My dear friend Tracey Parbery persuaded me to attend Home Run Hounds Christmas get-together at Waseley Park to get some human contact after I lost my best friend of 40+ years, wife of 53+ years and Zita (Greyhound) of 6+years. when my world collapsed and I descended into depression at age 78. I hadn’t become the most sociable of people, having looked after my wife full-time instead of trips to the pub
or other events, so I could be easily dubbed “Billy-no-mates”.
At the get-together, one of the many dogs I met was a very depressed and nervous “Billy-no-mates,” rather like me. I liked him. As four of my five previous greyhounds had had problems that had been easily overcome in my care, I asked, tentatively because of my age and mobility restrictions, if I could foster him. As I could offer an environment that would suit him, it was agreed and after collecting equipment and food I returned home with a new dog. Looking back, I confess to wanting a dog’s company at Christmas to save me talking to the walls!
Buddy appropriately named, responded readily to TLC and quickly settled as his confidence in his (temporary) home and foster-carer increased. Soon, this became a mutual love affair and the feared loneliness of Christmas and New Year passed painlessly.
A serious chest infection delayed my adoption of Buddy, but he did his canine best to look after me and now we’re a proper family as he had his very own "Gotcha Day" on Saturday 8th February and I became Dad. I look forward to each morning, seeing his lazy, lazy self, curled up in his basket. He raises his head, nose pointing to the ceiling, enjoying his favourite morning greeting of a rubbed throat and chin. All too often, he has to be called out of bed to go for walkies. He’s not overjoyed when faced with a walkie in cold weather as his preference is to stay in a warm basket next to a big radiator, but once out, he enjoys himself.
Since fostering him 2 months ago, he quickly learned to be clean in the house, has learned his name and has picked up several basic commands simply by being eager to please, just like his five predecessors. He’s changed my life, too, relieving loneliness and depression and giving me happiness and the will to go on – and on!
So, thank you, Tracey and Home Run Hounds Greyhound Charity for enabling the elderly and/or disabled to enjoy the company of gentle and loving friends. It's really changed mine and Buddy's future and outlook on life, as it will for so many others, I'm sure who we will meet along the way.
