We always love to hear about peoples experiences when adopting a dog from us, so we were delighted to hear from Hooley's dad Pat. Read his lovely account below....
About two years ago, we lost our lurcher to illness after nearly twelve wonderful years. We were concerned because we also had another lurcher, whom we’d had for the same length of time, and we worried it might be difficult to find a suitable companion for him. His name is Lance, he came from a rescue home in South Wales and could be difficult with other dogs. But none-the-less we thought that we would try to find him another female companion. We tried a number of dog rescue places and very often on applying did not even get a reply.
As time passed, although we now live in North Devon, we decided to approach the original rescue (who shall remain nameless) where we had adopted Lance to see if we could find him a suitable companion. We had supported this rescue throughout his lifetime, donating blankets and food whenever we travelled to Wales, which was quite often. I explained that to them, and that Lance would have to be introduced to any prospective partner if, for nothing else, his age. I was told they did not do anything like that! Thanks to their very unhelpful attitude, we quickly decided that we weren't going to home another dog from them!
At this point in time with the experience we had with Lance and our other dog, both lurchers, it was not a large leap to contemplate a greyhound, after all, they are all sighthounds. So a greyhound it was to be.
I contacted Forever Hounds Trust and explained the situation, and what a change! I was straight away greeted "with please come to our kennels with Lance and let’s see how we get on". At last I thought, there are some people out there who really want to home a dog.
A few days later saw us at the kennels with Lance. Initially we were told about one dog, who, under the circumstances proved not to be a match. I asked about another one I had seen on the website, only to be told that they were already spoken for. But then, like an episode from Blue Peter ("here is one we made earlier"), out came who we now know as Hooley. A walk down the adjacent lane was then done with the two dogs who totally ignored each other. So far so good! We then returned to the paddock where a more formal introduction was made.
Both were let off the leads (Hooley had a muzzle on), and the next thing we knew was that Hooley came flying across the paddock and knocked Lance flying, but not at all in any aggressive manner - it was play and Lance was fine! After that they went round the paddock together as though they had been with each other all their lives. After all parties agreed, it was decided to remove Hooleys muzzle, and that was it, the appearance was that of two dogs who had spent their life together.
That was on the Friday, we went home and over the weekend I made out the application for Hooley, sent it in and was given the green light the following Monday. So a return to the kennels was quickly made, Hooley was brought out and the paperwork was done. Shortly after, we were all outside by the car with the door open, and before we knew it Hooley had decided everything for us by leaping straight into the car! Who choose who I wonder?
On getting home it took a few days for Lance to settle in with his new companion, but as far as Hooley was concerned it was a case of "I am here and here to stay!" We are now convinced that Hooley, who was five at the time, has knocked a few years of elderly life off Lance, who was twelve. They both sleep together and eat together - there is never a bad word spoken between them. It is quite funny however, to watch Hooley when she finds Lance in her bed. She goes up to him and just stands over him until he moves….he soon gets the message!
In conclusion, I can only say a very big thanks to Forever Hounds Trust for introducing us to such a beautiful greyhound and for their help - nothing has been too much bother. In the two years we have had her she has shown herself to be wonderful dog and is friendly with everyone (you don’t get a greyhound for a guard dog!).
Having had two lurchers previously I thought I knew sighthounds, but Hooley has taught me a lot, and continues to do so.
If you are reading this article and are thinking about giving a forever home to a greyhound do not delay! You are missing a whole lot of life by not getting the love of a greyhound.
