Hi Sam

Here as promised, is the story of my rescued racers. I contacted the G.R.W.E. in March last year after being without a dog for 3 months. My other dogs, standard poodles, died within 5 months of each other aged 16 &14 years.

I desperately needed another dog and decided to rehome a less fortunate one than my others. Within a couple of weeks I had a call from the GRWE to say that they had a couple of dogs to look at which should suit me. Off I trundled to Shropshire to take a look. I met Murphy, a large brindle dog aged 7 who had lost a bit of an ear in a fight and had several other old war wounds. He was unusual in that he didn't like other dogs and appeared to have had several homes - warning bells were ringing. I went on to see the other dog, which was only three years old and of a better temperament, with a known history - much better. I went home to think about it, phoned the GRWE back and said I would go for the younger dog - silence - obvious disappointment at my choice. I heard that no-one had expressed any interest in Murphy - he was mine! No way was he staying in kennels if no-one wanted him. Back he came on a rainy day, smelly, stressed and very miserable looking. He was everything I wasn't going to have - a male dog, a brindle dog and an older dog - and I loved him to bits

He hated other dogs and became very attached to me, something that worried me, as I originally wanted 2 dogs. I had a phone call to ask if I would consider looking at a little bitch in Staffs that had been rescued from being shot as she wouldn't race. Just 2 years old, blue and white and a bundle of energy. I wasn't convinced Murphy would tolerate a live wire but went along to take a look. He took an instant dislike to every dog he saw at the kennels. Then a lady led out a little blue and white bitch which dared to growl at him. That was it, he loved her. She came home with us there and then and things have never looked back. He still doesn't like other dogs approaching us, but is fine once he's met them. It took almost 6 months before they learned to play together, but now they are inseparable as the picture shows. I have been given the racing history of Murphy from his old race track, but as Mellow didn't like racing she has no records. I just wish I had known about these wonderful dogs years ago. I will always have 2 or more now for the rest of my days and recommend them to anyone.

Sue Boyle with Murphy (Silver Tab) and Mellow (Mellow Whisky)

Thanks for the story Sue, and please stay in touch.

Sam