Volunteer Spotlight: Erin Knowles

When did you start volunteering with FOTH and what role/s do you have in the group?

I started volunteering with FOTH in 2018.
I help out with the graphic design including the monthly email newsletter, FOTH calendars, posters, stickers, the website and anything else designy that’s needed.

Tell us about your first experience of a Greyhound

I was staying with my friend in Melbourne and she had adopted a sweet little black Greyhound called Ruby.

I fell for her quirky nature immediately. She had this adorable way of popping her head up between your legs to say hello.

I decided it was (finally!) the perfect time for me to bring a dog into my life.

I googled and found Friends of the Hound were a not-for-profit rescue near me.

Not long after, Lily came into my life.
She’s my beautiful big girl with a loving, gentle personality and a sprinkle of sass.

Once I began learning more about Greyhounds and the cruelty of the racing industry I wanted to get involved and reached out to lend a hand spreading the word via email newsletters.

I love being a part of this positive change for Greyhounds.

Then in 2020, Mila (previously Millie) found her way into my heart as well.

I was all set to help the under-resourced FOTH transport crew by picking her up in Lismore and taking her to the Gold Coast.

Needless to say she didn’t make it to the Gold Coast! 
Haha – some people have foster fails… I had a transport fail 🙂

Mila is a bubbly, cheeky girl who loves making new friends on the beach or anywhere, humans, dogs, children, sugar cane mulch… she’s ready for fun times!

What have you discovered about Greyhounds that makes them special?

I love how chilled out and gentle Greyhounds are.
They have a calming vibe and aren’t demanding.

They keep me to a strict schedule of walks, food, wees and treats. I like it!

Bursts of energy and excitement when doing zoomies at the beach or playing is pure joy.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a first-time Greyhound owner?

Be patient.

Most likely they will come to you with some special little quirks.

When I first met Lily she didn’t like anyone touching her chest or ears and would let out a blood curdling shriek. I imagine this was due to her racing ear tattoo being very hard to read and so she was manhandled before every single race.

She has learnt to trust now and allows people to pat and touch her… if they have treats she may well be their new bestie.

Mila has a curiosity for trailers. When near roads if a trailer rattles by or even a big truck she is very interested. I think this would have been how she was transported.

These things make my girls special and help me to understand the life they lived before.

I feel even more passionate about creating positive change for the Greyhounds still trapped in the racing industry.

Most rewarding aspect of volunteering?

Helping to create greater awareness about Greyhound racing and the plight of Greyhounds.

Working with a passionate team of tireless volunteers who care deeply about Greyhound welfare.

Most challenging aspect?

Seeing the federal and state governments not doing enough to help the Greyhounds.

Knowing how sensitive and gentle my girls are it is awful to imagine them being treated with a lack of care, kindness and respect.

The scars of these dogs’ mistreatment goes on well after they are free, and there needs to be accountability for this.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Please support Friends of the Hound, and other not-for-profit independent Greyhound rescue and adoption groups.

And a very big thank you to Jakob De Zwart for these beautiful photos.