In this issue of Community Update, we are delighted to select Greyhound Trust Harvel for our Commitment to Excellence Award.
The Croftview Rehoming Kennels in Harvel, Kent is one of the 36 Greyhound Trust branches around the UK, dedicated to the rehoming of greyhound dogs. The hard-working team of volunteers rehome on average 180-200 greyhounds annually, to new loving homes.
Since the COVID-pandemic and current cost-of-living crisis, all the branches have sent a downturn in rehoming, leading to long waiting lists for greyhounds as Manager Cheryl Miller explains,
“We’re living in unprecedented times; we’ve never had a waiting list before. We are desperate for couples, families, people living alone to rehome our loving greyhounds. It doesn’t matter if you live in high-storey flat, we would be happy to consider you.
Greyhounds are often misunderstood- 75% of our dogs are ex-racing dogs but they are a highly adaptable breed, that don’t require long walks every day. They make loving and very low-maintenance pets, suitable for families, with young children, depending on the individual dog.
We would love to hear from local dog-lovers who would like to rehome some of our wonderful dogs, or maybe you could spare a few hours a week as a volunteer dog walker? Or donate a one-off payment, or leave a little something in your will?”
The dogs go through a full resocialisation period, acclimatising to domestic sounds such as washing machines, or the phone ringing. Most of the dogs have only ever seen the track or a kennel, so might some time to re-adjust to their new life post-racing but this doesn’t take long. After a full medical check-up, including vaccines, dental care, castration/spaying, the dogs are given a full bill of health.
“Racing greyhounds are used to sprinting, so don’t have stamina and don’t need long, daily energetic walks. They can slot easily into family life but would perhaps need some patience and support with adjusting to other pets: cats and dogs. 98% of greyhounds can in fact, learn to live with cats, given the right training from the owner.”
Many of the past owners keep in touch, sending photos of the greyhounds in their
new homes and giving updates, such as this one,
“Lilly settled in very well with us and is now a much-loved member of our family. She is such a wonderful character and makes us laugh all the time especially at ‘walkies’ time.
She is a very gentle dog and has been wonderful with our grandson.”
The Greyhound Trust Harvel will be at Crufts: 7-10 March 2024: NEC Birmingham
For more information and to help today, see the websites below:
T 01474 815273