Woman adopts greyhound she met at work

A chance encounter at a racecourse has led to a retired champion greyhound finding a new home.

Mystical Mario, a six year old former racing dog who once reached the semi finals of the English Greyhound Derby, was adopted after meeting finance worker Maxine Worthington during an event.

The meeting took place at Wolverhampton Racecourse, where Mario was being introduced to staff as part of a business expedition.

The dog lover said it was an instant connection. "It was love at first sight," she said. "Mario made an immediate impression when he came into the office with kisses and plenty of cuddles."

She said colleagues initially thought she was joking when she said she wanted to take him home, but she contacted his trainer the next day and adopted him three weeks later.

The dog, known as Mario, won eight races during his career and competed at Towcester Racecourse before retiring from the sport.

The owner said he had quickly settled into family life alongside her labradoodle, Beryl.

"They're best friends already, and I think that's because greyhounds are so chilled out and relaxed," she said.

She added that despite their reputation as racing dogs, greyhounds made calm and easy going pets.

"They're fantastic with children, require very little exercise contrary to belief and will happily sit on a sofa for 20 plus hours each day."

"I went to work one day, and came home with a greyhound," she said. "I think it's wonderful."

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