Very happy 3rd gotcha day to lovely Sam. Xx

Happy 3rd Gotcha Day Sam! Lots of love :)) Xxx

Happy 3rd Gotcha Day baby Sam, hope you have had a super day xxxx

Today is baby Sam's 3rd official Gotcha Day. The 3 played with toys and had treats. He's such a loving boy. I love the 3 of them so much and Daddy Simon would be very proud of them. Happy Gotcha Day my cuddle monster. x

Happy birthday Sam xxxxxx

Happy birthday 'Baby Sam', it was lovely to see you with Skip, Nadie and your Mom today. xxx

Wishing your handsome Sam a very Happy Birthday for tomorrow! Xxx

Tomorrow is "baby Sam's" 5th birthday. I've just been looking at his photos which are from 3 years ago and, apart from the scar which is a lot less prominent (bitten by his kennel mate before coming to kennels I believe), he looks no different! He's got no white on him at all which is unusual for a black dog of his age. Soon it'll be 3 years from when we fostered him and then his 3rd Gotcha Day. He's a funny one indeed, but aren't they all in their own special way?

Happy 2nd Gotcha day Sam for last monday, hope you had a fab day xxxxx

It was our baby Sam's 2nd official Gotcha Day last Monday (after a few days fostering). Unfortunately Daddy had a hospital appointment so it wasn't quite the day we'd wanted but Sam had a nice walk with Skip and Nadie. He's always spoilt anyway! x

Happy Birthday Sam! Lots of love to you and all the family. Xxx

Happy Birthday gorgeous! Hope I will get to see you again soon - in the meantime, say a big hello to your Mum & Dad - and cuddles for you, Skip and the lovely Nadie. xx

Happy 4th birthday Sam, sounds like you are going to be spoilt this afternoon, enjoy gorgeous boy xxxxxx

Happy birthday 'Baby Sam'. Hopefully see you all soon. Xx

Happy 4th birthday to our gorgeous Sam. Sorry we have to be out for a couple of hours this morning but we'll make it up this afternoon with sandwiches, games, toys and ostrich bones. Thank you for letting us be your FFPs. Nearly 2 years! x

Happy 1st Gotcha Day Sam, hope you have had a fab day xxxxx

Happy gotcha day Sam. Hope you have a lovely day. The furry five send their love as do I. They hope you get a special dinner with Skip. Xxx

Happy Gotcha Day Sam! have a lovely time in the sand run with Skip :)...hope to see you all again soon. Xxx

Today is my gorgeous Sam's first official Gotcha Day. For those of you who don't know the story I walked Sam at the kennels one Friday just over a year ago. We arranged to take a kennel dog on a walk on the Sunday. I said to Dave, who was getting the resident ready for us, that I didn't mind who we took. He had Sam ready for us. He had only just turned 2 and had been returned after a few days of adoption because of separation anxiety. Sam was so gorgeous that I agreed to foster him for 2 days to see how he got on with there being other dogs around - we had Skip and also had Bert at that time (Lost him 3 weeks later at 13 1/4). I think I'd already fallen for him before I got home but we didn't know how we'd manage with 3. The next day or so I extended the fostering to the end of the week but rang Ruth on the Wednesday to say I'd failed and wanted to adopt him. The papers were signed on Friday 3rd May and I absolutely adore him and have never looked back. I'm very sad that he never got to come on a camping trip with Bert (we'd just bought a caravan and were all ready to go but Bert took a turn for the worse and we lost him in the early hours our first caravan trip was planned).

Every single day Sam and Skip make us laugh and I'm so thankful to everyone at Daybreaks who helped me fail at fostering.

Sam and Skip have had their breakfast of sardines in tomato sauce and we're off to the sand run later.

Lynne
x

Happy Birthday Sam! Hope you enjoyed your fish and mash. :))) Xxx

Happy 3rd birthday Sam, enjoy your tea xxxx

Happy 3rd Birthday Sam! Glad to hear your birthday tea hasn’t been scuppered by panic buying! Virtual kisses from Peggy xxxx

Happy birthday handsome Sam, thank goodness there wash fish available! Love from Jo and the furry five. Xx

Happy 3rd birthday to my gorgeous cuddle monster, baby Sam. We love you very much and are so thankful to Daybreaks for letting us foster so we could become FFPs. Fish and mash potato for tea. Present given - a new Kong cuddly. Love Mummy, Daddy and Skip. I know Bert says his Happy Birthday from Rainbow Bridge. x

Clever boy Sam! :)) Xxx

Way to go Sam, very well done. So very proud of your achievement. I know your Mummy was very nervous. The hard work has paid off. Once again, well done handsome baby boy. Xx

Hello. Baby Sam here (yes I'll still be Baby Sam when I'm 14!) I had a surprise day on Sunday. We went to the kennels as usual but, after a walk, I got to have a run in the sand run. We then went home for lunch but afterwards we went to training. On a Sunday afternoon. Very unusual. Auntie Julie was there and so we're my hooman and houndie friends but 2 different ladies did the training. We first ran through all the bronze exercises we do in my class. I don't know why I didn't get treats as usual but Mummy was so happy when I did as I was told so I kept being good. At the end of the bronze exercises Mummy was VERY happy so we're my friends' hoomans. Everyone was clapping and the hoomans got certificates and rosettes. I didn't get to go home then though. We then did more exercises - ones I've just started learning. I could see Mummy willing me to be good and she was giving me treats between exercises so, again, I thought I should behave. I enjoyed doing everything she wanted me to. She was so happy when she collected another certificate and silver tag for my collar. Mummy and Daddy now say I'm a silver dog like my brother Skip and that I'll start working on gold exercises like Skip does. I like making Mummy and Daddy proud. I'm sorry that I do sometimes forget to behave, especially if I see a cat or squirrel, or I'm hungry; but I am just a baby. I'm not 3 until next month. Lots of love Baby Sam. x

Very proud of Sam who gave his 1st unit of blood today at the kennels. He was such a good boy. x

Wishing you all lots of great times together. :) Xxx

Ahh so happy for all of you. I wasn't convinced it would only be till Tuesday when you left with him on Sunday! Congratulations xx

Another FFP bites the dust.... congratulations to all! Xxx

Yay well done sam! This is the sort of news we all love to hear! Xxx

Thought this might happen, such fab news, well done to you all, so happy for you. Xxxxxx

Sam is one very lucky boy, hes also gorgeous. Congratulations to Sam and his family. Well done for failing to return him . Xxxx

Well, there's a surprise. ........NOT!!! Well done, so happy for you all. Jo x

Lynne that's amazing news - happy for you all. x

Well, what can I say? When we took Sam back with us on Sunday we had no intention of keeping him beyond Tuesday. We just wanted to give him a break from kennels and feed back to prospective adopters. It didn't take us long to fall in love with him. He's a monkey and it's not likely to be plain sailing, but we'll put the work in. So he's now reserved and we're going in later in the week to do the paperwork. Lynne, Simon, Robert, Bert, Skip and Sam x PS He roached today. I think that sealed the deal.

Another settled night. Sam likes playing with squeaky balls and dedding the squeakers. This morning he dragged the vet bed off the conservatory sofa and yesterday he very cagily stole a lace ribbon off the table - he did drop it when I told him to. He is so funny. I've started to do some training with him around food and treats as that's when he's the most bouncy and strong at the moment. He is starting to respond to "bed" and he does lie down for his treat eventually using the techniques learnt in our training classes. He's also started to learn what is our food and that he needs to keep away from us then. He walked really well in his evening walk and still wasn't phased by any of the noises, people, other dogs etc. Given the feedback about separation anxiety, today's task is to see how he gets on when left in the house just with the other 2 for a very short period. We'll only be next door and can watch on the camera. Lynne x

LM, thank you so very much for taking Sam out of kennels for a couple of days. So pleased to hear he has been settled, maybe what he needs is the company of a friend or two. Look forward to hearing how the rest of his stay goes. Hopefully if all goes well with you he may have a new family to take him home with them with their houndies!

We've been looking after Sam for only 24 hours and we're already smitten. He has the cutest face, softest eyes and funniest floppy ears! He hasn't been phased by anything - we'd just got him out of the van when we brought him home when a very loud ice cream van stopped outside the house - he merely looked! He is incredibly inquisitive inside the house, as expected, but can be led away other than when there's food around. We've fed the 3 of them together with no problem thus far - he'll need a slow feeder as he wolfs his food down. I'll try him with one for the afternoon feed. Simon stayed up until about 11.30pm with him last night and I went earlier in case I had to get up in the night/early given that the reports are that he has separation anxiety. We put a thundershirt on him. It's the best night's sleep we've had in ages - Skip usually wakes us up in the night/6am, but I got up at 6.45 before there was any noise from any of them. There was no mess. I checked the cameras and all 3 had stayed in their respective beds all night. We took Skip and Sam on a walk in the woods/field this morning - about 30 minutes - and, whilst strong, Sam was controllable. He wasn't phased by the traffic and was fine when we saw and passed by other dogs. I know things can change quickly when a dog is in a different home and I'm on my own with the 3 of them this afternoon and tonight so I'll post again tomorrow with an update, but hopefully he'll stay settled. We'll then be testing out leaving him on his own (with the other 2 dogs) for a short time. Watch this space......

Ah sam how lucky are you to have gone home with LM for abit?! Remember best behaviour now! Xxx

Great to see Sam has been fostered xxxx

We took Sam to the Hall Green Worcester walk today to give him a break from kennels. He needed a bit of help getting into the soft crate in the campervan but lay down straight away and travelled without a sound. He walked very well and merely looked at other breeds, no pulling. Off lead dogs playing in the field interested him but he didn't pull or bark. A quick pull on the lead and a call and we were on our way. We went to the cafe after with the other greyhounds and owners and he was VERY interested in treats and human food so will need training but the fact he's food orientated should help enormously with training. We took him back to kennels and could hear him whining once in his kennel (not unusual at feeding time and with people around) but it tugged on my heart strings especially as he's such a baby. So we've brought him home for a day or 2 to see how he gets on in a home with other dogs - we have Bert 13 and Skip 5. Right now they are all flat out after a busy day but we haven't left them alone. When one of us goes out of the room, Sam goes to the gate but we think it's inquisitiveness at this stage. He clearly loves people. He didn't make any noise. I'll put another post on tomorrow. Hopefully he'll sleep! Also I hope Skip sleeps as he's finding it a bit odd having a newbie around. Bert doesn't seem to care less! He takes it all in his stride.

Love your new photos sam you look so handsome xxx

Our 2nd hound Peg suffered terrible separation anxiety even though she had the lazy big brother Shaun, perseverance, time, patience and the wonderful help we received from the Kennels and our home checker Lynn Bibb worked
wonders for her and allowed her to blossom into the cheeky little girl she is today. Don’t get me wrong it’s not a quick fix, it took Peg over 6 months to settle but so worth it ?? Sam you will be fine trust me, your time will come and you too will blossom xxxxxxx

Im surprised sam has come back but separation anxiety is a nasty thing for them and so annoying that you can't just tell rhem everything will be ok. Never mind Sam your time will come again xxx

So sad to hear Sam has been returned, maybe he would be better homed with another dog to give him more confidence, sending big kisses to you xxxxx

Sadly Sam has been returned due to extreme separation anxiety. His owner was very upset - it is so sad....

Sad to hear it didn't work out for you Sam. I'll give you a cuddle at the kennels when we're next there - if you're still there. I'm sure someone will snap you up soon sweet baby boy. x

How sad to see Super Sam returned. Walked him this afternoon and he was his usual fantastic self. Hope it wont be too long before his forever home comes along. More cuddles for him tonight. Xxx

Happy retirement Super Sam. You'll soon learn your new way of life, just keep giving your special cuddles!!! Lots of luck and love. Xxxx

Have a very happy new life Sam! :) Xxx

Well done Sam! You're such a young boy so go and have years of fun and happiness! Lots of love xxx

Lovely to see Sam with his new dad, be happy gorgeous xxxxxx

I will miss you Sam. Be happy in your new home. Xx

Aww Sam you and your dad look very happy. You look like you’re ready to go home! Be happy Xx

A big Birthday cuddle for Sam tonight! Xxx

Happy birthday gorgeous xxxx

Happy birthday Sam. x

Happy Birthday beautiful! The best birthday present ever - your very own home. xx

Super Sam was so good on his walk this afternoon. Hoping all goes well for his retirement and congratulations to his new family on adopting this brilliant boy xxx

Ah well done sam ! You do look a lovely boy xxx

Brilliant news Sam! Xxx

Absolutely delighted for you. You are a loving and affectionate chappy who walks really nicely and calmly when out. Well done Sam!!

Lovely early birthday present for you Sam.

Great news Sam! Xx

Well done Sam, so happy to see your Red sign xxxx

Oh Sam this is wonderful news! Well done! Xx

Super affectionate Sam tried to jump onto my lap today! He clearly knows he's adorable but maybe not how big he is. He has oodles of love to give, hope he doesn't have to wait too long. Xx

"Happy Sam" loved his 1st visit to Brueon Park. Although very excited he loved meeting all sorts of breeds with no aggression. He will suit family with active lifestyle

Sam met Louis, Sara's Border Collie on Saturday. He was great with him. :)) Xxx

Well Mr. Cheeky....you are lively, strong but cuddly and lovely and I am sorry we had a false start with walkies before we finally got out! Blame Auntie Kate for dangling that carrot but you were so good & patient and once out walked very nicely. I hope your nose feels perfect very soon...its healing nicely and a tiny battle scar will surely get you extra attention when hoomans come a visiting. I will look forward to seeing you again very soon for a repeat performance of love & cuddles. Be good. Xx

I like your new photo Sam! Are you cat friendly if you were a non racer?xxx

Another cuddle for Sam, he was such a good boy at the vets today. Xxx

Jet says Sam's clever lol xxx

A big cuddle for Sam tonight. He was a little stressed in his kennel this afternoon. He is very young and not two until March. He did have trials but is a non racer. Xxx

Oh Sam now you look my sort of boy and still only such a baby! Sure your stay won't be long, good luck sweetheart xxx

Sam is a very friendly boy who enjoyed being stroked and fussed. xxxxx

Aw Sam you are beautiful, looks like you have got a sore muzzle, don't worry it will get better now you are at Daybreaks xxxxx