Wiltshire gent flies flag for charity’s seniors’ policy

GREYHOUND Rescue West of England (Forever Hounds Trust) is proudly flying against the trend when it comes to rehoming their dogs with mature adopters, actively encouraging senior citizens to consider their dogs.

Last year the charity brought together 81 year-old Wiltshire resident Neil, with ex-racing greyhound Duke; himself a senior who recently celebrated his eighth birthday.

Neil lives in a bungalow near Salisbury and adopted Duke after researching breeds suitable to his lifestyle.

Carol Baby of Forever Hounds Trust, herself retired and the owner of sighthounds, says there are many reasons to adopt a greyhound as an older person.

“The best reason is that the dogs are very calm. Greyhounds are quite lazy and make great pets for adopters of all ages, especially older people and even those who are less mobile, as they are taught from puppies to walk on the lead without pulling,” she explained.

Two 20 minute walks per day is usually more than sufficient exercise before retiring to the sofa for a long nap.

“Greyhound owners commonly refer to their retired racing pets as 40 mph couch potatoes!” smiled Carol.

“Then there is the reassurance that if anything happens to you, the dogs will be taken back into the excellent care of Forever Hounds Trust and found exactly the right homes so that they can continue enjoying a good life” said Carol.

Now Neil, who also holds a pilot’s licence and flies light aircraft as a hobby, is looking forward to a new lease of life with his retiring companion.   He told us “Duke is a lovely quiet boy who has made an instant hit with people, not only with personal friends but with the village garage boss, postman, even the barber!”

Forever Hounds Trust receives few applications for homing from the over 65s and thinks that people of that age may be missing a trick thinking that a greyhound wouldn’t be a suitable pet for them.

“We would welcome homing enquiries from anyone looking to adopt a hound from us, regardless of their age,” concluded Carol.

If you are interested in re-homing a dog from Forever Hounds Trust, or simply want to find out more, please call on 03000 111 100 or visit www.foreverhoundstrust.org.