Page 28 - SpringSummerNL24

News from Cheshire and the North West

Hello again everyone. I am sure that you and your dogs are looking forward to
some warm spring and summer sunshine after the mild but very wet winter. Phil
and I haven't arranged any walks so far this year, although I know that some of
our hardier volunteers have braved the elements and met up at our favourite
venues in Cheshire. We do hope to meet up again over the next few months. We
were very lucky to enjoy some beautiful sunshine in Marbella in March, which
helped to recharge our batteries after the long dark winter months.

Whilst we were in Marbella we met two stunning and much loved galgos, which
helped to restore our faith that there are people in Spain who do care about
their dogs. Their owners were surprised when we stopped and spoke to them
and showed a knowledge of the breed.

Over the last few months, we have met up with several greyhounds and galgos
whilst enjoying some warm hospitality at the home of our friends Jen and Roy.
We have managed to have a "greyhound fix" whilst we haven't yet found a dog
of our own. We will also be looking after two of Phil's brother's greyhounds
when he is away in May and later in the year in December. This will help us to
cope with the guilt of not having a dog when we go to our favourite cottage in
Cornwall in May and Phil spending June in Germany watching England play in the
Euros. We are hoping that we may be able to enjoy a few days later in the year
visiting Windsor and our lovely friends at Greyhounds in Need HQ in Egham.

Now that we have virtually retired from rehoming and fundraising I had thought
that this might be my last piece for the Newsletter, but I have been persuaded
to carry on for a little longer and write about some of the very happy memories
of friends we have met and dogs we have homed over the last thirty years. I
could probably write a book about some of the experiences we have had doing
home checks and organising events, but I will save them for next time.

It is heartwarming to hear from the many people who keep in touch and
continue to send donations and cards at Christmas. These include Dot and Mark,
Sue Mike and Laura, Sue, Donna and Tony, Pat and Ian and not forgetting Janice
and Barry. We continue to hear from people who we homed dogs with, often
many years ago, which brings us sad but also very happy memories of the loving
homes and long lives those dogs have enjoyed.

Last November we heard of the sad passing of Sprocket, a stunning brindle
Galgo, who had enjoyed a lovely life with Liz and Clint, together with his
greyhound sister Dolly near Chorley;
Angel, a beautiful dark brindle greyhound
girl, who lived in Blackpool with her
greyhound brother Rudy and mum and
dad Cindy and Steve. Angel reached the
grand age of 12 and 3/4.They are all very
much missed as they were regular
visitors to our fundraising events in
Cleveleys. DOLLY SPROCKET

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