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A Blog page to show all the work that goes on behind the scenes at SHAK.
A brief insight into how our dogs get here, and what they do when they get here…..
(Please note, all opinions and views on here are exactly that, OUR opinions and views only.)
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Sunday 3rd January 2010…..
I’ll start the New Year with a MASSIVE THANK YOU to Derek and Sandra on the seafront at Seaton Sluice who have given 5 days of their Christmas Holidays to raise us an unbelievable £500. If your passing any Sunday Morning, pop into Derek’s for a cuppa, and grab a scone, they really are something else. And of course every penny goes towards helping us save more dogs on Death Row.
Speaking of which, its started. Emails arrived today in a desperate plea for help for over 35 dogs, at least half a dozen are due to be destroyed by Wednesday. Welcome to 2010, New Year same desperate, desperate world. |
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Wednesday 6th January 2010…..
Just a quick update from a very snowy and wintery Rescue Place.
The last I heard, the dogs in danger in the email I mentioned on Sunday had hopefully had some of the pressure lifted. Well done to every charity that took some of the dogs, its one hell of an achievement squeezing them in at this time of year, I know you doing so will of saved lives.
However, the phone still never stops, and I had another pound asking for help yesterday, I just wish we had room to take more. There is nothing pleasant in having to turn dogs away knowing that it or others may die because you have nowhere for them.
Two lucky souls that got the best Christmas presents ever are Lucas and Poppy. I saw Poppy on Monday with her new best friend Moe (a golden Lab) and have to say she looks so happy. Paul and Sonia report no accidents in the house, so it appears that the vets evaluation that the lump she had was pushing her bladder out of its normal place, thus not making it function properly, appears to be correct. She is such a happy go lucky girl, and from what I hear is such a good help when it comes to mucking out the stables.
Lucas, well, I think the email he sent me pretty much says it all:
“Hi Steve, Lucas here, just to let you know things are great here, I'm eating really well although, I won't eat sausages now as Andy and Gillie found I liked them and tried hiding my medication in it, it takes practice but I can eat the sausage and still spit the tablet out, so now I don't trust sausage at all. But I'm eating and drinking well and everyone is so proud of me and I never get sick of being told how good I am, I loved being brushed because I'm so handsome.
I'm waiting to see what the blood tests say, but we are confident here its going to be ok. Anyway I'm here to stay no matter what, someone has got to keep these two smiling. I heard them telling everybody, its the first Christmas in this country for years, but it has been worth every moment.
Today we went to the beach at south shields, really cold, but it was so much fun, and gave me such an appetite. A whole dish of dinner and the sausage with the tablet (DAM IT) a good drink of water and I |
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Tuesday 12th January 2010…..
Its been like treading water a bit over the last couple of weeks as we have had so much snow that not a lot has been able to go on. It is however beginning to melt, and at last things are beginning to move again.
Firstly, Max the German Shepherd made a career move late last week, as he left us to join the Police. He started his training yesterday, and from what I have heard he’s enjoying himself.
Somebody else enjoying themselves in their new home is Poppy. As you can see she and her new sister look as if they have been together forever, and it is so nice to see her like this after being so cruelly cast aside.
Poppy’s ex boyfriend Lucas was back at the vets today for a scan as we try and diagnose what has caused him his problems. More samples are being sent away, and it may be what the vet described as a low grade Kidney infection. It could be something more sinister too though, so please give him a little mention in your prayers tonight. It does have to be said though, that the vet was over the moon at the improvement in his condition and general appearance, and was delighted he has gained 2 1/2kgs in under a month. Lucas has a look of a happy dog now, thank you Andy and Gilly!
It is so sad that as soon as we get dogs into homes there is such a long line waiting to come aboard. Some never make it, there chance is taken from them, but we try to save as many as we can. Opening the Rescue Place has allowed SHAK to concentrate on some dogs that would be hard to place anywhere else. The way of the world means that time is such a vital cog when it comes to dogs in kennels, and some simply run out of time. Please remember all the poundies desperate for a chance at this time of year.
Two German Shepherds that have spent their lives as guard dogs arrive with us next week. |
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Sunday 17th January 2010…..
It was a day for making new friends and seeing old friends, as we have two new arrivals and little Seymour returns to complete his adoption papers. |
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Monday 18th January 2010…..
Firstly a MASSIVE THANK YOU to Derek and Sandra for another fantastic fundraising day yesterday down at Seaton Sluice. These two wonderful people show so much commitment and make what we do as a charity possible, so please pop down to the sea front next Sunday and have a cuppa and a scone. I know you’d be made to feel most welcome.
The money Derek and Sandra raises each week helps us save the lives we do, and if you had seen the two German Shepherds that arrived yesterday, having fun today you would understand why we all do it.
Bodie and Doyle were left abandoned in a yard when a business closed, all the equipment and staff were gone. One wonderful ex employee could not stand by and leave the dogs alone and stranded and eventually probably be destroyed. These two moved into the yard at 8 weeks old, and after 8 years service as very effective guard dogs they were no longer needed or wanted. Due to one mans persistence they found their way to us, and after a very cautious introduction yesterday they really shone today.
Here is me and Doyle on our first walk together:
Me and Doyle, Me and Doyle 1, Me and Doyle 2.
And now with the ugly one out of the way, here is Doyle in his true glory:
Bodie has taken a little bit longer to settle, and you can see he tends to learn a lot of Doyle. The more “guarding” of the two, but already me and him are building a little trust, you can see deep down he wants to be friends:
Bodie, Bodie 1, Bodie 2, Bodie 3.
Just as these two were enjoying there first day at The Rescue Place, the next two lost souls were arriving. Laser and Murphy are a German Shepherd Cross and a German Shepherd that have also been used as guard dogs. Although younger than Bodie and Doyle, it still presents us with a large challenge, I will keep you updated on their progress.
Another German Shepherd doing well is PC Max. An update says he is enjoying training, and is eager to learn. Good for you kid.
And finally, one of our dogs went on home trial tonight. I will let you know who it is once I know he (there’s a clue for you ha ha) has settled.
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Saturday 23rd January 2010…..
A heartbreaking topsy turvy week, I really don’t know where to begin. Sometimes this job just seems impossible.
At least 3 pounds have been closed down this week, resulting in a lot of dogs losing their lives. For legal reasons I am not going to comment, but all I will say is that is the timing of raids etc could have been better, after all this is the busiest time of year for any rescue. See you at Rainbow Bridge all the poor lost souls that have been failed by humans.
"Euthanasia is a blessing, though some still can't see, why I was ever born If I weren't meant to be. My last day of living was the best I ever had. Someone held me very close, I could see she was very sad. I kissed the lady's face, and she hugged me ...as she cried. I wagged my tail to thank her, then I closed my eyes and died."
This week we’ve also had people meeting dogs that haven't worked out (that I can accept) more than one person failing to show to meet dogs after time has been taken to do home checks etc (that I can’t accept), desperate pleas to help with dogs in serious danger only we have no room, and the almost compulsory dog that needs to come back to us. No wonder the little hair I have on my head is turning grey. In fact I didn’t have a chance to shave most of the week, and my beard is nearly silver.
Next up is a terrible story from two wonderful people who rescue animals in London. Niall Lester and Lisa Clark do a fantastic job down there, but this is some challenge. Be warned these pictures are disturbing:
Bebe’s Story:
“This older lady has been living rough for about 3 months, someone started feeding her 3 weeks ago but was unable to get close to her without her running away. They contacted all the big rescues but no one would help.
Bebe Bebe 1 Bebe 2 Bebe 3 Bebe 4
Anyone looking to help donate to Bebe’s continuous vets bill please get in touch and I can forward details on, or pay via PayPal nialllester@hotmail.com
A couple of pieces of good news from the vets is that both Keiser and Lucas have responded positively to their treatment. Keiser appears to be on the mend in terms of gaining weight, whilst for Lucas all his tests are pointing to a serious Kidney infection, that will hopefully resolve with long term medication.
Whilst on the subject of good news, today saw me enter the ring like a boxer, as I went head to head with Bodie and Doyle with a brush! Doyle is used to the odd pamper, but Bodie was supposed to want to kill anyone who even attempted. Once again Hot Dogs prevailed, and can you believe the big dafty was even rubbing his backside against me as he was enjoying getting groomed so much!
Although I set both SHAK and The Rescue Place up, I have had some wonderful help along the way. I thought just for a change, here is Debs Blog on her day on Friday, just so you can see things in a slightly different light:
“I just wanted to say what a fantastic day I had today with Vicki another volunteer and all the dogs, and I'm sure Vicki will say the same! Vicki and i went up to volunteer for the day, so Steve could have a day off, let me just say, he was supposed to be off yesterday too, but came in to do the paperwork side of things and phone calls, just so he could have one full day with his family, which judging by the texts I got today, didn’t work out that way again!
Today saw a moment in history that I wondered if ever may happen. None of the dogs played me up, except bobby a little bit, but just wanting to play as usual!! Oh and little Storm, who was a storm in a teacup today and had Vicki and me chasing him round the caravan the little minx!! For me there were several highlights, the new boys, Laser and Murphy, not only say hello now as I walk past their kennels, but kiss me through the bars, and were a dream today. And the other new boys, Bodie and Doyle, what a fantastic pair! And my god what a change in such a short time. They arrived on Sunday, I Vicki and I met them Monday, I then saw them again yesterday when Steve was around. On Monday they wanted to kill everyone except Steve, yesterday they walked out their kennels with me fine, today, I got cuddles, they looked for me to guide them!
But, always saving the best till last, Otto, Malinois, the dog who is so terrified of other dogs, he attacks before being attacked, today I saw him playing in his run with Bouncer and Kai on the other sides, all 3 of them playing together ! ! It was the most beautiful sight I'd seen, and reminds me why I do this. I stood there with my eyes wide and my jaw on the floor. pointing with my shovel to Vicki, and she is my witness. I wish I'd had a camera.
For Vicki, her day was great too, and she fell in love with at least two more of our dogs that on Monday she thought wanted to kill her!! It just shows that if everyone treats a dog right, in the right way with any dog, a bond can be formed and the walls broken down. Why cant more people persevere? Vicki had basic common sense anyway and listened to Steve (and me) :) about the dogs, each and everyone. And in a very short time, they're her friends and look to her for touch and attention. The news of the last few days is awful and heartbreaking, so today helped so much, to know that we can make a difference to a lot of dogs lives.
Don’t give up Steve and Gregg, each and every dog that comes into contact with you has a light at the end of a tunnel, don’t take that light away for many others.”
Some week. Guess it beats working in a call centre. |
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Friday 29th January 2010…..
Things have been busy behind the scenes this week, as progress has been made with the four new arrivals as well as existing dogs.
Laser and Murphy are such a loveable pair, having been used as guard dogs I was expecting something totally different, but these two are nice sociable dogs who both need each other.
Bodie and Doyle went for a walk with me and Debs too, and despite being well behaved it was so upsetting seeing how much the outside world blew their minds. They were both very stressed, although Doyle did seem to settle on the way home.
There are some new budding romances at The Rescue Place too. We now have Lola and Max, Meg and Otto2, Bouncer and Grace, Tess and Bobby and the wild ones Oliver and Judy. It is so nice when you look at the runs and see them all playing. The games seem to pass down from run to run as they all copy what the next pair is doing.
I’ve been busy all week trying to rescue a pregnant bitch. For legal reasons I can’t say anymore than that. I find out on Monday if she is to be destroyed or not. As you can imagine it is a very sensitive subject. More if or as it develops.
One dog that is settling into a new way of life is Bones (now called Jones or Jonesy when you get to know him). This little man was the dog that went on Home Trial recently, and as you can see from this photograph he has found a new best friend.
Also Birthday wishes to Harlie, who is 3 today. This beautiful girl has been through so much already in her short life. She is looking well, and seems to be happy, so lets hope she can enjoy a change in fortunes. Happy Birthday Baby, I’m so proud of you.
Well its nearly the weekend, so just a quick reminder to pop down to see Derek at Seaton Sluice on Sunday for a cuppa. Which reminds me, a special thank you to a special lady. Thank you Margaret who trailed around local supermarkets to get a “top brand” cheese that was on special offer, for Sandra’s scones. Ten packets later, it means those wonderful scones should be even cheesier on Sunday ha ha.
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Wednesday 3rd February 2010…..
I think I have calmed down enough to write this entry without getting myself into trouble. On Monday I lost the battle to save the pregnant German Shepherd Cross Bitch I’d been trying to save for the last week or so. To add insult to injury, a young male German Shepherd I had been asked to help by the same people was also destroyed. I will never understand the reason people call upon experienced help, and then do the exact opposite of what they originally set out to achieve.
Run free boy, and run with your babies at Rainbow Bridge girl, you are all probably better off without human interference.
Not wanting to put you in a sad mood (leave that to me) I’d just like to thank Derek and Sandra for another fantastic day of Fundraising on Sunday. Sandra dragged herself out of her sick bed as they pulled themselves through the £1,000 mark for 2010 already. An unbelievable achievement, thank you both so much, and everyone that goes down on a Sunday to support them. Speaking of which, it was great to hear that Lucas had made quite a journey to come and do his bit for SHAK. I know Derek was delighted to meet him, and if ever there was a dog that was an advert for what we try to achieve at SHAK, then Lucas is it.
Speaking of advertising SHAK and the charity itself, there are hopefully going to be some progress made in several areas very soon. Watch out for a new look website soon, and also a brand new Foster Program ran by Gregg so we can give dogs the chance to take the next step and begin life in a home environment. We obviously need a dedicated and understanding band of foster homes, so if you are interested please email shak@shak.org.uk
One dog that could benefit from such a scheme is little Daisy the young lurcher who returned to us on Sunday because of a change in circumstances in the home. Daisy is wonderful, but so playful and mischievous she needs a home with patience and probably another dog, as she loves wrestling with Bouncer.
Thank you also to everyone who has provided us with food donations recently, it is so greatly appreciated. I know the dogs love seeing me carry in those big bags! Also, thank you to everyone who has bought a SHAK Calendar lately. We still have a few left, please get in touch if anyone wants one. Every penny goes straight back to the dogs. |
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