Willow, along with four other greyhounds was kept in a shed in a field. His previous ‘owner’ said in court that the reason for their condition, was that they had eaten rat poison, and were recovering.  However a SSPCA inspector recalled seeing the dogs the previous month, when they had been thin but in fair condition.  Willow, and his companions were discovered by greyhound supporter Karen Hull. When she was out walking her own dog she heard their feeble barking coming from the shed.  She described the dogs as just skeletons with fur on.  She later returned with dog food, finding the dogs so desperately hungry that they tore it from her pockets.  She took the dog’s home, carrying the thinnest, as it was too weak to walk.  They then went to Stonehouse Animal Sanctuary to begin their rehabilitation.  Willow’s ‘owner’ at the conclusion of his court case was fined just £250, and is still allowed to keep animals!

Willow had been left in the shed with his muzzle on, and as a result weighed in at just 16kilos when eventually removed by Karen. It was touch and go if he would make it (one of his companions did not). But, thankfully, due to his fighting and loving spirit, he put up the biggest fight of his life, and thanks to Liz at Stonehouse Animal Sanctuary, made a remarkable but slow recovery. GAGAH and Stonehouse Animal Sanctuary work closely together. If Liz needs Greyhounds/Lurchers moved then they come here. If we get any 'basket cases' in Bandeath Council Pound we let Liz know and she kindly takes them and rehabilitates them. So willow arrived with GAGAH around October last year, and settled in brilliantly in the kennels. He is such a lovely, fun and gentle natured dog. Despite having being beaten and starved he still CRAVED human attention and trusted whoever he met instantly

We thought he was going to be a long-termer because he was quite a jealous dog, and once he 'owned' you he didn't want to share you. But, - as usual, when you least expect it, along came The Henry's. A lovely family from Laurencekirk, they had fallen in love with Willow just from his description on the website. They loved him instantly, warts and all and he is now being treated like a King in his new loving and caring home. Fate is a weird and wonderful thing, and there is always the perfect home out there if you wait long enough. He now weighs 27 kilos and looks fantastic and is wallowing in the love and compassion surrounding him.