Himley Hall was abuzz with excitement as hundreds of dog enthusiasts and their beloved pets gathered for a heartwarming celebration of all things canine. The Home Run Hounds Sight Hound and All-Breed Dog Show, held on Sunday, marked the first such event at the park in 15 years.
Organized by the Home Run Hounds charity, which gained official status in July and operates branches in Wombourne, Stourbridge, and Shenstone, the show highlighted the charity’s mission to rehome retired greyhounds. The event featured various dog competitions and showcased a diverse range of breeds, drawing a large crowd eager to support the cause and enjoy a day of doggy fun.
Charity’s Mission and Show Highlights
Home Run Hounds, dedicated to finding new homes for retired greyhounds, took the opportunity to educate the public about their work. Greyhounds, along with other sight hounds such as whippets and Afghans, were prominently featured at the event. The charity’s commitment to these gentle giants was evident as they showcased greyhounds available for adoption and ran various competitions.
The show featured categories such as best movement, best markings, smoothest coat, and solid color, celebrating the unique qualities of each participating dog. The event also included food and craft stalls, providing a festive atmosphere for all attendees.
Charity’s Commitment to Greyhounds
Tracey Parbery, Chair of Home Run Hounds, expressed the charity’s dedication to rehoming retired greyhounds. “In the UK alone, there are 600 retired greyhounds in need of a forever home. Across our branches, we typically have 14 greyhounds, many of whom were present at the show,” Parbery noted.
She emphasized the importance of finding suitable homes for these retired racers. “Greyhounds have relatively short racing careers and retire at around four years old. With an average lifespan of 13 years, they require loving homes to enjoy their later years. They are excellent pets, known for their gentle temperament and low exercise needs—just two 20-minute walks a day.”
Fostering and Adoption Process
The charity employs a fostering process, allowing potential adopters to host a greyhound for 14 days to ensure a good match. If the trial period is successful, the adoption proceeds, providing a permanent home for the dog.
Parbery highlighted the event’s success in promoting the charity’s work and raising awareness. “The dog show, the first in 15 years at Himley Hall, was an excellent opportunity to showcase our mission and offer a day of enjoyment for dog lovers. We were thrilled to see so much interest in the greyhounds and to share our message with the community.”
The Home Run Hounds show at Himley Hall proved to be a delightful and impactful event, bringing together dog lovers and showcasing the beauty and charm of greyhounds and other breeds.
