It’s time to put their paws up

Steve Murray, who has worked as a bookkeeper at the track for the last three years, first came up with the idea of helping rehome the canines just before Christmas.

The 62-year-old dog lover explains: “It was when I started to have more time on my hands that I thought what way I could give back. It was coming up to Christmas and instead of putting money in, I thought it would be good to put in time as well.

“When we thought about trying to rehome the greyhounds, I rang the track and they said it was great but the new owners must have a visit to make sure everything is ok. We try to match the dog with the personality of the new owner.”

Since putting out an appeal on social media, through parish magazines and veterinary websites, Steve has managed to rehome three dogs in the last six weeks but there are six more ready and waiting for a caring family to take them on.

Greyhounds first start racing at tracks like Blunsdon from 12 months and many ‘retire’ at around five-years-old.

Steve, who first started going to watch the races as a child, said as he became more involved with the track, he felt compelled to make sure the dogs were rehomed to good owners.

He added: “Once the greyhounds stop racing, they change in their personality and become so calm in just a few weeks.

“If you treat them well, they will treat you well too. They only need a little walk once every day because when they are racing, they rest up to 20 hours a day so for their breed, they need plenty of rest. Racing all the time, they love the outdoors but saying that, they would just as much enjoy sitting on the sofa.

“We are doing our best to try and find them homes and it isn’t a game because it really does mean a lot to be able to find them a good home because they are lovely dogs.”

To find out more about giving one of the greyhounds a home, call 01793 433007 and ask to speak to Steve or Blanche.