Retired greyhound finds forever home on Island

Tue, 21 Jan 2020

A retired greyhound is enjoying a slower pace of life in the Isle of Man, after arriving at her new home with help from the Steam Packet Company.

 

Aspen, a four-year-old brindle greyhound, is just one out of thousands that are born and bred for the racing industry in Ireland every year. 

 

Aspen stayed in kennels in Cheshire last year, where she was spayed and vaccinated until she was ready for a home of her own.

 

Charity Greyhound Aid League Isle of Man stepped in, arranging for her to be brought to the Island to begin life with her new owners.

 

Sally McMullen, one of the League founders, explained: ‘Greyhounds are the only dogs bred for the human entertainment industry, with many being euthanised, abandoned or exported once their racing career is over. 

 

'The lucky ones are taken into rescue centres and re-homed but sadly, there are never enough homes.

 

‘We fundraise throughout the year to support our welfare and re-homing work and are very fortunate to be supported by a fantastic group of like-minded people, many of whom have greyhounds themselves or simply wish to help. 

 

'As a small charity, we appreciate all the support and assistance we receive as every penny counts, and it is amazing how the pennies add up.’

 

Ian McMullen from the charity added: ‘There were many people involved in Aspen's journey to the Island and we are particularly grateful to Paul and Marian Siddall, our friends and greyhound lovers from Blackpool, who were kind enough to collect her from Cheshire and transport her to Heysham, alongside their own greyhound Figgy for company and reassurance. 

 

'After a long drive, they arrived at the port just in time to meet Richard Rose, a local greyhound lover who kindly volunteered to complete the return trip to bring Aspen to the Island.

 

‘We’re once again grateful to the Steam Packet Company for its help in making this possible, and are also appreciative to Paul, Marian and Richard for each playing a part in Aspen's long journey home.’

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