Local hero races to help one of the world’s quickest canines ... and one of the worst treated

Lorraine Baker is a member of the Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary (SGS) and helps to raise funds and awareness for the charity – dedicated to rescuing and rehoming ‘sight-hounds’ such as greyhounds and lurchers.

She and a band of fellow supporters recently held a collection outside Pets at Home at Strathkelvin Retail Park, raising £340.

SGS is a cause close to Lorraine’s heart and she hopes more people can offer their backing and perhaps even a home for a dog.

The Bishopbriggs campaigner got involved when she adopted her first greyhound – Cali – three years ago.

Then, 18 months later, she gave a home to Fonzie, a lurcher.

Lorraine said: “I wanted to adopt a greyhound as I felt they’re a very badly treated breed of dog.

“Just because they can run fast they have been condemned to a life as racing dogs and denied what most dogs get – a normal life as a family pet.

“Cali turned out to be the most perfect pet and a fantastic addition to our family.

“As a breed they are very lazy, but more than happy to walk for miles when asked to – ideal.

“I then adopted Fonzie, a lurcher, after he was due to be put to sleep in Ireland. He is the funniest dog imaginable and makes us all laugh.”

SGS rehomes dogs across Scotland and relies on people organising collections and sponsored events such as 10km runs, skydives and events.

Lorraine said: “All of the SGS dogs live with foster homes first to allow us to assess them properly around people – children, dogs, cats, etc.

“Only by doing this can we be happy that we have made the best efforts to match each dog with the right family.

“If anyone wants to foster for us that would be great – if anyone wants to re-home a greyhound that’s also fantastic.”

For more information, visit www.scottishgreyhoundsanctuary.com, www.facebook.com/ScottishGreyhoundSanctuary and www.sgsforum.co.uk. SGS is a registered charity.

* Have you got a story, picture or comment? E-mail [email protected]

Alternatively you can call the newsdesk 0141 775 0040, find us on Facebook or visit us on Twitter

Or you can log in below and have you say on the site...