Ninas Nannies for Pets,
Supporting the Greyhound Appeal

I have worked with dogs for most of my adult life, both in canine behavior and in my capacity as a pet sitter. During that time many breeds have passed through my hands.

We used to walk two ex -racing Greyhounds. A male called Nero, and a female called Lisa. I recall fondly our first meeting when Nero gazed up at me with doleful eyes, and the sweetness of Lisa once she had learned to trust me.

It never ceased to amaze me whenever we ventured out for our daily walk, how I would get asked the same basic questions. "Are they vicious because they wear muzzles?" "I expect they need loads of exercise?" "I couldn't have one because I have a cat!"

Let me assure you that Greyhounds make WONDERFUL pets. They are loyal, intelligent, affectionate and so laid back! Contrary to popular belief, with care, they can also live happily with cats. They really are couch potatoes, and will happily enjoy two short 20 minute walks a day.

These beautiful dogs also have an amazing capacity for forgiveness. I once trod on Nero's foot by mistake and his eyes looked up at me as he nuzzled my hand, as if to say he understood that I meant him no harm.

It is a common misconception that Greyhounds that race for a living, are treated well. Sadly, this is not always the case. Too many are confined in small cages, and never shown any affection. After brief careers, when they are no longer profitable, and are difficult to place as pets, they are often destroyed. What I found really heartbreaking was my recent visit to the RSPCA re-homing center at Blackberry Farm in Aylesbury. I had gone there to make a short broadcast for BBC Three Counties Radio, and couldn't help noticing the amount of Greyhounds up for re-homing. I asked one of the kennel maids if I could take a photograph, with a view to broadcasting their plight. A small brindle bitch was led mournfully out of her kennel and she looked up to me, her large brown eyes pleading for me to take her . Had I not got an insanely jealous German Shepherd Dog at , I would have bundled her straight into my car!

I would ask anyone who is considering re-homing a dog in the foreseeable future, to PLEASE consider a Greyhound or Lurcher. All they crave is to be loved, and given a chance and they will reward you a thousand fold. www.greyhoundtrust.co.uk.