A 'GREYT' LOVE
Supporting Greyhounds Worldwide
Welcome to my website, dedicated to educating all about the amazing breed that is the Greyhound.
โPlease note, the opinions and views on this website are solely my own, and are not linked to any other persons/companies mentioned or not mentioned.โ
My name is Sophie Nixon, and I am the very proud owner of one gorgeous Greyhound called Jessie, and the very proud 'hooman sister' of our beautiful boy Snip.
โ
โ
I fell inlove with Greyhounds back in 2006 when we adopted our perfect princess Millie. We rescued Millie from a Greyhouund Breeder that didnt want her due to her not being interested in racing. Millie was a total non-greyhound in the sense that she didnt like to run in circles, she didnt like to chase, and she wasnt bothered about Cats, Rabbits or other small furries.
โ
However she was so super Greyhound in the sense that she LOVED to sleep. Millie was so amazing we just couldnt help ourselves and had to have more. This is when we adopted our baba boy Sandy.
โ
Sandy came to us in 2008, at a young age of 2. He was Greyhound cross Saluki and we rehomed him from Brysons Animal Shelter in Gateshead.
โ
The love these two had for one another was so nice to watch. It was like having brother and sister together although they technically were not related. The two loved eachothers company and brought so much happiness into eachothers and our lives.
โ
After Sandys passing in 2016, Millie was left alone once again. Subdued and clearly missing her companion we knew that we were a family for 2 dogs not 1.
โ
By this time I had moved out of the family home with my then future husband, although we do live so very close to my parents, we knew that if we adopted our own Greyhound the two dogs could still be with eachother everyday. This is when Jessie came into our lives.
โ
October 2016 myself and my husband came across a Greyhound resuce called 'Greyhound Rescue Northeast' based in Easington, County Durham.
There was such an amazing feel to this chairty and the love and care they show to their dogs that it just captivated me. After successfully adopting Jessie from them i continued to help, support and fundraise for them as I was just so thankful for all that they do. To this day i am still involved with the charity, supporting on their social media and carrying out home checks for the Greyhounds.
โ
When I was up there at the kennels I fell inlove with yet another Greyhound this one being 'Snip'. I could just see him in our family home, and becoming the brother that Millie needed. This led to us being a family of 2 Greyhounds to 3 Greyhounds.
โ
Millie, Snip and Jessie had to be the BEST three-some of doggie companions ever to exisit! The love, care and time they had for one another was magical. You would see Jessie grooming them, Snip and Jessie moving to give Millie the best part of the sofa and they would just play and all cuddle up with eachother all the time. When Millie passed in earlier this year it was heartbreaking, and Jessie and Snip grew even closer than before and really supported eachother to overcome their loss.
โ
Yes myself, my husband, mam and dad are still very tempted to make 2 become 3 again, but in the meantime I am using all my spare time, and passion into sharing my experiences with this fantastic breed in order to try and rehome as many Greyhounds as I can.
โ
What made me fall head over heels was the Greyhounds huge hearts. They are so gentle, with all they meet, big small, baby, child, elderly, and I get so many kind comments about them every single time I walk with them. They are magical to watch when running free, and so majestic and charasmatic everyday. They cant love you enough, they just always give you more and more aswell as their undying loyalty.
โ
I truly believe Greyhounds are this way, as they are so THANKFUL for s life after racing. As unfortuantly some racing tracks can be extremely bad places for Greyhounds, whilst others can be very kind and safe, however the risks in the sport itself if not cared for properly inflicts injuries, deaths and suffering.
โ
Thank you for visiting my website, I really hope you find all the information you need on this breed and can give them the chance to prove to you, that they are the perfect pet.
โ
A POEM FOR A GREYHOUND
"Everyone deserves a second chance"
I didn't really want you, I wasn't really sure, And I'll admit I had my doubts when you first came through that door
Not small, or cute, or fluffy, with big soft puppy eyes, But tall and thin and bony, with bald pink bulging thighs
You weren't the kind I had in mind, not in any way,
Perhaps it would be better, if I took you back today, before we know each other, it really won't be kind,
To keep you here for one more day and then to change my mind.
But against my better judgement, I decided you could stay and quickly I discovered, you were kind in every way.
Your gentleness and patience really stole the show
"Why! These dogs are wonderful, I must let others know"
You're my gentle giant, who just needed a chance, To show us all what you could be, to wipe away that history.
Dispel our preconceptions, that put us all to shame and so we come to know and love, what lies beneath that frame.
And now I've come to understand, what I missed right at the start, That Greyhounds need that great deep chest...
To house their great big hearts.
Author unknown
GREYHOUND RESCUE NORTHEAST
Where Greyhounds Come First
07716557876
MILLIE, SANDY, JESSIE AND SNIP
A dedication page to the 4 best Greyhounds that have been in my life. I think its important to show just how beautiful they all really are. Each and every Greyhound has so many unique and gorgeous markings and personality traits.
MILLIE
SANDY
JESSIE
SNIP
GREYHOUND RESCUE NORTHEAST
'Where Greyhounds Come First'
Greyhound Rescue Northeast, are driven by a single goal; to do their part in making the world a better place for all Greyhounds.
โ
Father and Daughter, Billie Jo and Steve have grown up around Greyhounds. They dedicate their lives to making sure each and every single one that comes into their care receives love, happiness and a perfect home.
โ
After years of falling in love with the breed and seeing all the positive and negative sides to the racing industry, they soon realised they couldnโt take home every single greyhound that needed them - despite trying! This is when Greyhound Rescue Northeast was born.
โ
Billie Jo and Steve along with many volunteers have been able to provide brilliant homes for all retired, abandoned and greyhounds in need. Our kennels are equipped with built in padded beds for the hounds, big enough for two dogs to share, with fresh bedding and plenty of food and water, our dogs certainly feel loved from the moment they arrive with them.
โ
All the team members and volunteers at the charity all work normal day to day jobs in order to provide for these โGreytโ dogs.
โ
At the rescue they dedicate their lives and all their spare time to these dogs. They will take in any sighthound no matter what the circumstances.
They take in retired racers, abandoned hounds, disabled hounds, whippets, lurchers, pups and more, and we will never ever turn them away once adopted from us.
โ
GRNE work 24/7 picking up enquiries on Greyhounds that are wandering the streets, or needing to be rehomed and will collect them from the north east areas and take them in as their own, to work with them and help rebuild their lives for the better.
โ
When rehoming from GRNE, the Greyhound will come with up to date vaccinations, dental checks, speyed/neutered and a collar and lead and of course microchipped. They will also give you 4 weeks free pet insurance.
โ
After adoption they will advise that you seek professional veterinary insurance and care along with changing the microchip name to your own.
โ
Greyhound Rescue Northeasts very own Manager and Co Founder Billie Jo is a veterinary nurse and spends a lot of her own time in making sure all the dogs are fit and healthy.
โ
Please visit the Rehoming Page for details on rehoming from Greyhound Rescue Northeast.
โ
GET INVOLVED
'You Can Make a Difference'
MAKE A DONATION
Greyhound Rescue Northeast's organisation (Registered Charity Number 1131609) always appreciates the generosity and involvement of people like you, with every contribution going towards making Greyhound Rescue Northeast an even better Animal Shelter than it already is.
They are a 100% non profit organisation, so each and every pound, really does go to each and every hound.
You can donate direct to the chairty at:
GREYHOUND RESCUE NORTHEAST
09-01-27 87504082
โ
CANDY CANE RESCUE
Donate directly to our bank account:
Candy Cane Rescue
Sort Code: 30-90-89
Account number: 35882460
REHOMING
Greyhound Rescue Northeast's rehoming strategy is slightly different to other kennels.They prefer to match you up to your perfect dog. I take part in some of the rehoming for this charity. Below you can find out what to expect.
We like to have a chat to you over the phone about the kind of dog you are looking for, when you would like to adopt one, if youโve seen any you like. Your ideal personality traits, if they have to be cat friendly etc etc.
โ
As we have this small chat our main adoption man Steve wouldโve already picked out a few of our dogs that would fit into your family just lovely.
โ
Following the chat, we will arrange a home visit, so one of our team can answer any burning questions, and just make sure that your home is suitable for a greyhound, safe and secure with the dogs best interest at heart.
โ
Once your home check is complete, we will then arrange a dog meet, so you can see how you get on and introduce the dog to any other pets, children or family member that it will be spending time with. You can also come to the kennels if you wish to have a look at a few of our dogs.
โ
Following all of the above we choose a date for collection or pick up, sign the adoption forms, take payment, go over some doโs and dontโs and then your life with your new companion can begin.
โ
When rehoming from us, the greyhound will come with up to date vaccinations, dental checks, speyed/neutered and a collar and lead and of course microchipped. We will also give you 4 weeks free pet insurance.
โ
All we ask in return is a minimum adoption fee of ยฃ100 and the promise that you will give the Greyhound the best possible life.
โ
โ
CANDY CANE RESCUE
Saving Greyhounds from the Meat Trade
โThe following statement comes from candy canes websiteโ
Candy Cane Rescue was set up by Kerry Elliman, founder of Birmingham Greyhound Protection, based in the UK on 25th of June 2017.
The organisationโs aim is to help provide a safe environment in which greyhounds rescued from the Chinese meat trade can be cared for. Also, we repatriate them to the UK or Europe and find them loving homes. Greyhounds are exported from Ireland, the UK and Australia by breeders and owners to race in China and are kept in the most awful conditions.
We are also in the process of applying for charity status which we should gain in 2018.
Many have already spent their entire life racing and should be allowed to retire in their old age.With many being sent to a country which has NO ANIMAL WELFARE LAWS to race or breed.
Kerry felt the organisation needed to be set up when itโs namesake โCandyโ was killed by another dog just the day before she was due to fly to the UK to be rehomed. Candy Cane can now ensure that rescued greyhounds in China can be kennelled with other greyhounds safely until they are well enough to travel.
We couldnโt make this happen without the brilliant and brave Chinese activists and rescues who we work hand in hand with. Candy Cane Rescue is an organisation of hope. Hope that one day the export of greyhounds and the meat trade of dogs will end.
โ
HOW THEY DO IT
โ
Once one of the Chinese rescue groups we partner with have found a greyhound, and saved it from a meat truck, there is a really long and drawn out process which we have to go through to get that greyhound safely to our kennels in Beijing and then on to the UK or to one of our partner rescues in Europe.
โ
Firstly, the greyhound is usually injured or ill with distemper or both and has to go immediately to a vet. The vet can be hundreds of miles away from our kennels and the dog may have to stay there for months to recover, and then be neutered, before we can fly them to Beijing. The cost of vet treatment is astronomical and we have to pay this before weโve even met the dog. Sadly, some dogs are so ill that they never make it to our kennels.
โ
Once they are at our kennels they are on their way to the life they deserve. We rent space at the most amazing kennels, the dogs even have a swimming pool! The kennels also have heating, air con and a private dog walking park. A whole world away from being squashed into a crate with eight or so other dogs. Each Kennel costs ยฃ100 per month so the more dogs we saveโฆ.well, you get the picture! It costs between ยฃ1000-ยฃ3000 and takes up to 5 months to rescue each dog.
Next we have to get all the paperwork arranged for the dog to travel to a different country and book flights.
It takes so long and and requires so much commitment and effort on the part of the Chinese advocates we work with. They are angels!
Here are some videos of the kennels we rent. For some of the dogs this is their first experience of human kindness.
โ
CANDY CANE'S ADOPTION PROCESS
โ
UK ADOPTION
We only re-home to private homes in the UK. This is because we can then provide rescue back up for life for the dog and support owners.
The first stage would be for you to email us with a contact number so that Kerry can give you a call and talk about which dog might suit your family or talk about a dog you are interested in.
Once youโve chosen a dog we can reserve it for you and then weโd do a home check. Providing you pass your home check weโll go ahead and begin the process of bringing your dog to the UK.
The next stage really depends on how long the dog has been in our kennels in Beijing as there is a quarantine period of three months before a dog can travel after its rabies vaccination.
Next we have to raise the money to pay for flights and arrange all the travel plans. It can be quite a long process but you would get updates and photos of your dog while you are waiting for it to arrive.
We charge an adoption fee of ยฃ250 and that includes their collar, tag, lead etc plus 4 weeks insurance.
OVERSEAS ADOPTION THROUGH A RESCUE GROUP
We only re-home to private homes outside of the UK with local rescue back up. If you live outside of the UK you must approach a rescue centre and ask them if they will take responsibility for the dog should you no longer be able to care for it. We can then make contact with the rescue and make sure they meet our standards for re-homing.
If you are an overseas rescue that would like to work with us please drop us an email with the rescueโs name and policies on re-homing eg home checks & follow up checks. Also, we need to know your policy if a dog is returned, along with your policy regarding behavioural issues. As a rescue, we have a strict policy against dogs being PTS for behavioural issues and would not work with any rescues where this practice is carried out. We have to ensure that our dogs go to the very best places available.
We are very keen to work with rescues in the USA as dogs can travel more quickly, than to any other country after they have had rabies jabs, as the quarantine period for the USA is shorter. The quicker dogs can be adopted, the more dogs in terrible situations we can save. Candy Cane Rescue pays all vet and boarding fees but you as a rescue would pay for flights. We would arrange flights from our end.
โ
โ
FACTS & FICTION
There is a general misconception around Greyhounds as a breed. Many believe they can look aggressive, and need lots of exercising. This misconception comes from the racing industry where you see Greyhounds running at high speed for sporting and betting purposes.
โ
Below are some key facts about what Greyhounds are really like, and especially as pets.
GREYHOUND FACTS
1. Greyhounds are the second fastest land animal in the world just behind the cheetah. Greyhounds in racing can run up to speeds of 43mph.
โ
2. Greyhounds are considered to be in the top ten most gentle dog breeds. Because of their naturally kind temperament, greyhounds make perfect canine companions for children, other dogs, and cats, too.
โ
3. Greyhounds actually rely more on their vision than they do on their sense of smell; hence the term "sighthound." Surprisingly though, the greyhound breed does not have great eyesight when it comes to seeing stationary objects.
โ
4. Out of all the purebred dog breeds today, many animal experts have come to believe that the greyhound is perhaps the healthiest breed of dog when it comes to hereditary health issues. It's truly amazing how a breed as ancient as the greyhound can have a practically perfect health record.
โ
5. The one health problem Greyhounds are prone to, is bad teeth and plaque build up. I definatly suggest brushing your greyhounds teeth everyday along with using Dentistix and a dental check up with your vet twice a year.
โ
Its said that between 60% and 80% of Greyhounds show signs of dental disease by the age of 3. So if your dog has came from rescue, a dental examination will be needed and dental work will be reccomended. You will probably have to get your Greyhound a thorough dental service 3 times in their lifetime.
โ
โ
IN THE HOME
Greyhounds really do make one of the most loving and low maintenance pets to have.
โ
Contrary to belief Greyhounds are actually extremely lazy. Dont get us wrong, they do love to go for walks and would happily walk with you long distance, but they are just as happy to have a nice half hour run followed by 16-22 hours a day of sleeping after.
โ
Greyhounds are gentle and kind natured to all that they meet. You can get some extremely cat friendly greyhounds also.
โ
Greyhounds adore soft furnishings. With their slender bodies and thin skin and coats, they love nothing more than cuddling up with you on a soft and cosy sofa or bed.
โ
Greyhounds do not have particularly small or large appetites, they enjoy their food and treats being no different to any other breed.
โ
Rescue greyhounds have most likely never been in a home environment before, we do advise taking some time off work to settle the dog in with you and teach them about the home - just like you would a puppy. Greyhounds are trainable and respond well to clickers and commands. They are loyal dogs with great personalities.
โ
โ
โ
โ
Q & A
Greyhound Q & A
Q. Are greyhounds highly strung?
A. No. They are naturally calm and rather self-possessed. They are the oldest dog breed recorded in history and are genuine thoroughbreds.
โ
Q. Are greyhounds good with children?
A. Greyhounds are as good with children as any dog breed and better than most, because of their characteristic gentleness. They have been around people all of their lives and are usually very people-oriented.
โ
Q. Are there character differences between males and females?
A. The difference between male and female greyhounds tends to be less pronounced than in many other breeds. All greyhounds are individuals with different personalities.
โ
Q. How much exercise do they need?
A. Contrary to popular belief, greyhounds do not need lots of exercise. Toilet considerations aside, two twenty minute walks a day is usually more than enough. Greyhounds are built for speed, not stamina, and use up their energy in short bursts.
โ
Q. Do they always need to be muzzled?
A. Greyhounds do not need to be muzzled at all times, but we do recommend that you keep your greyhound muzzled when out and about, at least until you are confident of their behaviour around other breeds. They are quite used to it and associate it with pleasurable walks. If you feel you need to let your dog off the lead, a gated space is recommended.
โ
Q. Will I need a special bed for the dog?
A. Greyhounds do not need a special bed, and an old, clean quilt folded in two is perfect. They are used to sleeping off the ground and will need no encouragement to take over your bed as well as your sofa. They do like to stretch out!
โ
Q. How do greyhounds get on with other dogs?
A. Most greyhounds get on well with other dogs and many live with other breeds. Common sense and careful introductions are the key. If you have another dog, speak to our volunteers who will usually recommend that you bring them down to the kennels to help pick their new greyhound friend.
โ
Q. Can greyhounds live with cats and other small pets?
A. Greyhounds are sighthounds and it is their instinct to chase. Despite this, some greyhounds can be trained to live happily with cats and other small pets (and sometimes, they even become the best of friends!). If you have a cat or another small pet, make sure to discuss this with us and we will be able to let you know if they have any greyhounds that they think will be suitable.
"Our sunshine doesn't come from the skies. It comes from the love in our Greyhounds eyes'
THANK YOU FOR VISITING
I hope my webiste has given you alot of information on these beautiful dogs, and hopefully made you want one of your own.
โ
If you have any further questions or enquiries into rehoming, please get in touch.
โ
Much Love, Sophs xo
Northumberland, UK
