FBGS - Success Stories

Just thought I would send you some new pictures of Poppy. She has settled in very well. She is such a character and winds Hollie up on a regular basis! They get on well and Hollie gives her lots of kisses which is amazing progress for Hollie.

We have owned GRACE for only a week, and its like she have always lived with us, she is just AMAZING

A wonderful Greyhound, why people won't take on the black dogs - I just don't understand this !

She has 20 minute treatment of REIKI each day which she loves ! It's amazing how animals and children are soothed by Reiki, perhaps all the lovely Greyhounds at the Sanctuary would also be ! It would suit them due to their backgrounds especially.

When I took GRACE to the Promenade she was frightened by the sea! She is better now, and astonished at the TV.

The trainer wrote that she doesn't eat but does eventually! Actually she is very into eating !! And will mischievously take your food when we are not looking !

Grace is also very clean in the house and waits by the utility door to go out, she seemed muted at first although still very quiet is now responding with sounds of a growl and bark, which I am pleased about - Grace seems amazed by the many different changes of things that are in the house, she is unable to climb the stairs and really wants to, with time she will, has to be supervised using a lead also a childs' safety gate put on the top of the landing to prevent any mishaps and most important of all gets on well with our Dog Prince, who seems to be turning into a Greyhound.

Grace can also be left in the house with Prince alright, when we go out is very good; I think Prince does help her !

Altogether GRACE is a gorgeous loving cuddly girl, very slinky and graceful, and we love her to bits.

I’m delighted to report that Red has settled in extremely well; he’s adorable.

His new full name is Freddy Reddy Rio, Freddy for short. He spends his time resting and eating! He is extremely welcoming and very loving but I’m sure that you know that anyway!

Red came back to the Sanctuary after around 5 years in a home. He was understandably bewildered but settled brilliantly into the house, and was a favourite of the staff and those of us staying in the house. To say that we are happy to see him back in a loving and caring home is something of an understatement. Best wishes in your forever home Red, and thank you to Mr & Mrs Turton for not walking past him (Alan).

Hi just an update. Buz Is Buz say no more he is great Please find a couple more pictures of the big softy.

Just a short note to let you know that Tilli (Tiny) has settled in very well. She has mastered the stairs, and now has possessions of her own, i.e. both sofa's in the living room, our bed, oh and the back seat of the car is now hers as well!

She has met the Vet and got along very well with him. He has owned Greyhounds, so will be ideal for Tilli.

Just dropping you a few words - it's been just under a month since I homed Lindy (now Misty!) All going really well. She is a stunner and certainly turns heads! Settled in at Home and very much settled on my king zize bed. She has a couple of days a week at work with me and everyone here loves her. Walks are no problem and it didn’t take long for her to realise that there is no way you can catch a seagull!.

I like the look of those walks in the summer, so I intend to join in with those.

Foxey is now part of our household and has been one her first holiday to Windermere. She travelled will in the car and seemed to enjoy the caravan as we were all on the same floor.

Just thought you might like to see this photo of our beautiful girl, Peppa. She was called jeeps blue peeps when we rehomed her from you. She is a wonderful girl, so loving and gentle. We've always kept chickens, and are even able to let them free range with her - she occasionally steals their tidbits but nothing more, in fact she generally gives them a wide berth!

Peppa gets on very well with our beagle Jake and they love to run in the garden together, though he struggles to keep up... :-) Anyway, just wanted to say thank you again for our gorgeous girl and the work you do.

I've been meaning to get in touch for ages to give you an update on Tilly (previously Freeda/Tiny). Tilly has had her paws under the table for 10 months now and I absolutely love her to bits. She is such a character and full of fun.

If anything goes missing her bed is the first place that's checked although no idea how socks, shoes and generally anything that can be carried by a hound's mouth ends up there!!

I got a little complacent on our walks thinking that Tilly didn't chase anything after no reaction to cats and little dogs. However my chassis has never moved so fast the day that Tilly spotted a squirrel on our travels and we hurtled down someone's garden path after the little critter!!

Many, many thanks for all your help and support and patience with a first time doggie owner. You have all been fantastic at Fen Bank :0)

My parents recently rehomed Sophie and Robin from your centre last week. I'm just emailing to let you know that they are both getting on really well and are lovely dogs! Here are a few pictures of them enjoying their new home. We have renamed Robin to Aston and he is already answering to his name! They are great with kids and other people and have become very good friends with each other.

Its me Kiki (formally Fifi but my dad refused to go around calling me Fifi he thinks it sounds like a poodle). I've been with my new people for almost 3 months now and I've settled in really well, I've send you some pictures. As you can see after some initial bickering I realized that the cat was always going to win any arguments and we are now friends, we both have a common interest in bin raiding and sleeping in the most comfortable place we can find. The cat gets it easy though as she's allowed on the sofa my people say I'm to long to sit on it with them! I really enjoyed the recent snow I got to play in it with my new friend Millie although my mum insisted on me wearing two coats so I didn't get cold. Millie is really friendly and helping me with my dog aggression and has shown me how to play nicely although she always takes the toys and runs off with them thinking she is faster than a greyhound (!) In return I have been showing her that people like it if your calm but she's still very bouncy!! My dad insist that all my stuff is red being a Liverpool fan he even gave me his shirt to wear while we watched a game I think it looks quite fetching! I love going every where with my people especially if it involves the car and I'm now quite well known i

n the local pub they have a log fire which I enjoy sitting in front of. My mum has been taking me to a dog trainer for some basic obedience training last time we did some agility which I secretly quite enjoyed I like to pretend that I don't know what she's asking me and then try and use my greyhound eyes on her but she can see right through me so I have started learning heel, stay and lie down its a lot harder that just running along but apparently you can teach an old dog new tricks! I'm off to Europe for a holiday soon so ill send you some more pictures soon!!

Just writing to tell you how well Kylie is settling down, I don't know whether you will remember Honey our cocker spaniel, they get along fine. Kylie copies our Honey. I take them up to the beach at Winthorpe, Kylie and Honey are then let off the lead and they both like their ball throwing and Kylie has learnt to fetch it back they both have a ball each but sometimes they come back with the opposite one you have to laugh, Kylie thinks sometimes that she can pick up both balls she follows Honey all over. Thank you for Kylie xx

An update on Meg, she travelled back with us fine but was unsure about her seat belt until I sat with her.

On arrival at her new home after a walk around the garden during which she managed to say hello to Pete's invalided wild pigeon (been with us for a year now) by removing a few feathers, (more of a kiss than a bite) she soon made herself at home on one of her beds. First night she cried a little but settled as soon as we went to her, we soon realised if we didn't go to her the mischief took hold, first a milk jug left out went bang on the floor, our fault. By the end of the first night we had cleared most of the kitchen and she and us slept peacefully.

We have now managed to or rather Meg has managed to clear out our kitchen of any clutter. We have had no problems with food but soon realised she cannot be left with anything that is ours at the moment everything is Meg's, a battle of wills there, no toilet accidents, she loves her walks.

We took her with us to buy a pet gate for the stairs as she thought it great fun going up but frightened the life out of us coming down, we didn't want any broken legs.

Over this festive season she met and was fine with all our family, we did put a muzzle on her as Paul suggested until we could see how she went. We staggered the meetings over three days so as not to overwhelm her.

Our sincere best wishes to everyone at Fen Bank for the New Year and thank you for our little girl,

I hope that you have all had a lovely Christmas, its been a week since we took Rosie home and I thought that I would send you a quick message to let you know how she is. Rosie has settled in really well and is growing in confidence every day - she even mastered the stairs on her second day and found that it was much nicer sleeping snuggled up in our bed than it was in her own!

I have attached some photos but will send some more and keep you updated, as you can see she has spent most of the week sleeping!!

Just to let you know Foxey has settled in well and has broken one of the ground rules already. See attachment.

Hi all, re Buzz, He is really settling down, his quirky side is coming out, he loves his toys. He found the carpet then the sofa, back to the carpet then a sofa roll and then with his new friend Tammy.

Sammie has really made herself at home loves the sofa . Jay still nervous but he is getting there wagging his tail now . We would like to thank you for them both, they are now part of our family and loved very much .

I thought we'd let you know how Luna is doing, she's settled in brilliantly. She's doing really well, had some lovely wet walks on the public footpaths. Her and Ben are getting on well and snuggle up together when they're not laying in each others beds! Will send a picture of her on a walk soon. She is a lovely dog and has taken to my son Daniel very well and sleeps in his room with him.

Scarlet settling in well with the Richards family.

Mr and Mrs Gary Richards

Sunday 9th September started just like any other over the last 9 months for Rhys, his kennel door opened and he and Sammie ran out into the fresh air. And so it was until lunchtime, when he moved into the Sanctuary House and met his new 'sisters', Ziggy and Katie. Four days later and it's off to Yorkshire to begin his new life. It must be like landing on Mars after a life in one kennel or another, but he has taken it all in his stride. He has slept through every night and there have been no 'accidents'. He's met several dogs of different breeds and not batted an eyelid (although the swans on the canal did arouse a bit of interest). He even coped with the Brigg Garden Centre meet and greet.

All in all a fantastic lad and a joy to be with. Many thanks to Mick and the girls for taking

Thank you so much for letting us pick up Oby recently. He is absolutely fantastic, taken to everyone like a duck to water. So far as good as gold. We have attached some pictures of him and the boys chilling out.

Just thought that you would want to see "Lewis" (Prince, as was) getting down to business with his knuckle bone in the garden last Sunday.

A bath and some serious grooming once a day this week has started to reveal a sleek coat. He's settling in nicely with only a few bumps here and there (mostly early morning, 4:30 am wake-up calls, jumping on the couch when we're out and he seems keen on re-decorating by moving pillows and throw blankets around the living room when we're not looking too).

We'll let you know how he gets on, but we're really pleased with him overall and has helped lighten to mood here considerably. Bella seems much more at ease with another canine companion and not clinging to us all day and sulking in her bed.

He hasn't wanted to play with her or us yet (despite several offers from Bella) but I think he might open up a bit more once he gets to know everyone better. Not that it stops him from demanding a fuss and stroking ALL THE TIME.

Just a quick note to let you all know Ellie has settled in with us perfectly and after just 10 days seems to of been with us forever. She's loving all the cuddles and love little Alice can give her and if she wants anymore she sure lets us know!! Her new best mate Charlie the heinz variety shares the same bed and if Ellie's in the way he just walks under her!! Lol. She is learning new things every day and we are sure she is enjoying being with us as we are having her!! Our only regret is that we don't have room for a dozen more Ellies!!!

Hi Sandra, Sue and Mick,

Thought you would like an update on Bunny Blue. He has been absolutely brilliant, he slept all the way home and we didn't need to stop. Once we got home he spent 20 minutes pacing round the kitchen table and repositioning his furry toys before happily falling asleep in his basket. He slept right through the first night and has done so since, he is eating really well and loving his bed and all his toys which he takes complete control of!

As the garden is so large and we have a couple of hares and a muntjac that have made their home here we thought it best for a week to walk bunny on a lead. This being for the safety for all the animals, hopefully they will take off somewhere else before bunny goes at full pelt, he is marking his territory jolly well so we hope they take the message and go! He has seen the hares a few times but we were able to calm him and distract him well enough while on the lead.

He loves the garden but doesn't seem to go towards our woodland area, to be honest he has so much room he probably hasn't thought about it yet until he discovers it off lead. We also have visiting peacocks, they fly off pretty well when chased and none of our greyhounds have ever been able to get at them. Bunny was really frightened when he first heard the peacocks cry out and fled at high speed to come back indoors with me running behind his lead to keep up with him! He seems okay with the sound now even though they can cry out rather loud.

He was very interested on his first day by our chickens, which are safely separated in the vegetable garden and completely dog proof, although he can see them from the gates. Now he doesn't stare and just moves on.

We are so looking forward to the sunny weeks ahead when we work out in the garden, where he can lay on a blanket on the lawn watching us, all our dogs seemed to have loved that.

Well he is fast asleep right now, no doubt he will stir around his dinner time, he is so lovely and we are so very lucky and happy to have him here. Will send some pictures when he is off lead around the garden so you can see him in action, or just standing around doing nothing!

Very best wishes,

Tina & Andrew de Jong

Bunny- blue is a happy greyhound.. and although 1st few weeks he was very nervous and jumpy at every thing from random noises outside to flapping pigeon in garden, now he has gained massively in confidence and happily wonders around garden with us and chills in his big bed. He has found he loves hedgehogs (?) but so did Timmy and Pooch.. he has his favourite peacock feather to run around with in the garden and Bunny-blue does like taking the odd sausage (raw) or slice of toast from the table when we are not looking.. He is a lovely gentle boy and is enjoying his new found home comforts.

Tina has bought a disposable camera and will send the picture she has taken in due course.

Hero settling in and placing her breakfast order with Chef Jeff. That yogurt looks rather tasty as well Mum, can I have that for afters please.

It has been over 12 weeks now since Cornflake came to us and she is now called Ginny. She settled in to home life easily, not at all bothered by all of the new noises in a house. She was a little nervous that first evening, just sort of standing there, her ears plastered on her head, her tail firmly between her legs, but it didn't take long for her confidence to grow, and she is slowly training us about how she likes things! Having taken a shine to various shoes she has been given her very own old trainer, which she is very proud of!

She is an absolute pleasure to have around, and we could not have chosen a more beautiful dog. She enjoys her walks immensely and is beginning to realise that small dogs are just small dogs... She gets extremely excited whenever she sees her coat or lead. Last week we took her on her first ever holiday to the Lake District, which she loved. I have enclosed a few photos of Ginny enjoying family life. I hope you like them.

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for rescuing Bella, giving her the love and medical attention she needed and for all the support and time you have offered to us to ensure that she was able to settle into her forever home so well. You supported us so much in the interests of Bella’s happiness, with advice on feeding, bedding and her general wellbeing and gave us the confidence to allow Bella the time she needed to really get to know us and begin to feel safe and loved again.

It has been a real joy to watch Bella grow in confidence over the last few weeks. She now loves to play. Her latest game is to race my two children up the stairs to say goodnight and she really enjoys playing hide and seek with Lydia on our walks as Lydia hides behind the trees. We have many wonderful walks and chat about the hares and pheasants along the way. I have to admit she would gladly say hello close up and personal if she was allowed but is starting to understand that we can clear a field just by approaching it. She is fantastic company for me in the day and she will follow me from room to room as we go about our daily chores listening intently to anything I wish to say along the way. She has won the hearts of not only my whole family but actually many people in the village whom seem to have a common love for her and often stop to say hello or ask how she is getting on.

We feel so blessed to have her in our life and she has most certainly made our family complete. We seem to all take time out more now to be with her which in turn allows us the time to talk more as a family as we enjoy quality time with her.

Would I have ever have considered homing a rescue dog before, I have to be honest and say I am not sure with two children however from the first time I met her she melted my heart and I would now say to anyone considering giving a dog a home, please, please give these dogs a chance. All Bella wanted was to be loved and cared for and now she has found that she gives our family so much more than we could ever give to her.

This has all been possible through the love, time and dedication you guy’s give and on behalf of Bella and all of the rescue dogs you save along the way and from The Tuplin Family, Thank you so much for your time and efforts. As I have said to so many people, if I had gone out and handpicked a dog perfect for our family I really could not have chosen any dog that would have come close to Bella and who could have won the love we all feel for her.

Just a short note to let you know how Gracie (Tina) is settling down. Well, she is a sweetie, no problems at all, she went out in the car today for the first time and she was as good as gold. We left her for half an hour on Saturday evening, when we arrived home she was on her bed, what a relief, I didn't quite know what we would come home to!

She loves the grandchildren, in fact I'd go as far as to say she loves everybody. We cannot go to our coat cupboard, her coat and leads are in there too, so every time we open the door she thinks it's 'walkies' time, she is very bright and doesn't miss a trick.

She wouldn't go on her bed the first night, but by Monday tea time she had really taken a fancy to it, she piles her toys, her coat, my coat and anything else she can get hold of into it, she is a real character and we love her to bits; she really has eased the terrible pain of losing our beautiful Bajjo who will always have a special place in our hearts. I think Gracie and Bajjo came out of the same mould, they are so much alike.

Hi here are some photos of Pye who came to us from Fen Bank a couple of years back. She now happily lives with two Chihuahuas and three cats.

just an update on benny - he's doing very well and settled in nicely. He gets on well with Snoop and Ollie and gets plenty of walks. The kids - Daisy and Willow love him to bits because he's as mad as a bag of frogs.

Thought you would like an update on how Gandy is settling in with me. It has been 3 weeks now and he is an absolute joy. He made himself at home right from the start, sleeping in his bed all through the night. He is clean in the house and very good on the lead.

The only issue I did have was getting him to eat. I have never known a dog who could eat all the meat and leave each kibble licked clean! This was sorted after a little while, with some advice from Mick. I am pleased to say he is now eating two decent meals a day with just a small amount of tinned meat added. He loves Cod Liver Oil !! Yuk ! He really enjoys his chews and as a result his teeth are so good, I don't think he will need a dental.

His personality is starting to emerge and he is very playful and cheeky! If I am not quick enough to dish his dinner up, he steals my slipper, or remote, or blackberry!! When I am putting my boots on, he leans against me and pushes me, as if to say "hurry up mum".

It took nearly 3 weeks for him to brave the stairs, but once he discovered the sofa upstairs (my living room is on the 1st floor), he then decided that was where he wanted to sleep at night! A battle of wills ensued that first night and he went from being frightened of the stairs to being able to run up two flights to my bedroom in the dark!! Needless to say, I won and he accepted defeat gracefully.

He has made such a difference to my life, I didn't realise just how much I had missed having a dog over the last 2 1/2 years. A huge thank you to you all for letting me have this wonderful boy, my first Greyhound. (Click here for more on Gandy).

I am sorry this has taken so long but here are some photos for you of a much larger Milo!! I think you will agree he looks very happy and healthy. He really is such a joy and very affectionate too, he comes to a whistle on walks and sits and puts his paw up for treats, the clever fella.

Please can you forward these photos to all that you know would like to see them.

(Milo is the brother of Radley who is with us looking for a new home. They both came in as puppies in Spring 2011, click here to see how he looked last May).

When he arrived last Wednesday afternoon, he had a really good sniff around the house and garden and then crashed out on his new quilt in the front room. Initially he puffing a bit as it was all new to him, particularly the television and fire but within half an hour, he had dozed off!

Over the past five days, he's really got his feet under the table and met lots of new people with everyone taking a real shine to him! His speciality seems to be sleeping on his back with his feet in the air! On Friday, he spent the whole day with Nicci watching TV whilst I was out. At night, he's brilliant. Sleeps through like a baby.

He goes for a walk twice a day and is getting accustomed to the fact that other people have dogs, which are not always as big as him and might just bark at him but he's no problem.

Other than that, it's a case of "Me And My Shadow" as he tends to follow me all over the place when he's not asleep. At the moment, he's crashed out behind me on a couple of old cushions in my office while I get on with some work.

Hi to all at Fen Bank. Just to let you know Noddy and Queenie are both doing great. Queenie is a real gentle girl who loves to be close to you and needs lots of cuddles. Both dogs love their walks and are fantastic on the leads together. Enclosed are a couple of photos of them both out in the fields on full alert for rabbits!! The other photo shows them practising for the greyhound Olympics synchronised sleeping event!! We also found out through tracing back their racing names that they have the same dad - Dave's Mentor, so we are thrilled to have half brother and sister. Beautiful dogs so pleased to have them (I think they are pleased to have found you too - ed).

Andy came to the Sanctuary in September 2010 along with some other hounds with similar colouring. They got homed, he didn't. And for no reason, he's been a lovely dog to look after - handsome, affectionate and good-natured. Now it's his turn, on Friday 13th January he went to live with Judy, and it looks like he's fallen on his paws. He's now called Gandy, and here he is as captured by Mick on his home-check (apologies, we misheard his mum (twice) and inadvertently renamed him Dandy, then Ghandi. Next time Sue does the dogs' ears she will also do Mick's)!

An update on our two beautiful Girls. We have had Kylie now for ten months and she is a little treasure, very affectionate and playful to the point of trying to knock you over in her enthusiasm, not to mention thumping you with her paw if she thinks you’re not paying sufficient attention.

Two months ago we acquired a second special black and white girl called Hero; she was very quiet at first, just wanted to lie on her bed and didn’t want to eat much. So we just left her to her own devices and it wasn’t long before she started to come for a cuddle. She’s always the first up for a feed, although recently she stays in bed at breakfast time and waits for Kylie to make the first move. You see occasionally we have scrambled eggs or cheese on toast for breakfast (mmm think I'll move in too - ed) and there’s always a little left over for the girls. So we think Kylie has had a word with Hero and said if you hang on a bit there might be something tasty for us. It made us smile the first time it happened, breakfast was called and they both lay there looking at each other. The strategy worked and they had a little cheese sprinkled on their meal.

Betty has quickly become an integral part of our family and has settled in really well. Doing a bit of internet research, we have discovered that the father of our daughter's greyhound (racing name Roman Duke) is Betty's grandfather!

Minnie is becoming a great family pet and as the weather was nice today she spent more time with the children in the garden than following me around...

She has earned herself a space on our landing at night as she seems to enjoy that spot, close to us all, she has also tried her luck on our bed but understands it is a no no.

Here are some photos, actually with the children or on her own as I was the one with the camera.

She's settled in nicely and loves her walks up Gibraltar Point nature reserve. She also likes cuddles, and the sofa, and the floor, and your lap and the chair (which she has now claimed as her own). And her favourite toy is a piggy, which we have now had to take off her as she has took its eyes, arms, feet, and tail off! She also quite likes to help herself out of the fruit bowl.. particularly apples and plums. Jumping in a photo is also her specialty.

Ella is the most peaceful and relaxed (or is that lazy?) dog we could ever have imagined. She took a while to settle down as she didn’t like being left on her own. After a few sleepless nights (and a couple on the sofa) we borrowed a cage for her and she has never looked back. She sleeps on the sofa now, and spends the day ‘entertaining’ 16 month old Jessica and Treacle the cat. She’s a wonderful family pet and we are so glad we didn’t give up on her in the first few days. If you have difficulties borrow a cage – you won’t need it for long and it will be worth it! Thank you Fen Bank.

Just a quick update to let you know Freeda is doing really well. She is so funny and quite a character is appearing. She is a great addition to our family, thank you for allowing her to come and live with us.

Bones and Stan the whippets are fine and Stan being only 2 himself has found an ally!!! The mischief they get up to is so funny and they have a good time playing in the garden and walking together. Bones, the grumpy old man is quite sure he wishes he was younger to be able to join in, he just looks up from his quilt as if to say "those young 'uns eh!!"

Again thank you for the brilliant work you all do, your dedication and caring is obvious from the minute you walk through the door at Fen Bank.

Well as you know I just picked my home (I know you're thinking I was 'Kennel managers choice') well I have a small confession to make - I was just playing hard to get!

So now after all my training I have picked my 'human kids', Jane has renamed me 'Tessie two shoes' she meant I think to put goody two shoes, but not being bigheaded everyone knows how good I am so there was no need to over emphasize how amazing I am!

Max (my new 'other half') - total pushover, laid back and a very handsome black greyhound - total gentleman but boy does he get wind!

But anyway getting back to the kids - I've got them under control, I'm very happy and settled, sent you a couple of photo's (check out the collar Mum - 'diamonds' are a girl's best friend) of me on MY settee, waiting for 'Judge Judy' to come on, love her!

I’m delighted to report Billy has settled in very well at home and Lucky, Duke and Sarah have accepted him as if he’s always been here. He got the housetraining thing sussed in a couple of days, plus the times of his meal, and he’s ahead of the others when it comes to gentle reminders!

He’s finally given up trying to get the dog in the mirror to play with him as he kept getting a sore head, and he’s also now got bored with trying to find the people hiding behind the telly!

He is however, following in the time honoured tradition of greyhounds being accident prone, he ran into the trailer and knocked his shoulder, fell down the steps and scrapped his chest and slipped off the sofa when he was asleep. Luckily, as he was so relaxed when he landed on the floor no harm was done, except to Duke’s nerves as he very nearly provided him with a soft landing! They were both on their feet in double quick time, with rather quizzical looks wondering what had just happened!

And this is only his first week here…! I’ve attached a couple of photos which I hope show how at home he is already.

By the way, we’ve changed his name to Jimmy, in honour of the gentleman who invited us up for a tour of The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight base, and was therefore the reason we met Billy. At the moment he doesn’t answer to either name, but we’re working on it!

Milo is doing really well, he is such a good boy........so far!!!!! He has been doing all his business outside, he didn't cry last night and was so good considering Forest was being a wuss and kept growling at him (but shaking at the same time, he has always been scared of other dogs until he gets to know them!) He is such a baby still, as soft as anything, loves his cuddles and not the full ticket lol, hence the name (after Forest Gump).

Today though by 4.30 they were all playing chase in the garden, first Milo and Jaz then Forest and Milo, I was so so pleased to see it. And right now Jaz and Milo are asleep on a quilt together next to me while I'm writing this (together though, not separate like the photo below). So all in all, so far so good.

I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to adopt Milo and want to assure you (if I may say so myself) he is in a really good home and will be well looked after and we all have fallen head over heals in love with him already!

The dogs together on Milo's first night My son getting kisses from Milo Milo cosy on our bed

It's Lucie here and I am writing to let you know that I have settled in well with Derek, Bev and Nannie. I had a lovely Christmas and I received some squeaky toys and a fluffy dog which we have called Little Lucie as I still do not always answer to my name.

New Year and I was frightened by the fireworks and I slept between the pillows and the headboard of Derek and Bev's bed.

I am still nervous when I go out for a walk - I don't like the noise of the traffic and I don't like it when men walk towards me.

I am also known to be a 'tea leaf'. The other day, when Bev was doing the lunch, she left her egg bun in the kitchen and I sneaked into the living room with half of it in my mouth. It didn't taste too bad.

Here are some pictures of me - I hope you like them. I will come and see you soon, give my love to everyone, especially Teddy (my Kennel Mate) if he is still there.

Lizzie has settled very well with us & Slick Dave our other Greyhound, we have renamed her Royal Lizzie. We had 16 for Christmas dinner but she enjoyed the attention, is excellent with children & my 89 year old mum loves her. Wish we could take in more. Hope you all have a Happy New Year.

It's now Easter, and Royal Lizzie and Slick Dave are enjoying the sun in the garden.

Hi this is Connor who adopted Nellie Nuggat - she is just perfect, she goes everywhere with me, we really love each other. Here are some pictures of her.

Spotsy and Caitlin on a very hot day waiting for the BBQ Phew it's a long way up these stairs to bed, better

to get started. Thanks to Jenny for these two brilliant dogs. have a little sleep here (Caitlin)

Harry came to live with us at the end of May and settled in within minutes of being here, as he lay on the sofa, all four legs in the air. He also has fitted in well with his new brother and sister, Sophie the British bulldog and Bandit the Springer spaniel. The kids all love him and he loves all the attention he gets.

I have been in my new home for nearly a week now and I am getting my feet under the table very nicely thank you. My new people are suckers for a wag and a slobber and I don't mind obliging.

One thing though I said to the girl I live with Jem that as I am big and a boy I think I should be the boss , but she said NO I was here first and you will just have to do as I say.

No respect some girls . I have never met Mr Muffin but I have read his blog and I quite agree with him about girls!!!!!

I get my own back though , when she isn't looking I collect up all the toys and put them on my bed , ok she takes them back when I'm not looking , but we won't mention that.

Well I have to go and have a nap now its very tiring all this typing. Will send some better photos soon.

Just a little update on me, Spud - please find attached a photo of me enjoying the sun and the sofa. Settled in brilliantly, love my family and they love me! Looking forward to lots of fun and outings this summer, can't wait.

Lily is doing absolutely wonderfully, her character has really come out, now that she has been with us for a while. She loves everybody (whether they like it or not), she fetches her coat from the utility when you say it's time for a walk, (getting it away from her to put it on is another matter). Zak's toys are great for a ''tug of war'' between her and Zak. She absolutely loves the car, just as well because we don't go anywhere without them, although she's usually asleep before we get to the end of the drive! Chasing round the garden in circles at 90 miles an hour, with Zak in the centre looking on, (he's given up trying to keep up with her) is another favourite. All in all, I think we can say that both Lily and ourselves are very, very happy with life, we could not imagine life without her, and I'm sure the feeling is mutual. Here is a photo of her favourite sport!

I have been doing a lot of work with Honch and Snowey with my son’s puppies (you may remember I told you we had a Staffie and a Labrador in the family now) and they are coming on really well. Even though the pups don’t live with us it is very nice that they can now come round without fear of being eaten!!!

Snowey is

a little bemused by the Staffie as Dotty is very in your face, but he just gives a little grumble and takes himself off to his bed. Honcho thinks that Dotty was sent for her to chase and scrap with and they both end up exhausted from running around the house and garden!

We haven’t had Bouncer (the Labby) here yet, but we meet up regularly in the woods where they have started to ignore him completely just as they do my mum’s miniature Schnauser.

Snowey is still quite needy in that he needs constant cuddles, but he is becoming more confident by the day - he is such a joy!! Honch has also started to change and is less aloof than she was, in fact she too is now very loving. They are totally inseparable now and follow each other everywhere, true partners in crime and if one of us walks too slow and they lose sight of each other they panic (bless!) They are like an old married couple.

I am so glad we took Snowey to keep Honcho company but I have decided there is no place in the house for a Christmas Tree this year as I am sure it would be trashed when the pups come to visit and everything goes mad! Besides my tree space is now taken up by Greyhound beds. To be honest we are really looking forward to our first Christmas with them… especially as it is the first Christmas since my sons moved out, and we will be on our own with new kids. The best is yet to come!

I have re-homed two greyhounds from Fen Bank. We spent some time letting my existing two elderly greyhounds get accustomed to them so when they came home they settled in happily. This strategy worked really well and Bernice and Seamus were good friends with Tigger and Missy from day one. However Joey was a very different story.....

I had just lost Seamus to bone cancer after only a few months with me, when Jenny rang to say that they had a dog who had returned twice to the kennels and was very unhappy and could I help. I couldn't say no! Well Joey came over and stayed. The first time he was left while I was out for a couple of hours he managed to open a sliding door and had a fight with my old dog Tigger. Tigger came off worse but fortunately only had minor injuries. Joey was very confused and unsure of his position in the group, but he craved love and attention. He did not know about indoors and outdoors which as you can imagine caused problems - he puddled everywhere and sprayed almost every piece of furniture. He was then found to have a problem with his back and one back leg which which must have caused a lot of distress. In conjunction with Sandra I tried everything to stop the weeing, we then thought of a cage for him whenever he was left alone. This was an amazing success; whenever he was let out when I got home he went straight into the garden and the cage became his space and he felt secure. In fact he sleeps in it most days and no accidents since !!!!

As I said before, the first time I left Joey he opened my patio doors; he now knows the shoes I wear when I go out and if he wants me to hurry up he will bring them to me. If he can't find those he will bring me his lead. He has a wonderful personality and loves being with me, he tells me when he wants to go into the garden, needs more water and also brings his bowl for his dinner. Doors are generally no problem and he can let himself out of almost anywhere. He is very intelligent and loves playing. There are always going to be situations where we will have to be careful as he really does not like children or small furry animals. These things have unfortunately been learnt from his past conditioning.

Joey is now a part of my family and is great friends with Bernice. Tigger can't really compete as he is nearly 12 and just watches him as if to say 'stupid boy', but Joey is now settled and so happy. I did wonder if I could cope with him but all I can say is persevere - your efforts will be rewarded a hundred times over.

Here are some photos of Girlie, she came to us in April and has settled really well with our blind yorkie Sophie. She likes nothing better than running in the fields or on the beach.

Our thanks to all at Fen Bank especially Jenny who guided us to this wonderful dog, she has completed our lives.

A lady rang the Sanctuary in great distress because her husband had left her and she was now working full time, and as a result her beloved dogs were being left for long periods of time. We promised to help and subsequently received a very long letter with every possible detail about the dogs which were clearly very loved indeed. Subsequently we took the dogs in and promised to try and home them together. After several weeks a home offer was made by a long term supporter of Fen Bank who had just lost her elderly boy and wanted a staid older dog - it was love at first sight and Larkey went home and became Malarky and shortly afterwards Girlie too, was fallen in love with and fell in love with her new family too. The previous owner has kept in touch with both sets of owners - so now five people and two dogs are ecstatically happy - just as it should be, for all the lovely greyhounds who pass through Fen Bank!

Darcie is absolutely fantastic! She came in and had a good sniff around the house and garden. We introduced her to her new beds and has quickly decided that her favourite place to lay is in the children's play room - with and without children inside.

We took her for a walk after a couple of hours because she seemed to be wanting to have some fun, she had a good look about, saw some rabbits in the field but seemed vaguely interested, no interest in chasing them, any yappy dogs she saw she just turned the other way. She came back and we gave her a bath, which she tolerated very well.

She was relaxed when the children came home from school, she had all her tea of complete food and sardines and was content to laze about all evening. She slept all night without a whimper and seemed to enjoy her 6am walk. Since then she has had breakfast and is now lazing on her bed in the play room. We are amazed and delighted that she seems so content at such an early stage.

A few days later, and Darcie continues to settle in well, and we are starting to see a lot more playfulness! She is such a beautiful, kind dog who has captured our hearts completely. She is equally at home with our parents, who were with us last week. For Rebecca and I there is a feeling of great contentment, and for the boys she is like a sister. They love nothing more than sitting in front of the TV watching cartoons, each with one hand stroking her.

She has started to shed some hair, probably because of the central heating effect, but is eating splendidly. We have discovered that while she likes some grated cheese on her food, she LOVES Brie! Such expensive tastes!! She walks really well on the lead but we haven't taken her off the lead and won't do for quite a while yet.

Saturday 13th June 2009

Rusty's first full day at Fen Bank

Sunday 13th September 2009

Rusty wins Waggiest Tail and Best Fun Dog at Fen Bank Dog Show

Rusty had been found dying on waste ground in Grimsby. Read more about his amazing recovery. WARNING! Graphic images.