Axel's Life

I thought Axel should have a page of his own.

He was born at Adamant Kennels in Ireland on July 10th 2006. He has a few brothers, but no sisters I know of. His family tree is here http://greyhound-data.com/d?d=on+the...ar=&birthland=
He raced initially in Ireland and then moved over to England for the majority of his 'career'.
His last race was Bonfire night 2009 and the next day he was shipped off by his trainer to "the north" (a direct quote from him - I rang him to try and piece together his history) and was for sale online. He was bought - by who I don't know, and in March 2010 he was rescued by Greyhound Gap from the Stoke pound.

I heard about him in May 2010 and on the 29th of May he came home with us on a 2 week trial to see if my husband was allergic. I knew though he was going nowhere!

The week before he came home, he was on Sky News as part of a piece on Greyhounds being slaughtered.


The day he arrived and finding his feet.



Settling in with us and getting happier




We've tried to get him used to life and socialise him in various aspects, he has been on lots of trains and a few buses. He was really scared and stressed at first, but now he's fine and takes it all in typical Greyhound style - horizontal!


He's also proved to be fantastic with children and enjoys their company. He's spent a lot of time around my nephews and niece.


He's also met a lot of dogs of varying sizes and apart from initial trouble with a westie he's been brilliant.








He's also been an active fund-raiser for the charity who saved him, first time he was nervous but by the second he was an old hand and spent most of it horizontal...as usual.


As well as all this he has proved to be really good off-lead and shows that not all ex-racers can't be let off.



It's an exhausting life for Axel! He likes nothing more than sleeping the day away in his 'den'

In case you couldn't spot him...


Phew! I know that was a LOOONNG first entry, but from now on it'll be updates and new events, I did have to cram an active 6 months in. Life changed for the better when Axel came

Awww bless him and you guys for taking him on xxxxxx Makes me sad to think of what he must've been through, poor boy but he has certainly fallen on his feet now xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Oh what a lovely happy ending. You have done a marvellous job with Axel and he is obviously one big black happy greyhound.

Lovely story Mel and good to hear of his background and how has he progressed from that empty, souless look rescue greys initially have to a lovely boy who is so happy in his forever home bringing joy to you every day , look forward to next instalment !

What a lovely story What a lovely boy!

Me too, I try not to think too much about what it was like, especially when he gets scared of people. I'd like to think he's happy now

Thanks, I hope he is!

He did look really haunted, I didn't realise how much he did until he started to lose the look. Now he has a soppy look Same with Bella? There should be another instalment soon as we're having my nephews over today

Thanks, I quite like him!

Lovely story, hes a very handsome chap isnt he!
May I ask, is there a reason why he has to wear a muzzle around other dogs?

Thanks, I think he's gorgeous

It's recommended for pretty much all ex-racers to have muzzles on when out and about, and especially off-lead. It's because you never know when they might see something that triggers a chase-reaction...there was an incident with 2 ex-racers who were best friends with a poodle and ran around off-lead together every day. Years later another dog attacked the poodle and the poodle shrieked like prey and the 2 Greyhounds joined in an killed their best friend. I'm not saying Axel would do this, but I wouldn't take the risk

How aweful
I agree better safe than sorry in that case

Ooooo I love Axel... I remember when you brought him home! He has always been a favourite on here for me!