Long term readers will recall that back in April 2009, Andrew and I fostered a greyhound bitch.  At the time we were living in Builth Wells and we christened her Murgatroyd.  She stayed with us until July 2009, when she was adopted and renamed Callie.  She was an utterly adorable girl, and we were both delighted to keep in touch with the lady who adopted her, and who also went on to adopt a second greyhound, called Mick.  

The lady who adopted her lived down in Burry Port, near Pembrey Country Park and we would regularly go down with our hounds and meet up for a walk in the Park.  It was lovely to see little Callie so happy and settled and being cared for by an owner who clearly adored them both.   

Sadly, in recent times, their owner has not been in the best of health.  We'd been aware of this, but then matters took a more serious turn.  Just two days after Sara arrived with us, we had a phone call from Callie and Mick's owner, saying that her health was deteriorating and that a hospital visit was quite likely to be imminent, and could we help to care for the dogs?  

Since then, Rhian has been in hospital, and we've been rather stuck, as Sara almost immediately came into season, something which made introducing other dogs impossible.  Then we had Boola's tragic passing.  During this time, the dogs have been staying at a kennel in Carmarthenshire, being very well looked after.  I have been visiting them regularly, taking pics of them and then seeing Rhian in hospital to give her updates - she has been very concerned about them.  It has become clear that Rhian is very seriously ill, and we had several discussions about the dogs.  Eventually, we've agreed that we will foster the dogs while she is unwell though with the support of a local charity - they will help with vets bills and provide extra support if anything happens to me or Andrew.  

We are collecting the dogs on Friday afternoon, and it seems amazing to think that three years on our little Murgatroyd will be coming home to us, albeit on a temporary basis, though probably for quite a while, along with her lovely brother Mick.  We will be a four hound household - if Boola had survived, a five hound house.  Gulp.  I feel a bit of trepidation, mixed with gladness that we can support Rhian, happiness to be seeing little Murgy again, and again sadness that Boola and Booty aren't here to greet their foster sister once more.  It's been a worrying time, but I'm hopeful we can get things resolved and help both Rhian and the dogs get through a difficult patch.  In particular, although this kennel is very good and offers exemplary care, we would not have wanted this as a long term option for the two dogs, especially going into the winter months.  I'm also very pleased that we've been able to visit Rhian in hospital, not as often as I'd like, since she's down in Carmarthenshire, but at least it's a cheery face occasionally, and we've been able to bring her a few small necessities like toiletries, books etc.  

Please keep everything crossed for a smooth settling in period and a speedy recovery for Rhian.  I've attached some pics - of Callie and Mick in the kennels, and some older ones of them.