Lou's Gorgeous Greyhounds

Through the cause I run on Facebook and MySpace to Stop Greyhound Slaughter, I get to speak to a whole range of people and find out about the views they hold. Although there are one or two people that join the cause to ran and rave about how greyhound slaughter is just a figment of my imagination, the vast majority of people just want to help and one or two even have stories of their own to tell me.

I heard one such story a few days ago; a tale of greyhound rescue by a decent and incredible individual that was not affiliated with a greyhound rescue charity. We all know what amazing work greyhound rescues do but I also find it heartening to hear about regular people that literally save greyhounds from heartless and cruel people that are just out to make money. If these individuals did not make a stand then a few more beautiful greyhounds would be slaughtered every year. Here is the story in the lady's own words:

I wasn't aware of the killings that go on until a friend of mine joined a greyhound racing syndicate. The poor dog broke its foot on its first race which ended the dogs racing career (which I also think is cruel although that is a delicate subject). The members of the syndicate were uninterested in saving the dog and just wanted to put him down. My friend wouldnt allow it. He tried to get them to pull together to get the money for the £700 operation but they did not care, they just wanted to get another dog and try racing again. My friend, complete with a wife, two children and serious debt problems managed to find the money to save the dog and he now lives happily with his sister. A happy ending for this dog but there are plenty out there that are not so lucky.

Even syndicates of "normal" people are looking to dispose of these beautiful creatures when they are healthy and would make an excellent pet. It seems that they want the financial glory but not the financial burden that their insistance on racing greyhounds causes. Again, I know not all trainers/owners are the same and some care deeply for their greyhounds but the sheer number of dispicable things (I cannot bring myself to call them humans) is unbelievable. Enough is enough!

I received an email this morning from Greytexploitations about a lovely little male whippet that is in urgent need of care. He was a rescue and was in a terrible state when he was picked up. He only has a few months left to live so if anyone out there can give him a comfortable home and the love he deserves during his last few months then please get in touch with Greyhound Gap at the number outlined below. Here is a little more information about Barron:

Greyhound Gap - Barron only has a few months could you foster him? Bedlington x whippet boy.

A couple of weeks ago we received a phonecall from Catherine a friend. She had heard about a 12 year old bedlington whippet boy who was currently in the care of another rescue. He had two huge growths one on his chest and one on his leg and their vets had stated they couldnt be operated on. Catherine wanted to see if Gap would be willing to take him on, get a second opinion and give him the back up needed. Of course we would. He moved to Catherine the next night.

The lump on the leg was so huge that poor Barron couldnt get around properly or sit down comfortably but thankfully when he saw our vet they didnt feel there was any reason why it couldnt be removed especially as the boy was so uncomfortable. Barron had his operation and all was a success in fact the very next day he had to be stopped from bouncing around. However the vet felt that one of the lumps in particular looked decidedly nasty so was sent off for histology.

Sadly the result wasnt what we wanted to hear and the beautiful Barron has Sarcoma and treatment isnt an option. We were all mortified as this little man so loves to play and enjoy his walks and is just so full of life.

The vet feels at best that Barron has around 12mnths at the worst it could be as little as a few months. Catherine would love to keep him there but sadly although Barron is very tolerant of her male dogs they are not so tolerant of him especially the older yorkshire terrier boy. Barron is not cat friendly but is good with small dogs as you can tell.

Catherine currently works so Barron is fine left during the day, greets you really enthusiastically on your return, he travels well in the car. He sleeps well over night, walks like a dream on the lead and has been off the lead also but is a little deaf bless him so can wonder too far. Once he realises this though he heads back to you.

If you could find it in your heart to give Barron a special place to be for however long he has he will remain cared for medically by Greyhound Gap. We will continue to cover the cost of his veterinary treatment for the duration of his life.

If you can help please email me or call me on 01782 544728

Likewise if you feel you cant help Barron but would like to make a donation or help to sponsor his continued care please let me know or you can do it via the usual paypal chanel to greyhoundgap@yahoo.co.uk PLEASE MAKE A NOTE THAT ITS FOR BARRONS CARE. Thank you

Barron

I regularly have a look at YouTube for greyhound videos to keep up with what is going on in the world of greyhound rescue. A number of charities and foundations often post videos to advertise what is going on in their worlds. It is usually fundraising activities or rasing awareness of greyhound rscue work and the plight of the hounds themselves, but I found this one to be really touching.

There are inmate programs that encourage rescued dogs and prison inmates to rehabilitate each other up and down the US now because they have had a great success rate. However, this is the first time that I have seen it occur with greyhounds. Please watch this video to see what good can be done by ANYONE adding their voice to the fight for these beautiful creatures' lives!

A wonderful man by the name of Adrian Whitehouse is getting a special mention today. What he plans to do in the name of greyhounds everywhere is very special, if a little insane! He is climbing... Mont Blanc! One of the most dangerous mountains in the world! And all in aid of Greyhound Gap.

Greyhound Gap is one of the many charities that is set up to help rescue and rehome greyhounds and does a fantastic job. It deserves all the support it can get so Adrian deserves a massive pat on the back and a good few kisses from the hounds! For more information, go to Greyhound Gap. The naews article is highly entertaining and you can get to the rest of the site from there. If you want to make a donation then go to the Just Giving page here.

Mad! Absolutely mad, but the guy has a heart of gold!