News

Retired greyhound Jasper all set for first Manx Christmas

14/12/2020

Just before the pandemic hit and the Manx borders were closed earlier this year, a retired racing greyhound found a new home in the Island with help from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Members of Greyhound Aid League Isle of Man travelled to the UK to collect four-year-old Jester – who was renamed to Jasper by his new owner to start his new life in the Isle of Man. The Steam Packet Company assisted by offering discounted ferry travel to the charity.

Jasper was adopted by Carrol Harding who lives in the north of the Island alongside her greyhound Maddie, who has been great canine company for Jasper and helped him settle perfectly into his new home.

Carrol says: ‘Maddie and Jasper are doing amazingly well and I am so pleased I made the decision to make Jasper part of our family. What can I say about my lovely boy! He is a laid-back sweetheart and rarely leaves my side, he is absolutely no trouble and gets on well with Maddie who is the total opposite – a non-stop ball of energy! We welcomed Jasper home at the perfect time, with lockdown giving us lots of time to bond and get to know each other. We are now looking forward to our first Christmas with Jasper.’

Greyhound Aid League Isle of Man was established in 2012 to help find new homes for greyhounds which the racing industry has no further use for. Jasper is just one of the greyhounds the League has brought to the Island this year.

Sally McMullen, one of the League founders, explained: ‘We brought Jasper to the Island just in the nick of time, ahead of COVID-19 hitting the Island and travel restrictions being implemented. He has settled in so well with his new family and we are delighted to see him enjoying Island life. Since restrictions were eased in the summer, we have been fortunate enough to transport more greyhounds to the Island which we are so grateful for as it is such an important part of what we do.

‘We would like to send our sincere thanks to the Steam Packet Company for its continued support of our charity and helping Jasper find his new forever home earlier this year.’   

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward explained: ‘It was a pleasure to transport Jasper to the Isle of Man to enjoy his first taste of Island life ahead of COVID-19 making its impact. It is pleasing to see he is setting in well and we wish him a lovely, well-deserved retirement.’

Jasper moved to the Island in March and has settled in well.