Bobby - Tailends from June 2004 - January 2006

Bobby arrived at Tailends on June 2nd 2004 brought down here from a kennel in Kent by Nigel Woods who transports dogs for the RGT. Bobby was very thin and frail with his brindle and white coat discoloured by urine stains. He came from the same kennel as our dear Lloyd who was so ill that he only had eight weeks here. Bobby had been used as a stud dog at the kennel but his welfare was sadly neglected. He was thin, un-neutered and full of worms. His mouth was dreadful and he had 22 teeth extracted a few days after arrival at Tailends. He also had nerve damage in his hind legs and back, which must have been causing him problems. His nails were very long and as the blood line extended so far down the nail we were unable to cut them as short as we would have liked.

Bobby is such a dear old chap. He trusts me totally and is so grateful to be here and have some home comforts at last especially during the winter months. Bobby loves to be wrapped up in a cosy blanket. He will lie for hours sleeping peacefully once he is snug and comfortable. When the weather is mild, he will lie out on the grass during sunny days. He really does ask for so little in life and it is unbelievable that this dog was left to rot in kennels for so many years without the chance of a home. He is so good-natured and will allow the smaller dogs to curl up beside him in his bed.

We did not expect Bobby to have long when he arrived so we are pleased that he has done so well and is really happy and enjoying his new life. He has Rimadyl tablets for the pain in his legs and also has fish oil and vitamins. He must have suffered so much when he was cold and lying on wet hard bedding. Now he looks forward to his walks, which tend to be a bit limited as his legs are a somewhat shaky. 

He does like to potter around sniffing the exciting hedgerow scents and watching the rabbits. He makes no attempt to chase them but just walks past and they carry on eating the grass unperturbed by his presence. 

I have to feed Bobby in his bed if he is feeling a bit wobbly though this is infrequent and he always tries to get up to eat in the kitchen. He has problems standing still for any length of time though walking is not so much of a problem. His bladder is becoming a little weak and he needs to go out every couple of hours or so. We are giving him Propalin syrup, which is helping him to get a good night’s sleep by not having to get up so much.

Bobby is such a sweet affectionate dog. It is scandalous that he has had such a grim life. Apparently he was once the UK Greyhound champion and won the cup at Brough Park! Then he was condemned to a miserable existence as his reward. Someone somewhere must have that cup – maybe on their mantelpiece. I wonder if they ever give a thought to what happened to the brave dog who won it for them.

Sweet faithful Bobby died peacefully at Tailends yesterday (January 5th) at Noon. Our vet Alison Hume (from Mullacott Veterinary Hospital) kindly came out to help him slip away painlessly. Bobby had been fine on Wednesday and had a nice gentle stroll along the footpath in the afternoon followed by a good dinner. He became ill during the night and was unable to stand unaided. It was obvious that our poor old chap had finally reached the end of his life. We feel privileged to have shared the last 19 months with Bobby. He asked for so little in life and was just grateful to be warm, fed and cared for. His former life had been very hard and he had suffered greatly in the kennel - which was the same one that Lloyd came from. Bobby will live on in our memory as a sweet uncomplaining boy who deserved better after racing his heart out for humans - only to be discarded and left without any comfort to grow old in misery. 

We are so glad he eventually came to Tailends. Sleep well Bobby and when you wake you will be young again and able to play in those green fields with Lloyd and the friends you made here.