Amazing Results And A Need To Expand.....

I think it is more than fair to say that our flagship store in Blyth has exceeded all of our dreams and targets since opening just over three weeks ago.

The work rate and dedication from Joan and her team have given us so much to build on that coupled with the support from you guys we are already out growing what we have.

So we are launching plans to open the upstairs too, but with that comes the need for more hands on deck and more committed volunteers.

If you can give at least four hours in one shift and really want to help the dogs that nobody else gives a 'BARK about then please get in touch via email office@shak.org.uk

Thank you.

Have You Ever Had A Karakachan?

Every now and then a dog comes along that is special in several ways. Obviously the way they are and the stories that accompany them, but also you just wonder how a certain breed or individual has ever needed us.

Kiki certainly falls into all of the above,  but especially given her breed. She is registered as a Karakachan, a Bulgarian Shepherd, and is the first once I have ever had the pleasure of working with.

She is great with the other dogs and in Bren, Rex and Enzo, she has three boyfriends that she manages to keep in check! People she adores, once she has gotten to know you, she is also very clever.

I said she is the first we have ever had and, whilst this is a long shot, it means we are also hitting a bit of a brick wall when it comes to placing her.

We know from her history that her young life has been spent being passed around a bit, the least she deserves it to be settled and with someone who will guide her through her insecurities.

So we are looking for anybody with connections or experience of the breed (We will only allow her to go to somebody that fits those requirements) to help us find her that person.

If you have had Karakachans before and can help, then please get in touch via shak@shak.org.uk

Thank you. 

Can You Donate Tinned Food.....

Running this charity is often like spinning plates, there's always something to do.....

At the moment we are quite short of tinned dog food, so I'm coming at you cap in hand again. Some of our dogs will only eat if they have wet food mixed in, so please if you can spare any it would be greatly appreciated.

Another plate spinning is being short handed at the moment, so if any donations could please go to just either:

SHAK Store. 12 Bowes Street, Blyth NE24 1EB

SHAK HQ. Greenwell Road Alnwick NE661HB

That way it is easier for us to collect.

Thanks again in advance for your generosity.

Opening Offers Ending.....

I'd just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has come down to the SHAK Store and made it a huge success. Thank you too to Joan for steering the ship superbly and for the dedication and commitment shown by the team she has assembled.

One thing we plan to do is keep the shop fresh and forever changing,  so tomorrow is the last day you can take the opportunity to benefit from our opening offers of all clothes, shoes and bags (including designer brands) for just £5!

There will of course be other special offers starting very soon, especially after the success of these opening ones.

So why not pop along to 12 Bowes Street, Blyth NE24 1EB today or tomorrow and grab yourself a bargain.....

On BBC Newcastle Tomorrow Morning.....

I recorded a few bits this afternoon on BBC Radio Newcastle about re looking at the Dangerous Dogs Act. Tune in tomorrow from about 08.15 am for the full live interview.....

2019 SHAK Calendars Available Now.....

After have a presale exclusive for the opening of the SHAK Store, I am delighted to be able to announce thatthe brand new 2019 SHAK Calendars are now available to buy on line!

Thank you once again to all our sponsors who have made it possible that EVERY PENNY from these Calendars goes straight into the pot to help our dogs. Also a thank you to Michael Robinson for all his time designing the finished article.

You can buy yours on line via the following link, or why not save postage and pop down to the SHAK Store, 12 Bowes Street, Blyth.....

https://www.shakshop.co.uk/SHAK_2019_CALENDAR/p168627_1592854.aspx

Summer Loving.....

In such brilliant sunshine I just had to share a special moment between Kiki and Enzo.....

Help Needed In Our Back Run.....

You know we never stand still up here, as well as setting up the shop we've also been doing major renovation to our exercise run.

Our incredible maintenance man Brian has worked so hard and done all the work himself, but now we need a little advice and some help.

The plan is to lay artificial grass so the dogs have something soft to run and play on in all weather's. Here lies the problem.....

The surface at the moment is old concrete and rough, we need somebody's expertise to help make it suitable for laying the grass on.

So we are sending out a plea to any one who has experience doing this job that might be able to give us advice or even even physically help us out. If you are that person then please get in touch via email office@shak.org.uk

The back run is so valuable to the dogs, being the only form of real freedom. We just want it to be the best we can.

(Please note we are in the Alnwick area.)

Volunteer Opportunities.....

There have been a  couple of voluntary position become available at our kennels near Alnwick lately, so as the season change we are looking to attract some more people to work alongside our existing team.

These positions are completely voluntary and are minimum 3 hour slots anywhere between 8am and 5pm, seven days a week. They consist of kennel cleaning, general house keeping, dog walking and once trained, assisting in helping us work on the wide range of issues that come hand in hand with our dogs.

For insurance purposes we can only take on over 18's, whilst due to our own transport is essential.

Please note that these are NOT temporary placements and we do not offer work experience positions. We believe that our dogs need long term commitment to be able to start building relationships with people again.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience and see Rescue at the end where it really can be life or death.

For an application form please email: office@shak.org.uk

Shop Opening Tomorrow.....

I promised you earlier in the week some really exciting news about the SHAK Shop, well here it is.....

We are opening tomorrow, Saturday 6th October, at 9am. Complete with guest appearances from Keith Dodds as a Storm Trooper and Marga Johnson as Woofles!

This project has taken months to get to this stage, with a lot of hard work, sweat and worry on a daily basis, but it's something we are very proud of.

The support this idea has had has been amazing,  with some incredible generosity along the way.....

I'd like to say a special thank you to Joan Brittlebank who has joined me every step of the way, had faith in my ideas and put her heart and soul into making it all happen.

Thank you to Rachel for giving up pour holidays to help search for just the right furniture to fit the shop out. I'd also like to thank Ann Ray for amazing generosity in buying us a steamer and a new carpet, Northumbria Flooring and Furniture for doing us such an amazing deal and Stephen Adams the carpet fitter for being prepared to tackle such a difficult job and still making it look perfect!

Thanks to all the members of the SHAK Team too who helped by ripping up the old carpet, hanging things on the walls and pricing things up ready for tomorrow. Then of course, there is the voluntary team who have come forward to man the shop when its open. We really would have been struggling without you all.

So tomorrow is the big day, a chance for you to come and browse and support us by treating yourself! We also thought as part of the celebrations we could try and include the dogs. So for the whole of October we are asking customers to donate treats and tinned dog food in the donation bin inside the store, that way the dogs too get something to enjoy from a very special occasion!

So please come and see the shop and meet the team tomorrow. We open at 9..... just look out for Woofles and a Storm Trooper!

SHAK. 12 Bowes Street, Blyth NE24 1EB

Very Nearly There.....

We are very nearly there..... Huge news announcement later this week.....