It’s been a slow month this month at the kennels. The weather has been unpleasant at times, the fields are either muddy or frozen, and most importantly, only a few dogs have packed their bags and left for their forever homes.
When things are slow, it’s always a bit of a sad time for us. We see the dogs, day in and day out, waiting patiently for somebody to love them, and nobody comes. We give them as much love and attention as we can, but we know it’s not the same as being in a home. Some of the dogs have been with us for a long time. Sometimes we know why these dogs are long-stayers, and sometimes we just can’t understand why these dogs have been overlooked. The one advantage of the dogs staying with us for a long time, however, is that we get to know them really well. And every dog gets a home, eventually.
Gavin
Gavin is one of our longest-staying hounds at the moment. He’s a lovely boy, who has been with us for so long because he’s waiting for the right person to come along, someone who will give him the time, attention and love he needs. When he first came to us, he was a very shy boy, who was so nervous he didn’t know what to do with himself. He was more wary around men than women. Gradually, he has settled and calmed down, but he still needs somebody with the experience to understand his quirks. He isn’t a fan of other greyhounds, particularly the bigger male dogs. However, he met the resident jack russell, Ruby, and played really nicely with her. We even took his muzzle off and he was the perfect gentleman, as you can see from this video clip:
Gavin likes people, and with time, patience and understanding he will come out of himself and feel more secure in the big wide world. He was really well-behaved when some of the volunteers took him for a walk up the Waseley Hills recently.
Bill
Bill, our handsome black and white boy is another of our long-stayers. Those of us who know him know what a gorgeous, loving boy he is. Unfortunately, when visitors come to meet him, he doesn’t show himself off to his best advantage. He gives the impression of not really wanting to go for a walk, and once out of his kennel has a worried look on his face, and seems to just want to go back to his kennel.
Bill is a bit of a nervous boy, but once he gets to know you he is really very affectionate. He’s a quiet, gentle boy, who has excellent manners. If you sit with him in his kennel he snuggles up to you for more and more cuddles. Don’t be put off by the first impression he gives; he only needs a little time, patience and love, and he will reward you with so much affection and adoration you’ll wonder why you didn’t take him home sooner!
Speedy
Speedy is another black boy, who has been with us for a while. We honestly don’t know why he’s been with us for so long, as he’s such a friendly, happy chappie. He’s a pleasure to be around, and has an enormous, thick black tail (the most impressive in the kennels!) that never stops wagging. He’s well-behaved on his walks and is a perfect gentleman. He’d be an ideal dog for a family who will play with him, and really enjoy him. Don’t be put off by the fact that he’s black, or the fact that he’s a boy. He’s got a heart of gold.
We know that this time of year is often slow; that money is tight, especially after Christmas and in the current economic climate, but if you are planning on homing a retired hound, why not come and meet some of our lovely hounds?
Don’t forget that we are one of Waitrose’s charities of the month for the month of February, at the Hall Green branch. Please put the green tokens given to you at the till in our collection box!
