On 15th January 2015, Richard (Monty's owner) and the team at Calling All Canines had to say an incredibly emotional farewell to Monty.  Sometimes in life, a dog comes along who totally and utterly touches your heart.  Some dogs achieve so much, some go through so much and some simply give so much...Monty did it all.

Monty joined us shortly after the business began and very quickly established himself as a real favourite.  As the team grew, the love for Monty just kept growing; all the girls wanted him on their schedules each week.  Greyhounds are strong, graceful, athletic but extremely fragile dogs and Monty was a wonderful example of all of these attributes.  The team & I used to stand and watch in awe of his graceful beauty as he ran at full pelt around the fields; first one way, then the other.  The speed and the elegance that he possessed was incredible and you couldn’t help but just stand and admire him.  He would then give a little wiggle of his head and a flick of his tail as he came to a grinding halt by your side.  The rest of the walk, he would spend just mooching along behind us, looking for the occasional cuddle.  His quiet, majestic, ‘I just love you’ way is what we all miss so very dearly everyday.

Following the amputation of his back leg in October 2014, due to Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), he made a remarkable recovery.  He took the chemotherapy in his stride and was soon out jogging around with us all and his housemate, Zak.  As a team, we helped Richard each day with Monty's care and rehabilitation.  During that time we all became even closer to them both and were astonished at how well this incredible dog adjusted to his amputation.

When Monty took a turn for the worst on 10^th January 2015, Richard & I remained optimistic that he would be fine.  Sadly, his condition deteriorated and despite the best possible care, Monty could not be saved.  Richard was faced with making the decision that all dog owners dread.  Saying goodbye to Monty on 15^th January 2015 was one of the saddest days I can remember.  Right at the last and despite being lightly sedated, he acknowledged Richard’s presence.  I am honoured that I was with him and glad that I was able to offer Richard support at the point at which he let his best friend go peacefully.  After all the years of walking him and having him stay in my home, I was able to say my own very personal goodbye to quite simply the bravest dog I’ve ever known.

Greyhound Rescue is a wonderful charity that looks to rehome these amazing dogs.  In the case of Richard, who has a disability that inhibits his physical movement, they could not have paired him with a more perfect companion.  His loss is felt by all of us very deeply.  Greyhounds are the most compassionate dogs and the funds you help us raise on our mammoth walk will ensure GRWE can give these dogs the best care.

The team doing the 12 hour walk are: Tracey Wysocka, Sharon Gash, Karen Dibble, Yolanda Beeby, Laura Davies, Tracy Brett and Jacky Harris.