Ex-racing dogs are given a taste of forest life

EIGHTEEN retired racing dogs and their owners flocked to Ashdown Forest for the first of a new monthly get-together.

Gaynor Kendall, of Steep Road, Crowborough, owns two old greyhounds, Eddie and Tootsie. She was joined by a host of other owners who are similarly concerned for the welfare of the racing dogs after they are retired from the track.

She said: "We were pleasantly surprised by the 17 greyhounds and one saluki that came and by the bright and sunny weather as people turned up in coats and fleeces which had to be discarded on the way.

"We nominated Chris Osmond as map reader so we thought we were in safe hands only to find we missed a track and had a bit of a longer walk than intended.

"He managed to lead us back to Duddleswell Tea Rooms where we and the greyhounds all enjoyed well-earned refreshments and the kind hospitality of the owners and staff."

The walk was organised by the Brighton and Hove branch of the Retired Greyhound Trust charity.

The next meet-up will be on November 27, followed by a larger walk in Burgess Hill on December 4 where the group will donate Christmas gifts to those dogs still looking for a new home.