Another Huge Loss.....

I've given myself 24 hours to compose myself but as I come to write this now I still feel pretty numb. Especially after just looking at the last post on here. Numb and raw at the same time.

With such a sad start to last week I tried to show something positive by posting how well Blade was looking. Little did I know that photo would be taken on my last walk with him.

Blade wasn't himself Wednesday so I took him to the vets on Thursday. Ha had become very lethargic and didn't want his food. Not him at all, and after the shock of Donnie and Buster I knew he had to see a vet. Moorview of course were brilliant and squeezed him in. Both scans and x rays couldn't pin point what was making him so ill, and after 3 days of intravenous fluids and anitbiotics his temperature was still extremely high. I was called down by the vet yesterday afternoon as they wanted me to see just how weak he had become. His already wobbly back end was now completely unable to support him, and the vets were still baffled as to what was going on.....

That hour spent with him is so precious now. He knew who I was and a visit from Paul too cheered him up. We cuddled in his kennel he looked so frail I didn't want to let him go.

After speaking to the Vio and Frankie (the vet & nurse who I have to say were amazing) at great lengths it was obvious we had two choices.... let him go there and then or risk sedation or anaesthetic for a CT scan to try and find out what was doing this to our boy. Paul was a big help in helping me decide and we agreed we weren't giving up on Blade without answers. We left him waiting for a CT scan.....

The scan provided us with answers alright, and unfortunately answers we couldn't correct. Blade's liver was huge, as was his kidneys. The CT images showed marks all over both organs that could of been anything from cysts to tumours. To try and work out what each one was would mean testing each one at a great expense. It would also take time. Something we clearly didn't have. We decided to give him another 24 hours and prayed for an improvement, any improvement

At about 7 o'clock last night I got the phone call I'd been dreading. Blade had deteriorated rapidly and his breathing was described as 'gasping.' I dropped everything and rushed to be with him. I arrived to find his head cradled into Frankie's lap, a position I took over, and could see when he opened his mouth to breath that jaundice had began. Clearly his liver was beyond repair. He was dying there in front of me. I knew what we had to do, and Blade left us nuzzling into me so peacefully and calm after the desperate attempts to breath.

Blade had clearly had an awful time before he came to us, his sheer condition told us that. Yet he was such a gentleman and such a big character it feels like he was with us a lot longer than the short time he was. I loved him dearly, as did everyone who worked with him, he is going to be such a big miss. I will never forget the noises he made or the way he would mouth you when he got excited, but perhaps the most important thing is I will never forget how happy he was when he was with us. To of been able to make him that happy is something I will forever be grateful for.

So that's 3 amazing big boys lost in just 6 days. I started this by saying I feel numb and raw, I know others do too. Our hearts have been ripped into tiny pieces this week, but we have some wonderful memories that in time will help piece them back together.....

(I have deliberately not put any 'before' pictures on this post as I want you to remember Blade as the handsome and wonderfully happy boy he was with us.)

No More 'Panda Eyes'....

In an effort to try and lift the big black clouds that seem to be ganging over us right now, I thought I'd show you the progress made by our old guy Blade.  The picture below was taken yesterday when he was helping me deal with things.  You can see he no longer has eyes like a panda! Further down are reminders of how he looked when he arrived.....

(Facebook users will need to go to www.shak.org.ukto see all the pictures.)

Thanks to everyone who has contributed towards his recovery, you can see the benefits in this photo I hope. If you'd like to donate towards helping him even more you can do by PayPal to shak@shak.org.uk or by sending a cheque made payable to SHAK to SHAK HQ. Greenwell Road, Alnwick NE66 1HB

How I Will Always Remember Him.....

I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who has messaged about both Buster and Donnie.

Lying here in front of the fire thinking about the two boys and looking through my phone at pictures..... I came across this.... Just how I want to remember Donnie.....

We Lose Another Amazing Gent.....

I spoke on Sunday in the post about losing Buster that I'd had another dog down at the vets on Friday in a pretty bad way. I didn't know just 48 hours later I'd be telling you the story.

On Friday I rushed Donnie down to the vets as he was very lethargic and trying to be sick without bringing anything up. Having had so much experience of German Shepherds and spleen tumours I wasn't prepared to take any chances. 

Scans, X Rays and then more scans confirmed that there was a serious problem as the wall of his stomach was grossly enlarged as was his spleen. The indications were that there was a tumour of some sort. 

Donnie was a fierce character, although I got to see the beautiful side of an amazing dog,  and although the stomach wall look too far gone for surgery his unwillingness to cooperate with strangers meant hospitalisation was impossible.

I have to say that Donnie was incredible and put up with such intrusive examinations without needing to be sedated. He trusted me.

He came back with me overnight and then to the kennels on Saturday. Once I managed to get some medication into him he perked up, and I remember him watching me closely as I dealt with Buster.

Yesterday afternoon he took another turn for the worst. I rushed him back down to the vets as it looked to me that his stomach was beginning to swell. I didn't know if it was an internal bleed or the beginning of a stomach torsion either could of been caused by the tumour. He was also trying to be sick again.  

On arrival  he was seen straight away, but after another thorough examination unsedated it appeared that the swelling had gone down. We headed home to my house again with medication to help the sickness. 

Last night we enjoyed our walk despite the bitter cold rain, and he settled to sleep. This morning I found he had slipped away from me….

Speaking to the vet today they confirmed my fears from yesterday that maybe he had suffered a bleed and that at some point during the night he had suffered another bigger one. He looked peacful this morning.

Donnie arrived with a huge reputation that he certainly lived upto. Even muzzled the day he arrived he was jumping and lunging braying the plastic off my shoulder. It took me days before I could get near him, but thankfully he was a lot more comfortable around Melissa, and I think she deserves a  lot of credit for being the one he felt he could trust first. I think I can honestly say hand on heart that he is the only German Shepherd to have me a little fearful, such was this huge bravado he displayed. He wanted to bite me is there is no two ways about it.

As time went on though we bonded and enjoyed so much play time together. He trusted me and I trusted him with me, although he was always going to be a one man dog. I started using him as a stooge dog, such was his calmness and confidence around other dogs.

I am going to miss him terribly. We had a routine, and we had each other. Now that will live on in my heart and memories.

Ironically the start of our 'Not Dead Yet' campaign has departed from us, leaving behind a legacy and having taught us so much. 

'Love Replaces Fear' is a phrase I use quite alot with this charity. In Donnie's case it is certainly true, but this time it was my fear that was overcome…..

(Facebook viewers will need to view on www.shak.org.uk to see all the pictures.)

Farewell Big Buster.....

This weekend has been a real roller coaster emotionally that began with a trip to the vets with a dog that I really didn't think was going to make it, that started early afternoon and rolled on it the night..... he did make it, and there will be more on that story another day.

This morning when I got the message to contact the kennels urgently I feared the worst..... the shock I got was maybes even worse. Melissa and David had walked into find that Buster had passed away peacefully in his sleep. Head on his makeshift pillow like it always had been.

Buster had been with us a long, long time. In fact it felt like he'd been there forever, I think we all just felt he always would be there.....

Having come in as a stray I don't have an exact date of birth, but my maths would put him at about 12 or 13. Quite an achievement for such a big boy. I guess the fact he loved his boomer ball so much had kept him young, and watching such a big lad move so nimbly is something none of us will ever forget.

He instantly won Sarah's heart when she started volunteering and they enjoyed some good trips out. Buster exceeding all expectations on his adventures, behaving impeccably, and leaving her with some wonderful memories.

But everyone loved Buster. He was just that kind of dog. Huge in frame and in heart, and despite a couple of misdemeanours, we all stuck by him. I remember he used to always tip his water bowl over and carry it around his soaking wet kennel with such pride. Much to the annoyance of whoever had just finished cleaning him. Then after trying everything we finally sorted it..... his bowl fitted in an old tyre. Problem solved.

I think we're all going to miss Buster so much. He was a big character and a face you grew to expect to see every day. Not seeing him there in the morning is going to hurt. We, of course, will go on, but life at The Rescue Place will never be the same without him there.

I'd like to say a quick thank you to Melissa and David who completed a days work professionally despite the shock and pain they were feeling. These guys really do care for the dogs, and today was a very difficult one..... they carried on when they needed too.

Run free Buster, go chase that ball. We all miss you.....

Thank You And A Real Shocker Hoping To Arrive.....

Apologise for the silence on here, no other reason than spending so much time trying to deal with some horrific cases of abuse and  neglect, some of which I can't talk for legal reasons.

However, I'd just like to thank everyone for all the fantastic support we have received recently. Christmas has crept around again,  and the generosity of people never ceases to amaze me.

We're fighting a losing battle though, myself and my team accepted that a long time ago. Today I spent the afternoon in negotiations with another rescue to help a German Shepherd that was in perhaps the worst physical condition I have ever seen this breed in. Sheer neglect, the photo's from when he was found will shock..... weighing just 21kgs.

I will tell you his story once he lands, but in the meantime he is perfect example of why we need your support financially and physically more than ever.....

Stephen (Founder of SHAK)

A Very Proud Moment.....

Just a short while ago we were asked to help two dogs who were literally hours away from being destroyed in pounds. I went and got them, and the dogs you know as Bren and Topaz began to tell their own stories.....

Yesterday Rich and I took them out together and they did so well. Seeing them help each other in their quests to regain trust was amazing.  I'm so pround of those two and this photograph!

Another Amazing Boy.....

And there has been a lot of interest in our boy Blade. He's doing really well, and I already adore him. Thank you to everyone who has donated towards his recovery.....

Bren Making Friends.....

Our Boy Bren is really coming on as you can see at play time with the two Stars and Bruce.....

I think the stress other dogs caused Bruce in kennels makes this video even more special. Four incredible dogs I'm very proud of.....

 (Viewers on Facebook will need to click on the post title to view video on www.shak.org.uk)

Thanks Blade.....

What do they say about not working with kids or animal?? Today I tried to get a photo with Blade..... here's the end result!

His skin is already showing signs of drying up, and he's showing signs of being a typical German Shepherd!

Topaz Fan Club.....

Just thought you might like to see Topaz making even more new friends..... welcome to this girls fan club Melissa and David!

(Facebook viewers visit www.shak.org.uk for more pics)

How You Can Help Blade.....

I'd like to thank everyone who has shown us support in our bid to help Blade get his life back on track.....

People are asking how they can help him and although I hate to say it, it's the usual answer..... by sending us some money.

The plan for Blade is to get his skin sorted first.  That process started on Monday with a normal bath, just to try and get the grease and dead fleas and dirt out of his coat. As the antibiotics start to kick in the skin infections should start to clear meaning we then have to repair the damage they have done.  For that Blade will need medicated baths with expensive shampoos from the vets. That is the beginning of where your money is needed.

After that and when the vet gives him a full health check,  the next step will be hydrotherapy to help with his CDRM and weak backend. This again can be another very expensive form of exercise,  and he may even need to go twice a week for the rest of his life.....

So you can see by us taking Blade and thus saving his life, we have committed ourselves to a potentially huge expense, and as I said that is how you can help.

We have a savings account that has been put to one side especially for when Blade needs it. You can help by sending a cheque made payable to SHAK  to:

SHAK HQ.
Greenwell Road,
Alnwick
NE66 1HB

Or via PayPal to shak@shak.org.uk

Please mark all donations 'For Blade'

Blade is so worth this chance. Thank you in advance for your support.

Blade Arrives In A Horrific State.....

I still have so much news to share with you, but one story that I just have to bring to everyone's attention is the arrival of Blade last weekend. We see so many dogs in terrible states, so many in fact that a lot of the time we are numb to the horrors that face us. However with this noble guy I think everyone has been touched, saddened and disgusted.....

I have to be careful about the information that I give on here, but I can confirm that this dog has come from a home environment, is 11 years old and was signed over by the owner who wanted him destroyed. I think a big well done is needed for the Animal Welfare Officer at Northumberland County Council who did all she could, including a vets examination and paying for medication, to give this handsome boy a chance.

He has arrived with a serious skin infection, flea allergy, open wounds where a collar has been rubbing, ear infections and the probable start of CDRM (a degenerative condition affecting his back legs.)

Below are some photo's of his condition on arrival. For those viewing this on facebook you will need to click on the title post to view all images and a video on www.shak.org.uk

Despite having suffered such horrific neglect and clearly being in discomfort, Blade has been fantastic and is clearly revelling in having attention. In fact its almost as if he has never had any attention before.

It was very clear that after treating him for fleas and parasites that the start of this week was bath time! Once again he was an absolute star, and instantly looked so much happier without the tats. Although his skin was so flaky and scabby I had to be careful when brushing as he began to bleed.

Blade came to us when he really needed us. His life depended on it. We have started the process of trying to put right was has taken years to cause..... If you'd like to help towards Blades road back to some sort of good health then please donate via PayPal to shak@shak.org.uk

Beginning To Understand Trust.....

As you can see we are making progress with Topaz everyday. She is still very frightened, but I can see in her eyes she's beginning to understand trust.

Making Progress.....

Just a quick update to show you the progress Topaz has made in the first 48 hours with us. These pictures were taken today and show her no longer on a 'rigid' lead but a normal one.....

First up me and her, then her with the true apple of her eye..... David.

(People looking on facebook will need to click on the post title to view all the pictures on www.shak.or. uk)

Crazy Times And A Beautiful Girl Arrives.....

The last 9 days or so have perhaps been the most hectic I have ever known in the ten years I have been doing this. The amount of dogs I have been approached to help within that period is now in double figures, but with so limited funds and space it has been impossible to take them all. I've been approached from all over the country and even outside the UK with Eire and Romania on the list..... I think we have somehow managed to find alternatives for the ones we haven't been able to take.

Coupled with some frantic trips to the vets and major surgeries (of which I'll bring you upto speed on at a later date) it's fair to say both my sanity and the SHAK van have run up some miles.

Some of which were to help Topaz..... a young female Rottweiler that was booked into be destroyed at a pound last Friday for showing signs of fear aggression after arriving as a stray.  I was approached by the Animal Welfare Officer at NE Lincs Council who was desperate to find somebody to give her a chance.  Nationwide ,including the breed specific rescues, his search had been fruitless until he called SHAK....

The photo below was taken minutes after we arrived back yesterday.  I am using the rigid lead for my safety only, but already you can see she is a beautiful and intelligent girl. It really is upsetting to think she was just hours away from losing her life before it had even begun.....

Another Random 48's Challenge..... Help, Help, Help.....

The very first Random 48's was a brilliant success and for the second one I thought I'd ask for something that would cost you nothing but your time…..

We desperately need reliable, committed people that are willing to go the extra mile to help our dogs. Understanding that it's not all about happy endings and homes, but that being a volunteer at SHAK means you see the real nitty gritty of rescue work accepting your heart will break as much as it will fill with love.

So for the next 48 hours your challenge is to think whether you could give up at least 6 hours a week to help us in one of the very important roles below:

Voluntary Canine Welfare Assistant…..

Hands on voluntary work in all aspects of kennel life. From cleaning the kennels to walking the dogs. Helping us work with their issues and giving them the chance to rebuild their life. We need a commitment of at least 6 hours per week, although that can be split into two 3 hour sessions. Perhaps more importantly, we need some regularity to your contribution so we can work shifts with other volunteers and spread the help equally amongst all 7 days. Your own transport is essantial given our rural location outside Alnwick.

Voluntary Fundraiser…..

We also desperately need people to come on board with fresh and new fundraising experience.  We are looking for people who can run events and activities themselves, but also work as part of the existing fundraising team with the existing fundraising programme.

So….. that's what we need. Do you think you have what it takes to become a vital part of the team???  If so email shakclub@shak.org.uk within the next 48 hours for an application form.

Buster And Barney Enjoy A Treat.....

I just love these videos of Buster and Barney taking a treat! Thanks to Sarah for sending me them.....

(If your viewingthis on Facebook you will need to click the post title to see the video on www.shak.org.uk)

First Random 48's A Huge Success.....

I'd like to thank everybody that got behind the first ever Random 48 appeal! The support really has exceeded all expectations!

I asked people to donate a £1 over a 48 hour period to pay towards our vets bill..... I'm delighted to say that the closing figure was £127!!!

This is just the start of all sorts of new activities for SHAK so please keep an eye on here to see what's happening, but in the meantime thank you all so much again.

500 Target Smashed And A Fantastic Prize.....

I promised you a big announcement today as we aimed to get 500 likes on the official Facebook page that was launched last Monday night. Well after smashing that target with 583 like in the first 7 days, here it is.....

SHAK The Sanctuary has teamed up with The Beresford Arms in Whalton to offer one of our first targeted 500 Facebook supporters a complimentary stay for 1 night including breakfast in their B&B.

The Beresford Arms is a dog friendly country pub and B&B in the picturesque village of Whalton 6 miles outside of Morpeth and is a keen supporter of SHAK.

Having smashed that target, I have chosen at random one of our first 583 Facebook supporters by selecting the 88th person from the bottom of the list…..

I'm delighted to say that our winner is..... Margaret Benzies

Please contact the Beresford Arms via email or telephone on 01670 775273 or theberesfordarms@ebleisure.co.uk to arrange your booking.

I'd like to thank everyone who has supported us on Facebook so far, and especially Chris and Henry from the Beresford Arms for such a generous and fantastic prize!!!

For more details on our sponsor, please visit www.theberesfordarms.co.uk or like them on Facebook: 'Beresford Arms, Whalton'

Like their page for the chance to win a complimentary two course meal for two, this will be chosen at a later date.

And Another Two Amazing Pals.....

Another two amazing dogs who keep proving the doubters wrong are Donnie and Tia. Both have had difficult pasts, and both are certainly not the easiest dog to handle, but I think anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting these two will know exactly how special this photo is.....

Donnie left and Tia Right.

Bren Making Friends.....

I know I keep posting updates about Bren on here, but it's simply because every day we learn something new about him, and he amazes me even more.

He has now developed an instinct to play, and on a walk it's an amazing feeling interacting so closely with him. Today that play progressed into a cuddle that somehow turned into a carry.....

It was because of such closeness that I decided to push him a little bit further. At the moment when he sees a dog he reacts with such excitement but also confusion. Regular readers and supporters should know whats coming next..... time off lead with Star..... (If your viewing this on facebook you will need to click on the title of the post to view the video at www.shak.org.uk)

Two sensational dogs, who prove that you should always believe in the impossible.

Entering The Last 12 Hours.....

I have to say I am absolutely blown away at the response to the new Random 48's which I launched on Sunday morning. Thank you everyone who has donated, and everyone who has gotten behind the very short but important appeal.

With just over 12 hours of the 48 to go the total currently stands at £94..... it would be great if we could get it to £100!

So if you'd like to donate £1 towards our vets bill and help us get that magical 3 digits then please donate via PayPal to shak@shak.org.uk

https://www.paypal.com/uk/signin

SHAK Random 48's. Your First Challenge.....

I'd like to thank everyone  who has supported the 'Make Your Plastic Fiver One To Remember ' campaign, and obviously if your still to receive your first 'new ' five pound note please think about donating it to us!

However, such a simple idea has been so effective and the money we have received from it really has made a difference to the lives of our dogs.

These dogs have nothing else but us and the success of this appeal made me think of how we could run something else to make sure our dogs get the best…..

So this morning  I'm delighted to announce the launch of SHAK Random 48's. A simple idea that does exactly as the name suggests.…. Appeals that last for 48 hours and are for random things we really need.

I wanted the first appeal to be both easy and special and the subject of it seemed so obvious when I thought about it……

Moorview Vets have been brilliant over the last 9 years or so, and yesterday was a perfect example. They come to The Rescue Place twice a year, a perk for which they DO NOT CHARGE US,  to look at all of our dogs and  make sure even the most difficult of our family can have health checks. Emily Renton has been so supportive since she got the job of looking after us, and is so understanding when it comes to the needs of SHAK and our dogs. For that I will always be so grateful.

So for the the first Random 48 appeal here's your challenge……

For the next 48 hours it would be gratefully appreciated if YOU COULD DONATE JUST £1 VIA PAYPAL THAT WE WILL INSTANTLY PAY OFF OUR VETS BILL. Easy as that….. you paypal £1 to shak@shak.org.uk to show your appreciation to Moorview Vets for their amazing support and understanding of our cause, we pay it straight off our bill.

https://www.paypal.com/uk/signin

Thank you in advance for your support. Not only for helping us and thanking Moorview but also for getting behind SHAK Random 48's.

Free Postage This Weekend.....

Thanks to our friends at Teemill I'm delighted to say there is free postage on all our merchandise provided by them this weekend!  It's a great opportunity for you to show your support, help us save more dogs on death row and not pay postage for the privilege! ....

https://shak.teemill.co.uk

See How Bren The Malinois Is Coming On.....

I thought I'd show you just how much our little Malinois has come on in the two weeks that we've had him. Bren (as I have decided to call him and meaning Flame) is such a joy to work with, that it really is scary to think he was so close to being destroyed. Such a young life, and one we all simply adore.....

A terrified Bren on arrival two weeks ago.....

Bren today.....

And if those pictures don't show it to the full effect, maybe thes videos will.....

Above is our handsome boy absolutely terrified on his arrival. His whole body sensitive to even the slightest of my touches. Then today.....

(Please note those looking at this on Facebook may need to click on the post title to view the videos on www.shak.org.uk)

Help SHAK Reach 500 For An Amazing Prize.....

The first couple of days on social media  have been incredible and its great to see so many familiar faces and names as well as seeing so much new support.

The aim of this new approach is to achieve exactly that..... new support and awareness.  So..... I've had a discussion tonight that is really exciting if we can get more people on board the SHAK bus!!!

Basically if we can achieve 500 page likes on Facebook we have a really exciting prize to give away to one lucky supporter that will be announced once the 500 is reached.....

So if you haven't already liked SHAK The Sanctuary on Facebook please do so. Tell your friends and family to 'like' it too. Once we hit that magic 500 there will be a very lucky winner.....

Join The Co-op Membership Scheme And Support SHAK.....

I'm delighted to anounce that after being approached by Alnwick Co-op to continue our relationship with the stores in the Alnwick area, we have successfully been nominated to be one of the beneficiaries of the Co-op Membership Scheme!

The scheme has just been relaunched this month and is running until March 18th 2017.

To become a member of the Co-op and to raise money for us, please register via the link below and nominate SHAK as your charity.....

http://www.co-operative.coop/membership/

How it works

Every time  members choose Co-op branded products and services and use their Co-op  Membership card (subject to Membership T&Cs) 1% of what they spend will go to their chosen  cause.

Members can change their choice at any time until the end of the giving period on 18th March 2017.

If members don't pick a cause during the giving period then their 1% is shared out equally between all the local causes in their community.

So if you live in the Alnwick area, & shop at Alnwick Co-op in Bondgate, Co-op Victoria Road, Co-op Petrol Stations, Co-op Longhoughton, or sadly need to use The
Funeralcare Alnwick. Your membership card can earn cash for SHAK and help us save even more dogs on death row.....

It's as simple as that! Thank you in advance for your support.

Great Sales For 2017 Calendar.....

I'm delighted to say that just 10 days into being available the 2017 Calendar is selling fast, in fact it's broken all sales records from previous years.....

Featuring Laser on the cover and the month of December, it just felt right such a special boy should take centre stage.

You can order your's now from the SHAK Shop via the link below, and to avoid disappointment and to make sure you get yours in time for..... Christmas!

http://www.shakshop.co.uk/SHAK_2017_CALENDAR/p168627_1592854.aspx