From injury to a loving home
March was a landmark month for greyhounds. Members of the Welsh Senedd and the Scottish Parliament voted to end greyhound racing, meaning these gentle dogs will finally have the chance to enjoy life as beloved pets, safe from the dangers of the track.
Our member charity, Blue Cross, first called for a ban in 2022, and these decisions mark a huge step forward in its campaign to protect greyhound welfare.
Every time they are forced to race, dogs face intense physical strain, collisions that can cause serious injuries, and the very real risk of death.
For Zola, life as a racing greyhound came to a sudden and painful end when she fractured her leg.
Although this marked the beginning of a long road to recovery, it was also the start of a brighter future. Today, she is enjoying life as a much-loved pet in a warm home, far from the confines of a kennel.
Zola broke her right hock joint—the equivalent of a human ankle—in February. After surgery to repair the injury, she arrived at Blue Cross Hertfordshire a few months later.
The operation required screws and a fixed metal plate to stabilise the joint as it healed. Her recovery was slow and steady, but in August, the plate was finally removed—allowing her to begin her search for a forever home.
Describing her, the team said: “Zola is the perfect balance of silly and soft, wanting nothing more than a few soft toys and her favourite people to spend time with and share her affection.”
After 103 days in Blue Cross’ care, Zola finally found the loving home she had been waiting for.