Happily Homed: A Tale of Two Travellers - Marion and Zara’s Journey

Zara was Home Run Hounds’ first greyhound to be homed through Greyhound Homing UK's online adoption platform! She recently joined Marion from the Broadmarsh Kennels, and their journey together is only just beginning. Read about their story so far!   

"I lost both my elderly dogs over a three-week period: a 15-year-old miniature Labradoodle and a 12-year-old rescue Briard type. It was devastating to lose them so close together, and I didn’t even want to go out in my campervan. I did look into a couple of more local rescues but given my lifestyle I needed to have some information about the dogs, which sometimes wasn’t available. Considering my age, I wanted an older dog, and after doing a lot of research I thought a Greyhound might be a good match for me and the life I live. I actually spotted a Greyhound named Willow on social media and made an enquiry – not expecting much but living in hope. Helen from HRH Broadmarsh was brilliant. By then, I had already arranged to have trellis fitted to secure my garden, still clinging to that hope. 

Looking for a Retired Greyhound

As I live in Dorset and the HRH branch is near Birmingham, I had to fill in a questionnaire, wait for the trellis to be fitted, and take photos of my home and garden to show where Zara would eventually live. Thankfully, everything was approved, and I made arrangements to travel the 130 miles to HRH, with a stopover in Monmouth. I was due to be introduced to several Greyhounds to see if any would be a good fit. It was wonderful how carefully they went through all the information to match the right dog with me. 

When I arrived, I was introduced to two dogs – a girl and a boy – and I took them both for a walk. I was instantly drawn to the little girl: I loved the way she looked and walked, and she jumped straight into my campervan and then didn’t want to get out. This was on a Wednesday, but the dogs were due their medical checks on the Friday. So, I stayed on a local campsite for two nights, joining volunteers to walk Zara (Jessica, as she was then called). On the Friday, I was finally able to take her home. She slept most of the way.

Bringing Zara Home

When we arrived, she walked into the house as if she owned it – which of course, she now did. I didn’t think she would manage the stairs and had just given up when, with three quick bounds, she was at the top! The first night she slept on the floor outside my bedroom, but by the second night she had decided the bed next to me was far better – and she’s slept there ever since. It did, however, take her five days to realise there was a much more comfortable bed waiting for her downstairs instead of the carpet. 

People say Greyhounds sleep 23 hours a day, but don’t be misled – they don’t miss a thing. At the slightest movement, they’re up and ready. I’m a member of the CCC Folk Group, and on our first night away recently, everyone sat around outside singing and playing music. Zara took it all in her stride and behaved beautifully. She’s going to make a fantastic co-pilot for our travels. Bringing a Greyhound into my life was the best decision I could have made."

Where Are They Now?

Zara and Marion are currently enjoying an amazing road trip together, making the most of the autumn by taking part in local adventures and community events. They kicked off their journey by joining the Great Global Greyhound Walk at Tewkesbury, and after soaking up the friendly atmosphere there, the pair travelled on to Llangollen in North Wales, with their next stop being the scenic seaside town of Llandudno. As they embark on their three-week adventure, Zara is thriving in her new life, receiving heaps of attention and cuddles everywhere she goes, and proving to be the perfect companion for Marion’s active, sociable lifestyle. Whether she’s mingling with other dogs and feathered friends, exploring new places, or curling up for a well-earned rest in the campervan, Zara is clearly loving every moment of her new adventures. 

Thanks so much to Marion and the team at Home Run Hounds for sharing your story, we can't wait to see what other adventures you get up to! Zara’s story is a wonderful example of how retired greyhounds can quickly settle into life as loving, adaptable companions, especially when matched thoughtfully to their new home. If you want to find your own loveable companion, check out Greyhound Homing UK's online adoption platform here. Share your own story today by emailing [email protected]!