I was heartbroken to hear Ted had to say Goodbye to his gorgeous Gordon recently. He was a truly wonderful lad and Ted adored him. It was great to get updates on what he had been up to when Ted called into the kennels to collect food. He was very well liked in his neighbourhood and had quite a following of four legged ladies he met on his walks! He was a fabulous ambassador for Greyhounds and we are so grateful to Ted for giving him such a great life with him. God Bless Gordon....sending lots of love to Ted. Xxx

If anyone is interested, I have posted a picture of Gordon and myself on the summit of the Wrekin, taken this morning. Best wishes to everyone, Ted.
https://www.facebook.com/ted.mason.16547/posts/1709524562660833

https://www.facebook.com/ted.mason.16547/posts/1678640899082533

I don't often post on Facebook, but today has started as such a miserable day. I got back from taking my dog Gordon for a walk, and I was wet and cold. Holders Lane Wood, where we walk twice a day, is not very exciting in the winter, just a narrow strip of bare trees between the gardens of the houses and the playing fields. So to cheer myself up, I'm posting some pictures I took in the wood when the weather was better. Ted.

Ted, so relieved Gordon wasn't injured. Kate Xxx

Dear All,
I thought that I would just post a note to warn people who walk their dogs in the far end of Cannon Hil Park and in Holders Lane Wood.
On Saturday at about 16:15, I was out walking with Gordon. We walked along the west side the river. We crossed the river at the bridge that is halfway between Kitchener Road and First Avenue. Going up the bank on the far side we met a lady with her dog. We stopped to chat, the dogs were relaxed, and the lady was stroking Gordon's head. Then suddenly, a fierce Weimaraner came bounding through the path from the next field. He was not on a lead. He barked at Gordon, and then ran round behind Gordon, and bit his rear.
Fortunately, Gordon was wearing his greyhound coat to keep out the cold, and the Weimaraner's teeth just slid off! There was no damage to Gordon, or the coat. I'm really thankful that when I adopted Gordon that I bought proper greyhound coats from Daybreaks. They completely cover his rear.
I feel that we have had a close call. We have seen that angry Weimaraner a couple of times before, but never at such close quarters. As his owner pulled him away all she said 'They don't get on', as if that was all that needed to be said.
I can't believe that on 10th December I will have had Gordon six months.
Ted.

Much happiness handsome boy. x

Hi Ted, great to be able to add your homing photo to the website. Wishing you and Gordon lots of happy times together. Kate Xxx

What a lovely re homing photo xxx

So pleased that Gordon's sign has gone green, such a lovely homing photo too - be happy. xx

Brilliant news for Gordon and Ted! Xxx

Yay! Great news. x

YAY!!! Well done Gordon and Ted xxx

re homed yippee !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Ted so glad things or going well for yourself and Gordon x

Lovely Ted. From Pam, the other half of your home checker xx

Hi such a nice comment from ted. I walked Gordon a few weks ago at day breaks and he was so good on thr lead and no trouble at all for a tall boy. Csnt understand why some people dont like greyhounds I think ignorance. Patch has been with us for 3 years now and he is a joy to walk and be with... all the best ted... john/mary great barr brum........

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Hi Ted, great to hear Gordon is doing so well and you and he are enjoying each other's company. Had to smile when I read your list of things you have got rid of...having Gordon has certainly helped you with your de-cluttering! Hope you will soon be able to get fully involved in the training classes, I am sure he will be a real star. Sad to hear you have had some negative reactions from people regarding Greyhounds...hopefully you and Gordon will help to show what wonderful dogs they are. Thanks so much for the update. Kate Xxx

I can't believe that Gordon has been with me for two weeks. I thought that I would post an update about how things are going.

Gordon has settled in far better than I could have hoped. He has been sleeping downstairs without any problems, and my one next door neighbour says that there has been no problems when I have been at my mother's in Wolverhampton cooking her lunch. Gordon has been using the garden and the path by the river for his toilet, there have been no accidents in the house, and no stressful behaviour caused by separation anxiety.

Gordon's digestion is slowly becoming more settled as each day passes. People have suggested that I increase his food because he is a big boy, and he is getting a fair amount of exercise (so am I for that matter!), and I am cautiously doing this, because I don't want to upset his digestion now that it is settling.

Today all my garden fencing panels were replaced with new panels which were nailed together in situ. I had warned the workmen that I would be out, and Gordon would be shut in the house. He must have slept though it all, because they say that they would not have known that he was in the house unless I had told them.

Gordon is very affectionate, and gets quite excited when I get home. We have been having excellent walks along the river and across the playing fields. Gordon is very good with people, and is not at all worried by the many cyclists we meet on the Rea Valley Cycleway. He is getting more settled meeting other dogs, although very small dogs that are running away from him can excite him. He is very aware of cats that we come across, and I have to watch out for them because if he was off the lead he would probably chase them. Yesterday he spotted two cats sitting inside a house on the window sill, over twenty yards away. He must have very good eyesight.

We have been twice to the training at the Maypole, and the second time Gordon was much more settled, and was able to take part in some of the exercises, so I am quite hopeful that we can both enjoy this aspect of his life.

I'm still having difficulty getting him into the car, but Margaret has made a suggestion about this that I am following up. One thing that I'm very grateful for is the support given me by Margaret and Sam & Melysa. It makes all the difference knowing that I have people I can turn to for advice.

I am continuing the de-cluttering of the house. I regret not having got any further with this before Gordon arrived. In the last week I've got rid of three tables, 50 pieces of china, a stool, an IKEA Billy bookcase unopened, still in it's original box, and a bread bin! There is still a long way to go!

One thing that I had not thought through before reserving Gordon was the potential reaction of some of my neighbours. Gordon has been very well behaved when we are out, and has given no cause for offence. Whilst most people have been very positive about Gordon, there have been some less than welcoming reactions. I have done my best to explain about retired greyhounds, and what good pets they make. I hope, in time, that he will win them over. In the mean time Gordon appears to be happily settling in, so he's not worried!

I hope to be able to get to some of the organised walks in the future.

Well, I hope that I've not bored everyone, I just thought that people might like to hear my experiences!

Ted.

No way!

I'm glad that Charlie Mouse and Gordon were getting along on Wednesday. I think that they are distantly related, since they share a grandfather, and so they may be cousins in a way. Ted.

PS You need to get that Trial sign changed to Rehomed - You know you couldn't part with him now! (& don't forget to get that mallard play in ha! ha!) x

Ahh, thanks Ted. Gordon is such a lovely dog. I'll look forward to Wednesdays when you bring him over! Charlie is always a grumbling growly grouch on first meeting, but once he gets over that he's fine, hence their great walk together after!

I hope Gordon and Charlie Mouse will become good friends. :) x

Gordon and I had a lovely time this afternoon with Melysa, Sam and Charlie Mouse. Charlie Mouse and Gordon had a pleasant walk together in Cotteridge Park, and were getting along quite well. As always, Sam and Melysa have been very good, giving me advice and support. Gordon himself is becoming more relaxed, and his digestion is getting more settled. Ted.

Hi Ted, I know Gordon will make you proud of him...it's early days and I am sure as you get to know each other over the next few weeks training will become easier. It is a lovely feeling when you ask them to do something and they do it! Kate Xxx

Gordon has been with me since Tuesday, and continues to settle into the house. Here he is well behaved. We went to the training at Maypole this morning. Many thanks to Sam for help with getting Gordon into the car! His suggestion turned out to be spot on.
Gordon wasn't really involved in the training today, and I'm not sure how he is going to get on. I find that I've become emotionally attached to Gordon, and like any good parent, I want him to do well and be well behaved, there may be a long road ahead! Ted.

So happy things are going well Ted xxx

So happy things are going well Ted xxx

Great news Ted! Do hope all continues to go well...enjoy your walks by the river. Xxx

Gordon came home with me on trial yesterday afternoon. So far things have gone much better than I could have hoped. Gordon was quite anxious traveling here in the car, but today is much more relaxed. He has settled into the house and garden without any problems. We are enjoying getting to know the local walks along the river, and I'm hoping to take him to training on Saturday. It's early days yet, but I'm feeling really positive that Gordon can find his permanent home here. Ted.

& me! x

Really hope everything works out for Gordon and Ted. Xxx

Good luck big lad your be fine xxx

Ah! All is revealed Kate! Ted will make a brilliant Dad & I will get to meet Gordon when he brings him over for his lesson (Ted's lesson that is, not Gordon's!!) Charlie Mouse is brilliant & still stealing like mad, he laughs when he does it too! Yesterday he took to his bed, Sam's trousers, a sock, his raincoat, my jacket, a tea towl, an umbrella, a comb, various items of shopping, then the carrier bags! Then he wonders why the damn thing is so uncomfortable!! He thinks it's hilarious when we chase each other all over the house & jump across the settees too!

hi john here had great pleasure in walking Gordon this morning down the Coventry road.... super dog so obedient and calm a real pleasure... cheers john.....

What a gorgeous boy!!!

The "G" in Gordon stands for GORGEOUS! He is a very handsome lad with a happy waggly tail. Xxx

I meet Gordon today his a big lad he is lovely and walks great on the lead xxx

Yes... he is cute and really loveable.... for a big boy. lol. x

Look at that face xxx

What a cute boy x