Pearl first came to me as a short-term foster from Greyhound Rescue Wales in March 2010. An ex-racing Greyhound, she’d originally been in the care of the RSPCA in Lincolnshire. At just over a year old, she was young for her racing career to have ended. Her ears were highly sensitive, and it’s my guess she was too unnerved by the noise at the track to be any good as a racer.
When she first arrived she was terrified to go outside, spending most of her time hiding in the back room, snapping and snarling whenever the lead was produced. I don’t mind admitting she scared me at times! However, the gentle expression in her eyes belied the outbursts of fear-aggression, and I knew she had the potential to be a sweet-natured girl.
Over the next few weeks, with the help of many treats and my Lurcher Millie, I coaxed her to come out for walks until she was used to it.
That was when GRW tried to home her. I really hoped it would work out, as I wasn’t sure I could take on such a reactive dog long term. But three weeks later she was back. I’m not sure what went wrong, but I’m guessing she freaked out when she found herself in a strange new area and turned back into the Great White Monster when it was time for “walkies”. So the kind people at GRW decided she could stay here for good if I was willing to take her on as a lifetime foster.
I decided then I would commit to giving Pearl a safe and loving home with me and Millie, and she became a Greyhound Rescue sponsor dog, helping to raise money for the charity. I’ve never regretted my decision. During the time she spent with me she changed from a traumatised and desperately defensive dog to a loving and affectionate companion who loved life and jumped for joy at the sight of the lead. I hardly had to do anything; once she knew she was safe, she blossomed of her own accord.
Now she’s gone I can’t believe I was ever unsure about taking her on. She was a very special girl and I would do anything to have her back, healthy and happy.
Photos: header, top and bottom Debra Allen
The Literate Lurcher 
Maybe you need to offer a home to another one? There are thousands of them looking. I can’t imagine life without Finbar, but he’s thirteen this summer and he won’t live forever. Hard work (still) and headcase that he is, I’m not sure I’d want a ‘normal’ dog.
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I do want another dog, but I don’t want to rush into it while I’m still so cut up about Pearl.
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Of course not. I’m glad you’re thinking about it though. I’d have a whole flock of them if I had the nerve and the energy.
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Beautiful tribute to Pearl. xo
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Thank you. x
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A beautiful perfect relationship, you were so fortunate to find one another, Annabelle.
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Thank you. I’ve been very lucky with my dogs.
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A beautiful tribute Annabelle, she’s such a wonderful soul and it makes us happy to know she spent ten years of her life in a loving home with you. The right dog will appear when you’re ready, there are so many waiting our there looking for their furever home. Lots of love from Eivor, Pearl and Xenia 💗 xxx
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Yes, on reflection it’s probably still too soon to start looking. That whippet was tempting, though! xxx
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Aww…such a heartwarming tribute! Pearl was such a beautiful Greyhound and as always I love her modeling poses. Big bear hugs to you, ʕ ⊃･ ◡ ･ ʔ⊃ʕ ⊃･ ◡ ･ ʔ⊃ʕ ⊃･ ◡ ･ ʔ⊃
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Pearly would have appreciated the praise – I think she knew the camera loved her. xx
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（*’∀’人）♥
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I just loved the photo with the necklace. Perl was lucky to find you and Millie. Pearl would have understood Millie, even if she didn’t understAnd you at times. We have a dog Mitzie who came from the RSPCA would doesnt quite get humans (she was raised in an extremely chaotic house and just ran around with a small pack of dogs) who wasn’t even house trained when she came to us. Fortuantely, she is great friends with Biddie, our collie cross, who she does understand. Biddy, bless her, is one of those bossy collie types but Mitzie deals with her really well. I think they are ideally matched (one short-legged and the other long-legged) and they do everything together. If one is told to go in her basket, they both go! Even one deserves a second chance, people and animals. Well done for giving Pearl one!
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Yes, I couldn’t have done it without Millie.
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You (and Millie) worked a miracle with Pearl Annabelle. I have never seen a dog so traumatised as Pearl when she first came to you. This is a lovely tribute.
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Thank you. I just wish she’d lived longer.
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Beautiful tribute. You did a great job persevering with her and giving her a loving home with you and Millie. Love the necklace 🙂
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She repaid me, with interest!
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