AT Christmas a Crediton shop offered an auction of a number of pet ornaments to raise funds for the Greyhound Sanctuary, a charity based at Morchard Bishop.

This month a cheque for £209 was handed over by Andy and Karla Gregory of Groomed to Pawfection to Sally Slater and Wendy Johnson from the charity.

The charity was formed in 2007 and has so far rescued and re-homed more than 100 greyhounds, dogs they call the "45 mph couch potato".

Karla explained that their winter window had been in aid of the charity with people invited to put in bids.

One pet ornament had not been collected. A somewhat "kooky looking" cat, for whom a bid had been put in - it is still with Groomed to Pawfection.

Rebel, the 14 years old ex-racing greyhound who has belonged to Andy and Karla for eight years helped with the cheque presentation.

Andy said that greyhounds probably pull on the lead less than any other dog. "Racing greyhounds are trained to walk beside you, even lean towards you, which can be a bit disconcerting at first.

"Although they like to stretch out on the sofa, greyhounds will curl up in a very small space. They will probably sleep for 22 hours out of 24 and probably not need more than half an hour's exercise a day.

"When we take this one out he tends to complain after 20 minutes. He'll do a five minute run around the field and then it is back to the gate," said Andy.

Sally explained that the money raised by Groomed to Pawfection will help towards feeding all the dogs they have at present, the most ever.

"It costs us about £2,000 a month to look after them. We have three dogs with the vet which have cost us about £600. We have some very distressed dogs and we have 10 or more we would like to foster.

"It would be lovely if more people were prepared to do this long term. We cover any vet's bills. We really need people who can take a dog until it is found a permanent home - or they decide to keep it!" she said.

Membership of the Greyhound Sanctuary costs £5 a year. To find out more either write to The Greyhound Sanctuary, Hoopers Cottage, Church Street, Morchard Bishop EX17 6PJ or look at http://www.thegreyhoundsanctuary.org">www.thegreyhoundsanctuary.org .

Sue Read