Good Night Phoenix.....

This is still very raw, but I will try my best.

You will remember in June we took in an old Husky that was tied to a tree on the a69. This is one of the busiest roads in Northumberland,  connecting the east and the West, and he was in dreadful condition.

This bedraggled boy became Phoenix, and it turned out he was at least 16. It was clear from the minute he arrived that he couldn't stay in kennels so he ended up at home with me.

His stay lasted literally a few hours then Rachel came, fell in love and the two became inseparable. The love was mutual and instant, like it was meant to be.

He became an integral part of our family, settling in as if he had always been there, loving life with his brothers and sisters.

Fostering an older dog is never easy, but Rachel was so patient and understanding with him. Seeing them together showed true devotion, I am so proud of them both.

Last week he became ill. Blood tests showed some major changes, especially in his protein levels and he didn't have enough red blood cells. Without further tests we couldn't be sure of the cause, but it pointed towards a liver or kidney problem. Severe anaemia meant his body was shutting down, there was nothing we could do.

On Thursday his body told us it was tired and couldn't go on. We lost an amazing part of the family who had showed so much bravery and desire to live. He was stubborn, courageous, determined but above all he was amazing. We were very lucky he found his way to us, we miss him dearly.

Busy, Busy Times.....

It has been a really busy time of late, with what appears to be the 'post school holidays kick out' season really gathering pace. It's amazing how many dogs find their way to us as 'strays' but once you dig a little deeper into microchip details the truth begins to unfurl.

I really don't know what the answer is to this problem, as it is definately better and safer that these dogs come to us and other rescues rather than being left on the streets or destroyed, but the overall effect in the world of rescue is that we are all completely saturated.

Couple that issue with the seasonal problem of poachers, now the nights are drawing in and the fields are being cut, thus creating an influx of Lurchers and Greyhounds, you can see just how desperate things are.

The biggest issue with the abandoned sight hounds is they are usually dumped in horrendous condition. More often than not emaciated and riddled with fleas.  They tend to need some sort of medical attention and are usually very nervous around people. We have seen it all so many times before.

So as winter is in the air, our work rate needs to step up even more, putting us under even more pressure. That's why you support is so valuable. Thank you.

Kiki and Enzo who both arrived recently and are now helping each other.

Duke Update.....

The support and kindness that people have shown Duke has been nothing short of sensational.  I'm delighted to say that we smashed the target we set and people are still stopping me in the street and donating and asking how he is. We've decides to keep the excess funds to one side just in case he needs more surgery or further amendments to the surgery that has been done. Once again, Thank you all so much.

He's had a great few days recovering with Brad and Amy, as you can see......

Duke is recovering really well, he’s feeling pretty sorry for himself so is enjoying extra cuddles and attention. He has been spread out across the double bed every night!
Duke has been doing so well we decided to take him for a pint down the local pub where he got even more spoiled as everyone felt sorry for him with his buster collar on. The bar maid even brought out a bowl of cheddar cheese for him since he’s very fussy and said no to the regular dog treats!

Dukes eyes look to be healing really well, we are back at the vets this week for a post operative check up so fingers crossed they are happy with his recovery. They will be checking to see if enough skin was removed in order for Duke to be as comfortable as possible as before the operation his bottom eyelids were extremely inverted. They will be looking to see if any skin needs to be removed from his top eyelid to make him even more comfortable. I think Duke can’t wait to get that buster collar off regardless!

Amy

A Reminder For Tomorrow.....

Please dont forget if you are interested in volunteering at our new shop, we aare having an information meeting tomorrow.....Monday 17th of September at our new premises.... 12 Bowes Street, Blyth NE24 1EB.

Doors open at 17.45 for an 18.00 start. Hope to see you then.

Duke Recovering After His Op.....

Just want to  say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to everybody who has supported Dukes appeal. The reaction from our supporters has been simply unbelievable and I'm delighted to say that he has had his surgery and is currently recovering at home with Brad and Amy. Thank them and you guys so much.....

Nearly There And Exciting News.....

With a lot of hard work and the help of some amazing people (more on those at a later date) the very first SHAK Retail Shop is very nearly here!

I have to say it has had brilliant reception and as myself and fellow trustee Joan were doing more work there this afternoon we even had people coming in and wanting to look around!

When this idea was first announced we had a surge of people looking to offer their time as a volunteer. We really do need these people to help for this to work, remember as a charity we have over 70 Dogs that need caring for, our human resources are stretched to the limit, so we have decided to host an informal session for everyone thinking of volunteering.

The idea behind this is for you to see exactly what is involved in being part of our retail team, including explain Gift Aid,  then hopefully you will want to be part of it even more!

So the special night is a week today, Monday 17th of September at our new premises.... 12 Bowes Street, Blyth NE24 1EB.

Doors open at 17.45 for an 18.00 start. Hope to see you then.

Can You Help Us Help Duke?.....

You may remember I introduced you to Duke back in April when he enjoyed a great weekend away from kennel life with Brad and Amy. We vowed then we would try and find him a home,  but all of our efforts have been in vain.

Duke was found as a stray, we know he is called Duke because he had a tag on with his name but no owners details, maybe they were afraid of a large vets bill looming? He has had constant problems with his eyes since he arrived with us be we were hoping to put off any operations until he found his forever home. Unfortunately since that hasn't happened we have decided to go ahead with his surgery and kindly accepted the offer of a few days with Brad and Amy to recover.

Duke needs an operation on his eyes called an Entropian. Entropion is the name given to “inward turned eyelids”. The inside of a dog’s eyelid is smooth and pink, so it slides smoothly over the eyeball. However, if it is turned inwards even slightly, the hair and eyelashes rub against the eye, causing irritation, pain and inflammation. In severe cases, entropion can even result in corneal ulcers (“scratches” on the eye’s surface), pigmentary keratitis (dark pigment-filled spots forming on the cornea) or even rupture of the eyeball itself. Even moderate cases, if not resolved, may affect the dog’s vision.

(Extract taken from https://kernowvetgroup.com)

So with everything else in place, this is where we need your help to really make a difference to Dukes life.....

It is estimated that his operation and after care will cost around the £400 mark,  so today we are launching an appeal to raise the amount required.

Duke is booked in for surgery on the 13th of September and will have the operation regardless, but if we could raise the additional funds to cover it it would really help.

You can donate via PayPal to:

paypal.me/shaksanctuary

Or via cheque (made payable to SHAK and marked Dukes appeal) sent to our head office:

SHAK HQ
Greenwell Road
Alnwick
Northumberland
NE66 1HB

Duke has been so patient waiting for his chance of a home, we really want to make a difference to his life.....