A SPECIALIST greyhound re-homing centre in Solihull is booming with success, more than ten years after first opening to the public.
Based in Elmdon, Daybreaks Kennels houses up to 16 retired greyhounds at any time with the aim of finding each dog a loving home while they are looked after.
To celebrate the centre’s ten-year anniversary, staff and generous fundraisers helped donate £22,000 for a brand new 100-metre sand run to be built so the dogs can exercise independently.
Daybreaks Kennels manager Ruth Boswell first became passionate about greyhounds in 2001 when adopting one from Birmingham Dogs Home.
Since then, she has quit her old job and set up the new re-homing centre which now has a waiting list of 60 greyhounds.
She said: “We opened the new sand run last year, it took the team a while to make our plans a reality as we had to raise £22,000 first.
“The run gives the dogs some freedom, they’re used to running at full speed on a track and they love the feature.
“There are fewer things better than seeing a dog run at full speed.”
Despite reaching speeds of over 40mph on track, greyhounds have proven themselves to be incredibly relaxed – and often only require exercising once a day.
Known as the ‘couched potato breed’ greyhounds can quite easily spend 23 hours of each day relaxing in front of the TV or lounging around in bed.
Ruth said: “I’m allergic to dogs, however greyhounds do not affect people sensitive to dogs as much as different breeds.
“I started to learn more about greyhounds and I wanted to do more so I packed up my old job and have been running the re-homing centre for ten years.
“People from all walks of life visit our centre to learn more about re-homing greyhounds – they’re suitable for anyone as the breed is so easy to look after.”
Ruth puts the success of the kennels down to the remarkable work of her volunteers, who will ensure the centre is kept up to a high standard and all dogs are cared for each day.
She added: “Our volunteers are incredible, the time they give up to help out at the kennels or walk the dogs is extraordinary.
“We’re always on the lookout for donations whether it be duvets, food or some income from fundraising.
“We hope to re-wire all the kennels soon and we have to pay rent to Birmingham Airport for use of the sand run so all donations are greatly appreciated.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wiringhelp to pledge your support to Daybreaks Kennels.
