Can You Help? Cornwall’s Greyhounds in Need as Sanctuary Struggles for Adopters

Classic Cottages Donates Over £1,000 of Food to Russet Greyhound Sanctuary

Cornwall’s Russet Greyhound Sanctuary has received a boost from Classic Cottages, which has donated over £1,000 worth of food supplies to help care for its rescued dogs. The Camborne-based shelter, run by Sandra Deacon, has been struggling to rehome its greyhounds, with fewer people coming forward to adopt due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

A Special Connection

Liz Arnell, a marketing co-ordinator at Classic Cottages, recently adopted a five-year-old greyhound called Doris from the sanctuary. After seeing first-hand the dedication and resources required to care for these gentle ex-racers, Liz knew the Russet Greyhound Sanctuary was the perfect choice when Classic Cottages looked for a local cause to support.

“Doris is a delight and I’m so pleased we found each other,” Liz said. “Sandra seems to know instinctively which dogs are right for which people. I knew Doris would be coming home with me from the moment I saw her, and I think she felt the same way.

“She’s so lovely and gentle and placid – it’s a bit like having a sloth around the place! She comes to work with me at the Classic Cottages offices and curls up like a croissant on her cushion by my desk. All my colleagues love her.

“I’m just so pleased we’ve been able to help Sandra and the sanctuary in some way. Adopting Doris has been such a rewarding experience.”

2,000 Dogs Rehomed – But More Help is Needed

Sandra founded the Russet Greyhound Sanctuary 15 years ago and has since found homes for around 2,000 dogs. Many of the greyhounds come from all over the UK, needing time and patience to adapt to life beyond the racetrack.

“The number of greyhounds we receive is pretty consistent but there has definitely been a change in the number of people wanting to adopt them,” Sandra said. “It might be cost that puts them off, but the benefits to owning one of these amazing dogs is huge.

“They’re graceful, loving, contented animals that are so adaptable to their surroundings. I see it as a real privilege to help these dogs. I know I’m biased, but they’re just so lovely.”

Sandra currently has 24 ex-racing greyhounds waiting for new homes. The biggest challenge is covering the cost of food, making Classic Cottages’ donation particularly valuable.

How to Help

Sandra has been dedicated to greyhound rescue for years, running the sanctuary from her home, where she has built kennels, a day room, and exercise fields. She relies on donations and volunteers to keep things running.

She is also delighted to have helped bring Liz and Doris together, saying: “They’re just so right for each other – like peas in a pod!”

For more information or to support the Russet Greyhound Sanctuary, visit russetgreyhoundscornwall.com.