We are a small but active homing scheme on the Essex and Suffolk border,our kennels are at Capel St Mary, half way between Ipswich and Colchester. The volunteer team all have a passion for greyhounds and willingly give their time to fundraising activities and promoting greyhounds as pets.
Video by Gingerbread Productions UK
www.gingerbreaduk.com
Our greyhounds have either retired from racing or didn’t make the grade. Our ethos is that for each and every greyhound in our care the right home exists and although it may take weeks or months we continue to care for these wonderful dogs until that special, caring home can be found for them.
Following a successful home check each greyhound will have been vaccinated, neutered, had their teeth cleaned and a general health check. We provide a collar and lead or harness, a coat and a muzzle. Each new owner is given a contact number so that any queries or concerns can be dealt with efficiently. We take our homing responsibilities very seriously and will also make contact with the new owners to offer support and ensure their new pet is settling well.
A significant part of our work is to raise the profile of greyhounds as pets; we do this by attending shows, arranging walks and holding social events. The website shows which dogs are available and also provides information and a friendly forum where you can read about owners’ experiences of living with this most companionable breed. Many people who have never considered a greyhound as a pet are won over when meeting these gentle and loving dogs. They truly are their own best ambassadors.
Greyhound Homer is a branch of The Retired Greyhound Trust. The RGT issues protocols and guidance to branches to ensure that we operate in an accountable and safe environment.
One year on....
it's been a year since we went solo as an independent branch of the RGT covering the whole of Suffolk, North Essex and surrounding areas. In our first year we have homed 77 greyhounds.
It proved a busy year with lots of meet and greets at shows around the area as well at Pets at Home and Tesco's and also on the social side we had walks in Bury St Edmunds, Nacton, Dedham, Felixstowe, Clacton (see photo below with Paul Barber who played Denzil in Only Fools and Horses) and Orwell Country Park and it was fantastic to see so many hounds at those looking so well and happy.
We also had a couple of fundraisers, cream tea in Nacton proved to be a success and luckily the sun shone on us that day. Our launch night at the Jaipur wasn't intended to be a fundraiser but that is how it turned out we raised £382. Then more recently our Quiz Night again in Nacton which was really well supported and raised a fabulous £1624.
We had some fabulous support from individuals and companies, Vicky Johnson ran in the Great North Run and raised £600 in sponsorship, she is doing it again in 2011 too. Dave Welch and his collections at Axa Insurance in Ipswich, Michelle Deniss and her company for the fabulous £1000 donation. Mr and Mrs Taylor who doubled the money raised on the Quiz night. Tracy Piper who has sold her unique jewellery and donated the whole sum to us at several events this year. Kevin Lambert who continues to support us all through the year. Greyhound Walks as one of their local kennels have just delivered lovely warm kennel coats, a box of dog biscuits and also box of treats for the kennel staff. We have people selling plants outside their houses, donating raffle prizes, bringing duvets, towels and shredded paper too.
A huge thank you to everyone who has made this first year possible, the committee, the volunteers, the hound owners, the kennels and staff and everyone who has helped in whatever way.
What will 2011 bring for Greyhound Homer Suffolk?
Hopefully more of the same, shows are being booked, events planned and walks too. The one new event we are looking forward to is the All About Dogs show on Easter Sunday and Monday. Details are on the what's on page but we will be running two dog shows, the Sunday one is for all sighthounds so thats, greyhounds (of course), lurchers, whippets and more. Its a fun event and hopefully will become an annual one. The Monday show is just for greyhounds and is topped with the Greyhound Homer Best Hound in Show class.
At the moment we are in the planning stages but if anyone can help us with sponsorship, or advertising please get in touch.
contact Kevin on 01473 659866 or email Sally at sally@greyhoundhomer.org.uk
©2010 Greyhound Homer