Could You Help Barney.....

Continuing with the theme of some of our older and longer term residents that we are trying to find that specialist home for, this week I'd like to introduce you to the magnificent Barney.

Barney came to us a strong boy a good few years ago. He'd clearly had no input into his manners or shown any affection and being an Akita cross German Shepherd didnt help with the stubbornness. Deep down though you could see there was a loving boy in there, behind all the brashness.

We found him a home with a lovely family who fell in love with him the minute they saw him. It was quickly decided he was the one for them.

They idolised Barney and worked so hard at his issues with strangers and other dogs. Sticking by him during the thick and the thin.
Then one day an accident happened that wasn't Barneys fault and unfortunately he lost his home and his family, meaning he had to come back to us.

I think its important to point out here that the family still keep in touch and make donations towards his upkeep, such is there love for  him. The return has been as hard for them as it was for Barney.

Time has ticked by and like us all, Barney is showing his age now. We think hes probably about 11 or 12, and whilst the stubbornness of the Akita is still there, he is a lot more gentle on the lead.

He still loves his playtimes,  his favourite game being 'try and get me back on the lead' as he runs around our outdoor exercise area, whilst being around dogs on a daily basis means that he has learnt that they aren't too bad after all.

I think it's now time that Barney ventured back into the world, knowing that it is not such a scary place. He deserves to feel the happiness he once felt again and to have somewhere to spend his retirement.

I think it would be best for him to be an only dog, just to make the transition easier and our normal policy of not rehoming to a home with children would apply.

Knowledge of Akitas would also be advantageous, just to help work out his funny ways.

If you'd like to know a little bit more about Barney then please contact foreverfoster@shak.org.uk

In the meantime, we are still looking for that special person for Tia but I am delighted to say that Sally is loving life in her new foster home by the seaside.

Christmas Donations.....

It's the time of year where people are very generous and start collecting things to donate to our dogs. Every year the support amazes us, as we get an abundance of goodies, bedding and toys. So much so that we still have toys left over from last year.

This year though, we are asking for things that are slightly different. Whilst we will always be extremely grateful for everything we receive, there are other ways you can improve the lives of our dogs.

We are big believers in Coconut Oil and the way it improves the condition of our dogs. We use it on dogs with skin conditions, such as Sharpei's, or just to improve the overall appearance of a dogs coat. However, it costs money and with 54 dogs currently here we cannot afford to give it it to every dog, which is our ultimate aim.

It is easily available at most supermarkets and very reasonably priced.

We also give our older dogs You Move tablets or Cod Liver Oil capsules to help with the old bones and joints. They especially help the ones that suffer from arthritis.

Bedding donations are vital to our operation, but as the weather isn't great this time of year, washing and drying is an on going task. Fleecy blankets are quick to wash and dry, so if you are looking to buy bedding these would be ideal. Please note though that we do not accept quilts and pillows for storage space.

Speaking of doing the washing,  our machine is used every day. You can imagine the amount of laundry liquid we go through. It's the same with the dishwasher tablets, which we use to make sure bowls are cleaned thoroughly.

So all of the above are things that you could donate this Christmas that would make things easier for the daily routine and care of the dogs. It would also free up funds for us to concentrate on things like vets bills as and when they arrive.

Our drop off points are as usual the SHAK Shop at 12 Bowes Street, Blyth NE24 1BD or the donation bin outside of our offices SHAK HQ, Greenwell Road, Alnwick NE66 1HB.

Your support at Christmas has always been amazing,  thank you and thank you in advance for this year.