A Gift That Keeps on Giving – By Lauren Hirst

While it might feel strange to be thinking about Christmas in September when the leaves are still green and not a snowflake in sight, why not get a head start on your Christmas shopping?

If you’re on the lookout for unique and meaningful gifts to give to your loved ones instead of the usual material presents, please consider giving a gift that can change a life – sponsoring a greyhound from Home Run Hounds Greyhound Charity.

Home Run Hounds works tirelessly to home greyhounds that have retired from racing and are ready for their “happily ever after” homes. By sponsoring a greyhound, you can provide much-needed support to a greyhound with some extra needs, while giving your loved ones a gift that truly makes a difference.

What is Greyhound Sponsorship? Sponsorship starts from as little as £3 per month. You can, of course, give more if you wish or pay a lump sum by cheque for a year’s sponsorship.

You can either sponsor an individual dog or a kennel. It costs Home Run Hounds over £13,000 per month to look after the 55 greyhounds in our care across our three Midlands-based kennels (Lichfield, Stourbridge, and Wombourne). Your sponsorship will help us buy food, treats, toys and essential equipment as well as helping to pay for veterinary treatment for our “forever” foster hounds who have special needs; those who maybe a little older, or who need that extra bit of care.

Lovely sponsor boy, Toby, (pictured) has been pretty unwell and very under the weather for a couple of months. He deserved a present for being such a brave little lad and so he was treated to a spanking new collar by his foster mum. Here he is modelling it for us and boy, doesn’t he look handsome! Toby is sweet senior boy who retired from racing and luckily found himself a home.

Sadly, his elderly owner was no longer able to care for him and so he found himself back in kennels. After moving into a foster home, it became apparent that he had quite severe back problems, causing him pain and mobility issues. Monthly injections from the vets, plus fortnightly therapeutic massage sessions have put a spring back into Toby’s step.

This gentle, sensitive boy now adores his walks (where he greets everyone he meets!), trips out in the car, tasty treats (soft ones, he has hardly any teeth!) and playtime with Derek, his squeaky duck toy. Toby is one of four sponsor hounds along with April, Ruby, and JJ, or if you sponsor a kennel, you will receive:

• A certificate and small gift from your chosen hound each year you renew.

• Updates on your hound and Home Run Hounds progress.

• Kennel sponsors will receive news about the kennels and ongoing kennel life. Why Sponsor a Greyhound as a Christmas Gift? Unlike traditional gifts that are often quickly forgotten sponsoring a greyhound is a gift that continues to give throughout the year.

Sponsors are able to see the direct impact of their gift on the greyhound’s life and all Sponsors are welcome to contact our Sponsor Co-Ordinator to arrange to meet their special hound or visit our kennels to see the work we are doing So, why not make this Christmas extra special for the animal lover in your life by supporting a greyhound in need? Visit our website www.homerunhounds.co.uk/sponsor-a-greyhound to find out more and download a sponsor form to get started on your Christmas shopping.