BRYAN ADAMS | Exclusive OM interview
7th May 2024
OM Magazine, Issue 181, June 2024
23rd May 2024Why the long face? Sadly, greyhounds Bobby and Jock have little to be happy about after spending a year in kennels at a Plympton rescue centre.
Staff at Woodside Animal Welfare Trust cannot understand why no one has come forward to offer these black beauties the loving homes they deserve.
Over the last year, their big brown eyes have watched dozens of dogs come and then go again with their new families.
Each time these friendly boys have been overlooked, with the charity able to count on one hand the number of enquiries received for them.
Woodside manager Lisa Darcy said: “Bobby and Jock are lovely dogs but unfortunately greyhounds do not get a lot of interest, particularly the black ones.
“As a breed, they are often misunderstood. The common misconception is that greyhounds need a lot of exercise, but this is not the case. Generally, they are quite lazy and easy-going. We call them sofa sprinters because they’ll have a quick race and spend the rest of the day on the sofa.
“Greyhounds tend to make wonderful pets and suit many people’s busy lifestyles. You just have to look into their eyes, they are like windows. You look at them and think ‘what have you experienced in life?’”
This Friday (May 17 th ) marks a year since Jock arrived at Woodside. This gentle, sweet boy is good with other dogs and is friendly with everyone he meets. Whilst he loves going out for walks, in true greyhound style Jock spends much of the day lazing around on his beds. Seven-year-old Jock is greedy around food and will snatch what he fancies, so his new owners will need to keep an eye on him when there’s temptation around!
Also in need of a sofa to call his own is beautiful Bobby. It’s now 16 months since poor Bobby arrived at the Sanctuary.
In that time, Woodside has received hardly any interest in him, despite him being a friendly, affectionate boy who would make a lovely companion.
Bobby is now Woodside’s longest-staying doggy resident, but his carers hope it won’t be long before he races into someone’s heart.
Bobby loves food but can become obsessive over toys, which is something his new owners will need to be aware of this.
Lisa said: “Greyhounds have lovely personalities. I have a greyhound and he’s probably the easiest dog I’ve ever had. We love to sit and watch the TV together and have ear tickles.
“Bobby is toy obsessive and Jock is food obsessive, but these are things that you can work with. Bobby has probably never had toys so you could either work on desensitising him to them or not give him toys. In the same way, Jock will not have been around treats in his early life. His new owners will need to be aware of not leaving food around or turning their back on food – and make sure the bins are dog proof!
“Bobby and Jock are lovely dogs. Bobby can get so excited to see you he springs up and down. He sleeps with his legs in the air, he’s the most adorable thing.”
Both Bobby and Jock are ex-racing greyhounds so cannot be homed with cats or small furries and will need to be muzzled on walks. They are looking for adult-only homes or families with children aged 16-plus. Jock could live with another dog, but Bobby would before to be the only dog in the home.
Bobby
