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Take a virtual visit to the Kennels and see the dogs awaiting a new home:

Hi Pat,

Just to thank you for turning out in the freezing cold this morning. The ride home was uneventful, both Jojo & Warden (now Minimoo) were asleep.

Mini knows stairs, ate well, christened the carpet. (normal) and Jojo loves her.

She really is a lovely girl and thanks for pointing her our way.

All the best,
John & Ruby Edwards

January 2012

Hi Pat,

Just a quick update on our new pooch (Holly) do you want her back?
She is as sharp as a tack, a sneak thief & mischievous.
The first night back home we introduced her to the stairs, me in front with a biscuit Pat behind pushing, she got to the top and went into her bed, great we thought lets get some sleep it had been a long day. At 1.30 am she decides its playtime, toys, Sonny, Jamie being thrown everywhere this goes on until about 2.45am, then its lets go to sleep until 6.30am then she needs to go out.
Do I need worry about her going downstairs NO, do I need worry about her coming back upstairs NO & NO, she can even turn around on the stairs and back track.

Does she like to chew yes, one pair of slippers defunct, one leather belt defunct, magazines defunct, letters defunct.
Does she play in the garden, you bet she does, we now have no lawn just a race track.
Does she like her bed? Yes but prefers ours.
Is she off her lead and does she come back? Yes she is off her lead from second day and so far she has come back.
Has she met other dogs? Yes she barks at them and retreats behind Pat and me. She does play with a Springer spaniel who totally blanks her (well she runs around trying to burst his ear drums by barking in his ears) He used to be Jamie’s friend but she took over and now Jamie just looks on in dismay.
She is a good house dog who barks at any little noise she hears.
Is she house trained? Yes a few accidents which are mostly our fault where we are not quick enough to put her out.
She sleeps through the night now until 8.30am from 10.00pm.
She makes us grin from ear to ear, and always makes us smile, and laugh.
So basically she is completely off her trolley, who loves to play, loves to nick and chew things, loves to lay and play on our bed (but does sleep in her own) loves her food and really just made our lives a complete misery.
Do we want to give her back, yes, but you just try and take her and the lead out of our hands. Go on try it.

I have attached a few pictures so you can see how at home she has made herself.

Thanks once again for finding us this irreplaceable young lady or should I say Vandal.

Kevin & Pat

January 2012

Hi Pat,

Just to give you an update on Deli she is doing really well an enjoying being back in a home her and our little girl are like best friends and some times attached at the hip, Deli is very protective of her if she gets upset Deli will come and look after her. Lilly is very comfortable with playing on the floor right next to her and having lots of cuddles and kisses Lilly especially likes giving her treats and brushing Deli. Also Deli is getting all the hair back that she lost through stress and has fitted into our family life very well, we have also taken her to our local tennis court for her to have a big bit of freedom without the risk of her going off and thoroughly enjoyed it and was very good when being called back and stayed close to tony so gave him a nice run too!

Thank you for all your help and support!

Vicky, Tony and Lilly
January 2012

Hi Pat

We just thought we'd drop you a line to update you on Full Essence (Billy).

Well it's been almost 2 weeks and you'd think he'd been here all his life!

He's been mainly clean in the house although we have had to lock the bin away at night and noticed he occasionally tries to chew on something i.e. corner of table! But with a firm no he stops and he's only done it twice.

He's responded really well to 'no' and the water spray so now we only need the command. He's also responding to his name well.

When we're out on a walk he's more interested in people than dogs as he wants to jump up at them but we're working on this.

He's been good with the girls so far and we're working on stopping him licking them although they don't seem to mind! They can't wait to see him every morning and have to say good night to him.

So all in all we're happy with him and so pleased at the way he's settled in.

Many thanks for letting us re home him

Rachel, Garry, Carla and Megan.
January 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THE GREYHOUNDS!

Dear Aunty Pat

I wish you and all the lovely people who help rehome the Greyhounds, a Happy New Year.

I still go to work at the Horse Sanctuary every day (except Saturdays when dad takes me and my Labrador brother, Alfie, out to the Country Park for a run). My favourite things, other than sleeping(!) are playing in the hay barn with Alfie and Didi, who is a Spanish Hunting Dog and belongs to one of the stable grooms. We are all the best of friends and even went on holiday together last year. To mum’s dismay, I also really love playing on the muck heap! I got so smelly and dirty yesterday that mum popped me in the bath last night (and Alfie, who was a whole LOT dirtier than me!).

My other bestest friend in the whole world in one of my “brother cats” – he is ginger and called Murphy – although he sometimes gets called other names when he is naughty! We sleep together every single night and he snuggles up next to me. Mum said she WILL get a photo of us both asleep and cuddling each other to send to you soon.

We have been to the Sanctuary this afternoon and, on the way home as a treat, mum took us into Pets at Home and bought us some chewies for being such good doggies.

I look forward to seeing you all again next time I need to shop for some coats.

Love to everyone at RGT from me and all my family (there are too many to mention, but it’s me, Alfie, mum, dad, 14 cats and 3 horses!)

Kisses from Kizzy Allery
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
January 2012

Hi Pat,

Hope all is well with you. Just a quick note to update you on Lizzie & her behaviour (you will probably remember my panic stricken call after she snapped at Liam!). Her behaviour has been fine since, I've made a big effort to show her her place in the pecking order, I think she was getting a bit complacent after settling with us! She actually does whinge for the children sometimes when i come back from dropping them at school & is very excited when they come home. They continue with the rule - which has always been enforced - that when she's on her bed they leave her alone. She did growl at Liam when he walked past her when she had a bone, I was in the room so did smack her nose with the paper & take the bone away for a couple of days - she knew she'd done wrong.

I did start dog training with her at Brentwood dog training centre, we went a few times & i picked up some helpful tips around showing your dog who is in charge etc but it wasn't really for us! There was a lot of getting your dog to sit or lie on command though they didn't expect her to. I wanted it to socialise Lizzie with other dogs & she was never agressive even to the angry ankle biters, but she was finding it stressful, & to be honest she was far better behaved than some who had been attending for months so we have given it a miss! I wouldn't trust her off the lead yet but she does come, stay & get on her bed indoors & would never thieve food when we are around! She does wear her fleece overnight or when we're out or she is prone to wetting - so far has never done it with the fleece on which i think makes her feel secure as well as warm, it works anyway!

All in all I do trust her- as much as i would any dog - so fingers crossed no more need to worry! Thankyou for all your advice and support,

Helen x
November 2011

Dear Pat,

I know this has taken me forever ! We have now had Ted (Jolly Teddy) over a year. He is a total superstar, he has bought me & my sons so much joy - anyway just an update really and hopefully i can manage to attach some photos -

Thankyou to you and your team,

Kindest Regards

Lucie & Ted x

PS - Ted did not like the dog bed we got him - he now has his own sofa !
November 2011

Hi Pat

Well what can I say! we have an amazing dog in Bricky now called Ricky ....

He loves the boys especially my 6 year old he lays in wait for him in the morning it's very funny.

Well he settled in very quickly had a few accidents....had a few up all nights........still having get up early's.....walks lovely on lead not too botherd about other dogs, obsessed with horses For some reason he thinks they need to be chased but hes getting better. Hes ok with the chickens if anything bit scared of them (someone told him chickens eat naughty Greyhounds for breakfast) We have big cat problem but WIP so hopefully we will crack that one.

We was away for a whole day last week and my cousin had Ricky, he was good as gold for them. He loves everyone and everyone loves him.

Just been looking at Athena on your website hhmmmmmmm

Thanks again
Tracy Spry

October 2011

Hi Pat,

Hope you're well?

Just wanted to let you know the new kids are settling in really well, a bit too well, but don't want to speak to soon!

Flash (now Olly) is such a mummy's boy and is literally like an overgrown cat stuck to my legs, can't even visit the loo in private anymore, but hey, I suppose I watch him!!

Unique (now Chai) has started coming out of her shell as was such a nervous little thing and cowered every time I lifted up anything, she's a daddy's girl and spend hours with Michael looking at him adoringly.

They sleep in their own bedroom and come and wake me up when they want the loo (a mixture of tail smashing against bedroom door/radiator and that lovely waft of hot breath straight in the face ha ha!).

They were clean from get go, although olly has an amazing ability to poop half on/half curbs which makes walkies fun....

So happy to have these gorgeous "mini humans" in our lives. Thank you for introducing us.

Speak soon
Andrea and Michael
September 2011

Pat,

I wanted to thank you for your support and efforts to find us a new Greyhound since sadly loosing our Theo. We did not think that we would have another dog so quickly.

You referred us to Alison Ingram last week and she kindly allowed us to take home Quivers King to see how he was with the cats. He has been with us for just under a week and is settling in well with us. Fine with two cats and hopefully in the next week or so will get used to our younger cat who is giving him a hard time.

I spoke to Alison about obtaining copies of his winning races at Romford and she has kindly arranged for them to be put on a DVD which I shall collect on Saturday.

We have given Quivers King a pet name and he is now known as Finn. (Nancy wanted an Irish name for an Irish dog)

I have now completed the Adoption paperwork and will send back to you today along with a cheque for £80.00

Thanks again to you and Alison and best wishes in your rehoming efforts.

Just received a text from Nancy with the attached photo of Finn with our eldest cat chilling on our bed.

Regards
David McCathie

September 2011

Hi Elaine,

Just thought I would give you an update on Winnie and share some photos of her settling in. She has been such a wonderful dog and we couldn’t have asked for better. She has brought us so many laughs and having only had her for just over a week we find it hard to imagine how it was without her.

She has taken to home life quickly and made her mark in the house. She hasn’t quite got used to the guinea pigs but shes getting there slowly and hopefully will be able to not want to eat them all the time!! Lol

Hope all is going well with the other dogs and a nice one has filled Winnie’s spot.

Hope you enjoy the pictures

Speak soon
Laura Money
September 2011

Hi Pat...Just letting you know that Keltie Sparkler has been enjoying her holidays at Walton-On-The- Naze and is now completely worn out doing nothing as you can see... Shes such a lovely dog, and loves her house mate Tommy Hawk who is as lazy as she is...Hope all is well....

Jean & Colin Timcke...xx

August 2011

Hi Pat,

we hope you've had two nice and successful days at the Havering Show.

Thank you for allowing us to take Queenie home for the weekend. She is a lovely dog, so eager to please and she loves to lick you. After the initial excitement, she is good on the lead. She absolutely loves to travel in the car and we have not noticed any problems when passing other (big dogs) and cows (did not come across any small dogs) on walks. She has been clean in the house throughout.

Unfortunately she seems to be quite restless (maybe because she is still young, she is always on the move) and she is a bit boisterous, pushing our dogs to the side to get there first (for treats or cuddles). There was some tension between the dogs, that's why we did not test if she could stay home alone with our dogs.

So we are sad to say that she is not the right dog for our pack. This was confirmed for us when we saw how happy she was to see her kennelmate again, she never showed such enthusiasm for our dogs. She is a great dog and we hope she will find her home with the right person/family soon.

Best wishes,
Martine and Morne
August 2011

Hi Pat,

Hope all is well, sorry for the delay in contacting you about how well Foxy is doing - i haven't had broadband set up until now!

Foxy or "Bigwood Fox" (now known as Remus) is a complete softie, utterly adorable and most certainly will not be coming back (apart from to say hello to you all obviously!)

He has attached himself very well to me, following me from room to room, and does trust Jason quite a bit already, greeting him each morning with a poke in the face! We did have a scare where we ran into a herd of young cattle only a day or so in. Remus went loopy couldn't get behind him quick enough and he managed to slip his fishtail collar (even when on as tight as it would go) and he legged it. Found him outside our gate, clever little sod. So he now wears a harness which he seems to really enjoy which is good. He has been off the lead a few times in enclosed fields and has been brilliant, the other dogs help of course but he already has some sort of recall and loves to come racing back for a bit of a cuddle and praise.

He is eating well and has settled well, sleeping in a big dog pile with the other two on duvets in the bedroom. Indi has barely noticed his existence (except as a running buddy) but Baxter been a fab help. Showing him how to get under styles and coming up and down the stairs with him, licking his face to encourage him on. Remus is slowly becoming the "stair master". He is getting in and out of the car by himself today which is a big progress.

We took the troops to pets at home today (to get the harness fitted) which was a major leap for Remus who as you know has a generally nervous disposition. He did really well - hated the automatic doors but as soon as Baxter went through he took it in his stride. He even let a couple come and cuddle up to him without shying dramatically away. We are hoping he has started to trust that he is safe with us now.

We just dropped kids off home back in Brighton,( longest time for leaving him yet) opened the door, and was greeted by a great big waggy tail which has made us grin from ear to ear.

He is a brilliant addition to our family.

With Love,
Harriet, Jason, Baxter, Indiana and Remus
xxxxx
August 2011

Hi Pat,

Just a update on Ellie’s progress, She is settling in lovely now, it has taken a while as she was so nervous when we brought her home.

We are now finding out her true nature, she is proving to be a little pickle full of fun and mischief on occasions.

She is very interested in the many rabbits we see on our walk (there are hundreds in Althorne), sure she would love to chase them.

She loves her dinners and appears in the kitchen very expectant when she considers it is dinner time, or when ever something is cooking that smells good, she is partial to sausages and chicken.

Our youngest granddaughter who is 19 months old, adores her and it is her clearest word (Ellie), l think the feeling is mutual.

I have enclosed a few new pictures of Ellie and Katie together, trying to decide whose Teddies are who’s.

Robert Nankivell
August 2011

Hi Pat

Many thanks for returning forms and raffle tickets, I take it you got the cheques cashed ok.

I have sent you a few more pictures of Beau, he has settled in really well, we still have to hide the grand childrens cuddly toys from him and he still wants to eat all the food he can find, but right from the first night telling him "away" he lays down on the floor whilst we eat our dinner on trays on our laps, that is really good.

He hasn't cried one night yet and is a good boy no accidents at night and always wagging his tail in the morning pleased to see you.

Still have to watch him during the day, if he hasn't been out for a tiddle, but that will come naturally in due course I am sure, after rehoming two greyhounds you get used to what to do the first couple of weeks.

We are taking him on his first holiday beginning of October to our bungalow by the sea, (he should be clean by then) it's the first week we have free as we have guests in until then. It's a regular holiday booking for a few of our friends who have greyhounds as it has a long sandy beach.

Anyway going to come with Dee Cook sometime to see how Jack is getting along so may see you then.

Chris
August 2011

Hi Pat,

We just thought we'd let you know silky has settled right in ( as you can see on the photo! ) she really is a beautiful dog and has slotted straight in. She's been for a long walk this afternoon and is settled for a sleep.

Thanks for all your help & we'll keep you up to date on her progress.

Regards
Kevin & Joanna Haslen

August 2011

Carly

August 2011

Hi Pat,

Here are some photos of Dolly sorry it has taken so long. She is doing well but has a terrible fear of the rubbish trucks and thunder, I am hoping she will eventually get used to it the vet has given me some Diazepam tablets which I am a bit reluctant to give her because I know greyhounds are very sensitive to certain drugs. She is good with other dogs in fact the other weekend I had two puppies staying over for a couple of nights one was a 3 month old Labrador who thought Dolly was her Mum because she kept on checking out Dolly’s nipples of course Dolly took it all in her stride.

Take care!
Seraphina

August 2011

Hi Pat

Just wanted to update you on Harry. He is settling in well, has put on some weight I think as ribs and spine less visable, looks good for it.

We're still having a few cat issues at the mo but has only been a month, I'm hopeful we'll get through it.

The most recent milestone is that he has been gentle enough on the lead for my daughter to hold him on her own as the attached picture shows.

My sister and her baby were here over the weekend and again he was so gentle and made the 1yr old giggle by sniffing her face, didn't lick her tho I'm sure he was tempted bless him.

Such an amazing temperament with people and children, we're really enjoying him. He's started to lay on his back with his legs in the air and will let my daughter lay on him and hug him with no worries.

It's just the cat and other small furries which we need to conquer now.

I've included a picture of Harry with his new toy that we had to buy him after he pinched my daughters for the first time the other day. (very funny, although daughter was not impressed). Another picture shows what a poser he is becoming, altho he has no choice with me around.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to rescue such a lovely boy.

Speak soon
Emma

Harry, July 2011

Hi Elaine & Pat just a short message to update you on our beautiful little Tia (slimline vegas) she has fitted in so well and has adapted so quick to her new home....loves her walks with Scooby & Sallie Ann and is getting plenty of love and affection & treats.....She is a beautiful little girl and loves affection and cuddles...we all love her so much she does everything so gently and is a proper little lady......so glad we adopted her....she will have a wonderful home here .......thank you for bringing this little girl into our lives.......have a lovely day keep up your fantastic work with helping Greyhounds.

All the best speak soon
Tony & Carol Butchart...Sallie Ann, Scooby & Tia
July 2011

Hi Pat and all, just a note to let you know Skyrocket Jack has settled in really well. On his first day at home, he encountered a fire engine, ambulance, thunder and lightning and fireworks from some oiks, at 10. 30pm on a Sunday evening, and he never batted an eyelid. He is such a beautiful dog, were so proud when we walk him. We've lost one settee, which he's claimed, and were fighting a losing battle to keep the other one, still, the floors quite comfortable. Got a funny story for you, but i,ll tell you when we see you next. Thank you so much for helping us to choose him, he's been such a revelation since he came home. look forward to seeing you soon,

Len and Vee
July 2011

Hello Pat,

Just thought i'd let you know how things are going. First of all thank you so much for allowing us to take our two wonderful greyhounds, I cannot tell you how attached me and Clare have come to them so quickly! They really are amazing and thank you for letting us have them!

Blondie is completely the opposite dog to Nitro! She is active! Doesn't sleep! Loves all the toys we got Nitro which he never touches! She is very affectionate and will come to you for attention! She gets very upset if she can't see you or thinks you've gone out although we are trying to sort this. She loves other dogs too! She cries if she can't go play with the other dogs in the park!

She is settling in very well, she eats well, but nothing can be left on the floor as it becomes a toy and if it is food it is instantly gone!

We had her examined by a vet, who remarked she was in an excellent condition and had the best teeth for a greyhound he had ever seen! She recently had 'the op' and there is still a wound with stitches in which isn't healing up very well so were keeping an eye on it.

With Nitro, on the first day he was sulking as he was used to all the attention! and he growled at her which we quickly nipped in the bud and he hasn't done it since. They both always try get the same spot on the sofa which is funny to watch! They don't sit together or really interact in the house, but they enjoy walking together and she follows his lead.

She is so funny when you come through the door, she runs around crazily and spins in circles and jumps around and up at you which is nice to see she is happy.

Thanks again for the opportunity to re-home these two wonderful dogs! They are perfect and we will ensure they are well looked after! As it really upsets me when people return their dogs for jovial matters!

Chris

July 2011

Hi everyone, thought I'd send you a few pictures of our lovely Bob.

We've had him 9 months now, and can't imagine life without him.

As you can see from the pictures he seems to be at home here.

You never know we might be back to get a little "sister" for him!

At the moment we are just enjoying every minute with him, he's spoilt rotten and loves it.

Thanks for our lovely boy.

Mary & Steve, Bob (Bobs Dogs)
July 2011

Hello Pat,

Just thought I'd let you know how Nitro is doing.

He is still settling in well, he hasn't shown anymore aggressive tendencies since we enforced the rules you recommended.

His teeth still seem to bleed and he only lets me clean the front of them and doesn't open his mouth so I can clean the back.

He now doesn't eat his Wagg dry food! He just leaves it all whereas he used to eat it all! He picks at it throughout day. but when you first put it down he ignores it unless there is tuna in with it!

He is still coping well at home, no accidents and we have dog walkers come in to walk him when we both are on days.

He is loving his long walks and we let him off the lead in a fenced park in Southend which he loved running around for a while! He also likes socialising with my friends dog.

His coat has completely changed colour! See photo attached he is now brown!
And heavily moulting still!!

Hope you are well.

Chris
July 2011