Dogs Trust sees influx of Greyhounds

Dogs Trust Ilfracombe is appealing to dog lovers to consider adopting a Greyhound after seeing an influx in this loveable breed looking for homes.

There are currently eight Greyhounds at the rehoming centre all looking for forever homes and staff are keen to dispel the myths surrounding the breed in order to find them all loving new families. Contrary to what people tend to think, Greyhounds are often couch potatoes and need little exercise, liking nothing more than cosying up on a big bed in a warm home.

All of the Greyhounds have now retired from racing and are looking for a more relaxed pace of life where they can put their paws up on a comfy sofa.

Rogan Quinn, Dogs Trust Ilfracombe’s Rehoming Centre Assistant Manager, said: “Sadly many retired racers end up in rescue centres like ours waiting for a loving home to spend the rest of their lives in, but because people associate them with racing, they assume they are a dog that needs lots of exercise. That’s not the case. They are definitely strong and fast but they are surprisingly lazy and very loyal, which is why they make great pets.”

Visitors to the centre in West Down will be able to find out everything they need to know about Greyhounds and of course meet the dogs looking for their forever family.

The Greyhounds looking for homes are Lucie, Wilson, Cherry, Jack, Rory, Honey-Jane, Cody and Penny and more information on each dog can be found at www.dogstrust.org.uk.

Rogan continues: “All of our Greyhounds are different in their personalities, but share in common the desire to find a loving home. We hope people will be encouraged to find out more about Greyhounds and, fingers crossed, adopt one!”

A few facts about Greyhounds:

·         The Greyhound originated in Great Britain and is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence.
·         It is the only recognised dog breed mentioned in the Bible.
·         They are believed to be the fastest breed of dog on the planet – they can reach up to 45miles/hour over a short distance!
·         In the Middle Ages, only noblemen were allowed to own and hunt with a Greyhound and any harm done to a Greyhound was punishable by death.
·         Henry VIII and Queen Victoria were both proud owners of Greyhounds. One of them even lived in the White House in the mid-1800s.
·         Greyhounds don’t like sitting down, and some can’t, due to the muscle arrangement in the body.

If you can offer a Greyhound a comfy couch, please call 0300 303 0292 or visit at Hazeldene, West Down, Ilfracombe EX34 8NU.