A new charity dedicated to rehoming greyhounds across Merseyside and the Northwest has achieved significant success in its first two months of operation. Home Run Hounds, based in Warrington, has already found permanent homes for 18 dogs since its launch on August 1, averaging nearly two adoptions per week.
The organisation, which is run entirely by volunteers, provides care for former racing greyhounds and other dogs in need, relying on public donations to fund its work. The charity's early success highlights the growing need for specialised rescue services for this unique breed.
Key Takeaways
- Home Run Hounds, a new greyhound charity, has rehomed 18 dogs in its first two months.
- The volunteer-led organisation covers Merseyside, Cheshire, and the wider Northwest region.
- Manager Jo Johnson emphasizes a commitment to matching each dog with the perfect owner and a strict no-kill policy.
- The charity faces significant annual costs, including £24,000 for kennels, and relies on public support and fundraising.
- Home Run Hounds also runs community initiatives, using the dogs' therapeutic nature to help adults and children with complex needs.
A Strong Start for a Vital Mission
Home Run Hounds was established with a clear objective: to provide a safe haven for greyhounds, primarily those retiring from the racing industry, and find them loving forever homes. The charity's manager, Jo Johnson, who has over 16 years of experience with the breed, expressed her satisfaction with the initial results.
"It gives us all a sense of achievement, and that’s just what we’d hope for. Our mission is to find the perfect, loving home for every greyhound in our care. We want to make sure each dog is matched with the right owner, so they can foster a lifelong bond built on understanding and companionship – and be happy."
The rehoming of 18 dogs in just eight weeks is a testament to the dedication of the volunteer team and the demand for these gentle dogs as pets. Johnson also stressed a core principle of the charity: "We will never put an animal down."
The Daily Operations and Financial Needs
The charity's base in Rixton, Warrington, is a hub of activity managed entirely by volunteers. The daily routine is structured to ensure the well-being of every dog in their care.
The day begins at 7:45 am when the first volunteers arrive to take the dogs out, clean their living spaces, and provide breakfast. Another team arrives at 9:30 am for further care and exercise. The dogs are taken out again in the afternoon before their final check before bedtime.
Running Costs Breakdown
The financial commitment to care for these animals is substantial. Home Run Hounds faces annual kennel fees of £24,000, and monthly veterinary bills can range from £400 to over £2,000, depending on the dogs' needs. These costs do not include food, toys, bedding, and other essential supplies.
Jo Johnson explained the financial reality of their work. "Although we are given a fee for taking the dogs, it has to provide food, kennel fees, vets’ bills, toys, and anything else needed to look after the animals while they try to find them new owners," she said. To meet these costs, the charity actively fundraises and seeks public support.
Community Engagement and Therapeutic Impact
Home Run Hounds extends its mission beyond animal rescue by integrating its work into the local community. The organisation believes in the therapeutic benefits of interacting with dogs and has developed several inclusive programs.
"Dogs are very therapeutic, so we try to be inclusive with everything we do," Johnson stated. The charity collaborates with various community groups, offering unique opportunities for engagement.
Therapeutic Animal Interaction
The charity's community work includes:
- Partnering with support services for adults with mental health concerns, who can walk the dogs.
- Welcoming children with complex needs and learning disabilities to interact with the animals in a safe environment.
- Providing volunteer opportunities for young people completing programs like the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Johnson shared a touching example of this work in action. "We have one young man who is non-verbal who comes along with his support worker. He couldn’t hold the lead himself, so we have one that he can hold part of and his support worker the other. We’re firm believers in the positive effects of dogs, and it’s lovely to see."
The charity also organises community events, such as group walks, to bring greyhound owners together and raise awareness. An upcoming "Howl-oween Spooktacular Greyhound Walk" is planned for Sunday, October 26, in Sefton Park, Liverpool, which is expected to attract 60-70 dogs.
Debunking Common Myths About Greyhounds
A significant part of the charity's work involves educating the public about the true nature of greyhounds as pets. Many potential owners are deterred by misconceptions, particularly regarding their exercise needs.
"They are built for speed, not stamina," Johnson explained. "So they don’t need as much exercising as people think. They’re content with a couple of short walks a day and plenty of snoozing on a soft bed. They are gentle, quiet, and incredibly adaptable."
This temperament makes them suitable for a wide range of households. Johnson highlighted their versatility, stating, "Greyhounds make wonderful pets for all people, families with young children, disabled people, or elderly people. They are very chilled and relaxed, and the majority are very affectionate."
The key to a successful adoption lies in finding the right match, a process that Home Run Hounds takes very seriously. "It’s just about getting the right dog with the right owner," she concluded. "That’s our role – and that’s what we’re here to do."
How to Support Home Run Hounds
As a volunteer-run organisation, Home Run Hounds depends entirely on the generosity of the public to continue its work. There are several ways for people to get involved and support their mission.
The charity is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help with the daily care of the dogs. They also welcome donations of food, bedding, and toys. Financial contributions are crucial to covering the extensive kennel and veterinary costs.
A Christmas Fair is scheduled for December 7 at Burtonwood Community Centre to raise essential funds. The public can also sponsor a dog in the charity's care to help cover their living expenses while they await their new home.
For anyone interested in adopting a greyhound, volunteering, or making a donation, Jo Johnson can be contacted directly at 07510 172178 or via email at [email protected]. More information is also available on the charity's official channels.