This year really seems to be flying, I cannot believe that it is already time to launch the Official 2020 SHAK Calendar!
In a very stylish format, I think that this is possibly the best one yet.....
You can see our dogs every day as you plan your month, plus thanks to our wonderful supporters each month is sponsored, which means that EVERY penny raised from sales goes directly towards helping the dogs!
This year's cover star is Bruce, who lost his brave battle against cancer in August. He fought for nearly twice the expected time given by vets. An amazing boy, we miss him dearly.
You can order yours on line from the link below:
After a successful trial last year, I am also excited to announce the release of a new product this year in the form of our 2020 Pocket Diary.
At A6 size, they are just the right size to fit in your handbag or a brief case, these are ideal for planning on the move as well as giving you the opportunity to support our dogs.
AND AS A THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT WE ARE OFFERING A SPECIAL PRICE FOR CUSTOMERS WHO SHOP IN STORE AT OUR SHOP, 12 BOWES STREET, BLYTH, NE24 1BD......
It has been another eventful and worrying spell st the kennels, with our own TV star Ged being critically ill.
It was a strange one as he started the day bright as a button, but by mid morning a few of us all noticed at the same time that he was standing up in his kennel and looking very uncomfortable. I rushed in to see him and was horrified to see his stomach twice the width of the rest of his body, instantly I knew exactly what it was.
A stomach torsion (twist) is a killer, I've seen it a few times before and with a mixed survival rate, so without hesitation I stuck a muzzle on him and carried him into the van.
At this point I think it's only fair that I remind you a little of his story. Ged was found as a stray with his collar out of position and digging into his skin. He was wearing it like a sash and, the way the leather was all distorted to the shape of his body meant it had been like that for some time.
Understandably he was showing horrendous fear aggression, so bad that nobody could touch him, the collar had to be cut off with extendable wire cutters. Such was his state, the BBC ran his story on the Inside Out program.
As you can imagine this meant that he wasnt a prime candidate for a vets trip, but he seemed to know that his life depended on it. Throughout his time at the hospital his behaviour was impeccable.
Moorview were brilliant and had a vet standing ready for us as soon as we arrived. She whisked him out of my arms and straight into theatre.
I really didn't know if I'd ever see him again.
It was strange because Staffys don't normally suffer this condition. It's usually the larger, barrel chested breeds. Yet a scan showed there was a definite twist, which raised another concern. Sometimes Staffys are prone to a tumour on the pancreas, the vet told me, which of course is right next to the stomach. Could it be such a growth that had put so much pressure on the stomach that it had flipped?
My heart sunk at this point. The only way of telling was by opening him up. If the suspicions were correct and there was indeed a huge mass, we would have to let him go there and then.
I got back into my van and anxiously waited for the phone call.
I am delighted to say that there was no tumour. The twist was corrected and surgery performed to stop it happening again. Forty eight hours after the operation he came and stayed the night at my house. Just like he did before his TV appearance.
Once again he was the perfect guest, clean over night and brilliant with my dogs. I am so proud of him.
Of course all this comes at a cost and, so soon after Sadie's big bill I hate to be asking again. The total cost of saving Geds life came to £1752.03. He is worth every penny, so if anyone can help us with the bill it would be a massive help.
Or via cheque (made payable to SHAK with GED on the back) to SHAK. Greenwell Road, Alnwick NE66 1HB.
Or by popping into our SHAK Shop at 12 Bowes Street Blyth NE24 1BD.
Ged has come on so far since he arrived, being able to help him once more and more importantly the fact he allowed everyone to do so, shows he has learnt to trust, at least a little bit, and that to us means so much.
(For those who havent seen it, or for those who want to watch again, here is our own star on the BBC.)
I thought this week I'd introduce you to another long term resident who will probably be with us for the rest of his time.
Mac's story is a very sad one, but also one that shows just how special the work we do is.
Mac had a great life, all he needed he had. He lived rurally out in the west of Northumberland with his owner who he adored and went with everywhere. There was just them and the great outdoors.
Everything was perfect.
Then one day his owner didn't wake up and Mac lay beside him for days, not knowing anything else. This was where the the problems that would effect him for the rest of his life began.
Somebody from the village eventually broke in and found Mac with his dead owner. Macs instant reaction was to protect and let nobody near him or the body. When that didn't work he did the only thing he could do. Bite then run away.
Eventually he was cornered into a large green house before he was caught and put into the rescue system.
At the time we were full, so a brief stay at another rescue highlighted his lack of socialisation with people, until eventually he came to us.
Mac is a very complex little character. He has known nobody in his life apart from his previous owner. Not being around others has made him fearful of people and, perhaps more worryingly, he doesn't trust anyone. He is defensive and hesitant, independent but happy in his own little way.
He loves playing in the outside exercise area, chasing a frisky. He even let's you pick it up to throw for him, but only after he gives you the signal that it is ok to do so.
It's so sad because once he had everything he wanted, then through no fault of his own it was gone.
I don't think he will ever have that bond again, but he enjoys his life with us. We have learnt to respect his ways and try all we can not to put him under pressure. In Rachel, he has the nearest thing to 'his person.' He even let's her brush him. Such an intimate interaction for a dog, but it does show he can drop his guard.
I'm not sure that he would have survived anywhere else, or whether people would have had the patience to give him the special treatment he needs or deserves. What I do know is that we will he around for him for as long as he needs us.
As it's getting to that time of year when the thicker quilts come back out, I thought I best give a little reminder that we DO NOT accept duvets or pillows as bedding.
Whilst we greatly appreciate the kindness every donation brings, we do not have the storage facility for the huge numbers we receive, nor do we have means of disposing of so many.
Thanks again for your support and for understanding.
Was a real pleasure meeting dog trainer and author Dominic Hodgson @mydogssuperhero yesterday afternoon, to show him the work we do as part of his #tourderescue 😁
Due to unforeseen circumstances I'm afraid the event as part of the Tour De Rescue tonight has been cancelled. Really disappointing but hoping to arrange something else soon.
A few weeks ago I was asked if SHAK would accept an invitation to be one of the beneficiaries of The Tour De Rescue......
Of course I was very proud to accept!
"The Tour de Rescue is a charity bike tour which pulls together rescue centres, charity organisations, pet professionals and dog owners from all over the U.K.
The man behind the Tour de Rescue is dog trainer and author, Dominic Hodgson who wanted to combine his love of cycling and dogs, to educate and encourage the public to consider adopting a rescue dog, and to get more people to get involved in support their local dog rescue. "
It all sounds like a very exciting project, and as well as ourselves some other fantastic causes are also getting some much deserved limelight.
On the day that Dom is visiting us on his route (Monday 9th September), I am also very proud to be part of an amazing line up for a talk on the evening.
Make sure you get your tickets early.....
You can get your tickets and find out more from the following:
