Apologies - I spent most of last week flattened by some sort of flu type virus and have not blogged. Greyhound news primarily tonight. The charity is now stepping up a gear, as the local track at Swansea is closing this Saturday. We knew the closure was imminent, but the last straw was the prosecution last week for animal neglect at the track. See link here.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/8332622.stm

The final races will be run on Saturday 7th November. Operation Greyhound has now swung into action, involving a partnership between us, (GRW), Dogs Trust, RSPCA, the Council, the track, Greyhound Welfare and Swiss Valley Greyhounds. By operating in partnership we believe we can ensure that every racer that needs rehoming can be, and none need to be put down or dumped. Knowing this was imminent, we were quietly trying to maximise the number of spaces available for immediate intake and we had a phone call last week about fostering.

The first dog (photos attached) was an elderly female, believed over 11, with possible arthritis. The owner had taken her to the vet to be killed, but fortunately the vet declined and pointed them in our direction. I should stress the dog is perfectly healthy. The owner asked us to collect the dog or it would be killed on Monday (today), so the clock was ticking. We collected her on Saturday and also found that she had been sleeping out of doors (!!!) with no coat - most people know how skinny greyhounds are - minimal body fat and thin coats/skin. Not surprisingly, she'd been crying and this was irritating for her owners. Also not surprisingly she had bad pressure sores on her elbows, where she had been resting on concrete with no padding.

I leave readers to make their own assessment when looking at her - the owner claimed that she didn't have much appetite. Unfortunately, although she is adorable, and a friendly dog with people (God knows why, after treatment like she's had) she did not get on at all well with our two. When we first fostered Murgatroyd, things were a bit tense, but this was World War 3 in comparison, particularly between the two girls, both used to being dominant bitches.

We quickly realised that this would not be a long term option, and contacted another foster home, where she would have gone if we had not taken her. We spent a rather tense time on Saturday, having to maintain UN style neutral zones but it was a joy to see her eat, relax and soak up tickles and cuddles. She polished off three excellent meals while she was with us, and on Sunday we went down to see Angie, her back up foster. Fortunately, Angie had a little submissive foster lurcher with her in the house (she also kennels greyhounds on her property), and they got on like a house on fire. It was a horrible wrench leaving her after only 24 hours, but good to know that she is in excellent care.

Our next step is to return to Angie's next weekend, and see how our two get on with another foster that has just come in- if relationships are cordial, we'll be fostering that one. It will also give me a chance to have a catch up cuddle with our beautiful grey girl.

After leaving Angie, we headed over to Penny who lives close by. It was a delight to get out of the car and be greeted enthusiastically by two torpedoes of lurcherdom, both muddy and exuberant. Then after a quick cup of tea, onwards back up the M4 to our two and a much needed gin, feeling emotionally very drained.

This week has flown by. On Monday, it was the Greyhound Rescue Wales Easter Fun Day down in Pontardawe with fancy dress classes, an Easter egg hunt and a greyhound walk. By some miracle the sun shone and it didn't rain. Enjoyed ourselves and took some great pics. Paco got his first ever rosette, and Andy and Booty enjoyed seeing him. At one point, Paco jumped straight into the boot of our car for a lie down while Andrew was talking to Anna! Some pics attached of the day, including Paco's amazing costume.

By Tuesday, which Andrew had off, both tired (us and the dogs) and a day of catching up. Andrew updated the GRW website. With Andrew going back to work on Wednesday the week has been completely haywire - I keep losing track of the days. On Wednesday morning, I had to pop down to the surgery for a blood test. Lovely nurse, but the usual problem with my veins. Eventually after a lot of prodding and using a small needle, we got some. Now got a nice bruise. Sometimes, I really do wish I could be fitted with a small tap for these occasions.

Thursday, yesterday, was a tiring day. I was one of a chain of people transporting a greyhound from north to south Wales, where she was coming from her current owner to her new home near Swansea. I collected her at Oswestry, and brought her back here for a break in the journey. Then back in the car and onwards down to Merthyr for another handover. Although we took some photos of her, and she is a beautiful bitch, I have decided not to post them. Sadly, her condition is such that many people would find it distressing. All I can say about it is that I was speechless when I first saw her, but the only thing I keep focusing on is that she is now in a position where she is being cared for properly. As I get older, I am no longer surprised by the way people treat both children and animals, particularly when there are other issues in their lives. This is not to say for a moment that I condone it (far from it) and I still find it shocking at a visceral level - quite literally, my stomach churns. It just seems to happen so often.

What seems to make it worse in some ways is that quite often dogs are so forgiving. In this case, the bitch had been neglected rather than abused (I realise this may sound like an academic distinction when looking at the result). After I had fed her and sat down for a coffee (wishing it was a strong gin!) she decided to join me on the sofa and curled up for a cuddle. Happily, I'll be able to get updates on her progress from my fellow volunteers.