Greyhound Trust Harvel - Croftview Kennels

21/06/2025

We have briefly introduced you before but please meet the delightfully flirty Eileen.

Eileen (Brain Washed) is a 3.5 year old brindle girl who arrived for homing in April. She has the best ears! They stand straight up and sorry Eileen but they're huge :)

Eileen has one big flaw and that is she retired from racing due to a fracture to her Pisiform bone (stopper bone). Whilst she has been signed off by the vet and physio there is nothing that can be done to improve the injury. It does mean that she does limp when walking and if she over does it she will need rest and medication for a few days. We have altered her kennel bed slightly so that she can get up and down easier.

Eileen however is a great girl and we're hoping the nature of her injury won't put people off of giving her a chance. She is friendly, calm and quiet in the kennel. She has also started showing us her cheeky and affectionate side. Once breakfast is over, she's had her post food nap and its time to get up to stretch her legs and have a wee, our Eileen has different ideas. Eileen will roll over for a belly rub or just show us her belly and will refuse to get out of bed until the toll has been paid to her satisfaction.

She is good with adults and the children that she has met. She has not met other breeds of dog and cannot live with cats. Eileen will be best suited as an only pet and needs a home with ground floor living areas (minimal steps) and garden access for those days she needs to rest. Despite her injury she is a fantastic girl and will make a great companion for someone.

21/06/2025

It's far too hot at the kennels today!

10 fans for the dogs yet we still need more fans to cool us all down!

32 degrees! 🫠

19/06/2025

Really important information to know with the extremely high temperatures. All dog walking is cancelled until the temperatures cool down. Please be sensible with your dogs. Those with dogs in flats that require walking for comfort breaks, please keep these to the bare minimum and cool down as soon as you're home.

‼️HEATSTROKE IN GREYHOUNDS – PLEASE READ‼️

With the weather heating up, we need to talk about something serious: heatstroke—a fast, silent killer that can affect any dog, but greyhounds are especially at risk.

Greyhounds are around 4 times more likely to suffer from heatstroke than other breeds. Their low body fat, thin skin, and unique build mean they overheat quickly and cool down slowly.

When is it too hot to walk?

☀️Do not walk your greyhound in temperatures over 20°C
☀️Once it hits 25°C, it’s dangerous for all breeds—not just greyhounds
☀️Over 30°C becomes a risk to both dogs and humans

Use this rule:
👉 If you can’t hold your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws!!

🚨Heatstroke kills in minutes. Know the signs:
• Heavy panting or rapid breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Bright red or pale gums
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Weakness, collapse, or confusion
• Glazed eyes or unresponsiveness

Heatstroke can develop within minutes and requires emergency action.

Heat exhaustion vs heatstroke: What’s the difference❓
• Heat exhaustion: Early stage. Dog may be tired, panting heavily, or showing signs of discomfort.
• Heatstroke: Serious and life-threatening. The dog’s internal body temperature is dangerously high and organs may begin to shut down. Immediate vet care is essential.

❌ What NOT to do if your dog has heatstroke:
• Don’t use ice-cold water or ice packs—this can send the body into shock
• Don’t cover your dog entirely with wet towels—it can trap heat
• Don’t leave them alone—stay with them and contact your vet urgently

✅ What you SHOULD do:
• Move them into a cool, shaded space or indoors
• Offer cool (not cold) water
• Place a wet cool coat on your dog
• Use a fan to increase airflow
• Call your vet immediately—this is a medical emergency

‼️Preventing heatstroke:
• Walk early morning or late evening when it’s coolest
• Limit time outdoors—especially in gardens. Even sunbathing or playing in the heat can cause heatstroke
• Use cool coats—especially useful if you live in a flat and must take your dog out to toilet
• Cool coats can also be worn indoors to bring body temp down
• Provide constant access to fresh water
• Use a fan pointed at their bed
• Try cool mats—some hounds love them, some need encouragement
• Keep your greyhound inside and cool during heatwaves

Please remember:
No dog has ever died from skipping a walk, but many have died from going on one.

Greyhounds don’t need loads of exercise. What they do need is for us to protect them from the dangers of heat.

Please share to help others stay informed this summer☀️⛱️

18/06/2025

Another hot one today and another day of no dog walking. Hope everyone and their greyhounds are staying safe in the heat.

Next up for introductions is Amy.

Amy (Shesontheway) has been with us since January but is only now ready to find her forever home. Poor Amy has had some really bad luck since arriving with us. She had already had a partial toe amputation prior to coming in which was all healed and only occasionally annoyed her. Within a week she had managed to pick up 2 foreign bodies in two toes - one on each front foot. After foreign bodies were removed, one healed up nicely but the other developed a corn. The trouble with her front feet lead to a change in the way she walked and making it uncomfortable on her rear foot with the partial toe amputation. Fast forward to now and she's had 2 operations on her feet. She is now all healed up and finally walking normally and comfortably. We are hopeful that this is the end of her toe woes!

As greyhounds go Amy is pretty lazy. She enjoys her walks but if it doesn't require standing then you'll find her sprawled out somewhere. She is a firm believer of conserving her energy for more interesting pursuits like catching fly's/bees and getting out as quick as possible to eat.

Whilst wearing one of her nifty boots, Amy did have the chance to go to Trosley with long time volunteer Ken. She walks beautifully on the lead but prefers a quieter and less busy route to walk in. She is a great traveller and will just snooze whilst she waits to get to her destination.

When it comes to being close to other dogs, lets say she isn't a fan. She's fine if they are at a distance but would prefer that they not invade her personal space. She has shared kennel space with a greyhound boy both in her racing kennel and here with us at Harvel. For the last 4 months so her feet weren't trodden on she has enjoyed having the kennel to herself.

Amy is one of our sensitive girls. Most people she is fine with and goes out walking with no problem. However some people just scare the bejesus out of her. There is no rhyme or reason why a certain person scare her, they just do. With those she likes she is cuddly and affectionate.

Amy would prefer a home as an only pet but a home with a male greyhound will be considered. She cannot live with cats or other breeds of dog. Amy would prefer a home with no young children as they are too noisy, active and unpredictable. Older teens possible if introductions go well. Amy is basically looking for an easy and calm life. She's not a greyhound who would enjoy extensive walks. 2 x 20 minutes walks will be sufficient with a quiet woodland park walk now and then to change things up.

17/06/2025

Bruno (Boherna Bruno) will be 5 years old in August. He does have a bit of a shy and reserved side. However, it doesn't take him long to show you his personality. Hidden under that reserved natured is a playful and cheeky greyhound. With the kennel staff he bounces and nudges as he walks to get a fuss and tries to nibble your fingers. With people that he doesn't know and especially those people with loud personalities he goes shy and silly but does come round given time and bribery with tasty treats.

Bruno recently went to Trosley Country Park on a walk and although initially unsure he enjoyed his day out by the end of the walk. During his trip to the park he met a few different breeds of dog and was well behaved. He is a very good walker on the lead so will be good for first time greyhound owners.

He has been around children as young as 5 years old and he is small dog friendly having been tested with Bichon Frise. Unfortunately he is not cat friendly or cat workable and will bark at them when he sees them.

Bruno could live with a greyhound girl but does like his own bed space.

16/06/2025

With the weather going to be hot hot hot. We'll be spending the next week introducing you to the dogs.

First up is Tyson.

Tyson (Insane Tyson) is coming up to seven and a half. However, don't be fooled by this boys age. He still has plenty of pep in his step! Tyson is very friendly and affection. As an older boy he uses his energy wisely. When he has the attention of the kennel staff he is bouncy, energetic, up for a cuddle and a play. When returned to his kennel he is chilled out and watching the comings and goings of the other dogs.

Tyson however is not quite aware of his size and as a couple of our dog walkers will attest to, he's quite the lap dog! If given the chance he loves to cuddle in and try and get the top half of his body onto your lap 😁 We don't know how to break it to him that he won't fit!

Tyson would best suit a home where someone is around more. He's used to kennel life and so is used to having people to hand for a large portion of the day and evening. He has recently had an excursion to the Riverside Country Park in Rainham and behaved very well, enjoying his time away from the kennels and getting to meet lots of people. He walked well on the lead and saw a few other breeds of dog.

Tyson would not be suitable to live with younger children. Not because he doesn't like them but because he can be quite boisterous and has a bit of a toy obsession.
He cannot live with cats.
Tyson will need full socialisation with other breeds of dog.

16/06/2025

It’s going to be hot hot hot again!

Temperatures are reaching over 23 degrees all this week and into next week. Dog walking will be either extremely limited or cancelled depending on the temperature and feel of the day.

Please feel free to stop by and say hello to the dogs . They will appreciate seeing more than the staff during this hot period.

12/06/2025

🥵☀️DOG WALKING CANCELLED TODAY (THURSDAY) AND FRIDAY DUE TO EXPECTED HIGH TEMPERATURES. 🕶️☀️🥵

07/06/2025

⚠️‼️ROAD CLOSURE WARNING - SATURDAY 7th JUNE‼️⚠️

Today is the Harvel 5 mile run which means parts of the road leading to the kennel will be closed throughout the day.

Road closures will be in place from approximately 13.45 until 15.15 on Harvel Road and White Horse Lane. David Street will be closed from the junction of Heron Hill Lane up to the junction of Harvel Lane from 12.45 until 15.15pm. There is no access to Holly Hill from Harvel/Vigo between 12.45 and 15.15pm. The event is based around Harvel Village Green so expect high traffic along the lanes as things are set up with people arriving.

06/06/2025

‼️⛔️⚠️NO LANDLINE OR INTERNET ACCESS⚠️⛔️‼️

Apologies to anyone who needs to get in contact with us over the next few days. Our phone line has been taken out by a Sainsbury’s Van leaving us with no landline and no access to the internet.

Emails and Facebook Messenger messages will be answered as soon as we can. Mobile signal is very poor at the kennels so we can’t even use our mobiles to answer emails/messages.

06/06/2025

Tanya…….I’m this hungry, feed me human 😂😂😂

04/06/2025

⚠️‼️ADVANCE ROAD CLOSURE WARNING - SATURDAY 7th JUNE‼️⚠️

On Saturday there is the Harvel 5 mile run which means parts of the road leading to the kennel will be closed throughout the day.

Road closures will be in place from approximately 13.45 until 15.15 on Harvel Road and White Horse Lane. David Street will be closed from the junction of Heron Hill Lane up to the junction of Harvel Lane from 12.45 until 15.15pm. There is no access to Holly Hill from Harvel/Vigo between 12.45 and 15.15pm. The event is based around Harvel Village Green so expect high traffic along the lanes as things are set up with people arriving.