Keeping you in my thoughts xx

What a lovely and poignant post about your girl Bess. Your memories of her will stay with you for ever and while the first birthday without her is bound to hurt, it’s abundantly clear how much those memories are treasured. Thinking of you x

Thinking of you all....I'm sure you have lots of lovely memories of your beautiful Bess. Sending her a Birthday cuddle. Xxx

Happy heavenly birthday to my beautiful Bess who would have been 11 today. My first one without you. What I would give to be able to cuddle you and kiss your lovely face and chat to you again. We had 8 years together and I would do it all again knowing of the heartbreak at the end because the sadness never outweighs the happiness that you gave to me. Love you forever mush, Mum and Reene xxxx

Sending lots of love to Bess, thinking of you all Xxx

Thinking of you, hoping and praying xx

So very sorry to read this, thinking of you. Xxxxx

So sorry to read this. It’s heartbreaking when we see our much loved hounds getting old and poorly. Keeping you all in our thoughts xx

Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Xxxxx

My little lass is very poorly. We haven't got long ????????????. Making the very most of life with her xxx

Thinking of Bess and hoping she will make a full recovery. Xxx

Macca has also been losing weight and has protein in his urine. Our vets suspected kidney problems, but they checked his blood pressed and found it was quite high. Hes now on medication for it, and has put on 1kg in a week (hes also been eating loads of pasta, that may have something to do with it!). His urine will be checked again in a couple of weeks. I hope everything turns out well for your little girl

Really sorry your girl has this condition. I’ve not had any experience of it nor have I come across anyone who has. I just wanted to say the vets at Willows are usually top class and I hope they can come up with something to help her. It must be such a worry. Try to stay strong (easier said than done I know) x

I am so very sorry to read that your little girl is poorly, I'm sorry I don't have any advise, but I really hope you find out what is wrong with Bessie and she gets the help she needs, thinking of you and keeping my fingers crossed for a positive outcome xxxxx

My poor girl is now down to 18.25kg she hasn't got much longer unless her medication starts to work and she can gain weight. Vets at Willows are still not 100% sure what is wrong but her condition relates to protein loss in urine. If anybody has any advice or has been through this medical condition with their dog please can you leave a message. Thank you x

Hi. Wonder if any of your greys have had an issue with a large amount of protein being present in their urine? My girl is currently being treated for Stage 1 Kidney Disease, however, her BUN levels and creatatine levels are very good. Thanks, would appreciate your comments.

Hi Bess and Belle's mom. We recommend Lime Kiln cottage North Devon for a break. Paddy had a wonderful holiday there in September and we are going back in June 17. Have a look at http://www.wonhamoak.co.uk/ or phone 01398 331832

Hi does anybody know of dog friendly caravan or accommodation in UK that I can take my girls for a week break in January? Many thanks

4 years ago today I adopted Bess. Love her so much, one of the best days work I ever done xxxxx

Hope all went well for Bess today...Xxx

Bess is having a scale and polish on Friday with extractions most very likely. What do I need to be sure of re anaesthetic, it has to be a lighter one for Greys, is that right? New vets are carrying out dental. I'll be a nervous wreck on Friday, even though of been through this before xx

Happy Gotcha Day to Bess! Xxx

HAPPY 3rd GOTCHA DAY TO MY BABY!! Bess, thank you so much for helping me through the worst 12 months of my life. You and your sister Belle guided me through the darkness and now we are dancing in the light xx

I am delighted with the way Bess appears to be recovering from her dental op. She is having soft food at the moment but hope to try her back on her Burns end of next week. The main thing is that her breath now smells lovely!! Is that possible for a dog, in this case yes!

So sorry to Bess has had to have 20 teeth removed...hope she will feel better soon. Xxx

Bess had no fewer than 20 tooth extractions today. She is doing very well and has been very good. Mum will keep a close eye on her tonight x

My girl had to have over 11 teeth out today, don't know the exact number at the moment! ! Bless her. I was very concerned earlier and very worried for Bessie, but when I went onto this site and read a heartbreaking and callous story I soon changed my tune as later I will pick my baby up and bring her home unlike Merlin's Mum who has lost her precious boy. There is always someone going through a hell of a lot worse than you, and that more than proved it to me today.

Hi Dawn. Just to re-iterate the advice that Ruth gave. We always have a full set of blood tests done pre-op to check all the major organ functions ...liver, kidneys, pancreas etc.This also covers blood/sugar levels. This will cost extra....l think Manor charge about £45 for a full set of bloods....but well worth it....especially if Bess has'nt had blood tests done before. Our Davey recently had a dental, and the blood tests revealed that a couple of his kidney functions were slightly out, so we requested full IV drips, and he recovered really quickly, with virtually no bleeding. But be aware that the drips will also cost extra...about £70 I think ?? Manor Vets only use the new, lighter anaesthetics for all breeds of dogs, including greys. Davey's dental cost £400...that was for 7 extractions, scale & polish...blood tests...IV drips...pain killers & antibiotics. A little bit pricey...but they do a great job...and take so much care. l know you go there anyway...but l can't recommend them highly enough.XXX

Hi bess&belle'smum - all vets should be aware that greyhounds need a special anaesthetic and it is advised to have fluids before, during and after their operations as it helps to flush their organs prior to their operation and helps hydration and recovery post op. Please give me a call at the kennels if you need any more information but she definitely will lose a couple of the molars and possibly the pre-molars also. Ruth x

Unfortunately my girl has got to have some of her teeth taken out. Has anybody got any advice about anaesthetic and greyhounds as I know we have have to be a bit careful about the amount they have etc. Thanks.

It's been a while since I have been on here. Lots going on at the moment!! Hope you and your greys are OK and hugs to all the kennel dogs. I wonder if there is anybody that I could bear in mind (if and when I go on holiday without the 'furkids') who would come and walk my two girls. My parents are more than happy to 'put them up' at theirs, however, my two can be very stong on the lead when they see other breeds and especially cats. They just need a firm hand and voice when out on a walk sometimes! I think it needs someone with experience of walking greyhounds that would fit the bill rather than Mum (who can't walk that far and quick anyway) and Dad. I live about a half hour drive from Daybreaks. Not far from J3 of M5. I would cover your fuel and pay for your time. Thanks xx

Bess has gone very bald around her rear and thighs. I have started giving her a Sea Kelp tablet each day as somebody on here posted a comment that, that helps the fur to grow back. Can't remember who posted it! I'm thinking of taking her to the vets to arrange to have her thyroid checked, as I've heard that this could be a reason for the balding problem as well as being dehydrated,but with what is added to her food (Burns) and what she has without food she consumes over 3 pints of water a day - so she is well hydrated and always has a wet nose. Any advice off anyone regarding thyroid testing and anything that has helped your grey's fur grow back would be greatly appreciated!!xx

That's so lovely...happy Gotcha Day Eve to Bess. Xxx

Exactly 2 years ago was the last time I had a green, hole and bald free lawn, the last time I could leave food on the work top, the last time I would go on a dog-loss holiday, the last time I would be a free agent, the last day not to have to walk in the rain and cold after a day's work, but also the last day ever to be without loving my first dog with all of my heart. Happy 'Gotcha Day Eve' to my little Bess xxxx

Fortunately Mum & Dad are able to mix a bit of business and pleasure this week and go to Appledore in Devon again on Wednesday and are taking me and my big sister Belle. Mum said we're going to dog friendly pubs and a run on the beach if we are really good xxx

The weather is vile, I'm not in work, however, I've still got chores and things to do unlike a certain black greyhound and her sister Belle fast asleep on my bed without a care in the world. Anyway, happy New Year to everyone, hope the new year is a happy and healthy one for you and all greyhounds. Here's to 2014 being Daybreaks highest adoption figures on record xxxxxx

Minnie - At least putting her in a freezer would keep her out of mischeif! She pinched my new ear muffs out of my shopping bag last night and slobbered all over them and they smell pretty vile now. I've since heard that butter can help to remove gum aswell so I'll give that a go later if she stands still for me!

Not to sure on that but to get it off clothes you put it in the freezer I know you can't put bess in the freezer but u could try something dry and cold on it so its not so stickiy sorry if its not much help but you never know x

Hello bess mom try using some ice on her that just might help xx

Bess has gone and got chewing gum on her back, god knows how she has managed that!! Any ideas as to how I can get this off as pulling it will hurt her and I don't want to cut it out as it could leave her with a bald patch and ruin her coat. She is a menace !!!! xxxxxx

Bess&Belle'smum, hope Bess has a great day on Sunday and enjoys her pig out. Just 2 pieces of advice for the baking - 1.open as many windows as possible 2. shut the kitchen door while cooking!! Sie x

It's our Bess's 4th Birthday on Sunday. I haven't showered her with gifs this year as if she needs something she has it anyway. Instead, I've bought what she adores the most - food!!! Bought all her favourite stuff so she can have a pig out on Sunday, and I'm baking a liver 'Birthday' cake for her and sister Belle aswell. I've never done one before, can't stand the taste, look or smell of liver - my little Bess deserves it though. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Just returned from a great week's holiday to Appledore, North Devon with my Mum & Dad, and sister Belle. Had a nice run with on the beach at Instow with Belle, went to a lot of pubs with Mum & Dad, loads of walking, people stroking me all the time, Mum gets annoyed when people call me 'he' as she dresses me really girly!! Had lots of 'naughty' food, weather was great. Met Storm and Glen and their lovely Mum Tracy. Mum said we are going back next year, can't wait!!! xxxxx

I hope Bess has had a more settled day today. It's sad to see them so scared isn't it? Xxx

My Bess has been really unsettled with the thunderstorm this morning. She didn't want her breakfast - this is the dog that eats practically anything and a lot of it too. I do believe she 'sensed' a storm coming. Yesterday morning she ran up the stairs and would not come down, even when I tried to coax her with treats. I kept telling her to get down, but she wouldn't take any notice, she has never ever been defiant and stubborn in all the time I've had her until this incident. I feel sure she was afraid of the pending thunderstorm and just wanted to get somewhere she felt was safe.xx

Hi I buy two sorts for mine ... for them to gnaw and chew and have sparkly teefs I buy weight bearing bones (from my raw meat supplier).. they usually have a knuckle at the end or marrow in it ... cos they're weight bearing they are very strong so I take them off the dogs once all the meat etc been eaten. Weight bearing bones (according to my vet) can break dogs teeth so I also feed ribs which dogs can gnaw but aren't weight bearing .... Lots of raw feeders swear by chicken bones but I'm a bit neurotic and I think they can be swallowed whole by a grey so I feed minced chicken with bones minced up ... you can bash the chicken wings to break the chicken bones but I'm too laxy :) Never ever feed cooked bones as they can splinter and cause serious problems, some people will tell you raw bones can too but my vet says the benefits outweigh any risk .. and I am careful with them. Always separate your dogs if feeding high value snacks like bones .. even the best of friends will fall out :) Julie x

I'd like to give my 2 greys raw bones but never sure which ones, what raw bones do your greys like?? Thanks

Just returned from a 4 day break at Burnham on Sea with my 2 girlies. It was fantastic to see them running on the beach and having so much freedom as they have so many restrictions back home. Its amazing how many people stopped us in the street to admire our beautiful greys. They were certainly the main attraction!! Apart from having a great holiday, what has made my day today is I have logged onto Daybreaks to catch up and am over the moon with the amount of dogs re-homed and fostered. Some very sad stories on here too, don't know how I would cope if it was one of mine, doesn't bear thinking about. Cuddles to all the greys at Daybreaks xxx

Hi Bess & Belles Mum, my Greyhound likes to dig too! Her favourite trick is to wait until I have planted something then dig it up again when I am not looking! It's amazing just how quickly they can dig! She has also dug holes in the lawn, I usually put a plant pot over the hole until she has lost interest and fill it in again...until the next time! Let me know when Bess and Belle find Australia!! xxx

Thanks skinnyme, I did read that on the internet about putting their poo down the hole (and a balloon so it startles them when they burst it!) I will give it a try, I haven't got green fingers but I don't want a wrecked garden either!!

Hi, Only one of my greys liked digging holes - George became a master digger at the age of about 9. And I got him when he was about 4! He had a favourite digging spot under an enormous pampus grass. But to be fair if the mood took him he would have a dig in a couple of other spots too, He dug until he died - at 16.....and was very nimble at covering the clean washing on the rotary line with mud. His chum Bouncer - younger and lazier never dug at all, just watched him. George had VERY strong smell instinct - could sniff out a fox a week away - I think his digging was related to his nose....x

Hi Bess&belles mum, One of mine used to dig in the garden, I solved it by putting some of their poop in the hole it eventually stopped thankfully.

I'm after some pj's for my girls for these chilly nights, they have their coats on at bedtime but I want their legs to be cosy too. Does anybody know a good place and reasonably priced where they can be purchased from??

Bess and her sister Belle have developed a very naughty habit of digging!!! You would think are they trying to dig to Australia the size of the holes in my garden, and the mess its made in my conservatory from their feet aswell! I don't know who the culprit is or if they are both in on it together. Has anyone else experienced this problem with their greys??xx

Happy 1st Anniversary little Bess! You & Belle are so lucky to have such loving & devoted owners! Mistakes made- patience shown-lessons learned-happy ending! Well done to all. X.

1 year ago tomorrow Bess joined our lives. It's been hard at times but the good times far out way the bad. We can't imagine life without this precious creature and what a positive impact she has had on my life. Tomorrow morning we will go to Daybreaks to get some Burns and then go for lunch at a dog friendly pub in Upton upon Severn to mark the day. Four words say it all.......WE. LOVE. YOU. BESS. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Looking forward to taking my two ladies to the doggy spa tomorrow, I love spoiling them xx

I totally agree with some of the comments made regarding the fact that it takes time and patience for a greyhound to settle in and a lot of effort form the owner. Bess was a nightmare when we first got her Feb 2012. Weeing overnight every night and pooing on the rug, tredding dog poo in the house from the garden (my fault for not getting it up every day!) ripping rubbish bags open(my fault for having them around her!). She was very unsettled to begin with, wouldn't come into the lounge for about 3 weeks, circling, pacing, going into statue mode, didn't wag her tail, wouldn't toilet on walks, the list is endless. However, all of the above have been overcome and I love her like crazy, she wants for nothing, but she knows who is boss and that's important too. A massive hug to all the trust dogs xx

Bess & Belle have had a lovely xmas. Doggy stockings, a proper xmas dinner, doggie mince pies and choc xmas logs, loads of new toys and lots of extra walks and cuddles. Diet starts now for you pair of greedy monkeys!!! Spolit rotten, they really do have me wrapped around their paws!

So glad you and Belle are getting on so well Bess. Your play fights have me in stitches, you pair are so much fun! xx

Dawn, it was lovely to meet you and your lovely hounds. have you managed to get a dog flap, if so how are your two girls getting on with it.xxx

A huge thanks to Caroline last Saturday for inviting us to her home with our greys to check out the dog door! xx

email me when you are ready romanyred1@aol.com x

Thank you so much Caroline, I will be in touch with you soon to arrange this x

I bet Bess looks gorgeous in her pink suede coat! Hope she had a lovely Birthday xxx

Hi Dawn my two hounds use a dog flap, there are two types on the market, get the one that is more square, the other one has rounded eddges at the bottom which makes it hard to lift there legs through. if you are near to Alcester near Reddith please pop round and see me, its very important on how high you put the hole. caroline , Max & Heidi x

Can anyone recommend a dog door suitable for a greyhound? Has anyone got one that their grey uses? Thanks very much xx Dawn

Happy 3rd birthday to my beautiful Bess on Saturday 10th November 2012. We love you so much, you are our world. Hope you enjoy your birthday cake courtesy of Wilsons Pet Bakery, new collar and posh suede pink personalised diamantee coat, balloon, along with extra hugs and kisses and tea at a 'doggy' friendly pub in Upton with Mum & Dad and the rest of the gang tomorrow afternoon xxxx

I do get annoyed when some owners of small dogs make the assumption that because my dog is bigger than theirs it means she going to hurt their dog. I got told last night on a walk with Bess, by a small dog owner "Keep your dog away from mine please". Don't they know that small dogs can be aggressive aswell and their bite would hurt just as much as a bite from a bigger dog. For the record Bess has shown no aggression to any dog be it large or small, or any person, in the 5 and a half months we have had her.

Mum will get you a brother/sister one day Bess who I can love just as much as you xx

Bess is off again on her holidays again in October, to Bude this time. It will be great being off work and able to spend so much time with her. Love ya Bess Boo! xxxxxx

We've now had our lovely Bess in our lives for nearly 5 months and we love her sooo much. We are so lucky to have such a loving, well behaved, fun and pretty dog. She has her moments - no dog is perfect! But I wouldn't swap her for anything and having a dog was one of the best things I have ever done. Thanks to Daybreaks for giving us the opportunity of adding this little Princess to our family xxx

Great to hear she is doing so well...made me smile to hear she likes kissing the boys!! xx

Bess is doing very well and slowly starting to get more confidence. Was brilliant at dog training the other week and can't wait to take her on hols in the Summer. We love her loads and will do all we can to make her happy and healthy. She loves kissing boy dogs!! xxxxx

We met Bess this afternoon at Waseley Country park with her new family.She is so pretty and her mum had groomed her in the morning and her coat was gleaming in the sun.She is clearly much loved a picture of health and responsibly muzzled.It was so funny watching her taking all the unfarmiliar sights and sounds.

That's lovely, wishing Bess lots of happiness in her new home. xxx

Wonderful for Bess and her new family xxxx

Fantastic news shes a lovely girl enjoy your forever home Bess x x

I am so pleased about this as little Bess really seemed fed up in the kennel earlier this week.Brilliant news.

Happily, the family were able to overcome the change of circumstances and Bess went off to her new home today. She looked fantastic kitted out in her new pink coat...... :-)

That's a shame, better luck next time Bess. xxx

Unfortunately Bess has been unreserved due to a change of circumstances.

This little girl is adoreable,she is sweet and tiny gives lots of kisses and licks and seems very happy.Her new family are very lucky.

I got a lot of kisses of this girl today

Another kennel mate gone for arty poor arty. He will miss you very much

Well done Bess. xxx

Really pleased for you Bess xxxx

Bess looks like my Molly when she was a little younger. Ohhhh wish I could have another one ;O)

Good to hear the race around in the snow has cheered her up. They both look like they had fun! xxx

What a lovely photo, great to see them having a good time.

Bess and Jessie had a great time playing this afternoon in the snow. Bess has been quite stressed since arriving at Daybreaks and this playtime seems to have settled her and she is fast asleep. Jessie came up for the day in the hope of being chosen for a new home as she is being fostered at the moment after being returned.

Sounds fab, and hopefully easly homed xxxxx