Pressies4Dogs customer, Dianne, is certainly passionate about her greyhounds! 

Dianne\'s greyhounds Pingu and Slinky were rescued three years ago through the wonderful work of Kerry Greyhound Connection (visit www.kerrygreyhounds.co.uk for more information) who rehome greyhounds, many of whom have had a very hard life.  Pingu was two years old when he was rescued; a very outgoing and sweet, friendly dog who had been rejected as a racer.  But his foster-mate Slinky was very skinny, very scared, and obviously traumatised.  They got on well together as Pingu\'s boldness gave Slinky confidence. 

Pingu and Slinky soon realised they had landed on their paws, and quickly started to understand what love was all about.  With their confidence growing daily due to Dianne\' and her husband Ray\'s wonderful care and attention, they tackled life in their new home.  The ultimate success is recently they joined in the parade in the noisy, crazy Cromer Carnival Procession, walking confidently, encountering Vuvuzelas, enthusiastic children patting them, and all the sounds, smells and crowds.  They loved all the attention.

Sadly though, Dianne recently discovered that big, handsome, confident Pingu was gradually going blind.  He has a genetic eye disorder called Progressive Retinal Atrophy and will be totally blind within two years.  Dianne is determined to make the most of the two years to help Pingu adapt by using his powerful sense of smell and his hearing.  Pingu is very much led by his nose, including hunting for dropped chips outside his local chippy!  And sometimes into other more embarrasing places...

Dianne feels Pingu needs protection for his eyes, because often poor sighted and blind dogs have a poor blink reaction so they can damage their eyes by walking into things like brambles that they can\'t see.  Plus in certain cases high levels of UV can make cataracts develop more quickly.  Pingu has a set of Doggles eyewear for dogs which he wears sometimes.  Dianne also turned to Pressies4Dogs for help: and after a few adjustments Pingu now has a very fetching dog sun visor that he wears on his walks.  People are intrigued by his hat, so Dianne has added a badge that says "I Have Eye Trouble" by way of explanation.  Dianne said, "He looks very cool in his hat, he is such a handsome boy!" 

Pingu and Slinky are famous in Cromer as they have an extensive wardrobe including warm winter wear, Christmas outfits, and reflective silver coats for hot summer days.  Of course, greyhounds need coats because they can chill or overheat easily due to their type of coat and slim build, but, says Dianne, "although the practicalities are paramount there is nothing wrong with looking stylish!"  This is especially true because Pingu and Slinky help raise awareness for Kerry Greyhound Connection with their elegant apparel.   

Dianne looks to Pingu\'s future with some trepidation.  She hopes by developing his confidence and having a good social grounding he will retain his confidence.  "He loves a fussing", she says. 

Dianne and Ray are eternally thankful to Kerry Greyhound Connection for bringing their two wonderful dogs into their lives.  Dianne says "It\'s not just a noble and charitable act to accept a retired greyhound into your life - it\'s also a marvelous pleasure; as greyhounds really do make \'grey-t\' pets!". 

With Pingu and Slinky helping, Dianne gets involved with fund raising as much as she can, and has fun showing off her wonderful dogs and meeting lovely people.  Dianne, Ray, Pingu and Slinky are planning to attend The Norfolk Agricultural Show at Blickling Hall, Aylsham shortly, and doing some fundraising at the Norfolk Gala Day at Norwich Showground on 5th September 2010.  On 12th September 2010 there is the Kerry Greyhounds Dog Show at Frettenham Village Hall where all will be welcome to join in the fun.  Dianne is planning to dress up in a black and white outfit with a black hat like Pingu\'s, and go as the \'Owner who Looks Most Like Their Dog\'!  Watch this space for a photo of that!!!!!

Visit www.kerrygreyhounds.co.uk for more information, and see if you can find it in your heart to adopt or foster one of these beautiful dogs, make a donation, or sponsor a dog.