06/03/2025
Celebrating Raymond (Wild Soul) : 2011 ~ 2025
It is with great sadness I must share with you that our Head Scholar, Raymond, took his final walk, ate his final treats and had his final pats last week at the ripe old age of 13 years (and 4mths) in a peaceful goodbye.
Raymond was not just any ol' greyhound, he was an outstanding companion who loved to work (in tiny bursts), eat treats, get pats and sleep. He raced as Wild Soul until he was 6yrs (old for a greyhound), was SA Sprint Greyhound of the Year in 2014 and when he retired into foster care with me, he simply never left - my 16th foster greyhound. Thank you to his trainer Kim for trusting me with her favourite dog.
Raymond spent years attending VASC at Gilles Plains TAFESA with me, helping the Vet Nurse and Animal Care students learn all things dog. Students fed him, walked him, petted him and investigated his terribly overshot jaw - a mouth never to forget. He loved the attention he would get from students and with his gentle manner, was great for those unsure about big dogs.
But Raymond's final years were spent helping the dogs in our community become the best versions of themselves. My gorgeous, gigantic, pigeon toed, exceptional race dog retired into a calm, gentle soul who helped the dogs in our community learn some confidence, or calmness, and all things in between. Puppy Playgroups were his favourite as he knew the Puppy Play Pen meant roast chicken was coming his way.
I'm honoured to have shared such a wonderful greyhound with so many. He came home with me every night, but he was part of your life too.
Raymond will forever be in my heart and I will miss my work buddy, and best friend dearly. Take it easy over there mate, may your Wild Soul run free ❤️
