So, here's the thing. Ruby-scoob is definitely not a greyhound! lazy? oh, no - she gets ants in her pants and just can't sit still - toys, sticks, old sandals are just not enough to keep her occupied, so scarves and hats and jumpers and socks and gardening gloves get pinched for a bit of variety. she unearthed a tennis ball on a recent walk, and now that she has de-furred it, it has become her best friend - she throws it for herself around the house, and loves to hold it in her mouth and make it pop in and out. she also loves to play with little Lola-lolly, who is a more reserved hound, but still a youngster and up for a bit of rough and tumble, unlike grumpy oldster Jamal, who just can't believe that he's been well and truly out-bounced by a young female upstart ...

Ruby's just started growing up a bit - over the last few weeks we've noticed that she listens a bit more which bodes well for letting her have a bit of a run in future. she makes friends with other dogs, would love to chase squirrels, and is so very very good with the cats (she walks on tiptoe to try and get close), just can't understand why they don't want to play! Having had a couple of months to perfect her duvet de-stuffing technique, loving the way I enabled her play by re-stuffing it every day ... she's been thwarted by a new bed I've made from a cut-down futon - much more sturdy, and so far Ruby-proof ... and much loved by both Jamal and Ruby. started to think we could cope with another - a bit of a harem for Jamal ...?

How lovely to hear what a happy girl she is! xxx

Has Ruby really only been with us 6 weeks? she's been here forever ;-) what a fun and bouncy girl - it's been a bit of a challenge for us as our old Holly (RIP just a few days after Ruby arrived) was such a quiet girl, and we've had to adjust to the contrast - we get hugs, waggy tail thrashings, puppy mouthings, head leanings, great tummy showing-off rolls, bounces and bounds, ball and stick chasings, 'borrowing' of shoes, chewing of random things she gets hold of, bed stuffing scattering and basically not understanding at all that the world doesn't always revolve around her!! she is lovely, and loved, and very happy, and a really good girl. she even helped out on a day when we were volunteering at Moseley Old Hall, making wormeries with children - she was so good, made lots of friends, and got worn out with all the looking and new experiences so she slept most of the next day! very happy she's part of our pack ;-) xx

Glad to see you have your forever home xxxx sounds like you are really enjoying yourself xxxx

Ruby has been with us nearly a week and is learning fast - as are we! kitchen worktops have never been so uncluttered!! Shes a 'collector', so flowerpots and the occasional shoe have ended up in her bed ... and a 'snaffler', so a phone and a book have been swiped off the table ... but she's not naughty, just finding out what's what in this new world where there is stuff around, not just the four walls of a kennel. she's met the cats, and is definitely more interested in their food than in them, but introductions will continue slowly. By the way, for those concerned - by long lead I don't mean an extendable lead - horrid things! we are just getting her used to walking under close control (to heel) and with a bit more freedom on a double-length lead, but still under control. Between us we've lived with greyhounds for about 30 years, so while she may be new to this game, we're not ;-)

Also greyhounds are sight hounds so she will see something well before you do. With the extendable lead by the time you have reacted she will already be in full run. A greyhound in full run is not easy to stop.

If you want to give your grey some extra freedom I use a horse lunge line BUT with a harness - their acceleration is amazing and using a collar can seriously damage their necks :( Don't forget she's probably a bit 'gobsmacked' by this whole new world and you'll get more of a true reaction when she's more settled and confident :) Good luck with her Julie x

Just in case by "long lead" you mean an extendable lead, I believe these are not recommended for greyhounds. Glad to hear she is doing so well - she looks absolutely beautiful. x

What a busy evening for Ruby! She's watched the world go by from the car, arrived at her new home and met the other greys (absolutely no problems). She's explored the garden thoroughly, and then walked for nearly an hour in Sutton Coldfield Park - met 'other' dogs (no nervousness at all), canoeists, cyclists, joggers etc all taken in stride. She's even started learning to 'stand', and the difference between walking 'lead-time' and 'off you go' on the long lead. now still excited, but settling down on the duvet beds with the other two :-) lovely happy girl.

This is brilliant news - well done Ruby my beautiful, you'll be in your new home very soon, have a very happy time. xx

We saw Ruby on these pages and decided to come and have a look - there are a lot of lovely dogs, but Ruby, you are The 1!! So lovely to spend a bit of time with you lovely girl - and really looking forward to bringing you home as soon as possible. Photos really don't do her justice - such a beautiful little girl :-)

Really pleased for you Ruby, hoping you settle well into home life xxxx

We had such a lovely time this afternoon didn't we? You walk like a dream and are such a quiet, gentle soul who loves a fuss and an ear rub! Hope you find a new home really soon, you deserve it my beautiful. x

her picture is amazing!

Well what can I say about Ruby she is so beautiful her brown eyes look at you and say love me she is sharing with a boy and she loves company shes not sure of the muzzle but as its only there 2nd night together Im not taking any risks.This girl will be reserved so quickly so dont miss out x

Beautiful! xxx

She might pass a cat test if she is a none chaser xxxx My Belle was a none chaser and is fab with the cats, cuddles them on the sofa etc xxxx good luck Ruby xxxx