Retired greyhound Bruce finds his Kent forever home after chance meeting
A couple who had no plans for another dog have discovered the magic of having a greyhound in their lives.
Forever home found for Bruce at PawFest
A trip to a dog show in Betteshanger Park concluded in a lifetime of love for one family from Sandwich after they met Bruce, a retired greyhound in search of his forever home.
Carrie Thompson and partner Steve were one of hundreds of dog lovers to attend PawFest in May in the company of their springer and Cavalier King Charles spaniels Dexter and Leia.
The couple, who live in Sandwich, didn’t foresee leaving the festival with their hearts full for another four-legged friend.
But that happened when they met Bruce, a two-year-old blue greyhound who retired from racing at Central Park Stadium in Sittingbourne in February.
The two-time race winner – named Speedy Glacisboy - was one greyhound to visit PawFest with homing charity Retired Greyhounds Canterbury. Based near Wingham, the charity is managed entirely by volunteers and matches greyhounds recently retired from racing to their perfect, forever, home.
For Carrie and Steve, Bruce’s presence at the show took them completely by surprise.
“We weren’t planning to get another dog,” said Carrie.
“But Bruce took us both completely by surprise.
“We met him on May 9, and less than three weeks later he had moved in after we took him on a few walks and completed a home inspection.
“Bruce is a real asset to the family.
“He’s friendly, affectionate, fantastic with people and other dogs and he’s adapted to his new life incredibly quickly which has really surprised us considering he was racing only in February.
“Our two spaniels developed a really strong bond with him from the start, which was part of the reason for bringing him home. Bruce is our first greyhound and our hearts are full!”
Since joining Carrie, Steve and their three children, Bruce has taken a shine to his local beach, become familiar with paddling in the sea and enjoys napping 18-hours each day in his bed.
“It’s a dream life really,” said Carrie.
“Bruce is the first dog we have adopted from a homing charity, and we were incredibly impressed with the whole process.
“There was never any pressure from Retired Greyhounds Canterbury, and although there was that initial connection the volunteers did make sure he would suit our lifestyle and circumstances.
“They really want every greyhound they care for to find their perfect home, which is lovely.”
Phil Challans volunteers with Retired Greyhounds Canterbury and even owns an ex-racer of his own, Holly.
The seven-year-old greyhound is a regular visitor to Central Park Stadium’s Saturday evening fixtures where racegoers can get up close and personal to better understand what greyhounds are like to own when their racing careers end.
Phil said: “We find a lot of people misunderstand greyhounds.
“It’s widely assumed they require lots of exercise, when in reality greyhounds are perhaps the most laid back breed of dog a person could wish to own.
“Bruce really has landed on his paws with Carrie and Steve, and everyone at the charity is delighted to hear he has settled into his new home perfectly. It’s everything we aim to achieve through our work.”
Further information about Retired Greyhounds Canterbury and a list of greyhounds currently in search of their forever home is available online via www.retiredgreyhoundscanterbury.co.uk.
