By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
RESCUING a greyhound rescued Sandy.
The loneliness was palpable before Sandy Boucher met Lollie.
On the brink of taking her own life, Ms Boucher from Cranbourne made a lifesaving call to the crisis assessment team at the Casey Hospital.
It was that team’s personnel who suggested she get herself a pet.
“I told the psychiatrist, ‘I can’t stand the loneliness anymore’ and they said that a greyhound would be perfect,” Ms Boucher said.
And two months on, Ms Boucher, a former alcoholic, says her life has been transformed by a pup she calls Lollie Dolly Miss Polly or Lollie for short.
“From the moment she was introduced to me, my life changed. I had a reason to live. I had the responsibility of loving and caring for my baby girl,” she said.
Now the best of mates, Lollie has had an exciting past.
“Her racing name was Imaginary Dream, and she ran for more than two years,” Ms Boucher said.
“She raced 65 times and won three, came second three times and third 10 times.
“I smile and laugh at her antics; she has me around her little paw.
“My life is so full and rich now, I want to help others to help themselves by considering adopting a beautiful greyhound and save a beautiful greyhound’s life as well as adding meaning to theirs.”
Ms Boucher is now a member of Greyhound Rescue and recommends it to anyone suffering depression or loneliness.
Suffering with giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica and rheumatoid arthritis, Ms Boucher still enjoys riding in her scooter with Lollie by her side.
“Last night she ripped up my mail, but I don’t care,” she said.
“We are both ‘old gals’ together and love it.
“I am very much a believer that a greyhound dog is the best dog anyone could have, even for older people, they are couch potatoes and don’t ask for much but to be fed, hugged, patted, loved and maybe a small walk each day.
“They don’t lose fur and don’t make the house smell; I have had other dogs in the past, but will never even consider any other breed.”
If interested in greyhound adoption visit greyhoundrescuevictoria.org
