FRANKIE – We named a range of Hound-Tees after this iconic doggo

A Tribute to a Greyhound Who Changed a Community

Some hounds leave pawprints everywhere they go. Frankie was one of them. If you have spent any time in the greyhound community, you have probably heard his name spoken with fondness, laughter and that deep sense of respect that only a very special hound can earn.

Frankie crossed the rainbow bridge in 2024, but his legacy is stitched into the hearts of those who loved him. We honour him through our Frankie-Tees, celebrating the bright, bold, joyful energy he brought into the world. This is his story, shared so his spirit can run with the pack forever.

A Beginning Too Many Greyhounds Know

Frankie’s early life mirrors the experiences of many greyhounds raised for racing. His reality was harsher than most. His kennel environment was dark and isolating. He was raced hard. He was drugged. The mistreatment shaped behaviours that made life frightening and overwhelming for him.

When he was eventually listed on Gumtree, one hopeful foster carer brought him home. They quickly realised Frankie needed more than a cosy bed and patience. He needed a team. Enter Gumtree Greys, a volunteer rescue organisation that has changed the fate of countless hounds and their humans.

The Village Steps In

Frankie arrived in foster care in a distressed state. He was withdrawing from drugs. He was headbanging. He could not calm his mind or his long, lanky body. Two vets recommended euthanasia, believing he would never be adoptable.

But greyhound people have hearts bigger than their hounds’ chests, and absolutely no quit.

Aun-tee Jen’s Five Days of Fierce Love

Jen fostered Frankie briefly but with enormous impact. She tried everything to soothe him, including gently sandwiching him between two soft futons to help him feel contained and safe. Recognising that Frankie needed specialised behavioural support, Jen worked with Gumtree Greys to move him to an experienced carer.

Enter Brian, the Transformative Carer

Brian became a turning point in Frankie’s life. Months of steady work helped Frankie finally feel safe in his own skin. Anti-anxiety medication supported him further, and slowly, the Frankie everyone now knows began to emerge. Frankie was adopted by a couple with another greyhound and seemed to be blossoming.

For a moment, it looked like his story had found its happy ending.

Another Setback and a New Beginning

When the couple separated, each took one hound. Frankie was often left alone, something that deeply affected him. Eventually his owner contacted Gumtree Greys to take him back or surrender him to the pound.

Of course, Gumtree Greys took him back.

Enter Eddie, the Woman Who Became His Anchor

Eddie, a long-time volunteer, already had two greyhounds and thought, with admirable confidence, how much harder can three be?

The answer was harder. Much harder.

The first six months were filled with night terrors, headbanging and the effects of trauma that does not simply disappear, even with love. But Eddie stayed. She held space for Frankie as he relearned the world. She poured time, empathy and unwavering devotion into him.

Eddie insists Frankie is not her dog. He is our dog. He is Village Dog, shaped by many hands but loved most fiercely by her.

The Frankie the World Came to Know

Frankie transformed into a joyful, silly, affectionate hound who loved deeply and made friends everywhere he went. His story is a powerful reminder of two truths:

  1. Greyhounds are gentle by nature.
  2. Trauma can reshape behaviour, but patience, compassion and community can reshape it again.

Frankie became proof of what love can do.

The Birth of the Frankie Tees

We created Frankie-Tees to honour his spirit and the people who helped rebuild him. They are designed with one philosophy.

No hound left behind. No off-cut left behind.

Aun-tee Jen makes every Frankie-Tee using fabric off-cuts and materials that would otherwise be wasted. She rescues every scrap possible. She cuts around damaged pieces to save what she can. She works right through to the ends of rolls. She even collects usable cotton and spandex off-cuts from other businesses.

Just like greyhounds, no two Frankie-Tees are alike.

Each one is a patchwork of personality, bursting with colour, stripes and playful mismatched charm. They are joyful, quirky and full of heart.
Just like Frankie.

The range includes:

  • Frankie-Tees in multiple styles
  • Frankie snoods
  • Tug toys crafted from off-cuts

Every item carries a little piece of Frankie's legacy.

A Tribute to a Good Boi and a Great Community

Frankie’s journey was shaped by persistence, compassion and a huge amount of heart. This tribute honours Frankie, Eddie and every single person who refuses to give up on a greyhound who needs help.

Frankie was loved. Frankie is loved.
Village Dog forever.

Shop the Frankie Range