A fateful moment between a child and a retired racing greyhound with a family living more than 450 miles away in Guernsey has resulted in a happily ever after homing story.
Buster – aka Safe Cash - ran his final race at Sunderland Stadium on January 28 before being retired by trainer Yvonne Bell.
The search for his perfect forever home commenced and two weeks after crossing the line for the final time, Buster’s relationship with Charlotte Burn – a four-year-old junior kennel hand at the north-east track - caught the attention of Channel Islands couple Cody Martin and Nick Lewis.
The parents of two boys - Rupert and William - arranged to meet Buster via Home Run Hounds’ Romford branch in Wickford, Essex, where they immediately hit it off.
And the one-time race winner is now living the dream beside the seaside where he accompanies Cody each day at her job as an accountant.
“Greyhounds have such wonderful temperaments,” said Cody.
“We were desperate to provide a loving home to the right dog, but we encountered so many blockers initially as all centres were nervous that we had young children, worked and lived in Guernsey.
“Home Run Hounds were the complete opposite, while still taking the necessary precautions to ensure Buster had the best chance of finding his perfect forever home.
“We viewed three greyhounds, but Buster was the one for us.
“Not only is he a namesake of the first greyhound I grew up with, but – like the majority of greyhounds – he is fantastic with children and so placid at home and work.
“My colleagues joke that he sleeps all day due to the walk from the car to my desk, but it’s so true. Even though he’s still only one, he is so laid back and chilled out – he’s perfect for our family.”
Cody’s connection to Buster is only strengthened by the fact that her first greyhound she grew up with – a racer called Karmas Jet who was retired in 2005 – was also called Buster, and raced at Sunderland too.
She believes greyhounds are highly misunderstood, and encouraged other families on the island in search of a four-legged friend to consider homing an ex-racer.
“All my friends now want a greyhound, which I think is fantastic,” said Cody.
“People associate the speeds they reach on the track with dogs that are high maintenance and require lots of exercise, when the reality of owning a greyhound couldn’t be more opposite.
“He’s taken everything in his stride, and Home Run Hounds could not have been more helpful to make his dream move to Guernsey a reality.”
Katie Isaac, Lead Volunteer at Home Run Hounds’ Romford branch, added: “Cody, Nick and their two wonderful boys were a delight to welcome to our centre.
“Buster had only arrived the evening before, so it was a whirlwind 24-hours for him.
“We’re fortunate to have a fantastic relationship with Arena Racing Company and their five greyhound stadia who do a fantastic job acclimatising retired greyhounds to new environments and experiences before the viewing process.
“This process was invaluable in finding Buster his forever home, and we wish him the happiest of retirements by the sea!”
Further information about Home Run Hounds is available online via www.homerunhounds.co.uk.
