Sunday Post Photographs.....

Here's a few photographs taken for the Sunday Post article last week. The four boys in the first 3 pictures all faced being destroyed before arriving with us, and I think you can see how well Butch, Kane, Laser and Murphy all get on. They are a privilege to be around.

Big Buster loves his cuddly toys, and cuddles too. He's a stunning big boy who quite simply makes me look tiny on this photograph.

Thanks to Andrew Cawley for these.

Luka On The Ball.....

I've had a few people ask how Luka is doing, and how he is settling in. Well after today's appearance in the Northumberland Gazette, he thought he'd show the world his football skills. He's such a biddable guy, and loves the attention of both people and other dogs, but this morning it was all about him and a football!

Blue Bamboo Goes Home.....

In such hectic times and the mad "kicking out" season, I'm pleased to bring a little bit of good news today. After a successful trial period, Blue has won a special place in the hearts of a family very close to SHAK. He now has a family who love him and it just shows all the hard work he has put in has paid off by giving him this opportunity. Thanks to John, Bev et all, and thank you to Sheena for doing so much to help him on his way.

Monthly Column Time Again.....

Once again our local followers can read about some of the dogs in our monthly column in Northumberland Now in this weeks edition of the Northumberland Gazette. This month features Bodie, Doyle and Luka, and is a little reminder of how bad a state these wonderful dogs were in when they arrived with us.

SHAK Goes National In The Press.....

For all our Scottish and Northumberland followers, there is a piece on SHAK and the work we do in the Scottish National Newspaper The Sunday Post today.

I'd like to also take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped out at the bag pack at Asda yesterday, Pets At Home a couple of weeks ago, the Doggy Day at The Priory in Tynemouth and to Mrs Kennedy for her and her husbands unique way of raising funds! Thank you to everyone who made all the abvove possible.

Evolution Evie.....

Next up is the gorgeous Evie. Evie has found the beginning of her life tough, and that resulted in her needing us. These photos were taken 48 hours after she arrived, amazing to think that she'd needed to go everywhere wearing a muzzle two days earlier. She's a very intelligant girl, and is learning to trust so quickly. I already have a new best friend.

Baileys Cream.....

Thought I'd introduce a couple of the recent arrivals, both of whom are doing extremely well since they came to us. We're working on socialisation and development for both dogs, and having arrived in difficult circumstances, the progress being made is amazing.

First up is the young and gorgeous Bailey. It is important for Bailey that he learns the right things, as he is at such a young age, but as you can see he is so much fun.

Never Forget You Bruno.....

Today marks the 3rd anniversary of us losing a big boy who I often still think about. Bruno was a big brave boy who I wish could of told us how he felt. We did our best for him,and I'll never forget him.

Here's his story:

"Bruno came to us all the way from Southampton, looking for a new start due to no fault of his own. He had a history of a poorly stomach, but that was put down to a food allergy, and we tried to combat it with various specialist diets, although it turned out to be something a lot worse.

On February 17th 2009 we had to give up the fight, and let him move on to a better place. Bruno gave us so many ups and downs in the time we had him. He was such a loving, yet grumpy big guy. I for one don’t regret trying to help him, and right to the end, he was a gentleman and a calming influence on the other dogs. Below is brief description of his illness, written by then volunteer Sharon Ness who was with him right to the end. Run free Bruno, God bless you.

“His blood tests showed a significantly low level of protein which the vets say was obvious given his emaciated state.

The scan showed nothing and they felt an x ray would yield no valuable information as they could feel the whole of his intestines when examining him. Several of the vets reviewed him, his results and his history during the time they had cared for him.

The consensus of opinion was that it was inflammatory bowel disease as debilitating as cancer, if not that then a diffuse lymphoma causing multiple small tumours throughout the bowel. Definite diagnosis would have required surgery to take biopsies but this was something that they felt was too much for him to cope with in his very poor state of health.

Basically his immune system was attacking his own gut and causing an absorption problem and profuse diarrhoea. It would be untreatable and progressively worsening. The vets felt that they could not offer any interventions and the best thing for Bruno was to be put to sleep.

The whole illness would have occurred regardless of where he was living and was not contributed to by "kennel stress".

Bruno very quietly and peacefully was put to sleep 4pm this afternoon while I cradled his head and told him to go off and have a great run after some rabbits.......run free at Rainbow Bridge little man xxxxxx”

SHAK Supporters 200 Club Draw.....

The results for February's Draw are:

1st Prize: No.58 Sue Tait.

2nd Prize: No.18 SHAK.

3rd Prize: No.80 Shirley Kell.

Thanks for all your support.

The Hard Work By These Three Pays Off.....

I am proud of everything we do here, and proud of the way my team handle every dog and situation I throw at them. Dogs (like Luka) arrive at the drop of a hat, all with different problems and issues, yet they take it all in their stride and give each and every dog the best care and attention they could ask for.

However, it is myself or the team that do the hardest work, nor do we dare take the credit for it, because everyday these dogs that have been discarded and that nobody wants do nothing less than amaze me. It is the dogs themselves that do all the hard work.

There have been a few comings and goings lately, it's very much a case of one in one out, and recently there has been a few very special SHAK boys take their first step into the big wide world.

Sam and Shane have come on leaps and bounds over the period of time that we've had them. Both arrived with the distinct possibility of being destroyed, and both have proved that given time, no matter how long it takes, that issues can be overcome. They have now moved into experienced foster homes whilst suitable forever homes are found. Thanks to Geoff, Lesley and Barrie and Dorothy at GSD Home Finder for giving these boys this opportunity. I'm so proud of them both, and the reward of seeing this keeps us all going.

Another boy we're all proud of is Flint, who has also now moved onto another rescue as he starts the search for his new start. Flint is a wonderful young boy who took a little while to find his feet with us. He has blossomed into an affectionate and sociable boy, and I know there a few of the girls in here both 2 and 4 legged that are going to miss him, Kes being one. It all starts now Flint, enjoy little man.

(Above Sam and Shane, Flint.)

The Other Side Of The Coin With Rottweilers.....

This is Luka that I drove to Scotland to collect yesterday. As you can see there are clear signs of neglect and emaciation, and if I'm honest these photos don't really do the state he is in justice. We live in a country where I'd say the general opinion of Rottweilers is a bad one, but these photos show the other side of the coin and the suffering humans do to a breed of dog that only ever receives negative press.

A New Home For Shari.....

A big thank you to our friends at JAWT who made it possible for Shari to be relaxing in a new "Forever Foster" home tonight. Shari came to us a few weeks ago after being discarded and had nowhere to go. Thanks to rescues working together she now has a new family. Thanks to everyone who made this happen, and way to go Shari.

Jetta Finds A Pal.....

Jetta the Doberman cross arrived last Sunday, he came via a vets and a rescue from down South where he was due to destroyed by his owners for being dog aggressive.I took these photos on Thursday with help of our very own Nina. I think they say more than any words possibly can, and show what can be achieved in such a little time.

Nina And Jetta.....

Happy Birthday Harlie.....

Things have been very busy of late, hence the fact I haven't had the chance to update here very much of late. Anyone, Happy belated Birthday to our very own Harlie who was 5 last Sunday. I'm sure you all remember how ill Harlie was when she came to us 3 and a half years ago, but a visit from the vets on Tuesday was a success,and we are now trying to reduce her medication. Happy Birthday Harlie, you pretty much sum up what SHAK is all about. Proud of you girl.

Willow At Home.....

Here's Willow relaxing into her new life with her new pal Nima. Two stunners I'm sure you'd agree.

Willow The Wisp.....

Little Willow came to us in pretty bad shape and down in the dumps. She had a severe flea allergy, and judging by the length of her claws it looked like she hadn't been walked very often, if at all. There was also the fact that she was lactating and had obviously recently had puppies. We gave her treatment for the fleas, and a trip to the vet provided anti biotics for her skin infection.

I'm delighted to say we quickly moved Willow into a foster home, where she is doing extremely well. Yesterday she visited our friend Lucy at Bella's dog groomers for a medicated bath, and after seeing her today she looks fantastic. Thanks to everyone who has made her rescue possible.

SHAK's Monthly Column In The Newspaper.....

Today sees the first publication of our monthly column in Northumberland Now, which is a supplement that is included in the Northumberland Gazette. For those local to us please check it out on page 6, and look out for next months feature.