Well the truth is that Dumfriesshire is home, at Gretna, to one of the five remaining Scottish greyhound racing tracks. In addition the track is just a mile from the border with Cumbria and it attracts clients from much further afield. And where there is greyhound racing there are retired or abandoned dogs.

In December 2001 some concerned owners of retired greyhounds and friends decided that something needed to be done to improve the lot of ex-racing and ex-coursing dogs. Dumfriesshire Greyhound Rescue came into existence. Although we are based in Scotland, our constitution covers ‘Dumfriesshire and surrounding areas’. ‘Surrounding areas’ is mainly, though not only, Cumbria.

With the assistance of friends we were quickly able to qualify as a Scottish Charity. This has enabled us to raise funds more easily. We use what we raise mainly for kennel fees, vet fees, fostering expenses and advertising. We have also recently purchased six kennels of our own, which are distributed between Dalry, Westlinton and Rockcliffe (Carlisle). However we also run an extensive ‘Events’ calendar (it all costs money) where we try to raise public awareness of the plight of dogs at the end of their racing/coursing careers. Our new white caravan (donated by a well-wisher), decorated with running greyhounds, is becoming a familiar sight throughout the area.

On May 18th 2007 at our AGM it was proposed and agreed that we should change our name to Dumfriesshire and Cumbria Greyhound Rescue, to reflect the work that is done, rescuing and re-homing dogs in Cumbria as well as South West Scotland, to September 2008 we have now homed 500 dogs, a few of them lurchers, but the vast majority ex-racers or coursers. Most of the coursers have originated in Cumbria. We have found that despite their size – they tend to be larger and heavier than racing dogs – they make equally as good pets. The lucky owners who have one would say better!

So if you live in Dumfries and Galloway, Cumbria or wherever, and would like to help us find homes for retired greyhounds, please get in touch. You don’t have to own a greyhound, or even a dog. All you need is a little time and a big heart!