Farewell Big Lad. I Miss You.....

This is has been one of the saddest weeks in SHAK's history. First we had Harry being diagnosed with Lymphoma, today one of the special big boys died in my arms.

Gunnar came to us because nobody else would take him. The fact that he was a security dog meant that nobody wanted anything to do with him. He was discarded, after the idiot that had ruined his life decided he didn't want him anymore. The day he arrived, he wanted to eat everybody. It took 4 of us to carry him in a crate to his kennel, it was like carrying a wild animal.

Over time, Gunnar and I bonded to the extent he was my dog. After that "difficult" start, I got to do everything with him, groom him, walk him, even attend to little ailments and injuries. To everyone else he was scary, to me he was the biggest, cuddliest bear. I lived to help him.

After a couple of days of not being quite right, and appointment was made for him to go to the vets tomorrow. Given his past, getting him there was going to be like a military operation. This morning though I went into his kennel as soon as I got there, and on trying to get him out he collapsed. He was never to walk again.

I rushed him to the emergency vets, where we tried everything. Blood tests revealed his body was shutting down, multiple organ failure the vet called it. She went to get the needle to ease his suffering, but she didn't need it. He died naturally in my arms.

Gunnar gave me so much. Much more than I ever gave him. He died unmuzzled in my arms with vets and nurses trying to save him, just like any normal dog would. A far cry from the crazed beast that arrived that Good Friday. The 18 months we had was perhaps the best months of his life, but he taught me so much and proved so many people wrong. Above are some photos of the good times we had. I am so proud of him, and miss him so much already. Life really won't be the same without him.

SHAK ASDA Bag Pack.....

I'd just like to thank everyone who gave up their Saturday to help us with the SHAK ASDA bag pack. I'm still waiting to hear the final total, but the £800 mark should be passed. Thanks to everyone who helped, especially to Joan who organised it all, and to everyone at ASDA Blyth for making us welcome.

Harry Having A Picnic.....

After the sombre news of yesterday, I thought you might like to see Harry enjoying a bacon roll on a trip to Alnwick this morning with his Mam and Dad.There's more day trips planned, so more picnics to follow.

All We Can Do For Harry.....

It has been a really tough week for everyone connected to SHAK as we've had to come to terms that we're losing a little dog that has made such a big impression on everyone. I don't think anyone will ever forget the emaciated dog that arrived, so thin he could hardly stand up. Harry quickly made friends, and the weight followed. However, on Tuesday his health dipped, and after biopsy's were taken today it has been confirmed he is dying from cancer. Lymphoma is a horrible strain of cancer that effects the glands, it is the monster that took Shak from me.

On the vets advice we are treating Harry with steroids, as in himself he is the usual happy go lucky dog. We know his time is short, and that we will make the right call at the right time, but after years of neglect he deserves to be spoiled right at the end.Its the least we can do.

Sparky In The Puddles.....

For those who haven't already seen this on Sparky's Facebook page, here he is dancing free and off lead in the puddles. Watching this makes all we do worthwhile.

A Note On Skip.....

A photo of Skip in his new foster home, and a quote from his Foster Mam:

"He is a wonderful dog, am so pleased to have him in my life, thank you."

Enough said I think.

First Sunday In August.....

This Sunday is the first one of August, so Derek is open at 6 Marine View, Seaton Sluice 9-5 for coffees, teas and all the usual treats. We are still in need of dog food and financial donations, and Derek is always happy to receive stuff for us, so its a great drop off spot and a tea stop!

And Skip Moves In Foster.....

It was a double good move Cole finding his Forever Foster home, as that then left an empty space in Debs "halfway house." The space wasn't there for long as Skip became the latest SHAK dog to move into foster. Skip is a typical collie, and very very active. This opportunity gives him a chance to get a little bit of routine into his life. Thanks again to Debs and her family for giving Skip this opportunity.

Cole Goes Into "Forever Foster".....

Some happy news this week as Cole moved from temporary foster into a Forever Foster home. Thanks to Debs and her family for all the hard work they have put into getting him ready for this move. Cole has blossomed into a wonderful dog, and the bond between him and his new Mam is already clear to see. Well done fella.

Little Dobby.....

Little Dobby found her way to SHAK when I picked her up as a stray. Clearly traumatised by the whole event and having problems with her throat, SHAK volunteer Paula quickly took her under her wing and into her home and heart. Today Dobby was at the vets for tests after it was revealed that she has a rather large heart murmur. Test showed no fluid on the heart, or any enlargement of the heart, so she was giving the go ahead to start fulling enjoying her new life. Here she is with her new boyfriend, and relaxing in her bed. Good work Dobby and Paula.

Gorgeous George.....

Thanks to Heather for these new photographs of George looking fantastic. I'm sure you'll all agree that both Heather and George are doing a superb job. I'll never forget having to carry him after his stomach torsion. Thanks so much Heather, and good boy George.

Still With Me.....

Time certainly flies, and its hard to believe that this week saw the first anniversary of the loss of a dog very dear to me. Spirit was only with us for 10 days before we lost him with a bone tumour, but the effect he had on me is something I will never forget. He was simply the perfect dog, and having lost Isaac too this week it reminds me how lucky we are to have these dogs in our lives. I'll see you again one day Spirit, your still with me.

Farewell To A Real Gentleman.....

Some bad news this week, as old age caught up with a grand old man. After suffering with problems with his back legs, Isaac said goodbye to this world and left behind a Mam who loved him dearly. The last 9 months of his life were undoubtedly the best he ever had, and after ending up in a pound and facing being put to sleep because nobody wanted him, it was a happy ending. He always was a sweetheart, I could never really understand why he needed us, but he did us proud and it was a real pleasure to have the little man as a SHAK dog.

I remember one day when we were out walking a group of dogs including him, someone saying we'd had "a German Shepherd, 5 Rottweilers and an Isaac out" true testament to what a wonderful individual he was. We'll miss you Isaac.

Mika Goes Home.....

Today was another one of those bitter sweet days where we had to accept that we'd done our bit and allow Mika to move on to her new Forever Foster home. Her new Mam and Dad had drove for 4 and a half hours to come and see her, and they weren't disappointed. Mika has won over the hearts of everyone that has been lucky enough to be around her. Thanks to everyone at JAWT for helping Mika find her home. As you can see in the top picture, she has promised to be good, but she will be missed by us all.

Sparky's Adventure.....

Pictures from Sparky's latest day trip, on the train to Haltwhistle. What an amazing boy this is.

Harry Looking Fine.....

Harry is another SHAK Boy that we're very proud of, and as you can see he is coming on so well. Motivation is easy, as the photo's prove, how could anyone let him get in the state that he was when we were asked to save him.

Another Award For Our Jake.....

Another dog show today, and another rossette for our very own Jake. Remembering back to the day Jake arrived as the smelliest dog I have ever met, he so deserves the awards and the support of a wonderful family.

Thanks also to Angie, Joan, Elaine, Sheila and Neve for another brilliant £150 raised at Pride in the Park!

Flynn.....

The simply delightful Flynn.

Flynn At Home.....

It's always great to see a dog that you have saved enjoying life in a home. I think these pictures of Flynn with his girlfriend Milly say it all. (Thanks to the team at BARK)

Sparky At The Lakes.....

It's always great to get photo's of our dogs once they have gone home, but I have to admit seeing these ones of Sparky on a day trip brought a tear to my eye. Less than a week a go he was in our kennels, and although we do our best, we can't compete with trips to the lakes. How good does he look roaming free.

Dog Abuse.....It's In The UK Too.

Although most of the clips on here are in other countries, abuse like this is very common in this country. I have seen it with my own eyes collecting strays. This is why SHAK needs your support to keep doing the work we do. Please help us provide sanctuary for the dogs that need it the most. Donate food and funds..... To some dogs their lives depend on it.

Donate via PayPal to shak@shak.org.uk

(Thanks to the author of the video.)

Hope.....

You can see her video here:

http://animoto.com/play/Un1CXoI70y0KLQhwTQSvrQ

Hope.....(In Romania)

Found this on Facebook:

"Yesterday, 18 July 2011, was one of the worst days of my life. I have never imagined I would ever see a dog eaten alive by thousands, milion of worms. The poor do (I will call her HOPE) was lying in the middle of a countryside road and tens of flies were ...flying around her. i thought she was dead, but when she saw me getting close to her, she raised her head. She drank water from my hand . Afterwards, I put her in the car. There were worms in her eyes, mouth, nose...every centimeter of her body was covered with worms. We arrived at the vet. She started to shave Hope's hair. Her body was full of wounds. The worms have created deep channels under her skin. The vet said that she would have diesn in max. 1 day, in terrible pain. When all the hair was removed, we washed her. She has been so silent, so kind, she let us do to her anything, as if she knew we want her tu surrvive. She got perfusions, vitamins, painkillers, antibiotics. She made it through the night, she ate and she was ok. The vet was amazed. She is an old German shepard mix, 3 legged, skinny. She needs blood tests, babesiosis test(she had also ticks). The vets from HAPPY PER CLINIC have been very nice and accepted to keep her there for some time. We need financial help for her and, if possible, an adoption, when she will recover completely. She deserves a decent life, for her last years. My paypal is roxxana_84@yahoo.it(please mention that the donation is ment for Hope; I have another case, Charlie, a paralysed dog), my e-mail roxxana84@live.com"

Handsome Cole.....

Another handsome SHAK dog that has recently started a new life is Cole. Cole is in temporary foster, and progressing very well. He is showing his character, and with his two Newfoundland girlfriends he is having a great time. Here he is modelling his new shiny collar. If you are interested in giving Cole a permanent Foster Home please get in touch via shak@shak.org.uk. North East of England only please.

Sparky On Facebook.....

How things can change so quickly for a dog. In the last couple of weeks, Sparky has made new friends, gained a Mam and Dad and found his home. Today saw the launch of his very own Facebook page. You can follow Sparky and see future fundraising events he has planned at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sparky/231777460196321?sk=wall#!/pages/Sparky/231777460196321?sk=wall

In Your Thoughts At Sad Times.....

I get some really sad donations at times, leads and bowls and food from people who's dogs have past away, and whilst we are eternily grateful it always brings a lump to my throat. Its the same for when dog lovers die, and people really do some amazing things in their memory. I'd like to thank the lady who lost her husband to cancer recently who made a donation from the funeral collection, and the daughters who made a contribution towards Georges Vets bill, "as Dad would of helped if he could."

The fact you all remember us in such sad times, means a lot to everyone at SHAK both 2 and 4 legged. Thank you.

Dog Biting Shark.....

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Strange-News/Video-Two-Dogs-Filmed-Apparently-Rounding-Up-A-Group-Of-Sharks-And-One-Fish-Is-Bitten-By-Them/Article/201107316034630?DCMP=News-search-sslc&lid=ARTICLE_16034630_Video:TwoDogsFilmedApparentlyRounding-UpAGroupOfSharksAndOneFishIsBittenByThem&lpos=searchresults

Have I just lost my mind? Please tell me its not just me? Would you laugh if that was your dog?

Thanks Marley.....

Big thanks to Lisa, Marley the pony and all the kids at Cambois School Fair who raised £58 from pony rides. Well done to Marley especially who did all the hard work.

Thank You Liam.....

I'd just like to say a special thank you to school boy Liam Carroll who raised £30.75at Seaton Sluice Middle School Charity Day who raised this fantastic sum by charging people to throw filled bags full of water. What fantastic support from someone so young, THANK YOU Liam.