Our History
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History
Greyhound Gap as an organisation was founded by Lisa Cartwright in August 2003, attained registered charity status in March 2006 and became a charitable incorporated organisation in September 2014 preparing us for future ability to purchase our own set base.
Greyhound Gap was initially formulated as a facilitation-based organisation only. A middleman to liaise with already established UK rescues nationwide. Many Greyhounds and Lurchers at the time were finding themselves in council stray facilities facing the 7-day rule. If rescue places could not be found for those dogs many sadly faced the risk of euthanasia. With a weekly list from stray pounds, a weekly list of rescues with safe spaces to offer Greyhound Gap collected and were responsible for the transferal between the two.
In 2005 Greyhound Gap were faced with a desperate lurcher girl, Skye. No rescue placement could be sourced, left with no choice and needing to ensure Skye had a safe haven Greyhound Gap progressed to a rescue in their own right. Skye was given all necessary treatment, and a suitable home was successfully sourced. As they say from there on in “from little acorns grow great oaks. “
For the next decade with support from other sighthound owners and a local established boarding kennels Greyhound Gap were able to provide temporary housing for more dogs seeking new families alongside continued facilitation ensuring maximum impact was attainted. With boarding costs ever increasing in 2015 Greyhound Gap were lucky enough to secure in its entirety a purpose build boarding kennels on a rental basis. With right to buy agreed at the time of rental in 2015 in 2018 they were able to place their deposit, a mortgage was secured, and Greyhound Gap finally had a place to call home.
To this day Greyhound Gap remains dedicated to their mission and ethos of ensuring priority is given for placements to those dogs facing immediate euthanasia in council holding facilities. As and when spaces allow, they occasionally receive intake from private owners or greyhound trainers seeking assistance.
Kennels
Volunteers
Fundraisers
A Statement
FROM OUR FOUNDER - LISA CARTWRIGHT
As a child I was fortunate enough to spend my life surrounded by dogs…. working dogs, racing dogs, show dogs, guard dogs, breeding dogs sadly though many of the dogs within our family never had the chance to be what I believe first and foremost they should be much loved pets.
As a single Mother of a 4-year-old child returning from work one lunchtime I was faced with workmen in our street attempting to catch the most pitiful sight I think I have ever seen. A terrified, bald, mangy, emaciated female Greyhound. Unwilling to approach men I quickly sourced food from within my home, returned to the scene and was immediately able to secure her. The smell is something I will never forget. Visible bones, pitifully hungry, with blistered, scratched weeping skin and missing fur. Yet still this beautiful girl had a desire to trust and the softest gentle eyes. With a child with serious medical needs, I felt unable to have a dog of my own and with much sadness contacted the local dog warden. Collected and taken away in a van to what I was to learn was the local stray pound. Unable to get her out of my mind I made enquiries as to her fate to be told that due to her health and breed she was unlikely to be reclaimed and care costs to return her to fit for rehoming were untenable so we would after 7 days be put to sleep. I reserved her on the spot. More work, worry and responsibility for me was the only thing that would save her from certain death.
“Tintown Rose* her racing name or Dizzy as I called her reignited my passion for the breed of dogs I had grown with throughout my childhood. Taking to the internet to research her needs, how best to care and provide for her and to ensure she had the life she deserved led me to a whole family of like-minded Greyhounds slaves. The more I learned about the fate this massively over bred commercial commodity and the challenges the faced when they no longer served a purpose the more, I knew I had to help.
From a single parent who felt they were not able to have even one dog grew an organisation that over the last two decades has been responsible for the safe passage of thousands.
Greyhounds and Lurchers are an often overlooked much maligned breed of dog. What my personal journey has shown me is they are most definitely one of the most forgiving, loving, funny, slightly alien and willing to trust. To know and love a sighthound and to receive their love in return is most definitely a privilege, be that racing or working they are so much more than a disposable tool that enables someone to get a job done”