Teddy on the Canal – Evidence There’s a Greyhound for Every way of Living

As soon as I met Sian on the canal towpath I could feel the pace of my day slow considerably. I had entered a totally different and relaxed way of living. What better environment, then, for the most relaxed dog breed to become part of? Introducing Teddy, currently being fostered by Sian. 

Teddy is a beautiful, 4-year-old, brindle boy who is gentle, quiet and full to the brim with cuddles. Eight years ago, Sian decided to quit her job as an art teacher, rent out her house and live on a canal boat. She’s never looked back. Every couple of weeks she moves location, seeing different sights and meeting different people. Sian has had several dogs in the past but not for a while. She investigated various breeds and decided she would prefer to foster rather than adopt, initially at least. Many rescue organisations were unhelpful, putting her off, saying she could only adopt or, more often, that she couldn’t have a dog on a canal boat. 

Upon research, Sian realised she could probably foster a retired greyhound and got in touch with Romford Retired Greyhounds. After a couple of visits, meeting Teddy, it was decided he was the right dog for her and he duly arrived at the canal side. 

“At first he was hesitant about jumping onto the boat as there was a tiny bit of movement but he quickly got used to that and now hops on and off whenever asked”, says Sian. 

Not that he seems to be on the boat much. Teddy’s life appears to be one of pubs, cafes and walks with his numerous new friends; human and canine – everyone already seems to know Teddy and he’s only been with Sian for three weeks! When out he sports his little green coat, advertising the homing centre, as he is still up for permanent adoption and is proving the ultimate advert for retired greyhounds. 

“He loves everyone, just wanting endless cuddles.” Sian told me. “When I met him at the kennels he was quite strong on the lead but he calmed immediately once home with me. He’s brilliant with other dogs, even the ones that rush up to him with no warning, and children. When we go in a new pub or café he quickly lays down and is no trouble at all. Everyone on the boats already recognise him and love him. The only thing he’ll snap at is a fly and he’s never even managed to catch one of those!” 

Inside the boat I was more than surprised to see that Teddy has calmly accepted a brother; a blue Indian Ringneck bird called Kurulla. Teddy is completely unphased by his shrill talking both inside and outside of his cage. Our boy is quite happy sprawled out by the log burner or on his various duvets that litter the whole boat – he certainly has more of the space than Sian does!

Outside, he happily laid on the grass next to the Romford Retired Greyhounds advertising board watching Sian chop wood. Sian explained “He lays by the towpath while I’m out here and other dog owners who go by just don’t know what to make of him. He’s usually asleep so they often don’t notice him until last minute but then give him a wide berth because they maybe expect him to be aggressive as he’s so big. He’s just the opposite. He’s such a calming influence on other dogs. He’s just a gentle giant, not a yappy snappy little dog that you often see.” 

Sian didn’t make a secret of the fact that she has had some struggles to overcome in her life and the impact Teddy has had. “He’s changed my life. I needed to get out and Teddy has made me be able to do that. He’s helped me as much as I’ve helped him.” 

So what of the future for Sian and Teddy? Will he be a typical “failed foster” with Sian keeping him? At the moment the jury is out. The bond they have formed is plain to see and Sian is clearly wondering if there will be a more perfect match for her. Her dilemma lies in the fact that she had decided she wanted to be a foster carer. “I will be so sad to see him go but I want to help as many dogs as I can. The person who has him will have to be very special, though, and Katie (from the homing centre) has said that I can vet any possible forever families who want Teddy.” 

Having met them it looks to me like they’re staying together. Whatever the outcome, Teddy will be happy and whoever his forever family proves to be they will be very very privileged to have him. 

If you want to find out more about adopting a greyhound please see all the information on our website or contact us at [email protected] and we can put you in touch with your nearest homing centre.