From the dog-track to the mountain track.
The isle of Skye is home of the Cuillin mountains and also the UK’s most remote greyhound adoption centre.
The Retired Greyhound Trust (RGT) is a national charity that is dedicated to finding loving homes for greyhounds when their racing days are over.
The trust has 72 branches, including one set in breath-taking scenery near Glendale on the Misty Isle. This refuge provides a transitional haven while ex-racing greyhounds wait for their new permanent homes and a sofa they can call their own.
Some of Skye RGT’s dogs find it harder to attract new families than others and yesterday the trust highlighted six-year-old Maggie, a glossy black hound, that came into the care of the trust last year and suffers from a medical condition. Though it is manageable, it means that Maggie will be on medication for the rest of her life.
Mandy Reid, lead volunteer for Skye RGT, said: “Maggie is a sweetie, with a lovely, quiet and affectionate character and could live in a home as an only dog or with another medium or large sized dog. I’m concerned that people will be reluctant to offer her the retirement she deserves because of the medication she’ll need. She would thrive in a home environment where she can enjoy lots of creature comforts and would make a wonderful companion.”
Another of Skye RGT’s long term residents is four-year-old Struan, who is currently learning about the home environment in a foster home.
Ms Reid said: “Struan is a quiet, laid back lad who takes most things in his stride.
“He struggled with life in kennels so it would be wonderful to see him settled on his forever sofa. Struan could also live in a home with another medium or large sized dog, or would be happy as someone’s one and only beloved pet. Maggie and Struan are just two of 12 greyhounds in our care on Skye who would all make fantastic additions to the family. “However, if you cannot adopt a dog but still want to help, we are always looking for volunteers to assist with dog walking, fostering and representing us at meet and greet and fundraising events across the Highlands. Anything you can do will have a huge impact helping these amazing dogs.”