After losing their beloved boy Joey to Osteosarcoma in late 2021, the amazing Greyhound Rescue President Nat Panzarino, partner Michael and their children had a hound-shaped hole in their hearts.
With three children and two hounds, no backyard and a busy lifestyle, Nat and Michael knew matching with another hound would be tricky. But it turned out the right match wasn’t far away.
“We were prepared to wait for the right fit to arrive,” says Nat. “It was only once we were bringing Brock home that we realised that he is actually related to Joey! Brock’s grandfather was Joey’s father.”
Brock adjusted to the hustle and bustle of family life wonderfully, thanks to the respect shown by Nat & Michael’s children.
“Our kids have grown up with greyhounds so they understand that it is important to respect a hound’s space” says Nat.
“We helped them to recognise that it was important to give Brock some time and space, and when he needed us all to be a bit calm so that he could find his feet.”
A loving and affectionate boy, Brock can be quite wary of new situations. A key element of success in his journey has been the ability to take things at his own pace.
“He’s quite wary of new situations so we have had to be conscious about building his confidence and introducing him to things slowly. He is keen to learn and loves his BBQ chook, so that definitely helps with training and desensitising him to new things.”
Brock became fast friends with resident hounds Elly Mae and Daisy. His younger age and eagerness to play has also brought out a lot of play behaviours in them both.
“They have a whirlwind play session every morning, bounding around the living room and having a great time together” says Nat.
His favourite thing though, is a sniffari walk.
“A sniffari walk is a walk where your hound gets to stop and sniff and explore whatever they want.”
“He once found some fried chicken that someone had dropped in a clump of agapanthas down the road from our house, so now he always needs to stop and have a good explore there just in case the agapanthus have suddenly sprouted tasty treats again.”
Nat thinks adopting a greyhound is one of the best things you’ll ever do.
“Being given the opportunity to introduce a greyhound to their new life and to support them through that journey is an absolute privilege.”
“It has also given our children the opportunity to learn and grow as they are now old enough to understand what is involved with settling a hound in to our home.”
And while Nat admits she may be a little biased, she thinks Greyhound Rescue is amazing.
“I know exactly how much work goes in behind the scenes from all of the wonderful staff and volunteers.”
“Greyhound Rescue goes above and beyond.”
Would you like to support a Kennel Kid in their journey to pet life? Click here to apply today.