The weekend of August 26/27th was a very special one, and once more, I became an honorary greyhound?

Dad was away (diving somewhere in the sea) so it was just Mum and us ? then on the Saturday evening, Mum was cooking some nice smelling food (not that us dogs got any) when Aunty Claire arrived with loads of flowers and green stuff with her. The two of them spent the evening eating, drinking, watching TV and (hindered by Mum) Claire made up some lovely arrangements of flowers, green stuff and rosemary. They said that they in memory of some missing greyhounds.

Mum explained that the next day we were all going to London to ?a peaceful protest? organised by Greyhound Action. We?d meet up with other people and (mostly) greyhounds, in a park near to the home of someone called Lord Lipsey who, from what I heard Mum and Claire saying, does not seem to do much for the welfare of greyhounds once they are of no use, or their racing days are over.

This all seemed a good idea to me, I don?t like the thought of a lot of my greyhound friends suffering or even being killed.

The next day we were all looking forward to meeting Danny (from Sighthound Welfare Trust), Tony (from Greyhound Action) and other people and dogs who we?d met before. We all squashed into Claire?s car with 5 lots of flowers, very comfy to lean on they were too; one of them was from Ange, who is Monty?s friend. (I must just add here, that Mum does not tie our bandanas as well as Dad does).

We arrived at Tooting Bec Common and found Danny ? we liked him, even Maple wasn?t nervous and one of the Beasts was with him all afternoon. There were some very nice police officers there ? not sure why, but they seemed to be enjoying themselves.


Tony and a Police Officer

More and more people and dogs turned up and we all walked over to a nice grassy area, where we sat in the sun then listened to some speeches about what happens to greyhounds, and why racing should stop, and thinking about all those poor greyhounds who are not as lucky as Monty, Jack, Troy and Monty.


Danny from SWT with Maple, Monty and me

The people seemed very sad, but angry at the same time. Our new friend Danny also said some words and placed a very nice basket of rosemary with purple ribbons on it. Tony from Greyhound Action tore something up - he was very angry.


Tony (Greyhound Action) speaking


Beauty and a beast (well, two beasts)

We met up with Sue B and Hugo, Hedgehog (Kate) ? Troy loves her, Lavenderblue (Julie) and spoke to lovely people from all over. Troy also liked Tony (from Greyhound Muses) and leant up against him and his wife for a very long time. Some people came to the park from a place called Scotland, and some from Ireland, where we went on holiday last year. People and dogs had coats, tops and other things with writing and pictures on them ? all saying and showing things about how badly greyhounds are treated.


Some of the hounds and humans

Oh and we saw Bridget again (we met her at the Bristol Greyhound Rememberance Day), her Dad carried her on his back and he made a very good speech, I think he is something to do with a CAGE.


Bridgit on her dad's back

After the speeches some people picked up the flowers and put them along a wall ? near to the house of that Lord Lipsey person. He didn?t say thank you though.


Just some of the tributes to all the greyhounds that have died to entertain people

We were all very tired when we got back and very glad that Aunty Claire was able to drive us, as Mum?s car was broken. I hope the day made some people think, and maybe brings the day when greyhounds die for racing a bit closer. Mum and Dad say there might be a march in London in November, but we?re not sure if us Beastly Beasts will all be allowed to go ? we hope so.


Jack


Kai x