WILF (named for racing as Phelps)
Sex/colour: Male blue
D.O.B: November 2007
Last recorded owner: Mr. Patrick Moloney
Last recorded trainer: Mr.D.Freeman
Races contended: 26
Stadium: Perry Barr
Last recorded race:10.10.2010
Came to AfG: August 2012
WILF (named by AfG) had been spotted as a ‘free giveaway’ on an internet
site (see photo below).
The ‘owner’ was contacted and arrangements were made to pick Wilf up.
He had a long journey from West Midlands but had a comfortable foster
home to go straight into.
For a relatively young Greyhound and very large, Wilfs body condition
was very poor and we were concerned about the dip in the middle of his
spine.
On examination by our vet, she was also concerned, asked if he had raced
but said this is unlikely an injury caused by racing but would xray once
Wilf was fit enough to be neutered and receive a dental.
We then found information from the person who had Wilf for a short while
but wanted rid of him as he was too big and her son was hurting him by
riding on his back using his ears as reins!!! we were aghast by this
information, at the same time relieved we had found him.
Later, xrays showed Wilfs spinal injury to be caused by a weight being
forced down on his back for a period of time and hopefully once he had
reached a healthy body condition and with proper care, hoped would not
cause him further problems.
Wilf found a home later but AfG decided after a trial period, the home
was not suitable for him, so he was returned to his foster carer, he
happily settled back in with company of the resident rescued Greyhound.
After time Wilf became physically and mentally stable.
This gentle giant of a Greyhound reached his peak at 43kg.
He soon found his forever home where he happily settled.
He accompanied AfG on various events and became well known, one of the
publics favourites, especially when he chose to give his ‘big lean’ when
people stopped to make a fuss of him.
Dear Wilfred was able to put his bad past behind him, to enjoy lots of
fun and adventures.
A lucky hound who was in the right place at the right time to be noticed
and saved.
Photos below, show the free ad, Wilf when rescued then his journey of
recovery.
Photos above include Wilf strong and happy (photos by William Moore and
Belinda Buxton)
