Two special dogs arrived into the care of Forever Hounds Trust early this morning. Having travelled across from Ireland, Tango and Foxtrot are now safely inside a warm kennel in Somerset after living in squalor for a decade.

Foxtrot and Tango, were discovered along with their two sisters, two months ago living in terrible conditions in Ireland. The four greyhounds, all aged about 10 years old, were in a filthy, wet concrete pen in a back garden with only a broken and leaking shed for shelter and no bedding of any description.

It is believed that they originally shared the pen with their mother, who has since died, and that they came to the pen when they were just puppies. For the ten years the dogs have slept, eaten and toileted on that concrete slab and it’s understood that they hadn’t left the pen for many years.

Chair of Trustees for Forever Hounds Trust, Jan Lake, met the dogs when they arrived in England this morning and took them into the care of the charity. She said: “When these dogs were first found they didn’t know anything of life outside their pen and had been living in their own squalor for years. Since then they have begun the transition to their new lives – feeling the grass under their feet for the first time, good food, warm beds, veterinary treatment and of course kindness and love. They are thriving – photographs of their progress have been heart-warming to see – running across the paddock with the sun on their backs – it’s what life is all about. It just saddens me that so much of their lives have already been wasted in that cold concrete compound.

“But now bright futures await them, and I am proud that Forever Hounds Trust will be part of that, and we will be bringing the two female greyhounds that were found with them across in January. When they are well enough and have adapted to their new lives, we will find loving forever homes for them where they can live the happy lives they deserve.”

Forever Hounds Trust are always looking for people who can offer a home to a greyhound or lurcher. These dogs make wonderful pets and are suited to many different homes and family set ups. If you think you could help, please contact Forever Hounds Trust on 03000 111 100 or email enquiries@foreverhoundstrust.org.