Last updated: 28 Oct, 2020
Published on: 15 Jul, 2014
The Racing Greyhound and the Nonagenarian
Proving that old age doesn’t necessarily mean slowing down, Syd Twist, a 91-year-old pet-lover, has found a new best friend in the most unlikely of places; a greyhound, the fastest breed of dog in the world.
This remarkable tale of opposites attracting began with concerned daughter, Sue Ritchie, contacting Greyhound Rescue in Sydney. Sue told the group that her father had recently lost his beloved dog and feared he had ‘nothing to get out of bed for’. As luck would have it, Janet and Peter at Greyhound Rescue had a 10-year-old senior greyhound called Cheeky who was desperately searching for a home. The duo just knew right away that Cheeky and Syd would be the perfect match.
Pairing Cheeky and Syd together has been a very rewarding experience for Janet and the crew from Greyhound Rescue. “Sadly, elderly greyhounds are often overlooked by adopters. Age discrimination isn’t limited to just us humans” she said.
For Syd and Cheeky, age is no barrier - in the short time they’ve spent together, the duo have hit it off in style. “He is so happy and absolutely loves Cheeky - she’s rejuvenated an already spritely Syd, giving him a completely new lease of life” Janet beams.
“Syd and Cheeky now spend their days happily sitting outside the front of their home in Gladesville, waving to all the local passersby. It goes without saying that Syd is now a staunch advocate for greyhounds as pets - Cheeky is a great example of how this gentle breed of dog can bring love, companionship and make a big difference to one man’s life. You certainly don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to own a rescue greyhound!”
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