Just before the lockdown we agreed to an emergency intake of four 8 week old lurcher puppies that had been bred, but were left unsold, so no longer wanted.
Kennels really wasn’t the best place for such tiny, unvaccinated pups, so one of our wonderful volunteer foster families welcomed them into their home to prepare them for life in the big wide world.
Given their age, despite the lockdown, we decided once vaccinated it would be better to home them as soon as we could, so they could start to enjoy life with their new families. All homings were done in accordance with all required social distancing regulations.
The fourth, Kali, went to a lovely family in Bristol, who supplied us with the below testimonial!
We would like to share our thanks and love for Forever Hounds Trust as we welcome our new pup, Kali! Kali, formerly known as “Dotty” whilst she stayed with her foster carer, has been with us for a week now.
Previously we were the owners of a crossbreed old boy, of 15 years, Jack dog. He came to us from a local animal shelter, before life became busy with family life, juggling teenagers, work and toddlers. In his later years he was diagnosed diabetic, deaf and blind, and ultimately suffered with Dementia. My Specialist teaching helped us to support him, a strong routine, kindness, patience and even sign language helped us through, until it was time for him to pass. As a family we have struggled with his loss, our home and hearts have been empty. We missed our walks, our beach trips, our cuddles and forever friend.
We had looked through local ads, looking for a lost soul, a local dog that needed help, but nothing came up. We contacted animal shelters across several counties and even other greyhound charities. None of which were prepared to consider us, due to having children. Despite our experience, my specialist teaching qualifications, our home routine and our awareness of how difficult a rehoming can be…we found no joy.
Dear friends of ours, who are also Forever Hounds Trust homers, suggested we speak to the charity. We had donated all of Jack Dogs blankets, towels, toys and treats to them to share with Forever Hounds back in the winter. It seemed a great suggestion.
I filled in online forms and immediately received a call from Penny, a homing officer. I remember it so well, it was a Saturday night in January. We chatted for ages, about our home, our loss, our thoughts and how she thought we would be suitable for a puppy! In all honestly I hadn’t considered a young dog, but actually it made sense. Penny is clearly experienced and knew just what we needed! We waited through January and February, with a call mid February with a possible pup from Ireland, but that didn’t happen. We were happy to wait, we knew when the time was right something would work out.
In March schools began to shut, working from home became the norm as the National Lockdown was implemented. We were all home, managing our new routine, and Penny called! “Hello Vicky, I have good news…we have some pups available, and in need of a home, we hope you can help us out!” She put me in touch with their foster carer. We hit it off straight away, even video calling the pups whilst we are all in quarantine! I took a shine to Dotty straight away, a little dot indeed, possibly the smallest of the four. We messaged each day, and we were kept updated about vaccinations and how they were all gaining weight well.
Kali arrived on a Thursday morning, social distancing respected, forms signed across driveways, gloves and suitable attire adorned! We welcomed her straight in to our garden. The children were so unbelievably elated. Our toddler held our his hand gently for Kali to familiarise herself with him. “Gentle hands” he said, as he has always known friends dogs we’ve ensured he knows how to behave around animals. By the evening she had found the sofa – it was safe to say she made herself at home! Their foster mum has been a star fostering and helping to home them during these difficult and unusual times. We could tell Kali had been cared for and loved, as she just fitted straight in to our busy family home.
We are forever grateful to Forever Hounds Trust for supporting our homing, for considering us and ultimately for making sure Kali is loved forever. We are looking forward to the future, as lockdowns are lifted, social distancing is reduced…we are sure to meet up with you all at a Forever Hounds Trust event!
Vicky and Lee
Four more rescued dogs arrive