Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders Spring 2016

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Newsletter

Publisher: Michele Perry

Issue Number: 35

Date: Spring 2016

Kennels situated at 51 Cromer Road, Hainford, NR10 3AU (on A140) and are Open from 10am until 2pm every day. www.yarmouth-greyhound-homefinders.co.uk Telephone: 0845 458 3797

Homefinders Note from the editor

One morning in late November we had a very worrying incident, it looked like Blue was having a stroke. He could barely stand, and was acting very strangely. We rushed him in to the vet, and seeing how upset we were, the receptionist interrupted another appointment to bring the vet out to us.

The vet was brilliant, and came up with some very reassuring news almost instantly. Because his eyes were constantly “flicking”, she believed it was something called Idiopathic or “Old Dog” Vestibular Disease. It’s very similar to a very severe vertigo attack or dizzy spell. After a good look at him, she suggested we take him home, and if he improved within 24-48 hours, then he should make a full recovery.

We have never been so relieved to see him happily (if a bit wonkily) walk on his own outside just 24 hours later. After around 2 weeks, he was completely himself again, amazing!

The reason I bring this up, is because I want to make all our owners at Homefinders aware of this Blue just 3 days after his attack, syndrome. After reading up on the internet, it’s actually quite common. If our vet hadn’t recognised it, and put our minds at rest, who knows what might have happened.

Blue is now looking forward to his 14th Birthday next month. He does seem to have the odd moment off balance, but he is his normal cheery self once more.

Michele

Sponsorship News HELP HETTY Hetty is looking for people to help our greyhounds whilst they are waiting for their new homes Due to some changes in personnel all sponsorship, standing orders and direct debit donations are being looked after by Hetty with the capable help of her butler David.

As all our previous records have been unfortunately destroyed we are having to start again from scratch and Hetty would therefore like to hear from everyone who currently has a standing order or direct debit in action. Please email her at jones432@btinternet.com or call the kennel office and let her know you are already helping.

If you want to be a HETTY HELPER there are two easy ways to do it 1. Make out a standing order 2. Make a one off donation All relevant forms will be available from Hetty at the address below, by email or from the kennels office.

More details will appear in the next newsletter.

Hetty would like to thank anyone who helps in this way and will be sending out progress reports on her friends in the kennels.

Contact HETTY - C/o David Jones 24 Caxton Park, Beeston Regis, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8ST HETTY SAYS “ To feed one greyhound for a year at the kennels costs about £120 to feed me at home with all the things I love ie. chicken, pasta, asparagus, finest silverside of beef doesn’t cost me anything.”

Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders, a branch of the Retired Greyhound Trust Registered Charity No: 269668

Editor: michele_storer@hotmail.com 25 Vanguard Chase, Costessey, Norwich NR5 0UG

Off Lead Walking: It’s All About Trust! by Karen Fordham Shortly after getting Missy and following a number of “cat incidents” I decided that I would probably never be able to let her off her lead. Her instinct to chase small furry things seemed extreme, bordering on the obsessional and to be honest I didn’t think that I would ever be able to trust her.

For about 5 months I walked Missy on her lead. We covered miles together but something was lacking for my hound. After an hour of walking, I would collapse in a chair nursing throbbing feet but within minutes she would be speeding around the garden and looking like she could do it all over again. Missy obviously needed to run but I was unsure how I could achieve this given my trust issues.

I went online and googled enclosed dog exercising places and was pleasantly surprised to find that there were two quite close by. I had done some clicker training with Missy in the house and she had responded favourably. I had discovered early on that Missy had selective hearing when I called her actual name and so the clicker recall name I used with her was “sausage”. She could hear me whisper this word from the other side of the house!

Armed with a large pot of said sausage and my clicker whistle we set off bright and early one morning for our first off-lead experience together.

I deliberately chose an ungodly hour in the morning to undertake this excursion. I reckoned there would be fewer distractions in the form of dogs and people at an early hour and initially this proved to be the case. We walked the short distance to the double gated entrance.

This looked good; no dog was going to escape through these metal monsters not even my Houdini hound!

Even though it was still quite dark, there was enough light for me to see that this space was nothing like I had imagined. In the first place it was not a particularly large area. Given the length of Missy’s legs and the speed I knew she was capable of, I felt this space could prove to be lacking somewhat! It was a flat, barren piece of land with a circular tarmac pathway around it and a few bushes along the sides and no other redeeming features that I could see. The middle section I think should have been grass but because of the time of year and the amount of traffic passing across it, it was more dirt than grass. The tarmac pathway was for the owners to walk around while their canine companions sniffed about and did what they were supposed to do. I rallied telling myself that as long as Missy could have a run then the appearance was irrelevant.

There was already one other dog owner there who was trudging around the circuit and every so often he would stop, pick up the ball which his dog had dropped in front of him and throw it again – so far so good – nothing to worry about there.

Missy and I joined the circuit and we walked a little way around the tarmac area. The time had come. I could put it off no longer. It was time to release my hound! With heart racing I unclipped her lead and after a few seconds the realisation that she was no longer tethered to me dawned and Missy ran off to explore the hedges on the far side of the field. The man’s dog soon joined her in her sniffing fest and they seemed happy in their activities. All was still going well.

From the far side of the field I watched as another man and his large dog of indeterminate breed entered the park. The familiar way the man set off on his treadmill walk around the tarmac and the bored gait of the dog told me they were regulars. What I hadn’t noticed due to the fact that it was still quite dark was the very small puppy accompanying the duo, a cat sized puppy to be precise! My heart lurched and I frantically scanned the perimeter in search of Missy. After a few seconds I located her; given her size, she was surprisingly difficult to see in the dark due to her black coat.

Missy had obviously spotted the pint sized canine and I could tell by her ears and body language that this was definitely something she considered warranted her attention! She set off bouncing her way across to where the puppy was being admired by the now increasing number of early morning dog walkers. She towered over it, tail up and wagging and puffing her cheeks. I have to admit, I panicked! Did Missy know the difference between a small dog and a cat? I thought she did but could I be sure? No, I decided I wasn’t sure and I wasn’t about to wait to find out. I took the shortest route I could to reach my hound which meant running across the central dirt area and straight toward the congregated dog owners.

“Sausage” I yelled at the top of my voice “sausage”! My fellow dog walkers who had previously been chatting companionably eyed me with alarm as I sped toward them. I was clicking so fast that I sounded like I was playing castanets rather than using a dog clicker. I arrived gasping, grabbed Missy’s collar, reconnected her lead and let out an audible sigh of relief. I realised I had usurped the puppy and become the centre of attention and as I looked at the sea of eyes observing me all I could do was to smile in what I hope was a friendly, no I’m really not totally crazy sort of a way and offer up a rather ineffectual “Hello”! My audience responded in kind but I think I detected a slight reticence, and thankfully, quickly they redirected their attentions back to the puppy. Missy and I took this opportunity to leave. We returned to the safety of the car and went home.

I don’t think it really needs saying but we haven’t been back there since! …..(to be continued in the next newsletter).

CO-ORDINATOR’S BIT Isn’t it nice to have the evenings getting lighter again and all the spring flowers appearing, hopefully we will have less wind and rain and the ground will dry out and our walks will be less muddy. At times like this I’m glad I have long legged greys and not the short legged fluffy dogs some of my friends have!

(Borna Chase), Tanner (Three Tanners), Gordon (Billymac Gordon), Fancy (Miss Fancy Day), Basil (Young Recruit), Oscar ( Imperial Owl), Sammy (Confident Sammy), Pepi (Maggies Opinion), Annie (Annie Laurie), Lizzie (Precious Dream), Holly (Lovely Holly), Boo Boo (Adageo Brae), Ty (Farran Taylor), Barry (Kelva Barry), Hugo (Delwood Hugo), Colin (Rough Commander), Blackie (Persian Black), Dan (Dare You), Chiller (Killahan Trumpet), Cassie (Cassiecanboogie), Jelly (Delmonte Bolt), Hughie (Mild and Humid), Snowy (Ucanchoose), Daisy (Forge Daisy), Chloe (Chloe Come On), Panther (Benkaat Panther).

Christmas seems a distant memory now. The hounds in the kennels were thoroughly spoilt thanks to everyone’s generosity. The staff weren’t forgotten either, to all our kind and generous volunteers ‘Thank you’. Our Claudia (Cloncunny Black) Christmas Fayre was once again a great success and gave One cold damp everyone a chance to wish each other a happy Christmas.

October day in 2012 I Thanks to the generosity of Broadland Dog Club we was helping with the were once again able to invite the greyhounds to meet refreshments at an their doggy friends too.

Open day. A very As many of you are aware it will become a legal worried David Jones requirement in April for your dog to be microchipped. spoke to me he had a All your greyhounds will have been microchipped 10 1/2 year old whilst racing and when rehomed will have had their greyhound brought registration changed into your name. Unfortunately I am back to the kennels as unable to change details if you move house therefore it her owner had been is important that you contact Petlog and get your new taken into a Nursing details on their database.

Home he was looking for someone to foster Every Saturday evening a band of volunteers collect her as she wasn’t money for Homefinders at the stadium turnstiles and eating and barely emerged from her bed. restaurant accompanied by their greyhounds. This boosts our funds considerably to cover the cost of veterinary assistance for any dogs injured on the track and our oldies who return through no fault of their own. We always welcome new collectors and if you feel you could help occasionally please give me a ring on 08454583797.

You would need to be at the track at 6.15pm as the gates open at 6.30pm 1st race at 7.30pm.

As many of you know we attend many events during the year promoting greyhounds as pets. The new list is now out with some new venues. If you can help on any of the days you will be made most welcome with your greyhound and can spend the day talking to the public about our favourite subject, rehoming our beautiful dogs.

We look forward to welcoming you all to our first open Day on March 20th at 11am. Look forward to seeing you all then.

Corinne Dogs homed since last newsletter.

Mac (MadMacMad), JayJay (Springwood Skoda), Brian (Liss Crash), Joey Essex (Ballinakill Pride), Jasper (WinwordPudsy), Tommy (Thatsafour), Ricky (Mindcraft), Simo (Lawbook), Fred (Any Given Flight), Pearl (Lucky Pearl), Sophie ( Rabbits Vieri), Cole (Borna Collect), Piper (Pipe N hot), Rufus (Supersonic Blue), Gracie

What could you do? She leapt into the back of my car with Marley. I arrived home not quite sure how my other half was going to react. Wheelchair bound by Parkinson’s disease he was not best pleased but I reassured him it was only for a month!

With David’s help we managed to trace her medical history by phoning every vet in the vicinity of her previous home, she hadn’t been vaccinated for 5 years!

Off we went to our vets he was worried about her back legs obviously quite painful. She screamed every time anyone tried to touch her and became a quivering heap on the floor when the vet went to examine her.

Prognosis was not good but the drugs would help her.

Over the years she became more confident but still would never allow me to lift her or move her without screaming.

The fostering month stretched to 3 ½ years as her owner died during that time. Another failed fosterer!

Husband mellowed and fell in love with her as she walked alongside his wheelchair. Sadly I had to say farewell to her this February aged 14 .Such a sweet dog but she never overcame the fear of being lifted or moved until the final day when she allowed me to carry her to the car. Go free over the rainbow bridge sweet Claudia your pals all miss you.

Homing Stories A few weeks ago I asked our Facebook followers to send me a few words about the day they first visited the kennels, and chose their new companion. Here are the stories.

On 30th Jan 2015 we very sadly (and very suddenly) had to say goodbye to our beloved old greyhound Charlie.

We kidded each other that we wanted to wait before considering getting another dog but within days we found ourselves at Homefinders walking Asher round the field.

Joanne visited us the next day to do the home check and made it clear that Asher would only be rehomed with his brother Gad. So it was decision time, did we want to plunge into the world of mutli grey owning?

We made another trip to Homefinders there and then, walked both boys and had a play with them, less than an hour later we were reserving them both and on our way home to prepare for the great greyhound takeover of our house.

These gorgeous boys came home to us on 07 February 15 and we have never looked back. Within half an hour they had found and settled on their beds (and to be honest have rarely moved off them since - especially lazy bones Asher!). They haven’t replaced Charlie, they are two very special boys who have joined him in our hearts and they bring us joy and smiles everyday.

This photo was taken a few hours after Asher and Gad came home with us. Thank you Joanne and Corrine for helping us decide we had room for two!

Sarah Hewitt 10 years ago Maureen and I went to a trainer near Wisbech to collect our very first greyhound. We wanted a boy and the trainer had one for us. As he opened the pen gate for us to go in a brindle bitch shot out and jumped into my car (I had left the doors open). She would not come out and we ended up taking her home.

She was Abi my first ever greyhound and the one I blame for getting me into Homefinding. We never did see the boy we were supposed to be having.

David Jones

We adopted Sean 12 weeks ago . He’s our first big dog since we lost our last big dog seven years ago. He found being alone in the home at first very hard and would mess and vocalise and we knew we had allot of work to do.

He had little dog for company but its us he wanted around. After a lot of patience and training on this he can now sleep happily when alone.

Sadly Separation anxiety can be one of the reasons dogs are returned. Despite this I was determined to help him adjust to home life and now we’ve made it. He’s a happy dog and loves to learn things and loves his toys and food and he likes a fuss from the children and a good stroll with hubby when he gets it from work.

We waited for a few years as we were bereft of the loss of our last dog. It was time to adopt a dog and enjoy him for who he is. We’d never change our decision he’s so worth it.

Kathy Berner When we first decided that we would like to home a greyhound, we went to visit the old kennels in Marsham. We were stood in a queue outside the wooden hut.

Out of nowhere we heard the start of a greyhound “roooooing” in the kennels. Within a few moments it turned into a whole chorus as all the dogs joined in. It was magical, and all this before we even met any of the dogs!

A week or so later after a few visits we had a call to say, “we have a dog coming in, we think he’ll be perfect for you”. So we drove to the kennels to meet Blue, and fell for him instantly. He came straight home with us, and has been with us for over 8 years now.

Blue has been with me every day at work since then, and now we work from home, he and his whippet bother sleep in my office all day long. Here he is the day we collected him.

Michele Perry

Photos from the Christmas Fayre and our Winter Walk

Letters to the editor Hello Michele, Just an update on our beautiful black lad Danny now (Shadow), since we met Corrine at Huntington race course to pick him up from her in April, he has settled in very well indeed, a bit of a difficult start which Corrine and Molly were aware of, is now a thing of the past for us, what a gorgeous affectionate lad he is!!, After a bit of patience, work and understanding we have a settled happy greyhound.

He still has a few minor worries, mainly other men, children and doors, I think he is expecting to be locked in a room, but these are only issues that with time will improve and they are very slowly doing so now!! He loves his new little girl mate Magic from West Yorkshire RGT, she is very confident and so is very good for him, sadly he has lost both the greyhounds he started his new life with here, firstly Candy over Easter, then just recently the old matriach a blue 14 year old lady....however for him life is good. His relationship with Ed, my husband is fantastic too, he tended to follow and latch on to me to start with, now he comes to either of us.

Hello Michele, My husband sent me this photo he heard Fizzy go upstairs but it took him a while to find her - the greyhound version of ‘where’s Wally’...

I’d put the clean washing at the head of our bed to stop her laying on our pillows but she was very determined!!!

Katherine Mortlock Hi Michele, I thought you might like to see this photo of Max our failed foster, looking lovely and chilled.

Dawn Knott Dear Michele,

Regards Coleen Ed, Shadow & Magic xxxx

Here is a still image, taken from a video I took of Luther recently.

He is enjoying his dinner, but making sure that his feathered friend doesn’t get any! Luther was seriously ill at Christmas, he had his spleen removed and has now thankfully recovered well.

Dear Michele,

Best wishes, Anita Nandi

Dear Michele,

Trigger (Camberwell Jack) Jul 2004 to 25 Jan 2016 after 6 years of love and laughter we had to let you go over the bridge. Such a gentle, loving soul, you will always have a special place in our hearts. Sleep tight our great lazy lump I’ve enclosed a photo of Bosun (Solpadol) who died recently and was owned by John Lane. I have also attached a pic of Al (Alisons Concorde), owned by Mr and Mrs Royce, as he also died the same week.

Coincidently these two were in adjacent kennels at Crystals for about 5 months, both big boys (in fact we called Al “Big Al”), both took a while to home, and luckily both found great homes and lived long lives.

Happy New Year, David

Lynne Lilley Dear Michele, I am writing to let you know that out beautiful Sally (Moneygall Girl) died on the 12th January 2016.

She had bone cancer unfortunately. Sally was nearly 11 years old we had her for 6 1/2 years. As you can imagine we miss her so much, the house seems so empty without her.

Janice & Terry Binder

A LETTER FROM RUFUS A warm waggly tail and wet-nosed kiss to everyone who remembers me!

Well, I have been here a couple of weeks now and have really started to finally settle in. Mummy has been spending a lot of time working with me in gaining my confidence and patiently teaching me new stuff, and one of the many things I have learnt is that I can now cope with being left alone for short periods of time so that she can go out and do some shopping without worrying about finding an accident upon her return as I no longer panic and know that she will come home and I will get lots of love and cuddles once she’s got in the front door.

I get really praised when our home is how she left it, although even I have to admit that sometimes mummy will find one of her teddies on my bed and she has a little chuckle over that.

I am also used to the noise of the washing machine and especially the TV - yesterday Grace was watching a TV programme which had bells going off every now and then, and when they did, I immediately got up and looked out of the window, which mummy found funny she explained to Grace and it must have something to do with my time on the track and a bell going off just before a race (possibly alerting people that the hare has been or is about to be set off)?

Mummy has been in touch with Petplan this week who had not initially received their copy of the original paperwork that she was also given (so she emailed a copy over to them), but that has now been sorted and my free one month’s insurance that she was given has now been extended to cover me for life.

I was just wondering whether you have my vaccination card and were possibly given my stud book - the one that they use at the track? The racing office doesn’t have it and they said that it was given out either to you or to the NGRC when I went out for homing, either that or the trainer may possibly have it. Mummy said that it is not really necessary but nice to have, and that she still has a couple from previous dogs that she’s had.

I am still not lifting my leg when I have a pee, but mummy is not bothered as I am otherwise fit and well, and also am not keen on the occasional big thing like a bus going past, but otherwise like going for my daily walks especially when it means that I am going to the park. I have also learned how to ask to go out if I need to do my business within normal walking times, and also get praised for that too.

I have also now met my new doggy doctor (who mummy called the vet). She was really nice and made a real fuss of me when she was giving me the once over. Mummy asked both her and the vet nurse separately about sedation etc. should the need arise that I ever need to be knocked out for any reason, and both were up-to-date on the best types of anaesthesia for those of us who can’t really cope with certain drugs - thankfully they also have other greyhounds on their books that they have treated recently. Mummy also talked to the vet about the best type of flea and worming treatment for me, and she’s going back to the vets at the end of the month for my next dose.

Oh well, I suppose that I had better bring my dictating to a close for now (these humans certainly have their uses) as its time for me to go back to sleep. I’ll be in touch again soon and will ask mummy to take more photos of me.

Lots of love,

Rufus

A Busy Boxing Day Morning for Homefinders Volunteers at the Stadium Always the busiest greyhound race meeting of the holiday season at Yarmouth Stadium, Boxing Day morning had a strong presence of Homefinders volunteers, who, as well as `meeting and greeting` the crowd with their pet greyhounds, raised £360 on the Raffle and collected over £270 from donations.

The meeting features the annual Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders Veterans Race. These days run as a graded race over 462 metres, for greyhounds of four years of age and older, this year’s event attracted a strong field.

Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders Veterans Race.

Homefinders Chairman Stephen Franklin presenting the Winner’s Trophy to Neville Barnard, holding the victor, Barquisimeto, is Louise Barnard. On the left Homefinding Co-ordinator Corinne Douglas, with her pet greyhound Marley, on the right Homefinders Volunteer Clare Smith with her pet Gibson.

Events List 2016

SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND ADDITIONS

Sunday 20th March

New Year Open Day at the kennels

11am to 3pm

Monday 28th March

Gressenhall Museum Spring Fair

10am-5pm

Sunday 17th April

Spring Walk Wolterton Park (Wolterton Hall NR11 7LY)

Sunday 15th May

STADIUM TRACK WALK.

Sunday 29th May

RGT Greyhound Extravaganza Newmarket

Saturday 11th June

Stradsett Country Show

Sunday12th June

Late Spring Open Day at kennels inc Greyhound Show

Sunday 19th June

Great British Greyhound Walk Pakefield

Sunday 26th June

Allendale Field Day Norwich

11-3

Sunday 3rd July

Discover South Norfolk Long Stratton

11-4

Saturday 9th/Sunday 10th July

Elveden festival of dogs

Sunday 10th July

Summer walk, Blickling

11am

Saturday 16th July

Hellesdon Carnival, Community Centre

All Day

Sunday 31st July

Wells Next the Sea Fete

All Day

Sunday 14th August

Summer Open Day at kennels

11am to 3pm

Sunday 28th to Monday 29th August

All About Dogs Norfolk Showground

All day

Sunday 25th September

Autumn Walk 11am at Winterton Beach

11am

Sunday 16th October

Autumn Open Day at kennels and Auction

11am to 3pm auction

Sunday 20th November

Winter Walk 11am Saxlingham Nethergate NR10 3AU

Saturday 11th Dec

Christmas Fayre Taverham Village hall

11am to 3pm

11am to 3am

1-3.30

Spotted!

The sculpture was found in the Black Lion pub in Little Walsingham, Norfolk. It seemed quite natural to be seated eating lunch being watched by two greyhounds. Just like home!

The other pic was a present from Santa, a tee shirt made by an American company called The Mountain. Going to need to have it washed soon or so the Boss tells me!

We came across this on our travels.

It is a greyhound on part of a huge mural in the Cherokee Indian Museum, Cherokee, North Carolina.

David Jones

Best regards, Nigel Designed and Typeset by Michele of www.px2co.net Design for print and web Printed by www.blackwellprint.co.uk