It’s a student’s life for retired racing greyhound

A retired racing greyhound named Jim has taken up residence at St John’s after being adopted by the Master of the College. 

Four-year-old Jim, whose racing name is Kairi Jem, raced at Henlow Greyhound Stadium and won six races during his career. Since retiring from the track, Jim’s trainer Kelli Windebank has been searching for the perfect home for his retirement and is delighted to have now found it.

Jim (or Jimbo as Chris and his family and friends now affectionately call him) will be looked after and cared for by Professor Sir Christopher Dobson, his wife Lady Mary, and their sons, Richard and William, at the Master’s Lodge in the College.

Jim’s trainer Kelli brought Jim for an initial visit to meet Sir Christopher, who loved his childhood dog Sandy, and since then has always wanted a pet dog to call his own. On meeting Jim, Sir Christopher said: “It’s a dream come true!”

Kelli and her team at the kennels visit all potential homes for their greyhounds to check they are the perfect match. By his second visit, Jim soon made himself at home and found himself a place on the sofa.

Kelli Windebank, Professional Greyhound Trainer at Henlow Greyhound Stadium and Greyhound Ambassador, said: “Jim is such a wonderful dog and we’re completely over-the-moon that he has found such a kind and loving family to enjoy his retirement with and in such beautiful surroundings. He was a complete star during his visits and I was so delighted to see how quickly his new owners fell for him.

“We’ll be sad to see Jim go but finding the right home for our dogs is so rewarding. We always aim to stay in touch with our greyhounds and I hope to get lots of updates on Jim as he settles into College life!”

Paul Illingworth, Senior Stipendiary Steward at the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, said: “We want all our retired athletes to go on to have long and happy retirements and as part of our Greyhound Commitment we are determined to promote what fantastic pets greyhounds make. As Jim’s story shows, greyhounds are suitable for all kinds of families and individuals, including first time dog owners – we hope he settles in quickly and thoroughly enjoys his new home.”