Today I'm saying a little about the Greyhound Rescue Association of Ireland. Firstly let me give a big huge monstrous shout out to the truly amazing people behind the two year young organisation. Pointy noses walked with all different shapes and sizes yesterday in the city centre to raise a much needed awareness of the welfare of racing greyhounds in Ireland.

Well known artists within their field came together with the GRAI and other dog lovers to share a common interest; to promote greyhounds as pets.

Racing greyhounds retire at an early age, usually between three and four years young. Greyhounds like many other pedigree dogs will have a typical life span of fourteen years. They may be retired early due to injuries sustained during racing or because they're not fast enough to win prize money. They find themselves surplus to requirements and indeed many greyhound pups never even make it to the track for various reasons. 

A great many of these beautiful, healthy and fit dogs are either abandoned or destroyed each year because they are of no use to their owners. Personally I have met many in the pound where I photographed their wonderful pointy noses in search of a forever home. Some are kept for breeding and some are lucky enough to be rehomed in Ireland or abroad. 

There are so many wonderful reasons why greyhounds make fabulous pets. Even though they are tall, they are gentle, and sweet natured souls who love nothing more than a comfy bed or couch to stretch out on and will happily sleep for much of their day.

If you think that greyhounds are high energy dogs, you will no doubt be wrong. They are built for speed and not for stamina and they do not require much exercise. Two or three 25 minute walks a day will usually be enough. If you meet a greyhound, you will be drawn to their naturally calm and loving demeanour. They are patient and loyal. 

How about these gorgeous brown eyes?!!

Or sweet Rosie's pointy nose. I love love love a sweet hound nose. Scoping for treats no doubt. Rosie is the owner of the fabulous pet photographer, Sally Anne Thompson.

It was just great to see all of those beautiful dogs being so loved and cared for. And an event that provided a perfect opportunity to show case our stunning greyhounds of Ireland. People stopped, they took photographs, they noticed and they asked questions. Of course they wowed the many wet noses that were happy to hang out.

"Hey lady with the camera, I know you have those treats hiding in your pockets there but I know you can't resist a charming smile like this one!"

If you are thinking of giving a home to a dog, then consider a greyhound. Consider at least meeting a greyhound and they will work their magic on you from there. You can view many awaiting homes by checking out the member section here.

Bark in the Park!

There was a big turn out at Saint Anne's Bark in the Park 2012! That's why you'll see a lot of 'overhead' shots here, even in the park, there was little elbow room to photograph the amazing wet noses. There were just so many people and pets out to enjoy the event. We couldn't have asked for a better day for Bark Off!

Forgive me for not remembering everyone's name. The couple of hours shooting are a blur. But what happy, shiny, sparkly faces I met! Like this cutie pie. What a great girl she is. And boy can she perform too! She is all set to be the next 'Pudsey', winner of Britian's Got Talent. 

I immediately felt this gorgeous girl's energy when I spied her. If you think she stayed still for this photograph, then you'd be wrong. I only managed to snap it as she belly crawled her way towards me in the grass with bum waggling! A ball of cuteness.

If she could have put her two paws around the water bowl at the finish of the race and shout out 'All mine!' I think she just might have.

And what's a blog entry without a cute little expression like this. I just love those head tilts! Looking good in the bandana.

And now, I'd like to say a quick word about this lovely lab. Often people tell me that they just can't get a photo of their wet nose, because they are 'always a blur' or won't 'sit still'. Well this is not so much me trying to prove a point but rather me hearing the need for a decent photograph. Memories of our four legged friends are just too important not to have...and just look at that pink nose!

All shapes and sizes are welcome to join the Bark in the Park!

And of course, I have a mushy soft spot for the seniors!

I would like to say a big huge monstrous thank you to all of the amazing volunteers who make such an event possible! And what is The irish Blue Cross all about? Read here.

If you think you missed all the fun then don't worry! The next Tymon Bark in the Park is only two weeks away on Sunday 24th June! We hope to see you there!