Published: Wednesday, 2nd July, 2008 12:00
Dog lover's plea to save abandoned greyhounds
By Nicola Findlay
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Dog lover Shona Nicoll with her pets Brionnach, Maisie and Maggie.
Pic by: Jan van der Merwe
AN ALVA greyhound enthusiast is urging the county’s pet lovers to give abandoned dogs a home.
Shona Nicoll got her first greyhound, Brionnach, two and a half years ago and loved the breed so much that she got another dog, Maisie, a year ago.
And she has just taken a second foster greyhound – four-year-old Maggie – who she is hoping to find a home for as soon as possible.
Shona, who works as a dental nurse, told the Advertiser, “I was initially looking to get a puppy and thought about a whippet – which are slightly smaller than greyhounds – as that is the breed I grew up with.
“I knew there were greyhound rescue centres in Edinburgh and Glasgow but I thought there must be one closer to me.
“That’s when I found out about Celia’s Greyhound Rescue in Kinghorn in Fife. It is run by Celia and Jimmy Fernie who always have a waiting list of dogs needing to be rehomed as well as several in their kennels looking for loving homes.”
Shona has become their representative in Clackmannanshire and is looking to spread the word about the tireless work of Celia and Jimmy and show people that greyhounds make ideal pets.
Many greyhounds end up in the rescue centre at a relatively young age as their racing days are over, or trainers discover they won’t make it as successful racers.
A racing track at Corbie Wood recently closed and Celia and Jimmy were inundated with dogs that trainers no longer wanted.
They aren’t a registered charity and rely on the help of volunteers and have to raise all their own funds.
Some greyhounds are also bred for showing, but if they are born with slight imperfections their owners decide they are of no use.
Shona’s first greyhound Brionnach was bred for shows but has an imperfect tail and paws.
“I heard about Brionnach through a friend of a friend. He came from Invergordon and I fell in love with him instantly when I was sent some pictures,” said Shona.
“Maisie was a failed racer as she doesn’t have the chasing instinct.”
Shona said she couldn’t have asked for more loving and loyal companions and would recommend greyhounds to most people.
She went on, “There are a lot of misconceptions about greyhounds. They don’t need a lot of exercise and are generally quite lazy – they are more than happy to curl up on the couch.
“They are also very loyal, gentle, affectionate and show you unconditional love, and are generally good with older children.”
Greyhounds need very little grooming and also cost very little to feed as they don’t have huge appetites.
However, those with very young children and small dogs, cats, or other small animals, may find the breed unsuitable as many ex-racers still have the chasing instinct.
Celia and Jimmy also organise walks so greyhound owners can meet each other and also to encourage people to foster the dogs or adopt them.
The next one will be held on Sunday in Kirkcaldy and for more information look on the website www.greyhoundrescuefife.com or call Shona on 07766 138 570 or 760900.
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