Life with Charles & Layla By Douglas Campbell

"Until one has loved a Greyhound, part of your soul remains unawakened." 

That’s a saying I heard many years ago and honestly, it’s never stopped resonating with me. The truth in it becomes clearer with every passing year I spend with these amazing dogs. 

I first connected with a Greyhound nearly fifty years ago. I was a teenager at the time, out with friends, when we came across a man walking three or four of them. We stopped, started chatting and got to know the dogs a little. Even then, I felt something — an immediate, almost magnetic pull. It’s hard to describe. There’s a certain elegance about them, a quiet dignity. Some people say they seem aloof, but I think it’s more their way of pulling you in. One look into those deep, soulful eyes and you're theirs — that’s how it’s always been for me. 

They really are a breed apart. Their sleek form, long noses, and the fact that they come in around thirty different colour variations sets them apart. Not to mention their history — you can trace Greyhounds all the way back to ancient Egypt, over 4,000 years ago. There's a kind of legacy in them that you feel when you're around them. 

My family and I are now proud companions to our second pair of Greyhounds — Charles and Layla. Like our first pair, they came from the Romford track and have been with us here on the North West peninsula since October 2019. 

Charles — or Underground Chas, as he was known on the track — was never quite suited to racing. His connections were eager to place him with experienced adopters, and we were more than happy to step in. He’s a stunning fawn boy, incredibly loving in his own quiet way. He lets us know when he needs a bit of reassurance, usually through his own special signals. He’s a gentle soul who prefers the quieter side of life. 

He came to us with Layla (Lyla Odell), his former kennelmate, and I truly believe she was the perfect match for him. She’s a lively, affectionate girl who’s been such a positive influence on Charles. Layla had a modest racing career — four wins in the A8 grade — but she’s been a superstar in retirement. Her energy, her zest for life, it’s infectious. Together, the two of them are like an old married couple, each balancing the other out beautifully. 

Choosing a Greyhound — like with any breed — is about finding the right match for your lifestyle. These dogs are wonderfully low-maintenance in the home. They’re perfectly happy lounging around for most of the day, and a couple of 20-30 minute walks usually does the trick. It’s an arrangement that works well for people who are retired or work from home.

It took me about 20 years to convince my wife to take the plunge and adopt a Greyhound. We upsized from a whippet, and I’m so glad she agreed. All these years later, I can say without hesitation: my soul is wide awake. 

Douglas Campbell