Still Miss The Dog That Started It All.....

It's 6 years to the day since I lost my true best friend and the dog that inspired me to start all of this.

When I lost Shak to Lymphoma I swore that never again would I have another dog, I couldn't put myself through the losing them again. But I owed Shak to help other dogs who like him were unwanted.

Today hundreds of dogs have experienced a life that they nearly lost all because of the lasting effect a scraggy German Shepherd Cross had on me.

I was so very proud of you when you were alive with me, and I'm proud of whats been achieved in your memory. Run free till we meet again my friend.

SHAK. Hartlepool & The Radio.....

A massive thank you to Malcolm Riley for arranging this raffle to help us raise funds. If your a keen fisherman or live in the Hartlepool area, please support us. I was interviewed about the event on Radio Hartlepool this morning, and tickets are available from the radio station themselves, or from us (please email joanaustin@shak.org.uk) or from the following venues:

The Mill House Inn
New Inn, Headland
Cosmopolitan, Headland
The Fishermans, Headland
Rapport Cafe, York Rd, Hartlepool
RSPCA shop, York Road, Hartlepool

Thanks to everyone that is supporting this event, and to Malcolm for pulling it all together.

SHAK Supporters 200 Club June Draw.....

This months winners are:

1st Prize: 44 - Toby McNeil

2nd Prize: 175 - John Scott

3rd Prize: 2 - John Anderson

Thanks again for all your support.

Difficult Times.....

It's been crazy times of late, which is why things have been quiet on here lately. Just yesterday I was contacted and asked if we could help 3 dogs all facing the vets needle. We simply don't have the room, the funding to expand and all we could offer was our prayers that the people trying to save these dogs find somewhere.

The heartbreaking thing is that this now becoming a daily occurrence again. Everyone knows about the mad spells around Christmas and New Year, but I wonder how many people realise the awful times in the summer. Yes, people do abandoned dogs so they can go on holiday, yes they do get a dog for the kids over the holidays and then want rid as soon they go back to school.

The team are always looking to create space, but we won't compromise the dogs we already have. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes that doesn't always make it on here, that is aimed at getting some of our dogs into Forever Foster homes or other rescue places once the dog is ready for the next step in his or her life. Several are going through that process now.

How Can You Help?

Your continued support is so greatly appreciated. In fact we couldn't do what we do with out it. However, we have to brace ourselves for the summer and the desperate time that it appears is already approaching.

We need all forms of help, from volunteer kennel cleaners to potential Forever Foster homes for our residents.

We need funding to pay vets bills, and all the other expenses that comes with offering sanctuary to nearly 60 dogs in kennels and another 20 or so in Forever Foster homes.

We need food to feed our dogs, some of which are on special diets. Please look at the list of drop off points below, and maybes drop a tin of dog food in next time your passing:

-Pets At Home Store, Cramlington.

-Derek's every Sunday at Fountainhead Car Park.

-Moorview Vets, Backworth.

-Taylors Newsagents. Bondgate Within, Alnwick.

If you can offer any support please contact the appropriate contact below via email:

General Enquiries: shak@shak.org.uk
Fundraising Enquiries: joanaustin@shak.org.uk
Volunteer Enquiries: jillamery@shak.org.uk
Forever Foster Enquiries: foreverfoster@shak.org.uk

Your support makes all the difference to us, please continue to help us get through this difficult time. THANK YOU.

Still Love You BIG Zee.....

It's two years today since we had to say goodbye to a dog that was fondly known as "Big Zee." Zac was simply gorgeous. A good old fashioned crossbreed with the biggest deepest bark you had ever heard.

Two years ago this morning I walk into the kennels to find Zac collapsed. I swear he had been waiting for me, and as soon as I cradled his head in my arms, he let out his last breath.

On a personal level, I loved Big Zee. He hadn't done anything to end up unwanted, he was just big and old. One thing for sure is that I'll never forget him and he certainly left behind people who loved him..... and still do.

Suki On Days Out.....

Another SHAK dog enjoying some days out is Suki. Her Foster Mam and Dad often send me updates on how she is doing, but I must admit I was a little bit jealous seeing her on the golf course and then at the seaside!

Brodie On A Date.....

Amy and her sister kindly offered to take Brodie to the beach at the weekend, and as you can see he had a great time. It was just two legged girlfriends he met, but maybes there is a blossoming new romance there too?

Updates On King And Bailey.....

Thought you would like to hear an update on two of the big SHAK boys who have recently found new families.

First up, Lesley popped by to visit King this morning, here's what she found:

"I also saw big King again this morning and he`s as happy and content as any dog I`ve ever seen. Apparently, he`s friendly with everyone he meets – canine and human and hasnt put a paw wrong at any time.  The family`s taken to him in a big way and he looks so perfectly in his element, strolling around his house and grounds!"

Then later she also received this email and photo's from Bailey's new family. He looks simply regal and so stunning.

"Bailey is doing well as you can see by the photo’s attached. His coat is still looking good and we have managed to clip his claws ok. The training is still going well and he is doing great, a quick learner."

So proud of both the big boys. We often get commended on the work we do, and all of the SHAK Team work so hard (kennel cleaners/dog walkers to the fundraisers) but it's the dogs that put in the really hard work. These two boys are testament to that.

Update From Ava's Vets Visit.....

I took our big old girl down to the vets today, and to be honest its all a bit of a mixed bag. As I suspected, the problem with her eyes appears to be Entropian which will require surgery to remove skin from under the eye to pull the lashes back and stop then curling in over. Not a particular nice thing for our girl to face. Likewise out of all the lumps and bumps, the one  that is causing the most concern is a mammary tumour that we will get removed at the same time as her Entropian operation.

Ava has had her claws cut and is on antibiotics for her skin and ear infections, as well as eye drops and ear drops, so hopefully she will begin to feel a little bit better in herself soon. One major thing though which to be honest is the decider in when and if the operations happen is the state of her back legs. When she is walking she is very upright, but if she stands for any period of time her back end sinks, very much like Dudley did.

We decided to treat the infections and see how she goes. Ava has been neglected for such a long time and I don't want to put her through surgery if shes not up to it. She's lying here snoring by my feet now alongside Dusty. These old dogs were discarded by people as they were past it. What doe they say about "One mans rubbish is another mans treasure....."

Another Oldie Wanders Into My Life.....

Its been another hectic week, and one that started with the arrival of the dog with perhaps the saddest face I have ever seen. Ava (as I have called her) is a big old crossbreed that was abandoned as a stray, and is has clearly been neglected in her long life. Her ears are filthy and infected, her eyes look sore and weepy and she has a whole load of patches that maybe old pressure sores and are now tough blackened skin.

Ava also appears to be having difficulty with her back end as it reminds me of Dudley when his used to sink from underneath him without him being aware. Hers is nowhere near as bad as Duds was, but here is signs of a development there.

As you can also see, her dew claws are overgrown all the way around, and on one leg are growing into the skin itself, although they don't seem to be giving her much pain. Another worry is the various lumps and bumps all over her body, one in particular near her backend is very large.

However, despite all this she is such a wonderful friendly dog that has such a happy go lucky attitude. So much so, that she didn't make the kennels and has come home with me and the rest of the gang. I am taking her to  the vets tomorrow to see if and what can be done, but she loves life and loves her new friends.

It's been a traumatic week or so after a life of neglect, but here she is asleep on her first night with me, I wish I could capture the sound of snoring on here.

Food Appeal Goes On.....

Thanks to everyone who donated food at Derek's last Sunday, and has donated more during the week. Despite your fantastic generosity, we are still running near empty, and we would really appreciate every tin or bag you can spare. Once again Derek is available for drop offs on Sunday, or we have the collection bins at Moorview Vets in Backworth and Pets At Home in Cramlington.

Derek is open from 7.30 til 5 this Sunday (and every Sunday) at Fountainhead Car Park, Seaton Sluice. Please help us once again, and come and meet SHAK's number one supporter. Your support and help allows us to do what we do. Thank you all in advance.

SHAK In Welwyn Garden City.....

This made me smile, as little Evie proudly displays her SHAK T Shirt all the way down in Welwyn Garden City! Making me and Grandma Sheena very proud. Thanks for the support Evie!

Gracie.....

Thought you might like to hear the latest from Grace:

"Just a couple more recent photos .As you can see she has commandeered Harvey's beanbag and is relaxing with her new Ted which still has squeak and owns that giant chew !

She is doing fine-just relaxing ,learning and walking.She seems to love the car and so has had a lot of outings.
She is back to the vets tomorrow to get her dressing off and hopefully we will get her stitches out next week so fingers crossed.
She is extremely clean about the house and loves her bed as well as Harveys!"

 

A Silver Lining For Grace.....

They say every cloud has a silver lining, and for our Gracie this week that has certainly been the case. Unfortunately Gace caught her dew claw whilst playing, and suffered a gash just above it. It was bleeding very heavily, and she was rushed to the vets to get treatment (thanks to Alnorthumbria vets for seeing her so quickly.) After some stitches and feeling a little dozy still from the anaesthetic it was back to Uncle Geoff's where Harvey was waiting to look after her.

Two other guests were also lodging there for a little way, so Grace quickly made new friends, and I'm delighted to say she is settling into her temporary accommodation extremely well.

As a special treat, Harvey had a word with his groomers Happy Hounds who kindly offered Grace a makeover free of charge. Thank you so much, she looks so pretty.

The plan now is for her to settle and allow her leg to heal, and then we will look for a Forever Foster home for her. Thanks so much to Geoff and Harvey for doing so much for Grace, and allowing her into their home.

(Grace sitting proud with her new friends.)

Feed Me.....

We are very lucky to have some fantastic supporters, who never forget us when we need them the most. I'm afraid we need you again, as we are running short of food for the 56+ dogs we have in our kennels. I have said it before, and I'll say it again, please don't take this as a sign that the dogs won't get fed (myself and my team will starve before the dogs will) its simply a plea to once again ask you to help replenish the stocks.

I mentioned that we have fantastic support, and they don't come much better than Derek and Sandra down at Seaton Sluice. I'm sure you all know Derek sells hot drinks and scones EVERY Sunday,regardless of the weather, and donates every penny he takes back to us to help with the everyday upkeep of our dogs.

Derek has once again come to ,our aid, by offering to act as a drop off spot for food donations this Sunday. Great for us, but a nice trip to the seaside and a cuppa for you!

Derek is open from 7.30 til 5 this Sunday (and every Sunday) at Fountainhead Car Park, Seaton Sluice. Please help us once again, and come and meet SHAK's number one supporter. Your support and help allows us to do what we do. Thank you all in advance.

SHAK Supporters 200 Club May Draw.....

This months results are as follows:

1st Prize - 42 Philip Stevens

2nd Prize - 63 Esther Wilson

3rd Prize - 158 Ross McGowan

Thank you all for your continued support.

Joys Of Spring.....

As usual though in rescue, it's always quickly onto the next dog. Joy has been with us for a little while now, and it's clear that this gorgeous girl deserves to be stretched out on a warm bed in front of a fire somewhere. Joy is named Joy because she is such a happy go lucky girl that loves the company of people. She's an older lady and we think a Boxer cross bullbreed, who was simply kicked out onto the streets and left to fend for herself.

If you think you could offer Joy somewhere to enjoy herself then please get in touch via email (shak@shak.org.uk) I know she is just waiting to make someone very happy.

Evie Goes Home.....

The beauty about what we do here is that every dog is given time. They progress at their speed, and everything is done on their terms. In turn this means that ultimately its the dogs that do all the work. We've seen lately Jetta, King and Bailey benefit from all their hard work, and now its the turn of Evie.

Evie came to us very frightened and suffering from behavioural issues because of fear. She was used to being muzzled, and was constantly anxious. I'm delighted to say after some very important socialising, Evie has now moved to a Foster home where she can get some valuable one on one time, and start to relax into life. Her kennel boyfriend Duke is missing his room mate, and Star is certainly missing her dinner time playmate (pictured) but everyone here is delighted that she has this opportunity. Well done Evie, your a wonderful girl who is so intelligent, enjoy your new life.

Jetta Gets New Friends And A New Home.....

Following on from the great news about King and Bailey, Lesley and Geoff completed their hatrick by finding a fantastic home for our very own Jetta.

Jetta arrived with us after being in line to be destroyed for being aggressive with other dogs. The beginning of his life wasn't the best, and he was in a desperate position.

He is a bright boy, and very quickly made friends with us. I'm sure you'll remember the photo's like the one below when he spent time with Nina. Prior to going to his new home Jetta spent a few days with Geoff and the Lesley and made great friends with dogs in both homes.

As you can see from the first photograph in his new home, he has continued to make friends, and shares his new place with another dog.

Well done and thanks again to Geoff and Lesley, but most of all WELL DONE to our Jetta.

King Goes Home.....

There is a lot of work goes on behind the scenes by the great people I have alongside me, and after the successful move for Bailey, Lesley and Geoff have already come up trumps again.King has been with us for 2 and a half years after being kicked out as a stray. He couldn't find a home because of his behaviour, but simply because he was so big and strong. After weeks of work and trips to meet new owners, King went home yesterday, to a farmhouse with another little dog. The kennels don't seem the same without him, but read the email I got last night, he deserves this.

"Hi Lesley & Geoff,

All going really well, we went for a short walk after you had left and King was good as gold. He walked to heel and did not pull at all.  He is o.k with Ted, a few little grumbles if he sniffs where he shouldn't but nothing worrying. I am just making dinner and he is as calm as anything, totally obedient.  I have asked him to lie down as I don't do food and dogs and he is happily watching me and having an intermittent snooze on the kitchen floor.  Not stressed at all!

He had a sensible bowl of food when we got back and ate all of that, then promptly went for a poo when we took him outside, so a jolly good boy all round.

Thanks, so much to you both, for all the driving and everything, he is really lovely :-).

I will keep you posted and get some photos soon."

Thanks to Lesley and Geoff again for making a massive difference to one of SHAK's real BIG boys.

Time For A Bailey's.....

I'm delighted to say that after a fantastic time in foster with Lesley, our Bailey has now moved to his Forever Foster home. Bailey is such a wonderful boy, an obvious after Christmas kick out puppy, and it was crucial that he left here on the right path. Lesley has done a fantastic job in carrying on his socialisation, and finding him a great home. Thanks Lesley and good luck Bailey.

2 Years For Bentley.....

Yesterday marked the 2nd anniversary of us losing a dog that had a BIG effect on us all up here having arrived with us via a pound where he was due to be destroyed. Bentley was given that name by the people at Rochdale Dog Rescue because he was simply that big, the size of a Bentley! He was wobbly on his back legs, and we weren't sure how long he'd be with us.

A hunger strike when he arrived at the kennels we were using at the time lead to him moving into temporary foster with Andy and Jackie, and he simply never left. I remember tales of Andy taking Bentley into the shower to bath him, and I know the big guy thought the world of his new Dad. Run free Bentley, it was an honour to be able to give you the chance of such a great year.

Koko Pops.....

Koko is another that was facing being put to sleep for getting herself in trouble having been terrified after being beaten and abandoned. She has blossomed with us and is such a playful and sociable girl.Time is a great healer, and this beautiful girl proves that.

Hello Lennox.....

Lennox arrived recently having been a stray. He was written off because of his age and the fact that he is a very large Crossbreed. The say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but Lennox is disproving that theory as he is learning that being with other dogs isn't such a bad thing. He's toy daft, and casting faster than we can brush him, but what a happy boy. Proud to have you on board big man.

From The Dunes To The Pillow.....

One dog Melvyn was able to take home is Poppy. I'm sure I've mentioned her on here before, but in case you've forgotten Poppy is an old girl that was found abandoned on the beach. Mel and Tracy fell in love with her instantly and welcomed her into their home. This is her last night relaxing on their bed! Photo's like this make all we do worthwhile. Thank you guys.

Shadow Goes Home.....

A bit of research and a few phonecalls over the weekend lead to me speaking to Shadow's breeder who was genuinely shocked that he had found himself in such a situation. I'm delighted to say that today Shadow moved into foster through his breeder, and the search begins for a new permanent home. This dog came so close to dying at just 10 months old, thank you to everyone who help save his life. The vets, the breeder, his foster Mam and Dad, and last but certainly not least, my team who took this boy to their hearts. Melvyn, its good he's moved on, you can stop crying now!

Best of luck Shadow.

Buster Having Fun.....

I also had to include this picture of Buster. If ever there was a shot of a big Mastiff type having fun, then this has to be it!