The Beastly Beasts

Six Weeks - Six Hens

posted by Chris at 14:48

I hadn't expected to do a post about Little; this one I had planned.

Back in Jan six new girls came to stay having been rescued from Leicestershire. They are called Uhura, Deanna, Kira, Jadzia, B'Elanna, and Kes; the Trekkies among you will instantly recognise the names. Thanks to a comment about the meaning of Uhura's name I did a bit of research, and it turns out they are all real names:

Uhrua

Uhrua
Uhrua: Freedom (derived from the Swahili word uhuru)

Deanna

Deanna
Deanna: Divine (Latin)

Kira

Kira
Kira: Dark Lady (Celtic)

Jadzia

Jadzia
Jadzia: Princess (Polish)

Kes

Kes
Kes: Chaste (An old proto-Indo-European word meaning to cut or divide, and is the root of our word chaste)

B'Elanna
B'Elanna: Sun Ray (Greek), Elanna being derived from Helen, and of course Helen of Troy ran off with Paris; one wonders if the creators of Voyager being a bit clever.

The first thing I noticed when they arrived was just how healthy the original girls looked; you kind of forget the state they were in when they first arrived.

The new girls ranged from B'Elanna who had a bald bum and neck, through Kes who while she had feathers was (still is) soooo tiny, through to Jadzia who apart from a pale comb and face looked perfect.

Kes I didn't think would make it. She seemed to spend so much time asleep. To give her a chance she came indoors for a few days. I'm glad to say she has made it.

As the weather was cold and we were due the snow I got the girls some coats, and special thanks to Maggie Turton and the other ladies at Blisworth WI for arranging them for me. Maybe the girls might have got by without them, but I'm sure they kept warmer with them during some bitterly cold days.

Kira

Kira

Kes

Uhura

Kira

Introducing new girls is an eye opener. Those placid friendly ladies you've had for a while turn into harpies bent on destruction. However, over the course of a couple of weeks things calmed down and now everyone gets on fine.

Kira, Deanna and Jadzia

B'Elanna in the Snow

At first the new girls would stay in the run under the coop. After a few days they ventured into the extension run and after about two weeks or so started exploring the area I have fenced off by netting. When the weather finally got better and I let them free range the old hands (wings?) were out like a shot; the new girls - despite having been able to see the garden would not pass the netting. Until that is they realised that treats are served on the lawn. Now everyone free ranges and races down the garden when the back door opens.

I get asked quite often how greyhounds and hens get on. I think this photo answers that question.

Troy and Jack with the girls

I have seen it with dogs, Monty, Troy and Rosie in particular, and it is just the same with ex-battery hens: seeing them become the creatures they were always supposed to be; watching them as they learn their natural ways and enjoy what it is they do and being what they are. There is a real pleasure in seeing chickens that have spent a year unable to stretch their wings lying out in the early spring sun wings outstretched and watching them scratch at the ground then inspect to see what they may have uncovered. If you have ever thought about having hens do get some ex-batts; they are brilliant.

B'Elanna

B'Ellana Sporting New Feathers

Little - RIP

posted by Chris at 14:18

Sad to say that Little has gone to great chicken coop.

Just before Christmas she went to the vet as she was very listless, however she seemed to recover from that. Yesterday, just before I took The Beasts out, I gave the girls their afternoon treats and noticed Little was missing; I found her hunched up in the coop. I took her indoors and gave her water and yoghurt, but sadly on returning from our walk she had died.

Little

Little when she arrived

Little was named because she was the smallest of the bunch and, as you can see, did not have too many feathers; she was also at the bottom of the pecking order and went out of her way to avoid everyone else.

Little

Little - a recent picture

But she turned into a beautiful golden coloured lady with dapples on her neck and became immeasurably more confident in herself and hung around with the others, Babs, Bunty, Ginger and Penny.

I'm glad she had 10 months of freedom.

Guess Where I Went Yesterday

posted by Troy at 12:19

Summink was goin' on; I had a bath on Wednesday, dad reckoned I 'ad to be spotless - for what?

For what? I'll tell yer for what. Cop yer peepers on this:

Special Dog Admission Ticket to Crufts

Yep, an admission ticket to Crufts for a Special Dog - that'll be me then. Me an'dad were there doin' a couple of stints on The Blue Cross stand.

Dad and me on The Blue Cross stand

Well, I fought I'd died an' gone 'eaven; tell yer wot, if you want a cuddle get yerself to Crufts. There are 'undreds, no fousands, of 'umans there an' pretty much every one of 'em stops and gives yer a cuddle.

'Course, we weren't there just so's I could have cuddles. We was there to tell people about the Children's Educational Program wot The Blue Cross run and The Beastly Beasts and loads of other dogs are part of. Loads of people fought that it was a great idea, and while they were finkin' about it they would give me a cuddle.

So me an' dad did two stints on the stand. When we pitched up Oskar was there with 'is 'umans. Oskar is a special guy 'coz he looks after 'is mum.

In between we went an' 'ad a gander round the show. OK, we've been to shows like the Gap Show, but this is bigger than them like as in it is 'uuuge!! And it goes on for four days!!

While we was 'avin' wander we bumped into Skye. He'd just got second place in a competition and we found out later on he got first in another - nice one Skye.

Dad of course 'ad to go an 'ave 'is Wolfhound fix an' we met a lovely lady who does wolfhound and greyhound rescue in Canada.

Then it was time for a bite to eat, but before that dad needed to go to the loo. Now, I know it sounds weird, but 'umans don't just 'ave a wee up fings, they go into special rooms to do it. Problem was I weren't allowed into the special room wiv dad, so we 'ad to get a security bloke to 'ang on to me so dad didn't 'ave to 'ang on if yer get my meaning.

Troy and security

Me Wiv Security

Then it was food. We both 'ad an 'ot dog each; tasty they were too. And I managed to blag extras off a couple of other people who weren't going to eat all theirs; I reckon I 'ad two 'ot dogs all togevver - result. Then back to The Blue Cross stand and more cuddles.

Troy and child

Me and 'Uman Puppy Quein' for Grub

Nearly everyone said 'ow handsome I was and loads of people asked 'ow old I am and seemed amazed that I'm 9½, saying I looked much younger and was dead fit for a dog my age - flattery of course gets you everywhere. Lots of people said that greyhounds are the best ever dogs - can't disagree there can I? Some people asked if we make good pets; 'course we do - though the word is companions; pets is for yer lesser beings.

As we were going we bumped into Sarah and Linda from White Lodge, that's when we 'eard about Skye's 1st place. We 'ad a rattle wiv them and then it was time to go 'ome. Even then we got stopped loads of times so people could say hello.

Troy

Yours T
Thanks to Peter Rostron for this pic

I 'ad a great day. I reckon we told a fair few people about the work of The Blue Cross and got some dosh in the tins, and told some people about greyhounds. If you were one of the people wot gave me a hug, put some dosh in The Blue Cross tins or gave me a bit of your 'ot dog - fanks. Maybe see you next year.

My First Home Check

posted by Monty at 17:18

Dad always takes someone when he does a home check as he reckons if they like the home it's OK. Usually it's Kai and/or Jack that get to go, but today it was Mack and me. Mack was up for it, but, well, even now I'm still not sure about new places. I know dad wouldn't let anything horrible happen, but I just like being at home (or on holiday).

Anyway, we went to a place called Bedford to do a home check for Greyhound Gap. It's a bit of a way from home but the lady that normally does the home checks for Gap there can't do them right now as she is just about to have her own human puppy. So we turned up and dad rang the bell. When the door opened Mack stuck his nose straight in which I thought was a bit rude.

We went into the garden and the two human puppies made a fuss of Mack and me while dad had a chat. Then we went indoors so dad could go through the list of questions and we got some treats which was nice. Well, Mack was really rude; talk about make yourself at home - straight on one of the sofas, not so much as a by your leave. Luckily the the people didn't mind but dad told him off and got him off. While dad did his bit the human puppies carried on making a fuss of us and then asked if they could take Mack and me for a walk, just in the garden. Now, I'm really not that keen on walking with anyone other than dad and really don't like it when I can't see him, but dad said I should go so I did, and it was OK and we went exploring round the house and the garden. When we got back the humans were still chatting so I had a lie down while Mack pestered people for stroke, and he got away with it.

It turns out the reason we were there for Gap was because a couple of years ago they met a lady out on a walk with a Gap greyhound and they liked the dog and remembered about Greyhound Gap. Just goes to show, what you do and say today might make a difference in the future, and hopefully what that lady said means a hound will have a home. And they said they liked black hounds - well, what can I say; we are handsomest of them all.

So we said to dad that we liked the people (anyone that likes black hounds is OK by me) and that they would make good humans for a hound. And as for me, it's another thing I've done and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

1st Lubenham Brownies

posted by Troy at 19:25

Me an' Rosie went and did a gig for the 1st Lubenham Brownies this evenin' on be'alf of The Blue Cross. Brownies it turns out are female 'uman puppies wot is younger than 10 (that's 'uman years) and is looked after by a Braan Arl (that's the bird - not the beer) what is really a grown up 'uman and not a bird at all. Confused?

So anyway, we pitches up an' the Brownies all sit down and wait for us to get our act together, and dead polite they was too. Rosie seemed to 'ave a bit of a thing about Braan Arl, as in she seemed to fancy 'er.

Dad introduced himself an' me an' Rosie an' you could tell which of the Brownies 'ad dogs of their own an' who didn't just by lookin' at 'em. So then dad got 'em split into two groups and each group 'ad to come up wiv as many fings as they could fink of wot animals need to be 'appy livin' umans; you know, food, water, love, that kinda stuff. And they was dead good at it an'all, though poo pickin' wasn't their fave idea.

Then it was me an' Rosie's turn. Dad told the Brownies that when they cam to say 'allo they should 'old their 'and out so we could sniff it then give us a stroke then if they wanted to give us a treat an' he showed 'em how to put it on their 'and an' old it flat so we wouldn't nibble fingers - like we would, not. The ones what had their own dogs just came up for a cuddle no problem but you could tell a couple of the uvvers were a bit leary. Leary, of me an' Rosie - I ask yer? Still, our charm won 'em over and I reckon everyone gave us a cuddle which was good.

Then we just 'ad a bit of a rattle wiv the girls. They 'ad loads of questions about us and the rest of The Beastly Beasts and dogs and they told us about their dogs and one lass told us about people painting poo, what sounds a bit weird if you ask me.

When the parents turned up for their puppies Braan Arl reckoned they was all gobsmacked at 'ow quiet and well be'aved the girls were. All I can say is Rosie and me fought they was great an' we a good larf this evenin'.

My First PAT Visit

posted by Rosie at 16:45

Done it, my first PAT visit, and it's just like the others said - brilliant. Me an' Jack met Pat - our PAT organiser - at the desk at St. Andrews Hospital, then we went to see the people that sort out visitors so dad could get a badge that means he's like allowed in the place. All the people in the office thought we were really nice.

Then we went to do our real visit. Plan was to go out for a walk with one of the ladies staying here; this was Alice (not her real name of course 'coz that wouldn't be fair) that Mack and Troy met just before Christmas. So off we went, Jack with Alice, me with Dad, then there was Pat and a lady to look after Alice if needs be like. Jack was dead good and walked along nicely with Alice - Pat said he was the perfect dog for her.

The others had said about how it was nice seeing people smile and you could tell Alice was dead chuffed to be out with Jack, and when we got back to the ward she walked Jack in and showed him to everyone and you should have seen the smile on her face; if it 'ad gone any further round the top of her head would have come off she were that happy. One of the nurses took some pictures of Alice an' Jack and me with one of the other patients. We'd love to be able to show you them, but for pretty obvious reasons we can't.

Then we went to see some of the other people there. Some of them wanted to stroke us and some wanted to give us treats; it's dead 'ard work being a PAT dog y'know.

Then we sat down with the boss nurse and she and Pat and dad had a chat. It turns out that this is going to be our ward and we are going to be their dogs - which is cool. Seems they've been wanting dogs to visit for ages and so the plan is we are going to go for a walk with people when we come to visit then go and see the people who didn't come out with that day - wouldn't want them to miss out on the chance to give us a treat now would we?

Labels: PAT

Incident with Rosie

posted by Chris at 17:30

Rosie won't tell you about this, but I will.

Yesterday we were out at our usual place, Salcey Forest, when something happened with Rosie.

Everyone was off-lead in a place where if I've seen two other people in all the years I've walked my dogs at Salcey that's about it. Kai, Mack and Rosie had gone ahead on a mission and Mack had just returned at full pelt. I could hear Kai and Rosie and then they appeared round the corner in typical lurcher style - running, bumping, snarling and generally having a good time.

Then it happened.

We were at a spot were the track takes a 90 degree bend, at 45 degrees there is another track that goes nowhere; it was latter where Kai, Mack and Rosie had gone on their "mission". From around the corner of the main track appeared two Weimaraners; Kai and Rosie were between me and them.

I gathered the greyhounds to me and called out the owner of the Weimaraners that "the big girl was a bit timid". "The Big Girl" had now dropped to the floor typical lurcher ready to pounce stance. I confess I was expecting at least a snarl and hoping for nothing worse. I was to be "disappointed".

The guy called his two and I called Rosie. With a perfect demonstration of selective deafness everyone ignored their humans and proceeded to introduce themselves in the usual way, then bits sniffed each party continued on their walk.

So the "incident" was that there was no incident; Rosie was the perfect lady and behaved impeccably. I have to say I was very pleased, rather proud of her, and extremely relieved.

She doesn't get carte blanche just yet, but this was a huge step forward - for her and me.

New Year Day Walk

posted by Rosie at 11:04

Yesterday we went of the White Lodge New Year day walk at Beacon Hill; we like Beacon Hill and today is was dead pretty with everything covered in rime. It was cold but we were nice and warm in our Greyt Sweaters and pretty much everyone else had coats on.

Frosty Trees

There were loads of hounds and humans there (everyone in the picture was with us) and a few people asked what was going on; another chance to tell the story of greyhounds.

Crowds

Crowds

As is often the way at White Lodge Walks dad gave most of The Beastly Beasts away; Lucy went off with this young man:

Lucy and her Toy Boy

Mack walked with his matching mate Jasper and Jack teamed up with Jasper's sister Lulu:

Jack and Lulu

And Kai and Monty went off with my namesake - Rosie's - family; that left just Troy and me with dad, but we managed OK.

While we were walking up the hill - and when we got to the top - lots of people said how different I was from when I first arrived with The Beastly Beasts and how relaxed I was; it's true, I am, and it's really nice that people notice. I even walk side by side with hounds I've not met before 'coz, well, we're all here for the same like thing aren't we; though I didn't like when someone sniffed my bum, but like dad said - I sniff other peoples bum so ?.

More Frosty Trees

Even though Kai and Monty were looking after other humans, every now and then they waited for me and Troy just make sure we were OK - thanks guys, but we can mange you know; dad's pretty well trained.

At the top we had even more people come and join us - Max and Tiny were there. Poor old Max broke his leg like - well, worse than I reckon - Monty did and is only just getting back into things. And Jackie (who I've met at Greyhound Gap shows) came along with her two new charges - this is one of them:

Jackie's Whippet

And while on the subject of newbies:

Tia

Tai

Tia is helping Suggs (more in him in a mo) look after Linda and Dave.

Poppy

Poppy

Poppy has gone to live with Caleb and Rudi.

Back to Suggs. Suggs is like our Monty used to be (still is to some extent) - dead shy of everyone but a lon at home. We always stop somewhere on the walks and that's time for treats and stuff - everyone shares but Suggs would never take a treat - not even liver cake - from dad. Until today.

This is everyone at the top of Beacon Hill.

Everyone

At the top Troy found a young human lady that needed looking after so he walked down with her, leaving just me in charge of dad for the first time ever - weren't too bad; he's pretty well behaved.

Frosty Tree

Back at the bottom it was time for some more treats; the perfect end to a lovely walk.

Happy New Year to everyone from all The Beastly Beasts.

Labels: walks

A Look Back at 2008

posted by Chris at 19:55

2008 has been really eventful year for The Beastly Beasts; here's some of the highlights.

January

Kai:
January saw The Beastly Beasts on the New Year day and White Lodge walks; on the White Lodge Walk we met Cai.

Kai and Cai

February

Kai:
This we went somewhere new for a walk and Rosie added Bronwyn to her fan club.

Bronwyn and Rosie

Monty:
We also all managed to donate blood at the same session for the first time.

March

Troy:
A bit quiet this month. We did get to see the fireman rescue a dog from Watermead; an event that luckily turned out OK for everyone concerned.

Firemen

Firemen

April

Monty:
By contrast, April was full of things. Not least of those as far I was concerned is that Mr. Onyet said my broken leg was better and I was free to run around again. Took me a while to get back up to speed and I'm not as fast as I was, but it was good news.

Rosie:
I started skool. Dad said I was a clever girl but I was to go so I could meet lots of new dogs, which I do. Most weeks it's quite good fun, others it's not so I lie down a lot.

Kai:
Loads of us went to Coombe Abbey. Dad got us some ice creams and what do you know, everyone else got one too. And Aunty Claire lent her scooter to a girl that had hurt herself and couldn't walk.

Ice Cream

Troy:
We went on 'oliday!!! Monty was 'appy 'coz he'd been told he was OK to 'ave a run; Rosie was 'appy 'coz she got to see Uncle Trevor and didn't 'ave to wear a muzzle; bofe were 'appy 'coz they could watch the cats; everyone was 'appy 'coz the wevva woz wunderful and the beaches brilliant.

On Holiday

And best of it woz, we woz commin' back latea in the year!!

May

Jack:
We went an' spoke to de Scouts an' de Cubs at de 49th Northampton. Dey was great an' we had a great toime. And only dis month we met de grand-parents of one of de lads dat was dere an' dey said deir lad had a wunderful toime - dat was noice of dem.

Troy and Cubs

Chris:
I found out about the plans to introduce Dog Control Orders in Northampton. One clause, clause 4, would forbid walking more than six dogs at once - not much use to me then.

Of course I am not against Dog Control Orders per se; indeed I believe they should "do what they say on the tin", i.e. be orders than ensure people control their dogs. But I do not believe that six = in control and seven = out of control; there are many people we meet that can not or will not control the one or two dogs they have with them. By contrast The Beastly Beasts get many complements about how well behaved they are and everyone I have ever met with many dogs controls them.

Loads of people rallied round and sent their views to the council, and while the Orders are still to be discussed at Cabinet - so clause 4 may yet be made law (though I have a cunning plan in the event that that happens), I'd like to thank everyone that wrote to the council for their support.

Rosie:
On the White Lodge Walk this month we met Rosie.

Rosie and Rosie

And I went back to see Aunty Mandy who put me up for a bit before I cam to stay with The Beastly Beasts. She was dead pleased to see me again and said I looked really happy; which I am.

Lucy:
May is the early Gap Show an' like most Gap Shows it wasn't the weather to be wearin' yer dippers. Saw me old mate Hooch though.

Hooch

Hooch

Mack:
We 'ad soom new arrivals - the hens. Monty and me were quoite interested in them to staart with loike, but they are feisty girls and now we give them a woide berth.

Hens

Hens

I should say they luke noothin' loike this now; they've got feathers and a real attitude.

June

Jack:
De White Lodge Walk was at de Rutland Water. I spent de day with a grand chap called Charlie.

Jack and Charlie

Me and Charlie

Monty:
The Blood Bank ran out of blood; well, nearly. Anyways, it was close enough that they called us and asked if they could come and see us to get some. So rather than us having to go PPBuk, PPBuk came to us; neat.

Troy Being Swabbed

Only thing was my enzyme levels were back up and I've been told I can't donate any more.

July

Troy:
We went to the races; 'uman races. Bit of a turn around that one.

Kai:
Me, Jack, Troy, Mack and Rosie did our PAT assessments, and passed. Dad said he was really proud of us.

Lucy:
We were featured in the Pet Blood Bank UK news letter, which was pretty neat.

Pic for the Newsletter

Mack:
I celebrated my first year with The Beastly Beasts.

August

Monty:
The White Lodge walk came to Northampton; we showed everyone some of our favourite place - Salcey Forest.

Rosie:
And I celebrated my first year with The Beastly Beasts.

September

Chris:
I helped with the transport of this little man - Dexter.

Dexter

Dexter

The really good news is that he is stopping with Elkie in Bristol - for ever.

Mack:
Three shows this month. The first wun was ower local - Northants Greyhound Gala. Oi did all roight; won moi class and made it into the Best Dog In Show round. Didn't win that though.

Mack

Me in the Best Dog In Show Round

Rosie:
Our next show was the autumn Gap Show. This was my third Gap Show and I thought it always rained at them; today it didn't.

And I got 3rd place in the Prettiest Bitch class, and Jim Greenwood said I looked happy in my pack - which I am.

Troy:
Next up was the RGT Greyhound Gathering in Nottingham. Don't get us wrong; great day aart, lots of fab 'ounds araarnd and the RGT, along wiv uvva rescues, do stonkin' work to get 'ounds into 'omes. But did the industry 'ave to be there like they was? As far as I can see they've 'ad their paarnd of flesh yet dun nuffink for us.

None of us won anyfink, but we know a man wot did; our mate Skye, and there were some stiff competition let me tell yer.

Skye

Skye

October

Lucy:
We went on our hols again mates. Wasn't the best of weather all the time, but when it was good it was good and we had a fab day on the beach.

On the Beach

It was Aunty Carol's birthday and we and mum and dad were really pleased to be able to be there.

Kai:
We got back off holiday to find out that those of us that had done the assessments were now approved PAT dogs, and a couple of weeks later we did - and passed - our assessments to be come Blue Cross Children's Education Dogs too.

November

Jack:
Oi went and did de first of our PAT visits. De main ting was to check out de environment we'd be visiting to see if we'd loike it. It was foine, so we'll be visitin' de people at St. Andrews.

December

Lucy:
We helped a bit at the White Lodge Meet and Greet. Even though the weather on the day weren't exactly spiffin' over a £100 was raised.

Mack:
Troy an' me did day one of the Christmas PAT visits at St. Andrews. It haard to descroibe it really, but seein' the effect that we had on peoples day was really great.

Kai:
Jack and I went the next day, and all I can say is, Mack's right.

Christmas PAT Visit

Monty:
We did our Meet and Greet for Greyhound Gap and raised nearly £600, so we added a bit to make it £600 for Gap.

From all The Beastly Beasts and Gill and me; thank you to everyone that's supported us, whether by buying things via our VetUK or easyfundraising links, or visiting our stall at the shows, or helping at Meet and Greets, or just being nice to The Beastly Beasts.

2009 looks like it might not be the best of years for many - we hope it's a good year for you.

BeastBlog is Back

posted by Chris at 12:49

You have probably noticed that BeastBlog has been quiet since the end of September. It's not 'coz The Beasts have been quiet, far from it. Rather it has been due to coming back from holiday to find that things at work had gone from not very good to dire. That meant all hands to the pump and then a few weeks back a few of us were told that our hands were no longer needed.

The Beasts have been doing stuff and they've got it all scratched out. Rather than doing one big post they are going to date their posts for the time they did what ever it is they did, so over the next few days there will be lots of new stuff on BeastBlog. I am very proud of some of the things they have been up to and I hope you enjoy their stories.

Chris

Meet and Greet for Gap

posted by Monty at 11:31

Yesterday we did our Christmas Meet and Greet for Greyhound Gap; usual spot - outside Northampton Pets at Home.

We turned up a bit before 10 o'clock so we could get all set up and ready and a couple of minutes later Lisa, our favourite pet sitter from Critterz Pets, turned up for an hour or so. And just after we had the stall all ready our mate Curly with his mum and dad (Ann and Norman) turned up too.

Lisa and Ann

Next thing, out comes one of the PaH staff and says "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave", apparently an organisation called NAT had also booked to collect here. - you can imagine our reaction. On further investigation it turns out that this booking was made at the store whereas we had booked with head office and confirmed with the store and that is the right way to do it; we dug our paws in - nicely mind. Then it was the manager's turn to talk to us and we told him the same story; you could tell he kind of agreed with us. And anyway, here it was nearly 11 o'clock and no sign of anyone from NAT and we were in full swing with Troy, Mack, and Rosie doing their stuff. So long story short, the manager agreed that it was their (PaH) mistake that had caused the confusion and we'd done the right thing. And NAT had booked both days so at least they had Sunday to collect too; we stayed.

And so did Lisa. She was only supposed to be here for a bit. Just after mid-day she decided she really must go, so she did. Not long after Curly and her mum and dad had to go too; turns out Norman is not very well - all The Beastly Beasts hope he gets better soon.

Lucy and me with Lisa

So that left the seven of us plus mum and dad. They were talking about something called the credit crunch (apparently it's not the same kind of crunch as in a decent treat) and not expecting as much as last year, but all day there were people coming up and putting money in the tins and having a stroke.

We'd been there a few hours and then it happened. Me, Jack, and Lucy had gone for a lie down to take the weight off our feet and Jack was resting his eyes too. Then dad's feet appear in among us. He'd stepped back and trodden on Jack's leg and a bit of skin was hanging loose. Mum got in flap - she's not best with this kind of thing. Dad put everyone else in the Beast Bus for a bit and lady, who had only done a First Aid course that week - not thinking her first patient would be a greyhound - helped and PaH came out with a First Aid kit. With Jack suitably bandaged up mum whizzed him off the emergency vets. Jack would like to thank the lady and the staff at Pets at Home that helped. He came home that evening with stitches, and nothing else is wrong with him - he's back to normal today.

We got out the van again and carried on, then Jayne and Marcus turned up (Jayne comes and lets us out for a wee if dad is out all day). They were sorry to hear about Jack, but mum got back while they were still there and she said he was going to be OK.

Mum Lisa and Ann

By now it was starting to get dark. Our plan was carry on until 4 o'clock. In the end we stayed until after 5 o'clock and I have to give Troy, Mack, Rosie credit - they were on their feet all day making a fuss of people. Jack (before he went to hospital) and Kai did there stuff and even Lucy and me decided to get a bit more involved this year.

We did notice a couple of things this year. There were still a lot of people who thought that what happened to many greyhounds in racing industry was bad, which is good, but there were also a lot of people who knew we made good companions for humans, quite a few who knew greyhounds that were living with humans, and quite a few who said they would get a greyhound when they next needed someone to live with - and that was music to our ears. We gave away load of stuff on Greyhound Gap; let's hope dad has some homechecks to do in the New Year.

So I guess you'd like to know how we, or rather Greyhound Gap, did. Once again the people of Northampton were really generous and donated £552.87. The Beastly Beasts are going to add a bit to that and make the total

£600

We are dead chuffed with that (hope NAT did OK too). We'd like to thank everyone who donated, the Pets at Home staff, Lisa, Curly and her mum and dad, and the lady that helped Jack. We hope everyone has a nice Christmas and a happy New Year.

Labels: GAP, Meet and Greet

My 4th Homecoming Day

posted by Monty at 14:23

I've been a Beastly Beast for four years now. It still seems amazing to me that life can be horrid then turn out so good.

I used to hate being with people, now I love being with people I know and since my rescue no-one has ever hurt me. And when I think of all the stuff I've done, places I've been, hounds and humans I've met and live with, I reckon I'm one of the luckiest hounds ever.

Me on holiday this year

It's hard to imagine being as scared of things like I used to be. Thing is, no-hound should have to be scared. Maybe one day that will be true; I hope so.

Here's to more homecoming days.