Sheene made a marvelous ghost too!! All the dogs had a go in the Spooky Square, as masterfully demonstrated by Lokie in this photo! Lokie is still looking for a home so could you make it a day of thrills (not chills) for him?
(All the greyhounds enjoyed it, although our fence and props were at risk after a squirrel was spotted!!)! 
(Update: all decorations were removed after photos taken as we know they can be a hazard to wildlife).Did you know that Halloween is actually called All Saints' Eve, the eve of the Christian feast of All Hallows' Day? At this time, the dead, including saints and all the departed are remembered. It has rather morphed into a time of mock horror in western culture, but this was its origin. 
Will, sadly no longer with us, but proudly wearing his flower garland. 
(You can read his story in his book, "Where there's a Will...) available on amazon!
Today is also a special day this year for those who celebrate Diwali, the festival of light. Fireworks and lighting of candles celebrate good over evil (light over dark). In Nepal and other places, dogs are celebrated on the second day, showered with flower garlands and given food to celebrate the friendship that dogs bring to humans. This also links into the lovely concept of ahimsa (non-harming), heralded by religions originating in India and surrounding regions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism.
So come and be a saint and adopt a greyhound to bring them some good news! We have so many needing homes and they are desperate to get out of kennels and find loving adopters.(On a separate note, please also be aware that greyhounds may be fearful of fireworks at this time of year and around November 5th etc. Keep curtains closed, television volume turned up loudly and distract them with a game or treat to keep things positive). To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
8yr old, El needs a new home
El is 8yrs old and has sadly been returned. She was at home for over 2yrs and is house-trained, good with other dogs, good on the lead and an all-round lovely girl. She won't be homed with young children as she likes her own space but otherwise, she will make a great addition to the home. It is so sad to see her waiting in Kennels when she knows what it means to be at home.
To offer El a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We would also like to say a huge thank you to Ruth and Mike (with Leon and Indie); and Lucie for all their parcels/donations. It keeps our kennel dogs happy!
What an elite group!
If you adopt a greyhound, you won't just have a new family member and lifetime of unconditional love, but you will have joined a whole other community! You won't be able to pass another greyhound on a walk without asking from where the dog was adopted and comparing greyhound stories!
But don't worry! You will be among a very prestigious group of people. Many celebrities/well known individuals have also adopted greyhounds. You can also claim to be rubbing shoulders with royalty as amongst those who had greyhounds were the Pharoahs of Egypt, Queen Victoria's husband (Prince Albert), and Henry VIII (represented here by his wife, Anne Bearleyn and her greyhound companion!!!!!!) (sorry, we just had to use her in a post)!
Modern day adopters are many and include author Jilly Cooper (whose book 'Rivals' is being shown on Disney Plus), author J K Rowling of Harry Potter fame, actor Annette Crosbie from One Foot in the Grave, Charlie Watts from the Rowling Stones and singer, Russell Watson.What an elite bunch you would join if you adopt a greyhound!But more importantly, you will help a dog into a loving home and help us to help even more greyhounds in the process. So to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Rhino is desperately looking for a home
Rhino is still seeking a new home after being returned in July from his original home where he lived for a year. This was through absolutely no fault of his own so we really want his special home to come along. He is getting stressed in a kennel environment and would be wonderful at home. He is house trained, has lived happily with other greyhounds and is good with everyone. He is confident and friendly and just wants love. He would be best suited to go with people who have had greyhounds before as he does need work around other breeds. He loves to sleep on his bed upside down with his legs in the air (as so many do)!
To offer Rhino or any Whittingham hound a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Don't forget the boys!
Let's hear it for the boys!
Timmy - looking for a home
Male greyhounds are just as lovely as the girls so if you are considering adopting a greyhound, please do look at the boys too. The size difference is often marginal and the boys deserve a chance too. They have great temperaments. Here are just two of our boys awaiting their homes. They'd love to find a place with you.
Sheene - looking for a home
To offer a greyhound a home, (whether it is a male or female greyhound), email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Leo (was Sammy) at home
Some dogs wait too long for their homes but when they find their special place, they really fall on their feet. Sammy lurcher, now Leo, is a very lucky boy and we've just received the video of him playing with other dogs.
Michelle has always adopted long stay dogs (for many years) who have needed work around other breeds. So she deserves one that is good! We knew he was bomb proof around other breeds, albeit energetically! As he's very active, we think Michelle and Ellie are amazing for being so patient. Huge thanks again to them for giving Leo the best of homes.
Winks is looking for a home
Winks is a dear little soul who would love a home. Her sister, Dreamer, went home yesterday with one of our previous volunteers. So Winks would love to find her home now. She is great with other greyhounds, friendly and confident and good on the lead. She is 5yrs old.
To adopt Winks or any Whittingham Kennels - Retired Greyhounds Charity greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Rodney finds a home
After his exemplary performance last week on his trip to Loughton, Rodney went home yesterday and, although there are a few new things to grasp, he is doing well so far. He wasn't best impressed by the weather this morning though!! A huge thanks to his adopter.We have so many lovely dogs waiting for their homes, including El (who is 8yrs old and been in a home) and Lady (who is 6yrs old and been in a home). To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Sammy lurcher finds a very special home
Sammy lurcher (now Leo) went home today and has finally crashed on the sofa after a few manic hours!!! He is SO lucky to go to such special adopters. We can't thank them enough. They've adopted many dogs from us over the years and he has really fallen on his paws. We look forward to further updates and hope he calms down quickly!!
To adopt a greyhound (or the occasional lurcher), email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Rodney hits the town!
Keep an eye on our TikTok page to see Rodney's adventure to Loughton with our volunteers, Elissa and Louis. He was an absolute star and perfect around other breeds (and promoting Whittingham in his yellow coat)!
Well done to them!
To adopt Rodney or another of his Whittingham friends, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thank you for the donations
Thanks so much to Martyn and Chloe (with Balo) and to Ann for their donations. And thanks to Mel (with Mocha), Wendy (with Honey) and Sue for sending items too. We are so grateful for your generosity.Do keep an eye on the Facebook page for auction items, hosted by Christine Turner. Thank you so much to her for all her dedication.
And a huge thanks to Leshantha with Jake and Una, Martyn and Chloe with Balo and Sue for their huge generosity. New girls, Winks (brindle) and Dreamer (black/white) would also like to say hello!!
And thank you to the sender of all the tins. Amazing! And to Mel, Wendy, Susan and others for their donations this week. We truly can't thank you enough.
El (Eleven) says thank you and seeks a new home
El (Eleven) would like to thank everyone from Enfield greyhound walking group who raised £55 from GGGW. Amazing. Thanks so much for thinking of us.
El is looking for a home. She is 8yrs old and sadly been returned due to a new baby in the home. She is good with other dogs and house trained but we won't home her with young children as she likes her own space. We hope she won't be waiting too long for her forever home now the weather is turning colder.
To offer El or another Whittingham hound a home, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Would you consider nominating us?
If anyone would like to nominate us, we would be very grateful! It helps to highlight the work we do and promote the work of rehoming greyhounds if we are nominated. Thank you so much! www.petplancharity.co.ukCharity is: Whittingham Kennels; postcode: EN9 2BL Thank you!
Do you need a dog walker or carer for your animals?
Our brilliant volunteer and TikTok coordinator, Elissa, has set up her own business and so we are sharing the details in case our followers are looking for a trusted walker/etc. Contact Elissa directly to find out her availability. She will cover a 30 mins radius around Chigwell.
Services include dog walking, pop in playtimes, small animal attention and doggy days in. Please call/text 07412923245 or email elissatuvey@gmail.com
Luna and May find homes
Adoption enquiries are sadly slow, but we are so thrilled to share the photos of two dogs recently homed. Luna with her monkey toy and Mabel (was May) with her new friend.
If you would like to add a special greyhound friend to your family, please get in touch. We have so many lovely dogs of all temperaments with so much love to give.
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com for more information about adopting a greyhound.
Animal Welfare Sunday pt 2!
Animal Welfare Sunday was a great success at the church led by (and attended by) several of our adopters. Pictured Whittingham greyhounds (Grace (so appropriately named too!!), Fred, Jeff and Colleen) were out in full representative force too. They were brilliantly behaved with all the other four legged members of the congregation as well. We love this! Thank you to Peter for sending us the photos.
Animal Welfare Sunday
Today is Animal Welfare Sunday, held on the Sunday nearest to the feast day (4th October) of St Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of animals.We know several of our adopters are holding/attending services today and that greyhounds will be well represented.
There is so much need for more welfare for all animals across the world. We also remember those animal friends, past and present.St Francis is an interesting character in himself. He was born in around 1181. His father was a wealthy merchant and it is likely that Francis lived an indulgent lifestyle in his youth. However, he was inspired to rebuild a church near Assisi after a pilgrimage to Rome, much to the disapproval of his father. He renounced his inheritance and lived as a beggar, restoring churches and nursing lepers. In 1210, the Franciscan order was officially recognised by the Pope. He travelled widely, was shipwrecked, was said to have visited Egypt during the fifth crusade and received the stigmata (the wounds of Jesus) before his death.
He was known for his love of animals and believed nature was the mirror of God. He regarded all
creatures as his brothers and sisters and is known for preaching to the birds (and for asking them to stop singing so he could be heard)! He also befriended a wolf in the town of Gubbio that had been feared by the inhabitants of the town. Francis arranged for the wolf to be fed and the wolf agreed to stop attacking the town in return. Francis set up the first known nativity scene in which the animals played an important role in acknowledging the birth of Jesus.The example of St Francis' love for animals can be an inspiration to those of all faiths and none. His story also inspires secular authors today. We see it ourselves in the greyhounds - they each have their own unique individuality and story; and are also part of the bigger picture of the welfare that should be in place for their breed and all animals. We can do our bit by adopting a greyhound and also experience the loving bond that the adoption brings in itself, enriching the life of both human and greyhound.To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Frankie says, thank you
New girl, Frankie, would like to thank Susan (with Kitty) for the dog food and also thank everyone who sends supplies. To adopt Frankie or one of her friends, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Rodney - new greyhound looking for a home
Rodney is one of our new arrivals. All three newbies have the same names as those who have been recently homed! Let's hope that is a good omen for them to find loving homes too!!
Rodney is very gentle and shares with other greyhounds happily. He will be tested around other breeds asap and we will update his profile as we get to know him. But he seems a super chap!
To adopt Rodney or any of his Whittingham friends, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Our 2025 calendars!
Our calendars make the perfect present (for yourself or anyone you know)!
£10 each from the kennels or £10 plus £2 postage if you would like it sent to you.
Email: wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to buy one!
National Black Dog Day
Xanadu
It's National Black Dog Day so we are sharing two special dogs who need a loving home: Xanadu and Boris, both are beautiful boys. Most of the dogs in the Kennels are black and such lovely dogs that it is a travesty that they can be overlooked.
Boris
At Whittingham, we always stress the importance of temperament over colour. We have some lovely dogs looking for homes at the moment.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Rocky and Lokie need a chance
Whilst most of the dogs we have looking for homes are confident and waggy, we have two nervous boys who don't help their own cause because they bark at new people. Understandably, this puts potential adopters off! It is such a shame as both are absolutely lovely once they know you. They trust the staff and volunteers completely and you wouldn't know they were nervous unless you saw their reaction around new people. They enjoy their walks etc, but look to those they know for reassurance.
They just need someone to give them a chance. Lokie (fawn) is so good when out of his kennel and Rocky (brindle) is lovely too. We know they will be so loyal when they bond to the right person.Could you help one of these boys find their perfect home?Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Betsy and Brew find a home; so many others are waiting
Brew
We were delighted to see Brew and Betsy into their home today. We hold our breath as they settle but Betsy has already found the toys! Thank you to their lovely adopters. 
Betsy
If anyone is thinking about adopting a greyhound, now is the time! Animal welfare across the country is at crisis point for all breeds; and there are literally hundreds (if not, thousands) of greyhounds who need a loving home. Adopting one will change the world for that dog and also help us bring in another needy dog who is waiting to just get into rehoming kennels.Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com for more information.
Lady needs a new home
Appeal for LadyLady is looking for a new home due to the imminent arrival of a new baby. No negative comments please - let's just try to get her a new loving home. She is 6yrs old, house trained and has lived at home for over 2yrs. She likes her own space so won't be homed with small children. She's good with the majority of other breeds, including small dogs and is house trained and used to the home environment. She's a petite girl, very cuddly and a lovely dog. She is currently still with her adopters but anyone who is interested can arrange a time at the Kennels to meet her.
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com And please share. Thank you.
Knit for Whitt!
Knit for Whitt!
Don't forget that our wonderful supporter, Erssie, continues to raise money for Whittingham by donating every penny from the sale of her knitting patterns. 100% of Erssie's pattern revenue for all patterns sold from her store is forwarded monthly to Whittingham Kennels - Retired Greyhounds Charity.
Your dogs would love you to knit them a snood for winter! They'd be the envy of all their friends!Dizzy Lily: A Snood For A Hound:Knitting pattern by Erssie. The knitting pattern has been professionally written in standard style for the UK and US, including both metric and imperial measurements. The pattern has been checked thoroughly for errata by a technical editor from the publishing industry. Available to download as a PDF for £4Link to the Ravelry Store pattern details: Sizes: To fit greyhounds Small (Medium, Large & Extra Large)Yarns: Aran (worsted) weight yarnNeedles: 1 set of double pointed needles to knit in the round seamlessly. Instructions: Standard UK Pattern Style with abbreviations and glossary of terms. A pattern along with a charity licence to knit multiple snood to sell for fundraising is available on request via my profile, erssie, on ravelry.com. Charity knitters will have to provide full details and proof of knitting for a charity to apply for a free pack.
Alice finds a home; Peter wins a coat!
We were delighted to see Alice into a loving home yesterday with one of our lovely Sunday volunteers. What a lucky girl she is and she's already been playing with toys and enjoying the views from the house! We wish her our best as she continues to settle in. And a huge thanks to her adopters too.
In other news, we are pleased to announce the winner of the knitted coat (thanks to Francesca Ziccardi, adopter of Udon for raising money this way with such a talent). The winner was Peter, adopter of Fred and Colleen. Peter is so supportive and been a true champion of greyhounds for many years so we are thrilled. 
Sylvie checks out Dogfest
Sylvie checked out Dogfest, Knebworth today. Whilst we didn't have a stall, we were given tickets so took the opportunity to promote Whittingham and greyhound adoption in general in our T-shirt!! We gravitated to other greyhound adopters and met a lovely adopted dog from our neighbours at Barley too. Sylvie was impeccably behaved with all the other breeds.
It was also an honour to visit the amazing people at the Nowzad charity stand and let Sylvie meet little Ewok who had travelled on the evacuation flight from Afghanistan three years ago. What little Ewok has been through is quite astounding. (If you haven't read Operation Ark by Pen Farthing, please do buy the book and support their amazing work). 
We hope to be back again next year and promote greyhound adoption more strongly. We feel they were under-represented so we would like to correct that!To adopt a greyhound or support Whittingham, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Betsy models our human T-Shirt!
Update: The T-Shirts are officially for humans - they may need a belt if worn by the dogs!! Apologies for not clarifying that in the original post!
Who needs a catwalk, when you have a dogwalk? Betsy is the perfect model for our T-shirts. And she was also lucky enough to be reserved yesterday. Thank you to all our lovely visitors yesterday who reserved two pairs. We were thrilled.
An amazing total - thank you!
What an amazing total from our Sunday walk/event. Thank you so much again to everyone who came and donated so generously; and again to our magnificent stall holders. A massive £1712 was raised (including over £573 on Sim's delicious food stall alone). As a small charity, this really helps keep us going. Thank you so much again.
Sid thanks for the biscuits
Sid would like to thank the sender of the Wagg biscuits. He is looking for a home too!
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound
Rodney falls on his paws with Hamish
We were delighted to see Rodney (originally Captain) go home with the wonderful adopters of Hamish. The two boys got on really well and we can't thank his adopters enough for choosing the dog that would be the harder to home. Rodney was so stressed in Kennels after being in a home. He was a particular favourite of our volunteer, Diane who was coming up even more frequently to take him out to try to help him. Sim got some great photos and we were so pleased Diane was there to see him off.
We now hold our breath until he settles, but the first pictures of him at home show that he has found the sofa in less than an hour!Thanks so much again to his special adopters and everyone who has helped him whilst he's been back in Kennels.
September walk 2024 
A massive thank you to everyone who came to our walk/open day today. We were so lucky with the weather and to have such a wonderful turnout with such lovely adopters and supporters. We are always so touched when people take the time to come and it is truly appreciated. And it is lovely to see so many of our adopted dogs again too.
A humongous thank you to the incredible Sim for her truly amazing baking. The hours it takes to prepare everything are above and beyond, and she so generously donates everything too. She is so talented and the praise we receive for her cakes is off the scale! (And she'd been there since 7am sorting all the dogs out too).Another whopping thank you to our incredibly supportive volunteers on the day too. Natalie expertly oversaw the raffle and is such a valued member of our team at the events. She's amazing! And Linda was an absolute godsend, along with Doreen in the kitchen working away behind the scenes and helping to set up and clear away. Thanks too, to Jackie, our lovely trustee, who also jumped behind a stall, and to Val, Elissa and Louis for their help too. Louis won his boxing fight yesterday so we are very proud of him too!
Our neighbours were so accommodating with the parking which really helps. Thank you to them.
Martin also started at 7am, but still managed to lead the walk and took the group on a lovely walk. It is always lovely to see such a massive group of dogs, all behaving impeccably, disappear down the field into the woods. All the greyhounds who are looking for homes went too. And Lurchers, Bert and Sammy, (along with other lurchers we have homed), joined the group as well. Thanks to everyone who walked a kennel dog, especially Shona who willingly took Bert at the back of the group.This was followed by Sim's food, raffle and general socialising. We still have calendars and other merchandise for sale so do get in touch if you'd like to buy one. £10 per calendar plus £2 postage. Thank you so much again for all your support and for joining us today. We look forward to seeing you next time and do come and adopt a greyhound in the meantime!!Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Event ready
We are looking forward to seeing everyone for our walk at 11am followed by Sim's delicious food. She's amazing!
Our neighbours have kindly helped with parking. We can't thank them enough too.See you soon!
Xanadu needs a new home
Xanadu is back up for rehoming after his reserve fell through. He would be the perfect addition to a home so let's find him one!
He's good with other dogs and other greyhounds, house-trained and has been in a home before. He would prefer older children, but otherwise is one of the easiest dogs we have in the Kennels for homing.
New dogs and new shed!
Introducing new girls, Mel (black) and Luna (blue). Both arrived today to begin their search for a loving home. Like all the new arrivals, they have been waiting for a long time for a space to become available. We hope they don't have to wait too long with us.
And a massive thank you to volunteers, Phil and Doreen who spent all day putting together our new shed yesterday, completed by Phil today. It will house all the equipment for the mammoth task that is mowing the paddocks. We are so grateful for their help and Phil's expertise. Most of us would have given up and lobbed it into the field just ten minutes into construction!! ()
Rocky says thank you!
Rocky and all of us at Whittingham want to say a HUGE thank you to Dee from Aggregate Industries who have again supported us with a large donation of dog food. It makes such a massive difference to small charities.
And a MAMMOTH thank you to Wendy for her kindness in thinking of us with donations in memory of her parents who were massive dog lovers and often visited us.
We are blown away by the kindness of everyone who donates and supports us.
Thank you so much.
Rocky and his friends would love to fall on their paws in a loving home. They generally adjust to home life so quickly so if you would like to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Win a jumper!
Thanks so much to Fran, Udon's very talented adotper, for crocheting and raffling this greyhound coat to raise funds for Whittingham. Please see the details in the post to enter the competition to win the coat.
(We will even throw in a dog to go with the coat if you'd like to adopt one)!
Thanks for your support!
Brew says thank you!
New boy, Brew, would like to introduce himself and also say thank you to Shannon and to Susan (with Kitty) for their kind parcels this week.
Huge thanks also to Wendy for her generosity and kindness.
We have so many greyhounds waiting for a loving home. And TONS of dogs waiting to come to us. Brew was waiting for many months for a space. He's a lovely boy and we will be assessing him further as we get to know him.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Pixie finds a home
Pixie fell on her paws tonight with lovely adopters and is already making the most of home comforts. We will keep everything crossed that she settles well and hopefully she'll become a greyhound ambassador for her area!
Thanks so much to her adopters.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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 
A massive thank you to Christine for her amazing hard work in raising £400 from her online sales. People have been so generous with many purchasers rounding up their payments for the dogs. A special mention to those who donated items for Christine to sell: Judy Zatonski, Natalie Conway, Denise Dubarbier, Kerry Hill, Jean McDonnell, Heather Parkes and everyone who donated.
Surplus items will be available at our Christmas Open day on Sunday 15th December at the Kennels between 11 and 2.
He would also like to thank Elaine (with Rachel) for the coats and say a huge thank you to Phil, assisted by Doreen, for mending our shed roof. He's also been overseeing the pipework for renovations to our borehole!
To adopt Timmy or any other Whittingham hound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Foxy would like to thank Katherine, Yvonne, Karen, Janey, Sarah, Tim and Maisie for their donations. As well as Vickie and Val for their kindness and his lovely photo!
Thanks to everyone for your support.
wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We took Jason to his new home today. Thank you to Toots' adopter for recommending his new adopter.
It is a very unusual home and very different environment with lots of other animals so he has a few challenges ahead, but we will keep everything crossed that he learns quickly. He's a very lucky boy!
See Facebook and Instagram for the video of him playing with his toys and all snuggly in his new coat!
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Homechecks apply.
To adopt Andy or any other Whittingham greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt a Whittingham hound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
#walthamabbey #adoptagreyhound #walthamabbeymums #eppingmums #walthamcross #enfieldlove #lovedogsforever #walthamcross #eppingforest #enfield #loughton #chingford #broxbourne
In the meantime, he would also like to thank Leshantha (with Jake and Una) and Hannah (with Billy) for their generosity, and Sarah for her donations this morning and everyone else who has been sending parcels and donations. Thank you so much.
To offer Foxy or one of his friends a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Sadly, it is always two steps forward and one step back as Andy (who was rehomed in August) is being returned. We will put him back up for adoption when he comes in.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
If you have other dogs, we will arrange a time to visit so you can bring your other dogs with you to meet any hopeful candidates to adopt.
This is Frankie who did really well with the dogs belonging to her lovely new potential adopters. She is scheduled to go home on Wednesday after the obligatory homechecks etc. She did so well and we were so proud of her!
Alice, Fi and Mavis also met little dogs over the weekend and did really well. We hope their turn will come soon too.
Thank you to all who visited.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
All the available dogs can be seen on our website: www.wkretiredgreyhounds.co.uk
Could you offer Fi, Sid or any of our residents a loving home?
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Mavis is looking for a home. She's great around smaller breeds and smaller than the greyhounds (but bigger than a whippet). She travels really well in the car and is so affectionate and loving. She loves to jump up to give cuddles!
It was a real struggle, particularly at the start, with all the legal formalities, interpretation and costs. And like all rehoming/rescue kennels, the struggle continues with endless dogs needing a space and very few offers of homes at the moment. Of course, it can be soul destroying with so many dogs waiting, but the best part is seeing the dogs go home and bringing in new dogs. So we have pushed through and stabilised things, continued rehoming as many dogs as possible to loving homes and also continued our place amongst other rehoming/rescue kennels.
Thank you to everyone who supports us. We have known many of our adopters and supporters for nearly 20yrs and are so grateful for your continued support and the loving homes that you give our dogs.
Please do continue to spread the word about the numbers of greyhounds and lurchers nationwide who need a home.
To adopt from Whittingham, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To offer a greyhound (or the occasional lurcher) a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Those dogs who have previously been in a home really know what they are missing. Although we keep the kennels as warm as possible, it is not the same as having a loving home.
So if you can offer our other returned dogs a home (especially El, Rhino or Jerry), they would be very grateful.
Of course, if these particular dogs don't fit your circumstances, we also have another 20 dogs who would be very happy to be in a loving home too! We have dogs with a range of personality! They all want a warm, loving home and have lots of love to give!
They can all be seen on our website: www.wkretiredgreyhounds.co.uk
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Just a friendly reminder to all our visitors and volunteers that we are open between 10 and 3. Walking the dogs is only from 10am so staff starting at 7.30am can get the cleaning and feeding done before visitors arrive.
Thanks very much for all your support.
If you have cats, you may have to wait for the right dog to come along; but if you have small dogs, we have several dogs in the Kennels who would be right for you!
Just get in touch and email us to enquire about adopting: wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
(Obviously Mabel and Opie are happily homed and not available!!)
Horses are the most obvious animal which have been used in human combat over centuries, suffering and dying alongside their human soldiers; but other animals from glow worms, pigeons, camels to elephants (and all sorts of animal mascots) have served. They are honoured at the Animals in War Memorial on Park Lane.
Dogs also played and continue to play multiple roles in war zones. This ranges from those directly involved in combat, to search and rescue dogs, message carriers and sniffing out mines. Dogs have been the main recipient of the The Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
Dogs (and other animals) can also bring great comfort to those deployed in military action so we should remember their loyalty and companionship in all circumstances and strive to reflect that loyalty to them in our own relationships with dogs (and other animals).
We remember the casualties of all previous wars but also remember that there are many conflicts still raging across the world, with both human and animal victims (both military and civilian) on all sides.
We will remember them.
Thanks again to our super volunteers for giving him an expedition and a lovely day out.
Now we just need an adopter to make his day too!
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com for more information about our adoption process.
Adoption enquiries are almost non-existent so if you would like to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We have so many dogs waiting for loving homes and a waiting list of over 100 dogs. It is taking over a year for dogs to make it into us once they go on the list.
Thank you.
Mind blown!!!
wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
If you can offer one of our dogs a loving home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Homechecks apply.
Thank you to their lovely adopters.
If you'd like to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We have so many who would love to slot into your home!
And a huge thank you to Christine who works so hard raising money on items sold through Facebook and also came with tons of duvets yesterday.
Thank you everyone for all your support.
(All the greyhounds enjoyed it, although our fence and props were at risk after a squirrel was spotted!!)!
(Update: all decorations were removed after photos taken as we know they can be a hazard to wildlife).
Did you know that Halloween is actually called All Saints' Eve, the eve of the Christian feast of All Hallows' Day? At this time, the dead, including saints and all the departed are remembered. It has rather morphed into a time of mock horror in western culture, but this was its origin.
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| Will, sadly no longer with us, but proudly wearing his flower garland. (You can read his story in his book, "Where there's a Will...) available on amazon! |
So come and be a saint and adopt a greyhound to bring them some good news! We have so many needing homes and they are desperate to get out of kennels and find loving adopters.
(On a separate note, please also be aware that greyhounds may be fearful of fireworks at this time of year and around November 5th etc. Keep curtains closed, television volume turned up loudly and distract them with a game or treat to keep things positive).
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To offer El a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
We would also like to say a huge thank you to Ruth and Mike (with Leon and Indie); and Lucie for all their parcels/donations. It keeps our kennel dogs happy!
If you adopt a greyhound, you won't just have a new family member and lifetime of unconditional love, but you will have joined a whole other community! You won't be able to pass another greyhound on a walk without asking from where the dog was adopted and comparing greyhound stories!
Modern day adopters are many and include author Jilly Cooper (whose book 'Rivals' is being shown on Disney Plus), author J K Rowling of Harry Potter fame, actor Annette Crosbie from One Foot in the Grave, Charlie Watts from the Rowling Stones and singer, Russell Watson.
What an elite bunch you would join if you adopt a greyhound!
But more importantly, you will help a dog into a loving home and help us to help even more greyhounds in the process.
So to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To offer Rhino or any Whittingham hound a home, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Let's hear it for the boys!
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| Timmy - looking for a home |
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| Sheene - looking for a home |
To offer a greyhound a home, (whether it is a male or female greyhound), email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Some dogs wait too long for their homes but when they find their special place, they really fall on their feet. Sammy lurcher, now Leo, is a very lucky boy and we've just received the video of him playing with other dogs.
Michelle has always adopted long stay dogs (for many years) who have needed work around other breeds. So she deserves one that is good! We knew he was bomb proof around other breeds, albeit energetically! As he's very active, we think Michelle and Ellie are amazing for being so patient. Huge thanks again to them for giving Leo the best of homes.
To adopt Winks or any Whittingham Kennels - Retired Greyhounds Charity greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
After his exemplary performance last week on his trip to Loughton, Rodney went home yesterday and, although there are a few new things to grasp, he is doing well so far. He wasn't best impressed by the weather this morning though!!
A huge thanks to his adopter.
We have so many lovely dogs waiting for their homes, including El (who is 8yrs old and been in a home) and Lady (who is 6yrs old and been in a home).
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt a greyhound (or the occasional lurcher), email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Well done to them!
To adopt Rodney or another of his Whittingham friends, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Do keep an eye on the Facebook page for auction items, hosted by Christine Turner. Thank you so much to her for all her dedication.
And a huge thanks to Leshantha with Jake and Una, Martyn and Chloe with Balo and Sue for their huge generosity.
New girls, Winks (brindle) and Dreamer (black/white) would also like to say hello!!
And thank you to the sender of all the tins. Amazing! And to Mel, Wendy, Susan and others for their donations this week. We truly can't thank you enough.
El is looking for a home. She is 8yrs old and sadly been returned due to a new baby in the home. She is good with other dogs and house trained but we won't home her with young children as she likes her own space. We hope she won't be waiting too long for her forever home now the weather is turning colder.
To offer El or another Whittingham hound a home, please email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
If anyone would like to nominate us, we would be very grateful! It helps to highlight the work we do and promote the work of rehoming greyhounds if we are nominated. Thank you so much! www.petplancharity.co.uk
Charity is: Whittingham Kennels; postcode: EN9 2BL
Thank you!
Services include dog walking, pop in playtimes, small animal attention and doggy days in. Please call/text 07412923245 or email elissatuvey@gmail.com
If you would like to add a special greyhound friend to your family, please get in touch. We have so many lovely dogs of all temperaments with so much love to give.
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com for more information about adopting a greyhound.
We know several of our adopters are holding/attending services today and that greyhounds will be well represented.
There is so much need for more welfare for all animals across the world. We also remember those animal friends, past and present.
St Francis is an interesting character in himself. He was born in around 1181. His father was a wealthy merchant and it is likely that Francis lived an indulgent lifestyle in his youth. However, he was inspired to rebuild a church near Assisi after a pilgrimage to Rome, much to the disapproval of his father. He renounced his inheritance and lived as a beggar, restoring churches and nursing lepers. In 1210, the Franciscan order was officially recognised by the Pope. He travelled widely, was shipwrecked, was said to have visited Egypt during the fifth crusade and received the stigmata (the wounds of Jesus) before his death.
He was known for his love of animals and believed nature was the mirror of God. He regarded all
creatures as his brothers and sisters and is known for preaching to the birds (and for asking them to stop singing so he could be heard)! He also befriended a wolf in the town of Gubbio that had been feared by the inhabitants of the town. Francis arranged for the wolf to be fed and the wolf agreed to stop attacking the town in return. Francis set up the first known nativity scene in which the animals played an important role in acknowledging the birth of Jesus.
creatures as his brothers and sisters and is known for preaching to the birds (and for asking them to stop singing so he could be heard)! He also befriended a wolf in the town of Gubbio that had been feared by the inhabitants of the town. Francis arranged for the wolf to be fed and the wolf agreed to stop attacking the town in return. Francis set up the first known nativity scene in which the animals played an important role in acknowledging the birth of Jesus.
The example of St Francis' love for animals can be an inspiration to those of all faiths and none. His story also inspires secular authors today.
We see it ourselves in the greyhounds - they each have their own unique individuality and story; and are also part of the bigger picture of the welfare that should be in place for their breed and all animals. We can do our bit by adopting a greyhound and also experience the loving bond that the adoption brings in itself, enriching the life of both human and greyhound.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
To adopt Frankie or one of her friends, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Rodney is very gentle and shares with other greyhounds happily. He will be tested around other breeds asap and we will update his profile as we get to know him. But he seems a super chap!
To adopt Rodney or any of his Whittingham friends, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
£10 each from the kennels or £10 plus £2 postage if you would like it sent to you.
Email: wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to buy one!
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| Xanadu |
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| Boris |
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
They just need someone to give them a chance. Lokie (fawn) is so good when out of his kennel and Rocky (brindle) is lovely too. We know they will be so loyal when they bond to the right person.
Could you help one of these boys find their perfect home?
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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| Brew |
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| Betsy |
If anyone is thinking about adopting a greyhound, now is the time! Animal welfare across the country is at crisis point for all breeds; and there are literally hundreds (if not, thousands) of greyhounds who need a loving home. Adopting one will change the world for that dog and also help us bring in another needy dog who is waiting to just get into rehoming kennels.
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com for more information.
Lady is looking for a new home due to the imminent arrival of a new baby. No negative comments please - let's just try to get her a new loving home. She is 6yrs old, house trained and has lived at home for over 2yrs. She likes her own space so won't be homed with small children. She's good with the majority of other breeds, including small dogs and is house trained and used to the home environment. She's a petite girl, very cuddly and a lovely dog.
She is currently still with her adopters but anyone who is interested can arrange a time at the Kennels to meet her.
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
And please share. Thank you.
Knit for Whitt!
Your dogs would love you to knit them a snood for winter! They'd be the envy of all their friends!
Dizzy Lily: A Snood For A Hound:
Knitting pattern by Erssie.
The knitting pattern has been professionally written in standard style for the UK and US, including both metric and imperial measurements. The pattern has been checked thoroughly for errata by a technical editor from the publishing industry.
Available to download as a PDF for £4
Link to the Ravelry Store pattern details:
Sizes: To fit greyhounds Small (Medium, Large & Extra Large)
Yarns: Aran (worsted) weight yarn
Needles: 1 set of double pointed needles to knit in the round seamlessly.
Instructions: Standard UK Pattern Style with abbreviations and glossary of terms.
A pattern along with a charity licence to knit multiple snood to sell for fundraising is available on request via my profile, erssie, on ravelry.com. Charity knitters will have to provide full details and proof of knitting for a charity to apply for a free pack.
In other news, we are pleased to announce the winner of the knitted coat (thanks to Francesca Ziccardi, adopter of Udon for raising money this way with such a talent). The winner was Peter, adopter of Fred and Colleen. Peter is so supportive and been a true champion of greyhounds for many years so we are thrilled.
It was also an honour to visit the amazing people at the Nowzad charity stand and let Sylvie meet little Ewok who had travelled on the evacuation flight from Afghanistan three years ago. What little Ewok has been through is quite astounding. (If you haven't read Operation Ark by Pen Farthing, please do buy the book and support their amazing work).
We hope to be back again next year and promote greyhound adoption more strongly. We feel they were under-represented so we would like to correct that!
To adopt a greyhound or support Whittingham, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Update: The T-Shirts are officially for humans - they may need a belt if worn by the dogs!! Apologies for not clarifying that in the original post!
Who needs a catwalk, when you have a dogwalk? Betsy is the perfect model for our T-shirts.
And she was also lucky enough to be reserved yesterday.
Thank you to all our lovely visitors yesterday who reserved two pairs. We were thrilled.
What an amazing total from our Sunday walk/event. Thank you so much again to everyone who came and donated so generously; and again to our magnificent stall holders. A massive £1712 was raised (including over £573 on Sim's delicious food stall alone). As a small charity, this really helps keep us going.
Thank you so much again.
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com to adopt a greyhound
We now hold our breath until he settles, but the first pictures of him at home show that he has found the sofa in less than an hour!
Thanks so much again to his special adopters and everyone who has helped him whilst he's been back in Kennels.
A humongous thank you to the incredible Sim for her truly amazing baking. The hours it takes to prepare everything are above and beyond, and she so generously donates everything too. She is so talented and the praise we receive for her cakes is off the scale! (And she'd been there since 7am sorting all the dogs out too).
Another whopping thank you to our incredibly supportive volunteers on the day too. Natalie expertly oversaw the raffle and is such a valued member of our team at the events. She's amazing! And Linda was an absolute godsend, along with Doreen in the kitchen working away behind the scenes and helping to set up and clear away. Thanks too, to Jackie, our lovely trustee, who also jumped behind a stall, and to Val, Elissa and Louis for their help too. Louis won his boxing fight yesterday so we are very proud of him too!
Our neighbours were so accommodating with the parking which really helps. Thank you to them.
This was followed by Sim's food, raffle and general socialising. We still have calendars and other merchandise for sale so do get in touch if you'd like to buy one. £10 per calendar plus £2 postage.
Thank you so much again for all your support and for joining us today. We look forward to seeing you next time and do come and adopt a greyhound in the meantime!!
Email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Our neighbours have kindly helped with parking. We can't thank them enough too.
See you soon!
He's good with other dogs and other greyhounds, house-trained and has been in a home before. He would prefer older children, but otherwise is one of the easiest dogs we have in the Kennels for homing.
Introducing new girls, Mel (black) and Luna (blue). Both arrived today to begin their search for a loving home. Like all the new arrivals, they have been waiting for a long time for a space to become available. We hope they don't have to wait too long with us.
And a massive thank you to volunteers, Phil and Doreen who spent all day putting together our new shed yesterday, completed by Phil today. It will house all the equipment for the mammoth task that is mowing the paddocks. We are so grateful for their help and Phil's expertise. Most of us would have given up and lobbed it into the field just ten minutes into construction!! (
) 
We are blown away by the kindness of everyone who donates and supports us.
Thank you so much.
Rocky and his friends would love to fall on their paws in a loving home. They generally adjust to home life so quickly so if you would like to adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
(We will even throw in a dog to go with the coat if you'd like to adopt one)!
Thanks for your support!
Huge thanks also to Wendy for her generosity and kindness.
We have so many greyhounds waiting for a loving home. And TONS of dogs waiting to come to us. Brew was waiting for many months for a space. He's a lovely boy and we will be assessing him further as we get to know him.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
Thanks so much to her adopters.
To adopt a greyhound, email wkretiredgreyhounds@gmail.com
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
