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PERRY BARR HAS TOP RETIRED GREYHOUNDS TRUST IN THE UK
Ruth Boswell is allergic to most dogs and never wanted one as a pet.
But after just one year she has established perhaps the most successful Retired Greyhound Trust (RGT) in the UK.
She gave up her job as a medical secretary to run the RGT for Birmingham’s Perry Barr Stadium, after taking a greyhound home as a pet.
She now finds loving homes for hundreds of greyhounds a year and accounts for 10 per cent of all rehomed former racers in Britain.
And while they are waiting for a family, she looks after them at kennels in Elmdon, on the outskirts of Birmingham.
Her story has inspired people who never considered taking a greyhound as a pet to do so.
“I never wanted a dog because I’m allergic to most of them and I thought they were jumpy, hairy, smelly, licky things,” she said.
“But they are such calm and gentle creatures, they make perfect pets and that made me want to do even more for them.”
She added: “I hated my job, I was wishing my life away and all the time I was thinking what more I could do to help greyhounds.
“They are ex-racing dogs but they are treated as pets from the time they arrive with me, because they deserve to enjoy retirement, are actually quite lazy and are very low maintenance.”
All they need is a short walk, some fuss, food and a comfy bed.
Ruth goes above and beyond the call of duty to make sure every family finds the right dog for them. This includes a temperament test to tailor a greyhound to the requirements of the family.
This approach has provided many word of mouth testimonials of her work, and it means people can visit the kennels without being pressured into having a greyhound.
“It is a commitment and I want the best for the dog, so no-one leaves here with a greyhound unless they are well matched and perfectly happy,” she said.
“I just look at the animals’ faces and I know how lovely they are. They love to race but they deserve a good retirement.”
Carol Chown-Smith, General Manager of Perry Barr Stadium, said: “All the trainers are 100 per cent behind Ruth and the excellent work she is doing.
“Greyhounds are loyal, affectionate, wonderful companions who are fantastic with children and need little exercise.”
For more details about Perry Barr Stadium’s Retired Greyhound Trust, why not visit the website at www.rgtperrybarr.co.uk or call Ruth Boswell on 0121 782 7702.
ENDS
For more information please contact Clive Reeves on 01543 501111 or email clive@wardlovett.com