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by Frances Jones
I had heard much about these frightened dogs that Doreen was looking after, and I just felt I had to go and see them for myself. I have helped out in Greyhound Rescue for a few years now, and I have seen many nervous dogs, but none quite like these. To see these dogs in their kennel was heartbreaking; God only knows what hell they have been through. Doreen and Colin and Kim, their daughter, have been so patient and understanding and their love for the four is so very obvious. They are happiest in their own "family" unit, and they all sleep together in one big pile, (the dogs, not the Barwicks!) It's not hard to fall in love with them, as they are extremely beautiful, with striking markings. We feel that it would be detrimental to the dogs' well being and happiness to separate them, especially taking their past into consideration, and the fact that they rely on each other so very much. I spent a halcyon day with them along with my band of merry "wo"men. (Lynn from Rochester and Chris and Liz the "terrible teddy tombola" pair!) The dogs showed us the 35 acres that they run in daily, it was absolutely magical. They are happiest running about, but the whole time they were watching Kim. They have formed a special bond with her, albeit at a distance, but they obviously trust her. Even though they were not all over her showering her with kisses (that Greyhounds are so good at!), the love they have for her is apparent. Watching them skulking through the trees and paddling in the stream, I came to realise that these dogs were here for life. These four are so nervous and wary of strangers, that they can not have collars or leads put on them and have to make the mad dash from their kennel to the field at break neck speed, just in case someone "sees them". Christine, one of our supporters, has been visiting them since their quarantine days, and manages to feed Poppy by hand. Anyone, who has seen these dogs, knows what a marvellous achievement this is, for anybody, other than the Barwicks, to get that close.