So once again we find ourselves in the very worrying position of facing at least a month in Lockdown, a situation out of our control but one which will hopefully save the lives of people and reduce infection rates.
It seems so long ago in one sense when we were facing this for the first time, but on the other hand Boris Johnson’s announcement on Saturday evening brings back so many dark memories.
This time though it is different.
The support we received from you all during the original Lockdown was nothing short of incredible. You all reached deep and supported us in anyway you could, without you we would no longer be in operation.
This time though, it seems unreasonable to come to you cap in hand again. Everybody is feeling the pinch of how the world has been since March, some people are still not working, and everyone is concerned for their own futures. Then of course there is Christmas.
The reality for us though is if this second lockdown goes on longer than the four weeks initially announced we could be in real danger of closing once more. We are having to close both of our highly successful stores tomorrow (more on those later) meaning we will have no self-generated income to see us through and pay our bills. The jobs of our very experienced staff could be in danger, the rents of the properties we need for the charity to run will also have to be paid. I don’t need to spell it out, the charity could collapse and leave the lives of our dogs in the balance. So many would have nowhere else to go.
Such a devastating thought, and one I really do not want to dwell on, instead I am putting all my efforts, along with the rest of the team, into making sure the above is simply not an option.
This year we have pushed the boat out trying to introduce some new products with the Christmas market just around the corner. Unfortunately, such a market is something we will now be denied. So, with that in mind, please allow me to reintroduce you to our online merchandise shop, www.shakshop.co.uk.
This has been around for a lot of years, but with the imminent restrictions on high street trading, I have stripped it down ready for the new merchandise and to make it all easy to find.
There is my book ‘Rescue In Lockdown’ which documents how we faced the first Lockdown and survived to tell the tale. We have also introduced new style hats to the range, as well as the 2021 Calendars and Diaries.
The ‘Oscar’ T Shirts will be online for the first time in the next few days, with just limited numbers and sizes left. I will also be releasing a new retro style T Shirt which I think people will like. The current situation is delaying printing at the moment.
There may even be more products to follow.
Again, remaining positive rather than submitting to the fear which is driving us all on, we are looking to celebrate the rebirth of the online store by giving you the opportunity to still be able to purchase your Calendars and Diaries. We understand you too are suffering from the constraints of the situation; how can you go through 2021 without being able to look at one of our beautiful dogs every day?
So with that in mind, we are offering a FREE POSTAGE on all Calendars and Diaries bought from www.shakshop.co.uk between now and midnight on Sunday 8th November!
Giving you an opportunity to support us and get your SHAK fix, its something we have never done before. However, in these times we feel we have to do all we can.
Of course, you still have time to pop down to our stores in Bowes Street Blyth and Queens Street Amble. Blyth is open until 3pm, Amble 4.30. So much work goes into the operation in these two shops, it would be fantastic for the volunteers to see how much their efforts are appreciated by sending them off with a great day tomorrow.
Despite what I said at the start of all this, some of you of course may still just want to make a donation. If so, there are several ways you can do.
PayPal: paypal.me/shaksanctuary
Cheque (made payable to SHAK): Posted to SHAK HQ, Greenwell Road, Alnwick NE66 1HB
Or via bank transfer: Sort Code 30-95-76 Account Number 01990158
Thank you in advance for your support and for taking your time to read this. If we all come together, we will survive Lockdown once more.
Stay safe and see you on the other side.
Stephen Wylie
Founder of SHAK