Two beautiful greyhounds, Ermine and Farah, have found each other, as well as a loving new home, as a result of the work of a special group of volunteers at Forever Hounds Trust.
The two greyhounds came to Forever Hounds Trust, a greyhound and lurcher rescue and re-homing charity, separately. The dogs were both retired racing greyhounds and, their racing days behind them, found themselves in need of a family and home they could call their own.
Ermine arrived with Forever Hounds Trust in December 2016 and was easily recognisable for his beautiful white and black coat. Although a little shy, Ermine was keen to interact with humans, was incredibly calm and had a grace and elegance about him that befitted his name.
Farah arrived at the charity’s kennels in January 2017 and was much more confident than Ermine, and raring to start life as a pet. She was keen to be part of everything that was going on in the kennels and wanted to spend time with all the staff and volunteers she came into contact with.
Both greyhounds were young, healthy and ready to start their new lives. Ermine was about four-years-old and Farah roughly three. Although greyhounds are known for racing, they make wonderful companions, with a calm and gentle nature and a love of snoozing on a sofa or bed! Greyhounds don’t need much exercise, just two twenty minute walks a day is plenty for most. What they really crave is affection, friendship and a loving bond with humans. Ermine and Farah were no different.
Forever Hounds Trust are dedicated to matching dogs and new owners to ensure that every dog they help finds a home that is right for them. While thinking about the sort of home that Ermine and Farah would fit into, volunteers working for the charity realised that the two dogs were perfect for each other too! Ermine would benefit from Farah’s confidence and Farah would benefit from having a friend to keep her company.
Both dogs had always got on well when out on walks together, so the volunteers arranged for them to meet off the lead, and were delighted to discover that their suspicions were right, and the two were made for each other!
Director of Homing and Kennelling for Forever Hounds Trust, Emily Burns-Sweeney, said: “Luckily for these dogs we had been approached by a wonderful couple, asking if it was possible to have a matched pair of greyhounds. These two gorgeous greyhounds got on so well that we knew they could be the answer.”
Forever Hounds Trust were quick to meet the couple, visit them at home and then arrange for them to meet Ermine and Farah. They went for a walk in the beautiful Spring sunshine and it became clear that both humans and dogs were a match.
Ermine and Farah are now known as Sidney and FloJo and are very happy in their new home in Gloucestershire. The couple that adopted them had never owned greyhounds before and have been amazed at how quickly they have settled in to family life. They were surprised at what little space they take up too, likening them to ‘fold-away bicycles’ able to occupy remarkably small spaces, especially if it means sneaking a cuddle! Ermine’s confidence is growing every day with Farah and his new human family at his side, and Farah has settled in very quickly, making herself right at home with her new toys.
For the volunteers at Forever Hounds Trust it is the reason they give up their time to do what they do – taking dogs in need of a new life and finding them their forever home, where they know they will live life as much loved pets, enjoying every day and bringing happiness to the families that adopt them.
While Ermine and Farah’s story has a very happy ending, there are always more dogs that need the help of Forever Hounds Trust and a home they can call their own. As soon as Ermine and Farah vacated their kennels there were two more dogs that came in to take their space and find a forever home. If you would like to offer a home to a greyhound or lurcher, please call Forever Hounds Trust on 03000 111 100 or email enquiries@foreverhoundstrust.org.
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