CAN you find a home for these gorgeous canines who are desperately looking for someone to look after them?

The Lyneham-based Greyhound and Lurcher Welfare and Rescue Centre was set up several years ago following the closure of the Glastonbury Racetrack.

Sarah Cunningham, a trustee who looks after the dogs at the Wiltshire kennels, said: “We were concerned that greyhounds and lurchers which were seen by trainers as no longer useful might be put to sleep, and we wanted to offer a real alternative to this.

“We collect the unwanted dogs from the trainers and care for them until new homes can be found for them.”

At first the centre concentrated on dogs in Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset, but it has now expanded to Southampton, Reading and London.

“As many of our dogs come from the racing industry, we are saddened and angered that many thousands of unwanted racing greyhounds are destroyed each year when they have finished racing,” said Sarah. “Most of these dogs are only around three or four years old, and would have most of their lives still in front of them. “We, and other greyhound rescues, can save only a tiny fraction of these dogs, “We also rescue lurchers, which are sighthound cross breeds widely used for hunting and widely disposed of when not fast enough or injured.”

GLWR also takes on sponsor dogs which have been so badly injured or abused that it sends them to permanent foster homes. “These dogs will be subject to huge vets bills and we will pay for these for the rest of their lives,” said Sarah.

“All our dogs are neutered, vaccinated and have been given a full dental check.

“We also supply one month’s free pet insurance on the adoption of one of our dogs.

“We also carry out a full assessment of the dog so we can help you decide what type of home would best suit that dog.

“Greyhounds and lurchers are misunderstood, the most common misconceptions are that they need lots of exercise, lots of food and take up lots of room. That’s all untrue.

“Greyhounds are not endurance dogs, they like a couple of short walks a day and then a chance to snooze on a comfy bed. Don’t forget this is the first time most of these dogs will have experienced comfort like this, and their long legs fold away to nothing when they curl up in ball.”

The GLWR is holding an event at the Peterborough Arms in Dauntsey Lock near Lyneham on Saturday, May 22.

It’s a chance for anyone to come and meet hounds past and present. There will be stalls, dog shows and food, from midday until 5pm. Tickets are £7.50 for adults and £4 for children. For more information visit glwr.org.uk.