Dear Justine and Andy, so sorry to hear your sweet Kylie has gone to Rainbow Bridge. Your loss here on Earth is God's gain in Heaven. He has one very special new Angel. Sending lots of love Kate Xxxx

So very sorry to hear this sad news. My word, what an amazing age and what an amazing life she had with you, we all know how very much loved she was. Reunited at rainbow bridge, now the famous five can all run fast and free together again. I think we all had everything crossed and willed her on to make her 16th birthday, and she did just that. Another Angel has gained her wings, shine bright beautiful Kylie. Much love to your family. Jo xx

Hi Andy and Justine sad to hear the news of yr grey Kylie ..may she r.i.p..we r living in Herefordshire countryside at a static caravan site with Bailey still with us...take care Mary/john..xx

Its so sad to hear that dear Kylie has gone to rainbow bridge. What a wonderful life she had with you, you must have so many memories and lots of photos to remember your little angel. She must have chosen you to live with and have such a long life knowing she would be very happy and safe. When a hound chooses me I don't care about the age for as Kylie proved there can be many happy times with an older dog. Another bright star shines in the heavens tonight xx

I am truely sorry that you have finally had to say goodbye to your darling girl Kylie but what a fantastic age to reach and she sounded like she had the best life with you, what wonderful memories you must have of her to cherish for a lifetime, another beautiful Angel has gained her wings, rest in peace little one, your star will shine so bright xxxxxxx

The reign of this little lady, our Queen Kylie aka Bubble, Boo Bear, Boo Boo, Kyles, Little Donkey and many others, came to an end yesterday, Saturday 24 July 2021. Her back legs were getting very weak and she didn't seem right so we took her to the vets to be checked, and especially after a potential tumour was found under her jaw, and a 4kg weight loss since May last year, we decided it was time to set her free.
She made an amazing age and was a wonderful, and forceful, addition to our other greyhounds, Lucy and Ben. She walked beautifully with Lucy and easily matched her step, until around a year ago, although Lucy was 2 years younger than her. She had Ben wrapped round her paws too and, albeit that he was a bit of a softie anyway, she could throw him off the sofa to let her on, just by staring at him from across the room and he was almost 10kg bigger than her.
She shared several holidays with us all in The Lakes, travelling up to Scotland twice, and Tenbury Wells and had days out to see Andy's parents in Llandudno. And, living by a canal, she had access to many lovely walks from home too.
She was a loving little girl and liked human attention and she was often a little ray of sunshine. Her tail hardly stopped wagging prior to the last few months.
We initially took her as a foster, but she decided she was staying and we thought if we were lucky, we might have her for three, maybe four, years. She was with us just under 6 3/4 years in the end, and other than her nail issue, and getting bitten by a Staffie 3 years ago, she didn't have any problems.

Don't overlook taking on an older dog. They have so much to give, as Kylie proved time and again. Saying that, she did give so much that I think I'll need a younger dog next time to live up to her!

Thanks Ruth and Daybreaks for providing a haven for Kylie - and the other four Famous Five to land - and for letting Kylie join us.

There will never be another quite like Kylie, I'm sure ??

Wow! Happy 16th Birthday Kylie! What a super happy life you have had...lots of love to you on your special day. Xxx

Oh Kylie ! Happy Birthday Sweetheart! I cannot believe you've made it to 16, what a milestone. Lots of love xx

Kylie, what a superstar you are, have a fantastic 16th birthday, wow, what a wonderful age xxxxx

What a totally amazing milestone for beautiful, gorgeous Kylie, 16 years young, fantastic. Sorry cake is not on the menu, but nonetheless I am pleased you are having treats throughout the day. I wonder if toast is the secret of your longevity? I think like so many of us we were so sad when we read the very sad story about you and your 'siblings' coming to Daybreaks after the very sad passing of your owner. Well, little princess, you certainly landed on all four paws with Justine and Andy, thank to you both, she is very munch loved. I know you are a little wobbly now (aren't we all), wishing you many more happy times whilst you are able. Lots of love from Jo and the furry four. Big hugs to you all xxx

A very special happy birthday to wonderful Kylie on reaching the fantastic age of 16. That's roughly 112 in human terms so she is indeed a very special little girl. Here's hoping you get lots of treats and hugs. I told Paddy you make him seem like a youngster as he's 12 3/4 today. Paddy sends his best nose snuffles, he knows what wobbly legs are all about xx

The day I hardly dared believe would come is here. Our little Kylie has pottered on and made her 16th birthday!

She's very delicate these days but so plucky. She's had a full piece of toast for breakfast so far and I'll give her her proper breakfast soon. It's a shame I couldn't make her a cake but it's too rich for her these days and no other dog to share it with here. She's got some treats throughout the day though.

She's done so well. I'm so glad we took her on when we did. She wasn't old, just older. If she'd not been sent to Daybreaks and then on from there, I hate to think what could have happened, and she had all this life left in her...

Kylie, I remember you coming in as one of the famous five. What a truly remarkable milestone you have achieved, keep going lovely girl. Xxx

Kylie is one amazing lady, what a fantastic age, brilliant xxx

Our little Kylie has amazingly reached another milestone today; 15 years and 10 months old, and now as an only-dog.

She's managed a little sniff outside the front garden and I'm just about to do her some pasta.

We're taking it day by day with her due to her age but she seems happy and bright enough, even if a bit wobbly.

What a gorgeous lady Kylie sounds, and I am delighted to hear she has developed a musical talent! Every day with a hound is special - but with this amazing little lady it is extra special. xx

Oh wow, I've never heard of a Greyhound as old as this little lady, it's fantastic, you must be so proud of her.......every day is a blessing as you say, so enjoy your time with your special girl, she sounds delightful xxxxx

It's wonderful to hear how Kylie is doing! Wow! 15 years 8months old :)
I can still remember the day she came into the kennels with her brothers and sisters after her previous owner passed away. What a fabulous life she has had with you. :)) Great to hear your lovely Lucy is doing well too. Lots of love to them both, Kate Xxx

Hi all. It's now March 2021 and Kylie has been with us since 02 Nov 2014. We thought she may be with us for two or three years at most, if we were lucky. As she is such a little star, she is still with us and is currently 15 years and 8ish months old. She is a little sweetheart and largely doing well but she is becoming more frail and can only manage short potters now. Lucy is still around to provide company for Kylie (and is 13 years 7 months old herself). Kylie is still quick to give us her opinion on things and a bright eyed little lady with ears that pop right on top of her head when she thinks a treat may be forthcoming (I think she stole them off a donkey!). She can't go far anymore but she goes for a sniff around in the back garden and out onto the canal verge outside our house to have a sniff of the crocuses and Stinking Bob weeds - she loves that stuff! Her main issue is weakness in her hind legs but she can still manage to toilet by herself and can generally get herself up, but she does get stuck on occasion so we have to keep rethinking the placing of the beds. She's still very interested in what we're doing, eating pretty well and apparently stuck her nose on Andy's new guitar neck a few days ago and got a note out of it. Each extra day with this girl is a blessing and we're so glad we provided a home for her all those years ago. A little lady with a huge character. Our Queen K most definitely!

How wonderful to hear how Kylie is doing, she sounds like a real character. I remember when she and her brothers and sisters arrived back at the kennels in such sad circumtances and were dubbed the 'Famous Five'! Pleased she is doing well. Jo and the furry five. X

What a fabulous update. It’s great to hear how well she is doing at such a great age too! Amazing hound and so obviously very much loved x

Kylie the wonder dog! :)) Wonderful to hear how she is doing. Lots of love and a big cuddle for Kylie. Xxx

Wow, what a fantastic age, and it's great that your beautiful girl is still loving life, I'm sure you cherish every day with her, what a great update xxxxxx

Yesterday was Kylie's 5th anniversary with us. She's now 14 and 1/3 years old, well, I should say, young, as she's still in denial of her golden years. She still has her sister Lucy who's now 12 years young and Kylie is still very much Queen K, keeping us on the straight and narrow i.e. being her dutiful servants! We all went to The Lakes again in the Spring and just over a month ago and she enjoyed herself nosing around and lounging and sleeping on the bed (and trying to get into the kitchen in the B&B). The last time, we went up to Gretna too, just because it was a beautiful autumn day, so that's the second time she's been to Scotland in just over a year. She got a bit over-tired and over-excited in Gretna and when we all went out in the evening in the car, she wouldn't wait for Andy to lift her in the boot to come back to the B&B and fell out and snapped one of her delicate nails. Luckily, we were only 5 minutes' drive away and the owners run a Greyhound Trust branch too (South Lakes) and were able to patch her up when we got back. She still gallops in from outside given the chance i.e. when she slips past our attempts to slow her down, loves the sofa - she threw Lucy off it yesterday - and in the past few months, has become very tolerant of other dogs, so she has some other breed doggy friends too. I've started giving them pasta in recent months to keep some weight on them now they're advancing in years, and Kylie is like a pasta hoover. She chatters very loudly for it - which gives a change from the 'singing' for everything else - and then gobbles it up. I still don't believe she's had an accident in the house, and if she has, it was only once, but I'm not actually sure it was her. The nickname 'Bright Eyes' still very much fits and she still absolutely insists on as much fuss as possible and if there's a human hand hanging down doing nothing, it will be nudged to apply itself in fuss mode to Queen K. She goes out on her walks and toddles along well enough, even if they have to be a bit shorter now, and she does love frequent sniff stops too. Her tail is still very waggy and when Andy had to take her to the vet to get a different nail seen to a couple of months or so ago, he apparently couldn't believe she was 14 and said she was in good shape. She is still a huge character, a very positive girl and a big part of our family.

Fantastic news to hear how Kylie is getting on She's doing really well and obviously loves life with you Shows how rewarding taking on an older hound can be Love to the 'galloping granny' :)) x

Wow, Kylie sounds such a character, and what a fantastic age, go Kylie xxxxxxx

Justine and Andy, what a wonderful update on Kylie. Really brightened up my day! :)) So sorry to hear you lost Ben recently but I'm sure he had a lovely life with you and will always be close to you. Kate Xxx

It's been a while but we thought we'd give an update on Kylie. She's been with us just over 4 years now and is 13 1/3ish. We unfortunately lost our Ben at the end of September at almost 12 years of age but she still has her 'sister' Lucy (11). To give an idea of how she's doing, one of my nicknames for her is 'The Galloping Granny'. She comes bombing into the house from outside. She has her walks with Lucy and is still very lively and bright-eyed. Her tail is frequently wagging and she continues to present herself for fuss to anyone who will! She still has a lot to say about the world and we've recently discovered she adores raw carrot. It's not the prettiest sight when she eats it but you can see she really enjoys it. She's had a few breaks with us now and we took her too The Lakes with Lucy just after we lost Ben. She enjoyed sleeping on the bed there as she sleeps downstairs at home. A couple of weeks later, she had her second trip of this year to see family in Llandudno. She did have a bit of a scare earlier in the year. o
On Friday 13 April, she was attacked by a Staffie that escaped out of a house and got bitten behind her ear. She had to be stapled and there was talk of operating but we managed with a couple of courses of antibiotics and manuka honey and she healed beautifully. Her nails are a problem from time to time but in the main, she goes on fine. She's a little ray of sunshine and such a big personality for a dog of around 22kg. We're so glad we could be there to take her on when she needed a home.

The year has certainly rushed by LadyVictoria. If we get a chance to do nothing, Kylie presents herself for fuss and shoves that little pointy nose somewhere helpful to get you stroking her. She doesn't want there being any idle hands about anywhere! I am all but convinced she is solar powered as she rarely gets tired and never misses a thing. She's so loving that she's not only got Ben and Lucy used to shoving up on the sofa with her, they've also taken to sharing together when she's curled up on an armchair too. She really is a little ray of sunshine and she's not had a single accident in a year. I'm still waiting for a proper kiss though...The circumstances of today are sad - her old dad dying - but she's brought so much to our lives.

I can't believe it has been a year since Kylie and her Brothers and Sisters were at the kennels. So lovely to hear what a wonderful life she has with you! Xxx

Our little Kylie has been with us a year today. We couldn't help but offer to foster when Kylie and her brothers and sisters were made homeless by the sudden death of their owner. She came to us stressed, bog-eyed and lost. Since she came, she's had to learn so much and adapt to a different life. She has done so well, fitting in well with her new sister and brother, Lucy and Ben. We had to get her off human food and onto dog kibble which she now eats with no bother (just not a breakfast girl usually!). When we first took her out in the car, she would get in ok but then cry and panic, perhaps because to start with she ended up at kennels and vets! She's now been on day trips to Chasewater, Llandudno, Himley/Baggeridge and holidayed with us in the Lakes a couple of weeks ago. She did it all admirably well and was even chattering with excitement before daytrips on holiday. She's still a bit 'select' around other non-greys but doesn't shout most of the time now. She has so much energy and even with her crumbly nails and now being a grand 10, she always keeps up and often is at the front when out walking. She's a happy, beautiful girl with a very waggy bum and I'm so glad we offered to foster and then go on to adopt her. She is proof that oldies are goodies too and any of you that consider fostering/adopting an oldie, please, please think why you should, not that you shouldn't because of their age! She gives us so much and every day is brighter with this little button in it! Thoughts also with those who took on her lovely brothers Ash and Louis and I hope that Isla and Emmie are doing ok x J

Happy Birthday Kylie! Hope you have had a great day. Xxx

Happy Birthday Kylie ,- Have s lovely day. Xx

Happy birthday lovely girl. Xx

On Daybreaks 9th birthday, it's our lovely little cuddle bucket Kylie's 10th birthday today (and 8 months tomorrow since she joined us). She is so lively and such a happy little thing with a very waggy tail. She still has a sing at us from time to time but is much quieter than she used to be. She has largely stopped lunging towards other dogs when out and about but we're still careful with non-greys. She met our friends' greyhound a couple of weeks ago for a walk and got on lovely with him. She has had pilchard cake and some fish crackerjacks and a big birthday belly rub (she absolutely adores that). She may be 10 but she certainly doesn't act it! Happy birthday to her brother Louis too (I believe)... J

Great to see that Emmy is doing well too. I often wonder how one man managed to make five greyhounds so daft! We suspect Kylie would have liked to sleep in our room but we've always had a rule that upstairs is our space (as we spend most of the day 'sharing a kennel' downstairs!!). That being the case, Kylie had to get used to staying downstairs right from the start - she had Ben and Lucy for company anyway. To be honest, she's done really well with the rule and we usually don't hear a peep out of any of them; having the whole front room and sofa and armchairs and three dogbeds to themselves probably helps. Ben and Lucy used to sleep happily enough on their beds at the foot of the stairs until Kylie came but they prefer the arrangement now by far. We're taking them all to the Lake District in the autumn and staying in a B&B and sleeping in the same room as them - whether Kylie will try to join us, we shall see!! Luckily Kylie doesn't actually jump on Ben and Lucy. She just likes to be near them which is lucky as Ben wouldn't put up with that. All the best to yourself and Emmy and your other grey family x J

Hi, so nice to hear how Kylie is doing. Emmy sends her best wishes, she is now 12 years old but you wouldn't think it. She likes her fuss too and is always first in line for food or treats, though she has to wait her turn. I think like Kylie she is used to sharing a bed, irrespective of whether my other 2 want to or not. She has been known to wait until one of them decides to turn around and will promptly jump in leaving no space for the other to lie down! They give me such a bemused look as much to say " how did that happen".

What a lovely girls she is and what a lovely, happy home she has with you! :) Xxx

Hi all. Just thought I'd give an update on Kylie. She's been with us for just over 6 months now since going to Daybreaks as one of the 'Famous Five' last November. I'm so glad we were able to give this girl a safe place to stay, and later, a forever home. She is such a cuddly girl and so lively. When walks are due, she and Lucy (7) usually coming running and Ben eventually joins them. Kylie loves her walks and has plenty of energy for them. To be honest, some days, she seems to be constantly on the go. This little lady is full of beans and often bounces and barks at Ben and Lucy to play chase and has even been known to try the same approach on myself and Andy too! This evening, she leapt over the top of the sofa arm for her walk rather than stepping off the seat to the floor. Her nails aren't brilliant but don't cause her much bother and her mouth is much better than when she came to us - there are no immediate plans for any dentals. When she does decide to calm down, she loves curling up in an armchair or sprawling all over the sofa - amazing how a smallish girl can stretch! She also has an amusing habit of sitting exactly where she is when told to sit down and drops in one flop into 'sphinx' pose with her ears right up. She eats her dog food no problem as long as there's no distractions and we're getting her used to going out in the car and NOT ending up at a kennels ('to be left') or the vets. A couple of weeks ago, she went to meet Andy's parents in Wales and proudly presented herself first to his dad and then his mom and then helpfully stood where they could both fuss her (and insisted that they did!). She's more needy than Lucy and Ben but mostly because she just loves attention. She also insists that Ben and Lucy share the sofa with her whenever possible (when they're on there first) and has even got Ben and Lucy sharing from time to time, which never used to happen before. In a couple of months, she will be 10 and I can't believe that's the case. I'm only thankful we didn't have her as a younger dog as I don't think we'd have kept up! An oldie, maybe, but certainly a goodie. I hope her former housemates Louis, Ash, Isla and Emmie are doing well too... J

Oh you pretty little girl - you are so dainty and gorgeous! It was lovely to meet you and your family on Sunday and, as I said for Ash, our Louie definitely wanted to protect you both when the german shepherd came into the field and went by you both. We did not know he had it in him - I did notice he was not a bit interested in protecting me but I will forgive him! They did seem to remember each other which was good to see. Lots of love little one in your forever home. XXXXXXX

Thank you Muddypaws. I honestly think Kylie thinks she's a lapdog - I've never know such a fusspot in greyhound form. She just wants cuddles for as long as you're prepared to give them - it's a good job Ben and Lucy are more than content with a quick cuddle and then to go and laze around somewhere. Kylie can make a fair bit of noise when she wants but this is usually when she's excited and we get a fanfare every time we get home. She doesn't miss a thing either - bright as a button and that little pointy nose gets everywhere! Lovely to meet Louis too and I'm glad Deb and Rich were able to see him again as well as I know they care about him. He certainly seemed very happy and content. It's great that all five of them found us all so quickly so that their futures were secured over that first weekend. I hope they all get to meet again at some point in the future - hopefully when Ash is feeling stronger. All the best to you and Louis and your doggy clan too xx

lt was lovely to meet Kylie yesterday. What a beautiful tiny little girl she is, and such a gentle nature. l adore her white face...she is such a pretty little dot. l am so pleased that she has found such a loving home. XXX.

Happy new year from isla im doing well

Well we are hoping to come and help at kennels a few times next year and we will be bringing Kylie up from time to time to get her nails clipped as they are a bit brittle at the front so we don't want to use our nail grinder on them. Maybe they will see each other at some point. Kylie seems fine with our two and quite often gets up on the other end of the sofa to Lucy (after we made her realise Lucy didn't really like being sat on!). Even Ben who used to grumble if Lucy tried to get up on the sofa with him has now accepted Kylie will join him on there from time to time. I tend to walk Kylie and Lucy together as they're closer in size and Kylie eats from the same double bowl stand as Ben. Kylie is also very clean and we have not had a single accident in over 8 weeks - to think I thought she may have a weak bladder being older! She is also very interested in the kitchen and even more so, in smells and sights that come out of the kitchen. I'm quite certain she'd love her previous owner back but I think she's happy enough with her current lot and that's all we could really hope for.

Hi Justine & Andy. l do agree. Older greys are such a delight to look after. They are so loving and appreciative. Louis is no trouble at all to care for. He is like a comfy pair of slippers, he just fits so well !!! He has been there, done it, and has got the T- Shirt. He was very reserved at first, which is understandable, but we are now starting to see his personality re-emerge, and he is a lovely little character. Even if someone had offered him a home, we could not have seen him uprooted again, as he had settled so well with us, and l expect that is how you felt about Kylie. l do wonder sometimes if he misses his old pals...but he seems to have accepted us and our other dogs as his family now. l just love a happy ending !!! XXX.

I think the right people just came forward to foster these beautiful dogs in the first place... we obviously responded with our hearts, tried to engage our heads but then the dogs looked at us and all else went out the window. Personally I would have hated to think of Kylie going through all that stress again when she's happy where she is. We've seen a case near to us recently that would have appeared to be fine to the rescue the dog went from but we saw a serious case of taking on too much and eventually the dog was returned to the rescue (thankfully!). IF that had happened to Kylie, we may have had another foster by the time we'd have known she needed us again - much better just to take away the risk. Kylie's photo is now in a frame on our fireplace along with one of Lucy and just across from others of Ben and Lucy on holidays with us earlier this year. She is part of the family and we're very happy that's the case. It is lovely having three again! Looks like we'll be looking at new places to take 3 dogs on holibobs next time and getting a rooftop box for the car to get all their food, toys, bowls, coats, blankets and whatever else in!! It really IS a dog's life isn't it?!!

Oh, l'm sure it is, now that your a failure !!!
l would be careful answering the phone in future, just in case it's " you know who " ???
Welcome to the soft touch club !!!

Ha! Ha! It most probably is!
I hate those greys really - I am sending Mouse & Ash down the coal mines & Ash will be made to carry the heaviest load!!!

Please Melysa....don't mock the afflicted....it's a cross that we have to bear !! Didn't you know....Ruth has a list of useless Foster Parents that she selects very carefully from !!! l wouldn't find it too funny....your name might be on that list.:-)))

So funny, but so lovely, how every one of the famous 5 fosterers completely failed! x

Thanks LadyVictoria and Melysa.. Kylie needs happiness and stability and she's chosen us really. To be honest, we've got used to having three dogs around too. We fostered for a while last year (for elsewhere) but Lola needed to be an only-dog so didn't really suit our situation anyway but Kylie needs human AND greyhound company and they're all similar ages. We just didn't want to rush in but we've loved her pretty much since she got here if truth be told...

Just lovely! x

This is wonderful news for Kylie! I am sure her previous owner would be so happy for her and indeed his other Greyhounds he sadly left behind. Xxx

It's another FFP (I'm sure you'd guessed!). Kylie has settled so well over the past 8 weeks and gets on well with our greys Ben and Lucy (8 and 7 respectively) and we've now got a trio of black greys - The Three Amigos. We just didn't want Kylie to be upset again at nearly 10 years old and having been through so much already. We'd only have worried about her anyway! We took her over to see Ruth this afternoon and she was panicking a bit in the car - partly as we left Ben and Lucy at home - but she was so relaxed coming home; almost like she understood. She's such a little diamond with so much love - couldn't break that little heart and our Lucy loves walking with her. We wanted to keep it as foster so we could help others but she needs us right now so we had to do it. Anyway, I'm thinking of it as the Successful Hound Homer Club personally...... J

Come on then who has taken this lovely girl on or do we have another FFP
Love to whoever. From The New Icemaid Clan xxxx

Congratulations to all of Kylie's brothers and sisters and merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to them and their furever families. Kylie is going to have a lovely Christmas with us and is looking and acting so much happier and calmer than when she came. I think she needed some stability before she could move on and hoped she would have this Christmas with us so that she had enough settling time after all she's been through. We shall see what the future brings but we hope Kylie can find a family as we would like to be able to help out in other desperate situations that come along in the future and we definitely don't have room or time for 4! If we'd taken on our 8 year old foster last year, we couldn't have been there for Kylie this time and I'm so glad we could be (getting a soft spot for these older hounds in need). That said, Kylie can stay as long as she needs as she is a little diamond but we are hoping that she will find her own family in the coming months. I'm sure Kylie sends her love to all as she has plenty to go around!! Merry Christmas all x

Only Kylie left to go now!
Justine & Andy?!

Just an update on little Kylie. Yesterday was quite a big day for us all as it was the first time since Kylie came to stay that I couldn't arrange to be here all day when Andy had to go to the office for the day. This meant leaving them all to amuse themselves for 4 and half hours then coming back to give them lunch and leaving them again half an hour later for another 4 hours. This is the longest time we'd left them as we'd got up to about 3 hours previously. They all complied and ate up their breakfasts so I could get out on time. All was quiet and calm when I left for work. When I got back lunchtime all was fine and lunch was polished off happily and toilet visits completed so that I could get back to work on time. When I came home at the end of the day, again, all was fine too so all in all, it seems that everything was ok. Kylie didn't even seem that fussed that I'd come home once she'd been let out and had a quick fuss. I went upstairs for some time and didn't hear a peep out of her. She's also completely polished off the last few days meals where she had been managing about 90% most days. I think she quite fancies some of our Christmas salmon too as she wouldn't leave me alone while I was trying to put it in the freezer when we got back from shopping tonight. Maybe we'll manage to spare a little - just to accentuate the tinned stuff they're already going to be having anyway. So hard done by these dogs...

Here we are another week on. Kylie is now eating her kibble well most mealtimes and is also accepting having her teeth cleaned on a daily basis which is a good thing. She also stands patiently for grooming (extra fuss) but is not overly keen on ear-cleaning. She continues to love cuddles and this week has been fascinated by the bobble and antlers on Andy's Christmas hat-she has grabbed it a couple of times and has also run off and put discarded socks on her bed a few times too. I'm not sure if the cold weather is helping but she is now getting up when we come downstairs, not whining at 5am and is usually still cuddled up on her duvet under her blanket when we go into them. She has sprawled upside down several times this week including a couple of hours ago. After eating her mackerel topped lunch earlier today, Kylie tried to get Lucy to chase her and this evening, she got so excited about the dog biscuit she was about to receive she gave a single bark-our two have never done that and I'm not sure if she surprised herself! She is continuing to walk well and must be feeling more settled as a couple of times she has had a little whimper when a particularly plucky neighbourhood cat almost strolled into our paths this weekend. She continues to be clean and to let us know when she needs to go out - she's also very good at holding it too. She is such a happy little soul and you're never alone if you've got a Kylie.

Another week has flown by with little Kylie in our gang. She's generally eating pretty well and tucking into her food quite happily although she doesn't quite manage to clean her bowl and doesn't always seem that fussed by breakfast but we've used no wet food all week. We've just had the second tuppy-up on the sofa that we've seen this weekend so I think she's quite happy with her lot. Her coat is looking shinier too. She's had a good couple of walks in the daylight this weekend and trotted along happily on them - in the week, she starts to sing with excitement just before her second walk. Kylie seems to settle down for the night now but she does think we should all be up by 7am latest bless her - I think it's really because 5 days a week we're up earlier than that and she doesn't get this weekend lie in lark yet. She's getting on well with Ben and Lucy and gave Andy a proper slurp up his face earlier on today - I'm still waiting for mine; I asked her for a kiss shortly after Andy's and she presented herself for a cuddle instead. It has to be said that this girl never gets tired of cuddles. Kylie has been 100% clean since she came to us and will stand by the back door looking at you til you get the message and let her out. We had a slight reaction to a cat on her evening walk a couple of days ago but it was only a whimper luckily - she was being drowned out by Lucy anyway! Kylie's quite a small girl but she's got lots of energy, is as bright as a button and has lots of love to give.

Kylie has been with us on foster for 4 weeks today. She is a beautiful affectionate girl. She has not had a single accident while she's been here. We have managed to get her to accept dog food rather than chicken etc and we're not soaking her food for more than a few minutes now as she can manage it ok. She is enjoying tuna, mackerel, pilchards or sardines on her kibble on 'fish days'. We have left her for up to 3 hours so far and she is generally sleeping through the night - it was Lucy that made noise last night barking at Ben when he tried to join her on the sofa. Kylie didn't move from under her blanket on her bed. She can be a slightly early riser still at the moment but will settle again for another hour or so if necessary. She's still enjoying her walks too and comes running with her tail wagging ten-to-the-dozen when she realises we're going out, generally accompanied by Lucy. It's been such a mad few weeks for Kylie but she's doing so well and looks happier all the time. She really is a happy, positive little soul.

I also have to say that we do tend to give our dogs as much walking time as it's possible to do every day so they are probably glad we leave them for a rest sometimes - I'm fairly certain Lucy (who was our first) would be disgusted and upset if we only stuck to the twice daily 20 minute walks! We've been out for 3 hours this afternoon (leaving TalkSport on the radio as Kylie seems to like it) and made sure they had a good half hour walk first, having already had an hour or so this morning. We've never used the Kongs as Lucy's not at all food driven and Ben's a bit of a greedy boy but again, I know of people who swear by them. Trial and error really - hopefully not too much of a trial for you though. I'm sure you'll get there, it's just finding what reassures them the best. Good luck x

As well as the gentle intro to being alone you could put on her an old tee shirt which you have slept on and so smells of you :) Kongs are great to occupy them and give them something nice when people leave them ...I personally think it's a big 'ask' when we leave greys on their own especially as they have always have had company.... I'm happy for my grey to sleep on her bed in my room- you can put a child gate on the door and move their bed on to the landing so they can see you but not get to you if you prefer. Giving them lots of exercise (45 mins to an hour) to make them more tired can help them settle too.

Hi! Thanks for your reply. Think we perhaps need to start from scratch again and build up the time we leave her. We did do this in the beginning and thought all was OK but 4 months after we had her the neighbours then decided to tell us about the howling! Wish they had said sooner. Do agree about the going upstairs. We have let Milly or our previous hound, Tia to come up and Milly sleeps happily downstairs with no problem. Guess it's like you say - perseverance! Xx

Hi Helen and Dave. We've done the same with Kylie as with when we first had our Lucy and Ben. We did it in small stages really, starting with going upstairs or just shutting the back door and standing in the garden where we couldn't be seen but could still hear and attempting to stay out of sight for a minute or two then going back and returning whichever dog to their bed, settling them then trying it again. Only two or three times in a row then going about our business. When we were being shadowed in the early days for all of them, we'd just walk around as if they weren't there til they got bored and went and sat down. (I find greyhounds tend to fold to the floor eventually if there's nothing in it for them). With Kylie being so cuddly, we have tried not to give in to the early demands for fuss and just give her a quick stroke then send her to her bed (in the same room) and a few minutes later call her over for fuss then send her away again after a little while to her bed. I suppose really we've tried to not let them get overly dependent on us for security and be present but not stuck to them and gently discourage them sticking to us to give them confidence in their own (and each other's) company. We also have been leaving the radio on at a low level so they can hear something when we go out. (I'm assuming all has been fine with Kylie when we've gone out. She hasn't been crying when we've left and not even by the door when we've come back til she hears the key in the lock. Our neighbour we've asked to text if there's a problem hasn't reported anything either). We also don't make a fuss of any of them just before we go out or immediately as we come back. We've built up how long we leave them for..we've gone from a couple of minutes to five, then ten, twenty minutes/half hour walk round the block, then an hour or so and a couple of hours up to three or more. We've tended to leave it biggest part of a week before attempting an hour or more so they're more used to their new life first. We also did this with the 8 year old foster girl we had last year. It may help Kylie that she's got Lucy and Ben who don't make any fuss when we go out anywhere although I have heard of cases where having another dog has made no difference. A work colleague recently took on a rescue dog (non hound) that had serious separation anxiety to the extent it wrecked his house in the first few weeks, but he persevered and discovered DAP sprays and it got better although he did use it very heavy-handedly at first to calm the dog down. I can't say as I haven't used them. We also make sure the dogs all have toilet opportunity before we go out so that doesn't cause any extra discomfort. I think it's just perseverance really. I don't know if it's relevant but we always have our dogs sleep downstairs and they're not allowed upstairs right from the start so that gives a boundary to begin with I suppose. I don't know if any of this will help you but all the best x

Hi Justine and Andy. It's lovely to hear Kylie is doing so well with you, she looks such a sweet girl. I was wondering if you could give me any tips on how you handled her separation anxiety. We have had our Milly since May but if we have to leave her alone she is howling and barking. Am in the process if trying various things but just wondered how you approached the issue. Thanks a lot! X

Kylie's such a happy little girl. I had a visit from my mom again this afternoon and she met her at the door of the front room wagging her bum let alone her tail and went up several times during the visit for mom to take on fussing duties. Kylie really is anyone's for a cuddle! I don't think I've ever known such a cuddly greyhound. Ours like attention but are equally happy just knowing you're around somewhere if they fancy a cuddle or a belly rub. Kylie also stood patiently for grooming this morning too - in the kitchen as damp and cold outside. The only thing she's not keen on is having her ears cleaned but I persevere anyway. She ate around 90% of her food again today too. We haven't put any wet food in for around a week now. The separation anxiety seems to have settled down really well now. I don't usually work on Thursdays and today, I heard no grumblings or whines from Kylie when I was upstairs or outside whereas last week, there were a few. She seems so much happier and relaxed. We hope her brothers and sisters are doing ok too. I'm cuddling Kylie today because she deserves it for being a little star x

Kylie is continuing to do well with us. She managed all but a few pieces of her kibble today and we discovered that she does actually like pilchards after all. We tried her with them in the first couple of days and she didn't seem to know what to do with them. Today we topped her kibble with them instead of tuna and she tucked into her meal and ate all of the pilchard with no trouble at all. She's now had a couple of days with no wet food topping on her food at all and we're hoping we can keep things this way. We also took all 3 of them for a 2 hour walk down the canal by us this morning. We must have easily covered 4 miles and Kylie trotted along happily with us, easily keeping pace with Lucy who I was walking her with. When we got back, Ben collapsed on the kitchen floor and Kylie was still up and into everything! She certainly has some life. We've managed to leave her a few times in the past week for around 2 and a half hours and everything seemed to be fine when we got back. She's also sleeping through the night and only really gets up when our alarms go off - saying that she's a good back up alarm as if we're not down in ten minutes she has a little cry but she really is doing well in the 3 weeks she's been here.

Kylie met another member of the family today when my mom came round. Kylie met mom at the door and was more than happy to accept fuss straight away. Unfortunately, mom's not in a position to home Kylie but I think they're both very happy with the fussing arrangement when mom comes round. Kylie was just lapping it all up. She really isn't a shy girl at all - she's anyone's for a cuddle! My cuddle for Kylie today is on behalf of my mom.

We'd been hoping it was coming soon. She's had a couple of almost-there's over the past day or so but I'm glad I was there to see it - I have taken photos too. She's also had the majority of her food today and a good couple of walks. She's not crying after us anywhere near as much as she was and generally gives up a lot sooner when she does. She also came to get me to let her outside for toilet earlier on too. Kylie is a lovely little dog with a loving nature. It's a pleasure to be able to help her re-adjust to life after the upset she's been through not even 3 weeks ago.

What lovely news...so nice to hear Kylie is feeling happy and relaxed with you. I never get tired of seeing a happy Greyhound upside down with all their legs in the air! Xxx

It's finally happpened...this afternoon little Kylie was on the sofa, she got all cosy and tipped over with all 4 legs up! She stayed there for ages too. She seems a lot happier now, is eating a lot better and just appears more settled. She likes to share the sofa with both Ben and Lucy but equally will settle by herself. She also likes to pop over to nudge you for a fuss every now and then but you'll get bored before she does!

We've managed two daylight walks today - NO fireworks -and have walked little Kylie further than we have dared previously. She trotted along happily with us all and was no problem. When we got back, Ben (8) collapsed in the kitchen and she just stood there grinning and wagging her tail. She may be 9 but she's got some energy. She keeps pace with our Lucy who is 7 and who loves walking. Today is also the first day that Kylie's eaten pretty much all the food we have offered her - albeit with a little wet food tempter - and this evening she managed to clear her bowl! I imagine that's what a proud parent feels like. Onwards and upwards hopefully! We just need to settle her a little more so that she's not needing sight of us quite so much but we will get there I'm sure. Two weeks ago, she was still living her old life so it's very early days yet.

Just giving Kylie a virtual cuddle to go with the many real ones - just because I can. We almost had our first 4 legs up roach an hour ago but I think Kylie beached herself on the cushions and couldn't quite make it! Andy also attempted a gentle tooth brushing this morning but she wasn't sure about that...we'll keep trying to introduce it gently. She's getting tooth cleaner in her water a couple of times a day anyway. We're off for a dogwalk soon. Hopefully no flippin fireworks - had to give up on evening walk last night as all 3 started quivering when some were let off at around 5pm. All was fine as soon as they got back home.

Great to hear how well Kylie is doing, she sounds a real sweetie! Xxx

Kylie has been with us since 2 Nov. She has had a vet check up today and all went well. She has been living with us and our 2 greyhounds, Ben (aged 8) and Lucy (aged 7). She was clearly and understandably stressed when she first came to us but has settled well with our two. Kylie is clearly a dog that likes company - both human and dog. She loves fuss but is learning that Ben and Lucy have to have some time with their mom and dad too and will lie down and wait her turn. The fact that she is so nice natured and that there were no major issues highlighted today at her vet check, we believe are a testament to her former owner who clearly did love her. We have had some issues trying to get her to take to dog food (how dare us!) but we are gradually getting there - she tried to pinch some kibble out of Ben's bowl lunchtime so I put her dish in the holder next to his and she started to eat her food without any wet food topping. Earlier today she also selected a couple of toys and took them up on the sofa for a good squeaking. This is also progress. She does still look a little wistful at times but she's so much happier than she was and she's been doing her walks happily (as long as there's no fireworks). All in all, she's doing really well, especially given the major changes that have gone on in her life. She really is a lovely little dog.

Kylie you remind me of my friend's lovely greyhound,your even prettier so you have our cuddle today :-) xx

Kylie you remind me of my friend's lovely greyhound,your even prettier so you have our cuddle today :-) xx

Sadly Kylie is not good with cats.

Another beautiful girl who along with Emmy and Isla loved her walk this morning. Wonderful on the lead, so gentle , having a good sniff around and like the rest of her family not phased by anything the busy road and airport had to offer. They are such a friendly bunch and so
good together but it must be so stressful for them. They were all enjoying a nice pamper session and bath and some treats this morning.

Cuddles are so restricted in this situation. Love The New Icemaid Clan xxx