Change Lives

Change Lives

Monday 31 July 2017

An Afternoon Out With Eden.....

With the sunshine finally back I thought it was time to have a little run out with Eden in the van. David came with me, and the 3 of us had a great afternoon.

Although still really scared, she took everything in her stride and even passing cars didn't concern her.

I'll never forget the look on her face when she realised the van had pulled out of the farm yard.....


Do You Recognise This Little One.....

It definitely seems to be a bit of a revolving door at the moment, 1 out 2 in..... 2 out 1 in. There just doesn't seem to be any respite. We continue to do what we can and be there for as many strays or put to sleep cases as we are physically able to house, but it doesn't get any easier.

This little girl arrived as a stray last week. Found wandering around a Northumberland town at 5.30am, she is under weight, claws very over grown and with a huge stench of urine the origin of the yellow staining on her fur is very obvious.

The saddest thing about Missy's (as we've called her) plight is she is such a loveable little soul who has made friends with everyone she has met on her journey to us. Such a little star deserves a life and a family of her own, not to be in such dreadful condition.

If you know anything about where Missy has come from then please contact Northumberland Council Animal Welfare Team on 03456006400.

Or if your interested in offering Missy a Forever Foster home then please email us on foreverfoster@shak.org.uk.

(Facebook users will need to click on the link to see all photographs.)





Wednesday 26 July 2017

EDEN GOES FOR A WALK!!!!!

After barking at me in excitement (the first time I've ever heard her voice) I knew today was the day.....


Big Steps Outdoors.....

Another massive step into the outside world for Eden. Although clearly still terrified, she even managed to walk around!

It's incredible to watch how much she relys on Lennox, but also to see her leaning on David.....


Thursday 20 July 2017

Northumberland Gazette. A Day In The Life Of.....

Had a great day last Friday with James Willoughby from  the Northumberland Gazette. Here's his take on a day in the life of a member of Team SHAK......

(Facebook viewers will need to click the link to see all the pictures.)




Tuesday 18 July 2017

Noise And Action For Eden To Absorb.....

So with so much happening on a farm at this time of year I thought today might just be a good day for Eden to enjoy some sunshine and see a little of the outside world.....


Monday 17 July 2017

Amazing Work.....

David and Melissa had a fantastic afternoon with Ged and Eden. You have to remember the state of Ged with a collar when he arrived, and also this is the first time anyone but me has taken Eden out.....


Saturday 15 July 2017

Just Amazing.....

Another day where the feeling just can't be put into words. I'd like you to remember how Ged was when he arrived, then compare it to this.....


Team Tea Break Time With Eden.....

Yesterday I thought I'd raise the bar ever so slightly again with Eden as she's done so well coming into the office when there has just been us.

So with half a dozen of us in, she made a new friend in Wendy.....


Thursday 13 July 2017

Can You Give Kai A Home.....

Kai is ready for his new home. He's a 7yr old Staffy cross, he's chipped and neutered. He's so  loving,  an absolute sweetheart.

Totally child friendly, dog friendly with introduction. Possibly cats depending on cat.

He does have a sensitive stomach so he's on James well beloved hypoallergenic.

Email sarahmcalpine2000@yahoo.co.uk. Homecheck and adoption fee applies.



Wednesday 12 July 2017

Can You Give Cleo A Home.....

Cleo hasn't had the best of starts to life, but is another that loves having fun.


She too needs to learn a few manners, but an active life would certainly help her settle into a calmer way of living!

She loves a tennis ball, and loves to please.

Please note it is the charity's policy not to rehome a dog with children unless we have prior knowledge that the dog has been with children before. For an application form please contact foreverfoster@shak.org.uk 

Could You Give Chuck A Home.....

Little Chuck is great fun. A real character that shows the fun side of life no matter what your mood is!



Chuck needs to learn some manners, which we are trying to do, but he oozes love and with some guidance will make a great companion.

An experienced Staffordshire Bull Terrier home is essential, as well as an active home. If you think you could offer this amazing boy all he needs, then please contact foreverfoster@shak.org.uk

Please note it is the charity's policy not to rehome a dog with children unless we have prior knowledge that the dog has been with children before. 

Can You Give Beck A Home.....

I've had a great day at our other kennels today, and thought I'd share some of the amazing dogs we have there.....





Beck is an adult German Shepherd who came to us malnourished and with some health issues. We have hopefully turned the corner with his ear infections and weight problems, whilst he is clearly enjoying the attention. Beck doesn't just skive and lie about at the kennels, he has a job to do! Whether that be picking up empty bottles along the road, or carrying his squeaky stick, he has to be busy..... typical German Shepherd really.

Beck is looking for a an experienced German Shepherd home that understands the breed and are willing to help him combat his ongoing journey to full fitness.

Please note it is the charity's policy not to rehome a dog with children unless we have prior knowledge that the dog has been with children before. For an application form please contact foreverfoster@shak.org.uk

Tuesday 11 July 2017

Tea Break Time.....

Looks like I have regular company on my tea breaks now.....


Monday 10 July 2017

Eden Goes Inside!....

Still trying to introduce Eden to the big wide world, today Lennox showed her around the office.....






(Facebook viewers will need to click on the post to see all the pictures.)

Sunday 9 July 2017

Can You Give Ellie A Home.....

One of the most difficult things to accept doing this job is when a dog arrives needing us through no fault of their own. It's even worse when the dog in question really struggles to adjust to kennel life.

Ellie certainly fits into that category having arrived via the dog wardens after her owners circumstances changed.  The fact we know a little of her history means I can't divulge things on here, but Ellie certainly has had a raw deal.

In the kennels she loves everybody but displays signs of stress around the other dogs. It's so sad to see, and when two of our volunteers offered to take her home for a couple of days it really was a great opportunity to see the real Ellie. I think we are all amazed at the transformation she showed simply living a normal life, and it's fair to say Brad and Amy had a wonderful time with her. She even joined us for a pint in the local on Friday night!

Having seen such a turn around in her whilst away from kennels we are now launching an appeal for an experienced foster home for Ellie with no other dogs or children under 16 to give her the little bit of respite she needs and a new start.

If you would like to be considered for giving this beautiful girl a chance then please contact foreverfoster@shak.org.uk

(Facebook viewers will need to click the post to see all the photos.)




Thursday 6 July 2017

Extra, Extra, Read All About It.....

It's been a busy time to with the media. Here's a feature in this month's Living North magazine, our column in today's Northumberland Gazette, and a piece from Dogs Today Magazine.....

(Facebook viewers will need to click the link to see all the photographs.)




Eden Discovers Rain.....

Another little one who is responding to a big week is Eden. We have to remember that she has NEVER been outside before. Earlier this week her boyfriend Lennox made sure she was ok when she encountered rain for the first time.....

(Facebook viewers will need to click on the post tosee all of the photographs. )



Ged Making Friends.....

Little Ged has continued to progress so quickly, And as you can see he now has more new friends in Melissa and David.....

(Facebook viewers will need to click on the post to see all the photographs.)





Monday 3 July 2017

Unbelievable For Eden.....

Another sensational session was had outdoors with Eden this afternoon. Clearly the fear is still there, but with the help of her friends she actually seemed to take an interest. Just watch that nose go.....


Sunday 2 July 2017

Outside For Ged And Eden!!!..

It was a MASSIVE day yesterday as I decided to step it up a little with Ged and Eden. Ged had progressed so well so quickly it seemed a natural progression to try him on a lead.....

Eden we just really needed to give her a taste of the outside world. Although she was terrified she kept a constant eye on her new best friend Lennox, and hopefully we have at least given her a little something to think about.

(Facebook viewers will need to click the link to see all videos and photos.)