New life for abandoned greyhound

This is the greyhound abandoned at Barby Keel's rescue centre back in December.

The youngster, nicknamed Bailey, had clearly been starved and neglected with every rib showing on his emaciated frame.

Less than two months later it's a different story - now re-named Cookie, he is living in a new home and almost back to full health.

Marion Simmons of Harley Shute Road in St Leonards felt it was meant to be when she visited the greyhound at the sanctuary in Freezeland Lane having seen the story in the Observer.

She had two rescue greyhounds already and was in the process of looking for a third.

"He was in such a pathetic state," said Marion.

"He was a bag of bones.

"We saw Cookie's picture and that did it - he was meant to be.

"He is a lovely dog, very calm about everything.

"He is very good and walks beautifully on the lead. His only fault - which is not his fault - is that he is always hungry."

Cookie has been eating special food recommended by the vet and was on four meals a day but is now down to three, with occasional biscuits to fill a gap.

Marion commented: "He still seems to be hungry, but that is not his fault - it is the way he has been treated.

"He is still thin, but not like he was...He is a beautiful dog. I don't know how anybody could have ill-treated him or not bother to feed him."

Barby added: "We had so many calls about him...He is wonderful and he is in his new home.

"They sent us photographs and he looks absolutely super.

"In one photo he is in an armchair with a cup of tea at the side, and the words written - I think I have cracked it...

"I thought that was lovely."