The Cupboard Is Bare.....

I mentioned a little while ago that it has been the worst period I've known for dogs being 'unwanted' and with our numbers swelling up to 70+ we're finding it harder and harder to keep going.

One aspect that we're really struggling with at the moment because of the added numbers is food. Despite your fantastic generousity we are running low on everything from dry complete food, hypoallergenic food, dry Chappie food, tinned food and treats.

So its cap in hand time again and I have to ask you to help us out..... Anything you could spare would be greatly appreciated.

As I have said before, the dogs will not starve so please don't panic. We will starve before them, but every bit of help will be a massive boost.

There are a couple of ways you can donate..... dropping off at one of our drop off points, leaving a donation in the donation bin at SHAK HQ (Greenwell Road, Alnwick, NE66 1HB) or by ordering through our Amazon Wish List:

SHAK Amazon Wish List.....

Thank you in advance, below are some food drop off points:

Pets At a Home, Cramlington.
Taylor's Newsagents, Alnwick.
Moorview Vets, Backworth.
Sainsburys, Alnwick.
Carlton's Feed Merchants, Seaton Delaval.
Wilkinsons, Alnwick
Carlton's Feed Merchants, Benton.

Thank you.

Goodbye Little Korra.....

Some really sad news.....

Yesterday little Korra lost her fight against Lymphoma leaving behind her new family who loved her dearly. The rapid deterioration we were expecting arrived much sooner than we'd all hoped, and the world lost a loving little soul, who was enjoying her new life so much.

I'd like to thank everyone who got behind Korra and supported her fight by donating towards her veterinary costs, you helped give her every chance. 

I can't put into words how much I'd like to thank Frankie, Kris and Rook for giving Korra everything. It was a fairytale come true..... the vet nurse falling for a real sweetheart when she needed it the most. They are all heartbroken right now, but they can be incredibly proud of what they did and of the fight shown by their little girl.....

Hospital And Holiday For Cheech.....

As always things are busy, and its been a great distraction having a little guest for a couple of days whilst he's been neutered. Cheech had a retained testicle so it was vital we got him done, but his operation also meant I was able to give him a break from the stress of kennel life and let him enjoy the Northumberland countryside.....

I think anyone who has met Cheech will know exactly how special these pictures are.

New Name And A New Start When She Needs It The Most.....

It seems even more fitting after the new that I have just broke to you about Gema that I follow up on the story of little Pippa from last week. I promised you there was a fantastic twist.....

Frankie who was the vet nurse that looked after Pippa when she was in for the blood tests and scans last week fell head over heels for her. It was love at first sight, and just a couple of hours after I'd picked her up from the vets I received an email from Frankie offering her a home!

It really is a dream come true, and along with her new start and home, Pippa also got a new name.....Korra.

Korra is having a fantastic time, and is already getting out to see the world with her new brother and best friend Rook! As you can see from the pictures below she is loving every minute of this opportunity, and a life we didn't know whether she'd get.....

Of course there is a serious part in all this and we know that Lymphoma is a horrible, aggressive cancer. Now we have secured her a home we have upped her medication to include a drug called Cyclophosphamide and of course that means a greater financial outlay. All in all Korra's medication will cost around £100 per month, that's where we are asking for your help.....

Can you afford to give a little bit extra to help Korra? If so you can donate via PayPal to shak@shak.org.uk or you can send a cheque made payable to SHAK to SHAK, Greenwell Road, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1HB.

Frankie and Kris have also set up a page on Instagram @korrasadventures so you can follow her progress.

I am extremely grateful to them both for giving Korra this chance. Having just gone through so much with Gema I think they are wonderful for loving her knowing their hearts will break. Very special people and a very special dog.....

Farewell To An Amazing Girl.....

Sunday was another hard day as me and Rachel had to make the decision to say goodbye to a dog that has left a huge imprint on our hearts and memories. Six months to the day from coming home with us after being diagnosed with a bone tumour, Gema lost her fight against such a horrendous disease. She had been so brave and fought so hard to hang onto the home she'd waited years for.....

Gema had been a SHAK dog for so long and made so many friends over the years, but it wasn't until she came home that we really got to see the 'real' Gema..... one that was perfect in every way. I know it sounds stupid to say with us having so many other dogs here, but the house really isn't the same without her.

Gema had a lasting influence on so many people, turning so many hearts and minds from 'devil dog' to 'perfect dog'. She was a brilliant ambassador for the Rottweiler breed, and one I am so proud to of had in my life.

Six months was too short a time, but all I wanted was for her to see the summer. She loved being out in the sunshine so much..... On Sunday the weather was glorious. We're all going to miss you so much Gems.

Why I'm So Proud.....

I'm very proud of everything myself and my team have achieved, and I think the following story really does emphasise the work we do.....

Thursday at around 15.30pm I receive a text about a dog on the south coast of England that is booked in to be destroyed at 18.00pm. She has got herself in trouble with people and dogs.....

A bit of juggling about with a very well trusted charity partner means we can agree to say her.....

Her transporter picks her up on Friday morning from her foster home. She shows sign of severe fear aggression.....

She arrives at ours at around 14.30pm, just under 24 hours from us first being alerted, and almost the whole length of the country travelled. By now she is showing signs of serious fear aggression. I have to use a 'rigid lead' to get her out of the car.....

Then.....

48 Hours Later.....

David is the first to do the unthinkable.....

Get her out on a normal lead!

Then just 24 hours later, and  just over 4 days since I received that first text, this happens.....

It just shows what can be achieved. It shows how special the work we do really is.....

So Here We Are In June..... 10 Years On.....

Today we move into a very special month for SHAK, a month that commemorates the 10th anniversary of me losing my best friend Shak, and the 19th marks the day my life changed forever.....

I'm sure there will be more memories shared over the next few weeks and some very emotional posts, however today I wanted to share some photographs of some of the dogs I have now that I took at the weekend..... SHAK dogs I'm very proud of......

Lennox and Star.

Lennox Surveying His Land.

Donnie Simply Loving Life.

Donnie.