by Lucy Dillon
4. Some do like cats. Like many dogs, greyhounds are prone to chasing cats (and other furry creatures) – the difference is that they’re fast enough to catch them. But not all greys see moggies as a challenge. The rescue centre will test them with a (willing) cat volunteer to see if they’re chilled out enough to share their home with a feline friend, and many pass with flying colours.
5. They come with their own, ready-made social life. You’ll definitely make friends when you adopt a greyhound, not least because no passer-by can resist saying hello. Since greys spend most of their working lives in kennels, rarely meeting other kinds of dogs, they socialise best with other hounds, so rehoming charities and owners’ clubs organise regular ‘greydates’, fun days, and fund-raising walks.
6. They’re stunningly beautiful to look at, even when they’re sprawled upside down on your sofa. To own a greyhound is to have a little piece of history in your home: from Egypt to Elizabethan England, the soulful eyes of the greyhound gaze out of tapestries, portraits and photographs. Few dogs have lived such colourful and respected lives.
7. There are thousands of them waiting in rescue for a new home. After a short racing life, many dogs are abandoned or put down if they’re injured, not quick enough or just too old. And yet as a long-living large breed, often reaching ages from twelve to fifteen, they still have many years of love to give – and make devoted friends to their forever owners.
Useful links:
Greyhound Rescue West of England: www.grwe.com
Retired Greyhound Trust: www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk
Greyhound Gap: www.greyhoundgap.org.uk
Greyhound Rescue Wales: www.greyhoundrescuewales.co.uk
Scottish Greyhound Sanctuary: www.scottishgreyhoundsanctuary.com
Celia Cross Greyhound Trust: www.celiacross.org.uk
Lucy Dillon
The Secret of Happy Ever After
When Anna takes over Longhampton’s bookshop, it’s her dream come true. And not just because it gets her away from her rowdy stepchildren and their hyperactive Dalmatian.
As she unpacks boxes of childhood classics, Anna can’t shake the feeling that maybe her own fairytale ending isn’t all that she’d hoped for. But as the stories of love, adventure, secret gardens and giant peaches breathe new life into the neglected shop, Anna and her customers get swept up in the magic too.
Even Anna’s best friend Michelle – who categorically doesn’t believe in true love and handsome princes – isn’t immune.
But when secrets from Michelle’s own childhood come back to haunt her, and disaster threatens Anna’s home, will the wisdom and charm of the stories in the bookshop help the two friends – and those they love – find their own happy ever after?
‘Lucy Dillon’s voice is gentle and kind throughout . . . perceptive and well handled. A heart-warming piece of escapism for long winter nights.’ Red
Lucy Dillon
Walking Back to Happiness
Juliet’s been in hiding. From her family, from her life, but most of all from the fact that Ben’s not around anymore.
Her mother Diane has run out of advice. But then she insists Juliet look after her elderly Labrador and it becomes apparent that Coco the dog might actually be the one who can rescue her daughter.
Especially when it leads to her walking dogs for a few other locals too, including a spaniel, Damson, who belongs to a very attractive man . . .
Before she knows it, Juliet realises she has somehow become the town’s unofficial pet-sitter. A job which makes her privy to the lives and secrets of everyone whose animals she’s caring for.
But as her first winter alone approaches, she finally begins to wonder if it’s time to face up to her own secrets? To start rebuilding her own life? And maybe – just maybe – to fall in love again?
‘Witty, heart-warming and a very real tale of loss and redemption’ Stylist
Lucy Dillon
Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts
Rachel has inherited a house in the country, along with a rescue kennels. She claims she’s not a ‘dog’ person. But then she tries to match the abandoned pets with new owners, with some unexpected results . . .
Natalie and Johnny’s marriage hasn’t been easy since they started trying for a baby. But will adopting Bertie, a fridge-raiding, sofa-stealing Basset Hound make up for it?
Meanwhile Zoe’s husband has given their kids a Labrador puppy, and left her to pick up the mess, literally. She’s at the end of her tether, until her pup leads her to handsome doctor Bill, whose own perfect match isn’t what he was expecting at all.
As the new owners’ paths cross, and their lives become interwoven, they – along with their dogs – all find themselves learning important lessons about loyalty, second chances and truly unconditional love.
‘Heart-warming, fun and romantic. Marley and Me fans will love it.’ Closer
Lucy Dillon
The Ballroom Class
When three couples join a new ballroom class, they’re all looking for some magic in their lives.
Lauren and Chris are getting married, and Lauren’s dreaming of a fairytale wedding with a first dance to make Cinderella proud.
Not wanting to be shown up on the dance floor, her parents Bridget and Frank have come along too. They normally never put a foot wrong, but Bridget’s got a secret that could trip them up unexpectedly.
Meanwhile Katie and Ross are looking for a quick-fix solution to their failing marriage even though neither is quite sure who’s leading who anymore.
As friendships form over the foxtrot, the rumba rocks relationships, and the tango leads to true love, all the students in the Ballroom Class are about to face the music and dance . . .
‘Strictly Come Dancing with added off-floor love, betrayal and glitz makes Lucy Dillon’s dazzling debut a must for ballroom fans.’ Mirror