From racetrack to rescue
Blue Cross helps ex-racers ease into retirement, writes Animal Welfare Assistant Sophie Stewart-Smith...
“Meet Frog and Bluebell. This beautiful pair arrived in Blue Cross care when they came to the end of their racing careers. Bluebell was just over three years old when she came to us.
“Currently being looked after at our Hertfordshire rehoming centre (at time of writing and photoshoot), neither has known a life outside of the industry; outside of kennels, the racetrack, and travelling in between.
“Our role here is to help the pair prepare for their future as much-loved pets, enjoying both the comforts of home and venturing out in public.
“As with all pets who come into our care, ex-racing greyhounds receive a vet check on arrival so we can treat any potential health problems.
“Neither Frog nor Bluebell are neutered, so we will arrange for this to happen. Bluebell has come into season while she’s with us so we’re carefully having to plan her exercise spots to avoid her scent driving the males wild. This does present a logistical challenge but it part and parcel of caring for dogs in a centre environment.
"Today we’re introducing Frog to a sofa. Despite their image as energetic athletes, greyhounds are actually typically lazy souls who love nothing more than lounging around in comfort. But having only ever lived in industry kennels, Frog isn’t sure what to do with the sofa. He looks at me sitting on it and while I reassure him he’s very welcome to join me. The soft cushions are an unusual feeling under his feet, and he’s a little unsure at first. Fortunately he’s not shy of food, so a few treats help to encourage him. Once he’s comfy, he likely won’t want to move. We always advise people taking on a greyhound that they may need to invest in a new sofa!
“Of Frog and Bluebell, we expect Bluebell to find a new family first. Black male greyhounds tend to be one of the hardest types of dog to rehome so Frog has his looks against him.
“Greyhounds have an innate prey drive, and it’s not something that can be trained out. For this reason, we advise that most greyhounds will need to be walked on-lead – and some will need to be muzzled too – unless in a securely fenced area. Many sighthounds love off-lead running so hiring an enclosure can allow them this fun time to run and explore as they please.”
