Hi everyone,

I've got a question for owners of ex-racers. I assume you got your dogs from greyhound charities, which ones did you use? (You can PM me if you're not allowed to mention specific charities). You see, I've been more or less decided that once I move house a rescue greyhound is for me (I flitted between breeds for a while but now I think I've chosen) especially after I found out about the horrible conditions in the racing industry. I'm torn between using a local one (Scotland) or an Irish one which can arrange transport for their dogs. Would there be a quarantine period between Ireland and the UK (I got the impression there wouldn't be but I just wanted to check)? The reason I thought about the Irish charity is I know that a large proportion of the racing dogs come from Ireland and that some are kept in terrible conditions. I thought about getting a spanish galgos but I wouldn't want to further upset the dog with a long quarantine. I just want to know I'm doing the greatest good I can and helping a dog that is in real need.

Sorry, can't help with the organisations but I can assure you that there is no quarantine issues for bringing dogs from Ireland to England/Scotland/Wales.

Good luck with your search :)

contact:

http://www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk

They will answer all your questions on this subject. They also import dogs from Europe for rehoming etc

or

http://www.greyhounds4u.co.uk

and this one a little closer to home :)

DogsTrust also have rescued greyhounds :)

I just contacted my local greyhound rescue knowing that they always have a lot of dogs to re home, I do live in a city that until recently had its own greyhound racing track so I had been interested in them for a while and met quite a few owners and ex racers at local village fete's or town showns etc. I would always get one from a specific greyhound charity as I know what the usually retired people do for the breed and how much time and effort they put in to help them. No matter where you decide to get one they will be over the moon you want to give an ex racer a home and don't be surprised if you get roped in on the numerous charity events that take place.: You won't regret giving one a home they are fabulous but really mischievous in a laid back lazy way.

Yeah - Great to hear you want an ex-racer!! They are the best.

You can contact the Retired Greyhound Trust which is the national charity in the UK (http://www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/). There are a few in Ireland now too (http://www.abhailegreyhounds.com/, http://www.paws.ie/, Orchard Greyhound Sanctuary - website pending).

Have a look on the greyhound data web site (http://www.greyhound-data.com/adoption.htm).

I would just like to say, though, that contrary to popular belief not all racing greyhound owners are evil. My two ex-racers where owned whilst racing at Walthamstow by my OH and father-in-law, who incidently also has two of his ex-racers from Catford as pets. Unfortuantely these dogs aren't included in the official statistics and so although a horrific number do need rehoming, and worse does happen, alot to get homed by their owners but are listed as probably having been PTS - I know of lots of happy 10 years plus greys living in Ireland (my girls mum is now 14!), and the UK with breeders, owners and trainers who are not accounted for. I help out at RGT kennels and a NGRC trainers kennels and they are well looked after.

Interestingly in Our Dogs there was a big thing about whippet racing. This is done with no gambling and so is done purely for the enjoyment of watching the dogs do what they were breed for. I'm sure owners of other hound breeds meet up for line coursing too. If only greyhound racing could be like that - human greed always takes over.