A Birmingham charity which has found the forever homes of more than 3,500 retired greyhounds – including miracle dog Caesar – is celebrating its 20th birthday.
Daybreaks Trust was founded by greyhound lover Ruth Price in 2006 after she quit her full-time job as a medical secretary to dedicate her life to homing ex-racers.
The charity works in partnership with Arena Racing Company – the UK’s largest racecourse operator – and the Greyhound Board of Great Britain to match greyhounds recently retired from racing with individuals, couples and families who suit their requirements.
It operates 11 kennel spaces and continually recruits volunteers to assist with walking, feeding, cleaning, home check, fundraising and maintenance responsibilities.
Misunderstood breed
Natalie Martin, Events Manager at Daybreaks Trust, said: “Greyhounds are perhaps one of the most misunderstood dog breeds.
“People assume they’re high energy and require lots of exercise, when the reality could not be further from that assumption.
“They’re chilled out, fantastic with children and we can guarantee there is a retired greyhound out there to suit the requirements of any family considering bringing a dog into their lives.
“It is remarkable Daybreaks is celebrating 20 years of homing greyhounds.
Satisfying
“On a personal level, it is incredibly satisfying to follow the journeys of greyhounds when they transition from racing to becoming the perfect family pet.
“We’re grateful to every volunteer and person who has chosen to home a greyhound over the years. Without them, our work would not be possible.”
Among the greyhounds Daybreaks has homed is seven-year-old Caesar.
The miracle dog was diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2021 and was given only six months to live.
Thriving off track
But Caesar continues to thrive off the track with his new forever family in Atherstone who include Erik Prins, his wife Irina, their daughter Sofia and fellow retired greyhound Barney.
“Caesar is our miracle boy,” said Erik.
“The moment we met him at Daybreaks, we knew he was the one. He simply leaned against me, and that was that.
“His story has been a challenge, and it was devastating to be told he only had a few months to live. Our veterinary nurse summed his story up perfectly by telling us ‘he’s too happy to die’, which he is.
“In reality, we don’t know what’s going on internally.
Incredible charity
“But he’s a happy go lucky boy who has stolen our hearts, just like every greyhound we have homed.
“Daybreaks is an incredible charity which really does put the dogs first and to celebrate 20 years of homing greyhounds like Caesar is a fantastic achievement.”
Further information about Daybreaks Trust and its work to home retired greyhounds is available online via www.daybreakstrust.co.uk.
