Guildford & District Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue

6th March

2012-03-07T00:16:00.000Z

Having a spare ten minutes this morning I contacted the two local authorities whose land we cross in the proposed Stafford walk on 25th March.

Nugget settling well

I looked online first to see if I could find a map of the area they covered. I could not so I rang the switchboard of the first, explaining that I ran a dog rescue and was planning an organised dog walk to promote responsible dog ownership and had seen on my insurance I needed the permission of my local authority and the police.
She put me through to Environmental Health, as this is the department Animal Wardens come under it seemed reasonable, but they could not help. I was passed on to at least four different departments in the end. None of them having any idea what to do.
Eventually they suggested a lady, I have no idea of her department. She mused, I explained more fully, we would be on public footpaths, bridleways, roads. 'You need to contact Surrey County Council the.' I made unconvinced noises. Then she suddenly came up with the HSE Health and Safety Executive. It sounded unlikely, but I asked for a number. I waited whist she Googled it, telling me how informative it was but she couldn't see a number. I continued to wait until at last she found the number which she proudly shared, I recognised the code, it was for Merseyside!
She seemed to think she had been very helpful so I tried to thank her with enthusiasm.

Then I tried the other LA. Feeling by now I was part of an undercover survey.
I explained again to the lady on the switchboard. She did not answer but put me through to someone as it began to ring ...and kept on ringing ... she cut in again just before I hung up, answering as if for the first time and then realising said,'Oh yes you are waiting for refuse ... ' Then nothing, I tried a couple of 'Hello's, nothing!
I put the phone down and got on with my day.

I strongly dislike local authorities, that mixture of bureaucracy, self importance , and sheer bloody incompetence makes my blood boil.
It would be better to pretend naively you knew nothing.

I will try and ring the police ... meanwhile lets continue to promote our walk.

5th March

2012-03-05T23:26:00.000Z

Good news ... Insurance form + payment sent off early this morning, cover from 7th March.
Bad news ... saw that for sponsored walks in public places e.g. Stafford Walk we need permission from our local authority and police ... Drat! Something else to do tomorrow, lets hope they say 'Yes.'

Boycie

Sam Keen (owner of Roxy, honorary Guildford Stafford) came to help me work the dogs this morning.
She got on particularly well with Boycie and Chance and we will be working out an individual training programme for each of them plus videos of them being amazing.

Crufts is approaching and a team of Staffies from East Anglian SBT club will be taking part in Agility there on Sunday.
Kerry with Neighla and Rhea (Guildford Stafford) will be there. We wish them all the best.
(There is a promotional video, featuring Jo-Ann Essex Staffords, I will try and share link.)

Chance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp5BRL0OVHk&feature=share

4th March

2012-03-04T22:58:00.001Z

Do you remember Val mentioning an old dog called Nugget who was at Battersea D &CH and may come their way after she had undergone some health tests?

Val and Stuart with Luci, Nugget,Honey,Oscar and Daisy.

Well on Saturday they took the rest of their pack along to meet her causing quite a stir with everyone who saw them and couldn't believe they had so many Staffies all getting on and behaving so well.
All went well with the meeting and they took Nugget home with them as their new adopted oldie.
Nugget had been fostered by Ali Taylor who works at Battersea and she was thrilled that Nugget had a home with Val.
Stuart thinks Nugget has characteristics of Doris and Percy, their last two oldies.
I am sure you will join with me in wishing them all a very happy life with Nugget it is wonderful cheery news after all we have been through in the past few weeks.
No doubt we will be hearing more of Nugget as she settles in.

2nd March

2012-03-02T23:31:00.000Z

It's early college drop off on Friday mornings, Chance, Boycie and Sapphire came with me, after daughter disembarks we head down to the ponies and bring them in.
Each dog has a game of ball. Chance and Boycie with the ball thrower, Saffy without because she grabs it.
At the end of Chance's game we were a little distracted by the men collecting the rubbish and a lady with a young Whippet, who she told me she had taken Whippet Racing, fascinating.
Then I headed home, as it's Friday and Steven comes to walk dogs with me.

After lunch I returned, this time Angel was with us too.
I looked for the ball thrower but couldn't find it in any of the places I normally leave it. I kept coming back to the car, I was sure that's where I had it last, but there was no sign of it. I lost another one a few weeks ago, I had thought that would turn up but it hadn't. That one was blue, this time I got a red one so it would show up better, but it wasn't helping now. Then I remembered ... there had been a funny noise as I pulled out of the drive this morning, oh surely I hadn't? Could that noise have been a ball thrower falling off the car roof? The more I thought about it, and remembered the startled looks on the faces of passers by when I heard it, the more certain I became that that had been its fate.

I explained to Jessie when I collected her, 'So as we pull out of the drive, see if you can spot it.'
We did ... there it was lying near the golf club entrance, difficult to see if it was intact, but there was worse, it was not alone, lying near it I recognised the blue lead, one of two of our most useful leads, the easy ones you always want to have to hand.
We pulled into the golf club and went to retrieve them, or what was left of them. Both lead and ball thrower were smashed beyond repair.
Is that where the other ball thrower ended up? How many other lost items have met the same fate?
I have done it with my handbag, a set of keys and a cheque book in the past, Val did it with her daughters birthday cake!
I do apologise and promise I will try to be a better steward of rescue equipment in the future ... you would have thought a red ball thrower would show up against a blue car ... wouldn't you?

Pictures of Lexus, courtesy of Lindsay Stewart, taken when he first came in to rescue in February 2008

We have just had the reminder for his yearly vaccination so that would be right.

1st March

2012-03-01T23:58:00.001Z

What a beautiful day it has been.
March' Coming in like a lamb,' so no doubt it will 'Go out like a lion.' For now though we can enjoy this very pleasant spell of weather without even having to wipe muddy paws, it has certainly been a very welcome respite for me this week after all the traumas we have been through and adjusting to Dave not being around during the day.
Dave has almost completed his second week at his job and although I have no idea what happens when he is there, I can confirm he gets up and goes every morning, well done him!
I took delivery of posters and fliers for our next Stafford walk today from Jon. Jon and Lynne have kindly produced them for us and they are very impressive.

Stafford Walk Sunday 25th March 11 am For more info :- staffiewalk@live.co.uk

I have also received the quote for insurance and we have just enough left in the bank to cover it.
We have also received donations from two of our followers, Mark and Gareth, our thanks to you.

Also we have discovered on facebook some pictures of Lexus when he was first in Treetops Kennels. Exclusive ' before he was famous,' shots! When I can work the technology I hope to share them with you.

There is also another charity event we have been invited to take part in at Pets at Home in April, more details soon.

29Th February

2012-02-29T23:42:00.000Z

Thank you Mark for your moving comment on Sandy.
At these times it is always good to think about your successes and take time and enjoy your own dog.
Our biggest success this year was Jade finding a home with Christopher Hammond, he rang me today to say how pleased they are with her. His only complaints, that she had put on weight and that she was 'bossy.'

The dogs with us are all well.
Sapphire, despite having been with us almost two years now, is very happy. She comes to the ponies each day and plays ball with anyone who is around, including builders and landscape gardeners. She did get into trouble recently for running on the newly laid patio slabs. She is no trouble to us and equally seems to have a good quality of life here.
Angel is tail chasing less, the end of her tail fully recovered but she can still become upset if another dog is vocal.
She too enjoys a good run chasing the ball. She is also allowed upstairs in the evenings for a while but does push it and jump on the bed if she can get away with it.
Boycie is fine in the car now, even coping with the journey from hell this morning on the college run and that with a full tum. He too enjoys a game of ball.
Chance is still high energy and gets very jealous, a home as an only dog who accompanies his owner to work would suit him. He is the most gorgeous colour.
Tara remains a delight, enjoying her walks with Lexus and making the most of her time out of her crate. She too comes upstairs whenever she can but will lie on the floor and only jumps on the bed when invited or when no-one is looking!

Having Lexus' rear end in front of you may not be everyones idea of happiness, but when he is trotting along in front of me on walks with his jaunty step, tail swinging in time and ears flapping, and I know if I could see his face he would look as if he was smiling, for me it is the cheeriest place to be. He really is the happiest, comical, cartoon like dog there could possibly be.

28Th February

2012-02-28T21:38:00.000Z

Until recently we kept Poultry, rare breed chickens and ducks. My favourite part was when the chicks and ducklings hatched, a perfect little creature emerging from an egg and the joy of new life.
However, inevitably, each year we lost some, sometimes to disease, sometimes an accident, the joy in new life, tarnished by death and sadness.
I mentioned this to a farmer friend from my home village,'Ah, yes,' he said knowingly,'we say,' when you have livestock, you have deadstock.' This I am sure you know is a pun as deadstock usually refers to equipment as in a deadstock sale, as opposed to a livestock sale. A sort of farmers joke.
I found it tremendously comforting, I wasn't doing anything wrong, that was just the way it was.

I believe it is the same with dog rescue too, yes it is lovely to take a dog from a pound and see it transformed and happy in a new home but the reality is it doesn't always have a happy ending.

Last Tuesday morning I received a call from the kennels where we were boarding Sandy. Things had gone downhill since I had last seen her. She was jumping at her lead and at peoples feet when they tried to walk her and that morning had jumped at the kennel girl snagging on her jacket and not letting her out of the kennel.
The proprietor said she could no longer keep her there and let the youngsters walk her, asking had I homed anyone or could I swap her with another dog? The answer to both questions being 'No.'
Not only that, I had been concerned for some time about whether she was really safe to rehome, for this very reason of her jumping and grabbing. It was not aggression but excitement but still pretty dangerous if it got out of hand. I had been avoiding the truth but now I knew I had to make that awful decision.

I know for some of you reading this you are going to find this very hard, but in reality putting dogs down is as much a part of responsible rescue as the happier side.

As in other instances I always take the dog a walk first, going somewhere they know and love, as I did with Sandy, taking her to the ponies where she ran in the snow the first winter she came.

I also stay with them throughout and due to our skilled and wonderful vet and her team the whole process is as kind and respectful as it can be.

It was particularly hard to reach this decision for Sandy as we had launched our great appeal to take her in and that is how the blog started.
Perhaps in a different climate that special home would have been found with people who were responsible, a couple with no children and a calm life where they were prepared to work with her, but when people can pick up a puppy for less than our donation or get a dog for free from an advert why should they bother with a dog who already had problems and would demand lots of work.
We are struggling to home anything at the moment, even puppies.

So R.I.P. Sandy, run free through the snow beneath the moon as you did that first winter.

27Th February

2012-02-27T23:23:00.000Z

Our next Stafford Walk is Sunday 25Th March 11am starting from The Manor Inn (Premier Inn)
Guildford Rd, Godalming. GU7 3BX

Please park in the right hand corner of the car park furthest away from the hotel.

This will be a lovely walk of approx 1 hour along footpaths, bridleways a little bit of road and returning along the towpath. It takes us past the farm where I keep my ponies and I am really looking forward to sharing with you this beautiful countryside where I am lucky enough to spend most of my time.
As last time dogs will need to remain on leads throughout.
I hope you can join us.

26TH February

2012-02-26T22:34:00.002Z

Please note :-

As from Tuesday 21ST February 2012 Guildford & District Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue is no longer affiliated to Staffordshire Bull Terrier Welfare.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Welfare for their support for us during the time we have been with them.

Alison and David Oakden

I apologise for the absence of blogs last week. The reason for this is that on Monday I resigned from SBT Welfare. I had hoped the above statement would be on the website soon afterwards to inform everyone but this has not been possible.
Obviously this will have a huge impact on Guildford Staffords especially as we relied on them for the majority of our funding.
In the long term we hope to make Guildford Stafford Rescue into a charity in its own right, in the short term we need to keep running for the next few weeks providing for the six dogs currently in our care.

We have recently paid our vet bill and do not have any outstanding debts.
Due to recent donations we have about £200 remaining in the bank, although we do need to get insurance.
We have had some encouragement in the past week.
Poppy has been fully adopted and we have the donation for her.
I emptied the collection tin from our vets and there was over £50 which will pay for food for a while and in the charity bin at Pets at Home there was an almost full, large bag of food, exactly the type and flavour we feed (a huge coincidence) that had been ripped when they were unloading it from the lorry, this will also keep us going for a while.
Several people have pledged their ongoing support for us which means such a lot at a time like this.

Tara in the garden this afternoon.

Thank you for your good wishes for Dave as he started his new job. He managed his first four days and is now preparing for next week. I managed at home without him though it was a particularly busy week for me and my feet hardly touched the ground. Today however I spent some rare time in the garden, which together with being at the ponies is one of the places I most love to be.

Chance stealing my gloves!

20TH February

2012-02-20T08:44:00.000Z

It would seem we have another 'follower,' who reads the blog. Someone even more important and influential than Gareth, if that could be.
I say this because since my heartfelt statement about my marriage on 14TH February, my dear husband Dave, after two and a half years out of work, now has a job! Not only that, he starts tomorrow!
It is not perfect as he has a huge commute to Uxbridge each day but it means he can resume paying to keep the 'roof over our heads,' and also over the heads of the dogs in our care.
Well done Dave!

As way of an explanation, he is still an ordained minister in the Church of England, but this is a part time, self supporting role. He was made redundant from his other job part way through his training for this. This new job is in accountancy.
This will have large implications on our life, most of them positive, but it does mean that walking all the dogs each day is now down to me.

I am sure you will join with me in congratulating him and holding him up as he faces those first day nerves, not to mention the M25 tomorrow.

18th February

2012-02-18T22:52:00.000Z

I saw Smudge today. She is now 6 months plus and has been spayed. She is looking fabulous with no sign of her Demodex and apart from some adolescent behaviour is doing really well.
As you will see from the pictures she has well and truly fallen on her paws, adopting the 'white' sofa as her bed!

Smudge on her 'bed!'

Gareth has suggested we use some of our photos to make into cards and sell to raise funds, this is a great idea, we could also make a calendar for next year. Dolly and her family could fill a whole calendar on their own!
We could also invite you to send in your photos like we did for the 'match .com' competition, though I already have masses of excellent photos on file.
Remind me if I forget!

Whilst on the subject of photos, can anyone say where this photo was taken? A clue is, it was taken in our last fall of snow on the morning of the 10th Feb. Lets have a little w/e competition with a prize for anyone who guesses correctly.

17th February

2012-02-17T23:37:00.002Z

We have a date for our next Stafford Walk Sunday 25th March.

Details to follow nearer the time.

I recently received the following email from Jacqui on the Isle of Wight who adopted Cassie (formerly Bessie) from us some years ago. Cassie had been extremely abused, hence the problem with trying to take a photo, she just crouches down. A couple knocked on the door of the pound kennels in the early hours of the morning saying they had found her wandering. Later we found out they were her owners and also that they had kicked her and abused her.
I managed to get the kennels to let me take her in, getting that fierce passion I sometimes feel over a dog to protect her whatever the cost.
I remember there was an odd email came in about her, I suspected someone recognised her, so I insisted she be removed from the website!
It was pitiful to see her reaction to some things, but she was ball obsessed so just wandered round with her ball in her mouth, placing it at peoples feet to invite them to play. She was a very easy foster dog. I see she has filled out now but back then she was all head with a thin body, she reminded me of a bear so I used to call her,'Bessie Boo Boo,' from Yogi Bear. She is the only dog (apart from Lexus) I have been tempted to keep.
Jacqui rang on Christmas Eve and adopted her over the Christmas break as it was one of the few chances she had to be on the mainland! It must have been Dec 07.
I was sorry to hear of her injury but latest reports are that she is recovering well.

Hi Alison

hope your keeping well- i keep up to date by reading the blog most weeks.

Just to let you know cassie had an accident and injured her hind leg just before christmas, did a flying turn after a ball and twisted it in a rabbit hole- tore the cruciate ligament.

We have been on lead walks and painkillers/anti-inflammatories ever since to try and let it mend, but it hasnt so she is having surgery tomorrow(thursday) to correct/mend it. Then a further possible 8 weeks of lead walks!!! Shes so lively & well in herself apart from the leg it is almost impossible to stop her jumping/playing about, but we have to persevere.

Have enclosed a couple of photos of our hols in Dorset last year (lulworth cove & holiday cottage garden)- its still really difficult to take a photo of her as she immediately slumps down when a camera appears.

Cannot get photos to appear on blog tonight, hope it is a general problem not ours I am sure our webmaster will know.

16th February

2012-02-16T21:28:00.000Z

It has been warm. Yesterday and parts of today have been very warm, hard to believe it was snowing this time last week.
And, as far as I am concerned, the forecast has been right, it has done exactly what they said it would do and now I can hardly remember the snow just as I couldn't believe it was ever going to warm up again.
So just before the snow becomes an all to distant memory a couple of photos.

Chance playing with his ball ... SNAP

Even I had to look twice!

Boycie playing with his ball.

15th February

2012-02-15T22:43:00.002Z

DORIS

Doris, Oscar, Daisy and Honey

Doris was with us for 19 glorious months. Age unknown but estimated to be 13+ years when we adopted her. She would not have won a beauty competition but what she lacked in looks she excelled in character. When we adopted her she was unable to walk very far and surprisingly did not bark for the first 4 months. Then when she did it was for her breakfast, walks, dinner and pudding. Don't ask what that is! It is an indulgent secret that all of ours have. When giving her a treat it was like the till in Open All Hours, many was the time she beat us, Stuart and I would laugh at one another saying " She got you then!" It was not an aggressive thing but one of excitable joy.
This Sunday there was nothing unusual with Doris. Off she went with the others for their walk although Stuart came back early dropping Doris off as she started to drag her heals and the other were still in need of more. We put this down to the bitter cold we have had plus we had just brought her a knitted tube coat to keep her warm. Doris settled on her bed as normal placing her ball at her side.
During the afternoon it became apparent that she was under the weather, shaking occasionally. Dinner time, she was not interested in her food. Stuart took her upstairs to lay on the bed whilst he worked on the computer, watching over her. He called me upstairs to see Doris at 6.30pm, she was laying flat not even lifting her head. We realised that we need to take her to the emergency vet attached to out veterinary practice. Stuart and I have no confidence in this surgery due to experiences in the past, we scoured the internet for an alternative one, which was 50 miles away! We had no other option, the dinner was turned off whilst still in the oven, Doris wrapped up in a blanket and off we went. On arrival we were taken straight into the consultation room. THEN the bombshell! The vet told us Doris was very ill with a temp of 40, dehydrated and her heart rate is very slow and missing a beat and it is possibly cancer he gave us three options.
1. Leave her there and they will put her on a drip with antibiotics and carry out tests tomorrow.2. He would give her an injection of antibiotics and anti inflammatories which will help to bring her temp down and we take her home.

Stuart on the floor sleeping with Doris.

3. We have her PTS.
We decided option 2. Although she was a strong old girl we knew that option 3 was not far away maybe even Monday. Doris perked up and now could hold her head up. So we made the most of Sunday night surrounding her with love and cuddles. Doris had been a stray with a PTS date probably dumped from a car. and we vowed that when it was her time she would not die on a cold concrete floor but with us in her own home. Doris had slept for two hours in her bed. Stuart sleeping on the floor next to her. We decided it was best this way just in case she woke up and tried to jump off our bed and we were to much in a deep sleep. Doris was very weak and just managed to turn herself around. She managed to get up for water, banging her head on the cupboard door staggering, she wanted to go in the garden for her toilet still trying to be clean, helping her every step of the way it was pitiful. It felt cold, it is amazing how cold you feel in the early hours of the morning and as they say this is when your body is at its lowest ebb.Silently we both realised that it was not fair for Doris to go through this and in our hearts we already knew. She lifted her head and as you stroked her she put her head in our hands gently closing her eyes enjoying the caressing that is given to her. Knowing all that she had been through in life yet she was still so trusting.

Doris on the common carrying her favourite ball

8am Doris wrapped in her blanket we drove through the rush hour traffic to our vets. We were ushered in straight away, they confirmed that Doris has probably got cancer in the abdomen as there were no other symptoms and her temperature was still 40. It is the bodies mechanism trying to fight off the cancer. They could do blood test, scan her, in which they would have to sedate her, the outcome would be the same. Stuart and I always swore that she would not be PTS anywhere else but at home, her home. After being a stray and in a pound. Our lovely sweet old Doris would be surrounded by love and not discarded like she had been before.
We brought Doris home to have her PTS in her own home, on her own bed with us at her side. Lindsey our vet and Vicky the nurse arrived at 11.30am. Knowing all our dogs they made a fuss of them and we took them upstairs. I cuddled Doris, Stuart stroking her and Vicky telling her how beautiful and lovely she was, Lindsey administered the heart stopping injection. Doris died peacefully in our arms at home. We brought Daisy, Honey, Oscar and Luci in to say farewell to their friend. They sniffed at her mouth and ears silently walked away and settled. In doing this we felt that they would not be looking for her or awaiting her return.

Our sweet beautiful Doris. Run wild and free xxxx

We have a secret, you and I,
that no-one else shall know,
for who, but I can see you lie,
each night, in fireglow?
and who but I can reach my hand
before we go to bed,
feel the living warmth of you
and touch your silken head?
Only I walk woodland paths,
and see, ahead of me,
your small form racing with the wind,
so young again, and free.
and only I can see you swim
in every stream I pass,
and when I call, no one but I can see the bending grass.

Monday night Stuart gave Daisy, Honey and Oscar their puddings and he thought he heard Doris barking for her's and said that his mind was playing tricks on him.
Doris's ashes are in a box next to Percy's. Stuart does not want them scattered together but has said he wants them put with him, when he goes. Poor undertakers they will have a heavy load to carry!!!!!

Nugget

Stuart and I do not regret one moment and a piece of our heart has Doris's name firmly on it and will do it all again. It does not matter whether you have a dog for a month or 12 years the pain is the same.
There is an old girl waiting in the wings, her name is Nugget at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home aged 15 years who we had expressed an interest prior to Doris's death. she has some medical problems at present but who knows! She may take up that comfy bed by the fire for as long as she needs it.

Cherish every moment for who knows what tomorrow may bring.

Author :- Valerie with thanks to Doris our star RIP

14th February

2012-02-14T11:41:00.000Z

Val and Stuart said goodbye to Doris yesterday which was sad but also very lovely.

. They had adopted her as an oldie, with lots of health problems, knowing they would not have her for long, but determined to give her the best quality of life and lots of love in her remaining days.
This they did and more.
Having been told she should only have a short walk as she had breathing problems she ended up going to the common with the rest of the pack and charging round with her ball, within weeks her breathing problem had all but disappeared.

It was not easy saying goodbye to her, especially as it was very sudden, she had been for her normal walk on the common that day, but they say they will not hesitate to take on another oldie and do it all again.

Tara our oldie still looking for a home.

Often we have older people looking for another dog, but instead of taking an old dog they want a younger dog because they cannot bear losing another so soon after their last one dying. What a shame this is. We rarely have a younger dog who is steady enough to be suitable and old dogs like Tara, who would be a wonderful companion for an older person, remain in rescue.

Which leads me on to mention that today is Valentines Day, commercialism apart, it seems to celebrate sentimental love. I have never been one for all that slushy stuff but have had cause to recall my marriage vows recently ... 'for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,'

there is nothing slushy and sentimental about that! Especially after 20 years of marriage and a husband out of work for over two and a half years!

The dogs came too! Tasha Dave's JRT and my Joshua.

This sentimental attitude seems to have crept into our relationship with our pets too, and the selfish view of only being committed when we are getting something out of it, which is one of the reasons we find it so hard to find suitable homes.
What a shame there are not more like Val and Stuart.

12th February

2012-02-12T19:04:00.002Z

STOP PRESS 8.30.am 13th February :-

Val and Stuart's old dog, Doris, who they took on as an oldie, (approx 15 years) 19 months ago was taken very poorly yesterday evening. They saw the emergency vet and took her home for the night, where she was comfortable but weak, they are on the way to their own vets with her now.

I am sure you will all join with me in sending love and kind thoughts to them.

We will keep you posted.

7.35pm
Val and Stuart's own vet confirmed the diagnosis of a probable tumour.
They took Doris home so that she could be in familiar surroundings as Val did not want her pts at the vets as she had been a stray in kennels. The vets came to them and just after midday I received a text from Val saying, 'Doris is at peace.'

Here is the article from The Times which everyone felt was positive coverage, I will let you judge for yourselves.

11th February

2012-02-11T23:41:00.000Z

I have just discovered how to comment on the blog! Or rather, I have just commented on one of the blogs, I have never managed to do it before, maybe it has changed recently?

St Martha's in the snow.

At 8 am this morning it was reading -12 at the ponies! Unbelievable. At least there was plenty of redeeming sunshine, tonight is not supposed to be as cold, lets hope not.

The back of our house, Friday morning.

Friday, however, was a pleasant day. The snow much nicer than last week.
Steven and I walked Khan, Spryte and Boycie up to St Martha's and then back down through the Beech woods to the gunpowder mills.
The retractable lead I had on Boycie, broke not far into the walk, making things very difficult. It is not easy to see ahead for any distance on this particular walk, so hard to allow them off lead if you are not sure of them, but we did let him off several times for a run.
We did so as we crossed the water meadows to the powder mills. There was ice on flood water and Steven began to tell me about a man who had died trying to rescue his Labrador who fell through ice.
He had only just started speaking when Boycie did exactly that, running onto the ice which cracked and gave way. In seconds he was struggling, although it was not very deep he has particularly short legs and his head was going under the solid ice. We were just about to intervene when he managed to climb out, soaked in icy water but otherwise fine.
Both Steven and I agreed that if one of our dogs did really get into difficulties we would go in to help, despite the danger we would not be able to stop ourselves, I pray none of us ever find ourselves in that situation.

Going up to St Martha's.

I felt some urgency during the last part of the walk to get Boycie home to get him dry and warm. Fortunately there was some clean bedding on the radiator for his bed when we got in. He seemed none the worse for his experience and came over to the ponies with me later ( he is getting much better in the car.)

Val has been struck down with what they think is 'Reactive Arthritis,' following her chest infection. Her joints particularly in her hands and feet are very painful. She is awaiting the results of blood tests.
I am sure you will join with me in wishing her a speedy recovery.

It's almost Valentines Day surely spring is just around the corner?

9th February

2012-02-10T00:31:00.000Z

11.45pm Snowing again!
Quite wet snow and can still see road as I write this but I think it's meant to freeze afterwards so we will have to see what the morning brings.
We were asked by the local RSPCA officer if we could take a youngish pup today, the dog was being given up voluntarily but the owners sorted it themselves, just as well as I don't know where we could have put it.

I haven't mentioned Lexus for a while, just in case you thought that was because he was behaving I can assure you that is NOT the case.
He has now initiated Tara into his pre breakfast barking routine. As soon as he comes in from the garden in the morning he launches himself, with his ears flapping like a cartoon dog, and Tara joins in. He does it regardless of who is there or whatever else is going on. One morning recently Sam was standing next to the radiator before leaving for the bus, Lexus launched himself towards him barking madly ears flapping ...

He has chewed all the expensive little pots of face cream my sister sent me for Christmas, my fault for leaving them in the lounge I suppose, no chance of warding off the wrinkles now.

He cuddled up next to me sofa on the sofa tonight while I watched the ten o'clock news and Question Time.
His 'wind' was so bad it may my eyes water! He even breaks wind during his walk!
I have just heard him having a sneezing fit. Because his legs are so short, when he sneezes he bangs his nose on the ground!
I walked him with Tara today ... Still 'Darby and Joan,' though they nearly had a run in over a stick.

That Dog! But we wouldn't be without him.

12.30 am Still Snowing!

8th February

2012-02-09T01:08:00.000Z

Well I wasn't expecting that!

I knew it was to be cold overnight but I thought we would have sunshine in the day, instead pleasant meadows had been transformed into a Siberian wasteland, with ground like concrete. A steel grey sky squeezed bits of snow and the bitter wind froze my mind and my body. The dogs didn't want to play ball as the frozen snow hurt their paws and rumours of more snow were rife.

This evening my two younger children had to go to the dentist, meaning the ponies were done late, in the cold and dark and we were late getting home.

I have since checked the forecast maps (fell asleep and missed the actual forecast) and it looks as if it is getting warmer gradually so maybe we will be alright.

Not sure I could face another day like that.

7th February

2012-02-08T01:06:00.000Z

I walked into the living room yesterday with Spryte following her walk. Dave was just watching the end of Lassie Come Home.'
Lassie had just returned to her home in Scotland having walked all the way from down south. She was in a bad way, lame and exhausted but suddenly struggled up and walked to the door. She wanted to go to the school to collect her young master, Joe. 'We cannot let her go in such a state.' Said Joe's mum. 'We cannot stop her when she has come so far just for this,' said father.
So Lassie dragged herself through the streets of the town, whilst all the shop owners glanced at the clock, knowing she was on her way to meet young Joe as she had done everyday, before being taken away.

Dave and I watched with lumps in our throats and shameless tears in our eyes.
As the film ended I announced that I had to be off to pick up my boy from school.

Spryte immediately leaped up and refused to stay on the settee with Dave but ran to the back door and when I opened it she ran out to the car and jumped in the back.
She too was insisting on coming to meet her young master from school.

As we drove off I turned to her and said,'You have been watching too many Lassie films Spryte!'

6TH February

2012-02-07T00:35:00.004Z

Today has been a much better day for me in every way, not least the weather
.I also managed to get a lot done.
I went over to the kennels to see Sandy which I did find it quite upsetting. I took her a walk and she was very well behaved and calm, but she has lost weight and her front paws are sore from where she is chewing them and she was shivering (it was very cold.)

I wanted to scoop her up and bring her home there and then.

I need to make it very clear that this is not the fault of the kennels.
They give the very best care and it is all overseen by the proprietor, unlike some kennels where all the daily contact is left to a couple of youngsters ( as in some care homes for the elderly.)
I too struggled to keep weight on her and apparently she sometimes becomes upset by another dog and so runs up and down in her kennel, this is also when she chews her paws.
They are going to increase her food.

Staffords just do so badly in kennels. This I believe is for a number of reasons.

The first is:- they love/crave human company, and to be isolated from people in a kennel is torture for them.

The next is:- they have a short coats and feel the cold (and the heat) and they love their comforts.
and the last is,

they are not brilliant with other dogs especially reactive dogs and in kennels they are surrounded all day by other dogs throwing out challenges further exacerbated by 'fence rage,' because they cannot interact naturally.

We have many dogs coming out of kennels who are reactive with other dogs but calm down quickly once they can interact normally again.
There is the rub.

Happier days, in the river with Sam.

As a rescue taking a dog out of kennels and into a foster home is one of the most satisfying things we can do but with Sandy it is the other way round. We have put her in kennels and until we can home someone, there she must stay.

The rest of the day , however, was very encouraging. We have received two substantial donations, very welcome as we are almost out of funds.
I just took Saffy and Chance with me this morning as I was going to the kennels. They were so quiet I had to keep checking they were still there. A big positive for both of them, 'Good in the car.'

More encouragement in this email from Nathalie :-

Hi Alison hope all is well with you and that you have not been too disrupted by the snow and cold weather. All is well here. Dolly has hated the cold, but loved the snow. She went mad in the garden yesterday, then returned to the safety of her bed by the Aga to warm up afterwards. We
celebrated a year since her arrival with us on Saturday....and what a delight she has been from the outset! Attached is a picture of her helping Emma with her piano practise....they adore each other and

whenever Emma plays, Dolly hops up too to 'help!'

5th February

2012-02-05T23:28:00.000Z

Felt less enamoured with the snow this morning, a sort of snow hangover. Not helped by the fact I was woken by one of the dogs at 5am. Went downstairs and took Boycie out, struck by how warm it was, followed by Chance. Got up again at 7am to realise I had taken the wrong dog out. It was Angel who had been crying as she had an upset tum, the evidence of which awaited me.
So Angel had to go out first, thus upsetting the routine, followed by frequent trips outside by me as I cleaned up. Every time I went out Boycie and Chance started to whine or bark, plus having to take boots off and on each time I came in.

Not the start to Sunday morning I had hoped for. By the time I eventually finished everyone it was 9am, too late to go back to bed with a cuppa.

Not happy
.
The disgruntled mood lasted all day.

Camera not charged so no snow pics, well a few of Chance on my phone.

4th February

2012-02-04T23:21:00.000Z

As I am writing this, at 10pm, I can see the snow falling, just as they said it would, though it started earlier than I thought.
I have been outside most of the day. This morning at the ponies, the cold was ferocious -5, the ground solid and still no running water, though the fresh ice on the buckets was not particularly thick. Within minutes the fingers of my left hand became so painful I could not carry on with jobs but had to force myself to bend and rub them until they warmed up. I fetched water from the house to fill the buckets in the yard.

The roads were very quiet and not much busier by mid-morning, I thought people would be out early stocking up on supplies and doing things while they could still get around. I suppose not everyone listens to the weather forecast and even less believe it.
By mid-morning and with some sun there was a subtle change and it even felt rather pleasant in places,the ground was softer here and there but still very cold.
We tipped a kettle of boiled water on the tap in the yard and left it switched on, nothing!
The sunshine was hazy, coming and going and then around 2pm dark, grey clouds moved in.

Around 3.30pm I tried the tap again, despite it feeling colder than ever, we had water!
Then I knew the snow was coming!

The ponies had a second feed and we turned them out with plenty of hay at 4pm and took Angel and Chance a last walk.

Just as we arrived home it began to snow, little sleety bits. By the time I had brought the dogs in there was a sprinkling like icing sugar. By now there was lots of traffic and the road remained wet. Around 9pm the snow became heavier and the traffic less and within half an hour our road was covered. It has continued to snow heavily, swirling in the street light and it has a distinctive hiss as it falls.

I took the dogs out early for their last visit to the garden. Despite not being certain of Boycie and Chances ages, they all appeared to have encountered snow before. Out of all of them, Boycie is the only one who requires a lead. Old dog Tara was particularly unimpressed and is now snoring next to the radiator in my bedroom, thus flouting the 'No Dogs Upstairs,' rule.

Cars are still coping with the conditions though they are taking more care. So we will see what the morning brings. My husband is scheduled to take 8am communion at Shere, followed by 10am communion back here at St T's. He drives a 4x4 and is part of the Surrey 4x4 response team (currently on stand by for SurreyPolice/Surrey county Council and South Coast Ambulance Service) so he should be able to make his own services! At times like this I have to admit our life does NOT conform to average.

10.50 snow fall heavier than ever. Two teenage girls have just tottered past the house, pausing to take a photo of each other with their phone!

I love the snow. I love watching it fall, I love the way it changes things, I love the effect it has on people (and animals) I love the disruption, the way it looks, the beauty of it. Every snowfall is different, I like it when it makes everything stop.

It won't last long, but while its here I love it!

3rd February

2012-02-03T23:50:00.000Z

It felt a little warmer today with less wind and plenty of sunshine and quite pleasant to be out in, but the tap did not thaw out all day at the ponies, despite a kettle of boiling water being poured on it, so it must be frozen in the ground, which was rock solid.
I have been avidly watching the weather forecasts throughout the day and studying the forecast maps to get the clearest picture of what we are in for. It looks as if, here in the South East, we will have a fine day with some sun with the snow hitting about 10pm, but then snowing all night, well lets see...

Steven and I repeated our newly discovered walk taking Khan and Spryte and Boycie on the extending lead (as I don't fully trust him not to run off.)
It takes about an hour and a half and was as delightful as we remembered it.

Afterwards we replaced the other broken fence panel, though we had to ask Dave to help, they really are very heavy panels.
We had just leant it in position and Steven went to fetch something, when a Robin perched on top of it and sang his heart out. Life doesn't get much better than that.

David Bennet sent me a copy of the article which appeared in the Times and a member of the Forum also alerted me to it. It is very positive. I will share when I can ( just thwarted by the technology for the moment.)

I must confess to being very flattered by Gareth's comment, blow recognition from Her Majesty, give me praise from a renowned journalist any day! ( Have been trying to keep up the standard) does it show?

2nd February

2012-02-03T00:19:00.000Z

I have ridden twice in the past two days. Despite owning ponies I myself rarely ride but the last two days, the coldest so far this winter, have seen me in the saddle! Needless to say I can now hardly move and it will take me until at least this time next week to recover!

This is not me (or winter.)

Today was a lesson with my instructor Sarah, we follow a method called 'Ride With Your Mind,' which doesn't describe it at all because it is totally based in the physical.
Seat bones (always pointing down) play a large part along with likening your torso to a 'can of baked beans' and something called your 'bear down,' (crucial to good riding) like a coffee plunger! It is innovative stuff and exhausting. I once spent 45 minutes trying to roll a seat bone forward but keep it equally weighted and slept for two hours afterwards!

Spryte and Riley in snowy woods 2010

The ground now like concrete and snow on the way most riding will be cancelled for the foreseeable future.
Snuggle up with your dogs at night and take them for brisk walks in the day ( far warmer than riding a horse)
The weather men are still uncertain about the timing/amount of snow as the warm damp front collides with the cold air so we shall have to wait and see, meanwhile throw another dog on the bed and batten down the hatches!

1st February

2012-02-01T23:17:00.000Z

Hope you are snuggled up with your dogs, it's certainly a three dog night tonight!

My thanks to Val for yesterdays blog, extolling the virtues of Mitcham common and hearing about Poppy.
It is very good news about Poppy, Val is very skilled at 'home to homes,' having now successfully completed at least ten or more over the years.
A 'Home to Home,' is where someone needs their dog re-homed and contacts us, but the dog remains with them until a suitable home is found. I hate them, finding it hard to sort out all the logistics, it is certainly a help if the dog is local.
Val is very thorough both in the assessing of the dog and in introducing the potential owner. It does need all parties to be committed and honest for it to work.
Although it uses less resources from the rescue, it is time consuming for the re-homer and I would like to thank Val for all the hard work she puts into this and congratulate her for her success rate, also wish her a speedy recovery from her chest infection, lets hope she is able to stay indoors during this bitter spell.

Val and Honey at Discover Dogs

I have heard from Sally that Saffy is much happier and back to her normal self, so they know that keeping her as the only dog was the right decision.
Boycie has settled well, despite having less attention with us. He enjoys a game of ball and Sally and Simon bought us some very expensive tennis balls to keep him entertained. Now I know why. He destroys tennis balls faster than any other dog I have ever come across (excluding Lexus) that is.
I am taking him short journeys in the car followed by a walk to try and build up his tolerance in the car. We have had some success but today due to a longer return journey he threw before we made it home. He is getting keener to go in the car, just gets sick poor chap.

Angel's tail chasing is greatly improved. We attribute this to several things, the first is she is calmer without Jade, especially in the car when Jade would bark a lot. The Thundershirt has also helped and avoiding situations we know tend to stress or excite her.
She is always upset when a new dog comes but even with Boycie coming back she is better.
She fits quite well into life here and I am committed to keep her for as long as it takes until the perfect home comes along. She rarely meets another dog when out and she would need a similar situation in any new home.

31st January

2012-01-31T22:21:00.003Z

Daisy, Honey, Oscar, Doris and Luci are all climbing the walls today, driving me mad! Having had to go to the doctors, something that is the last resort for me. As I suspected I have a chest infection and ordered to stay in the warm until the antibiotics get into my system, which is 24 - 48 hrs. After today I will be going out as I cannot stand the look of disapproval and anticipation in their faces.
Luci was spayed on Thursday, where she was as good as gold. She did not bark, howl or whine whilst there even though she was crated. When I bought her home she waited at the bottom of the stairs looking up, she actually wanted to go to bed. I carried her up and she went into the crate and remained there for a few hours, this is something that I could never of imagined in those early days. Luci is on lead walks only for 10days post operation so I have been taking Luci out on her own, whilst Stuart if able takes ours out, otherwise it is two trips. For those of you who do not know Mitcham Common it is a glorious place to walk with dogs covering 460 acres with different habitats, wetlands, grassland, woods, and landscaped areas.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitcham_Common. Yesterday I took Luci up onto the hill by Seven Islands, (the picture above) and there was not a dog in sight! Here on a clear day you can see Wembley, The Gherkin, and the Shard looking in the opposite direction you can see Crystal Palace radio tower. The end of August sees the annual hay harvest which is sold to local stables. Many rural locations do not have the walking facilities for dog and man, other than bridle ways that we have. Here our dogs run till there hearts content and we come back exhusted!

On Sunday Poppy went on a two week trial to her potential new home. Stuart has not long retired, whilst Margaret still works. Stuart found that he was not getting out enough and had always promised himself a dog when he retired after long discussions between himself and Margaret they both agreed to look for a rescue Stafford. To our delight they enquired about Poppy. So far all is going well and Stuart and Margaret have fallen in love with her expressing how gentle and loving she is. The neighbours who had owned a Stafford untill it died went into see Poppy and they think she is fantastic. Lets all hope that all goes well and Poppy gets her new family.

Author:- Valerie

30th January

2012-01-31T00:06:00.000Z

My this is a long month and still a day to go.

Our fence panels were delivered today. We lost two panels in the strong winds and our garden has not been completely secure since. The bottom panel left us open to the footpath, so we replaced it immediately. In the end it took four of us, we had to ask our daughters to help, Sara is still complaining, someone, well that would be me,. had the bright idea to take Spryte and Khan, I don't know what they thought was happening but they kept jumping onto the compost heap and out onto the footpath, making what was already a difficult job, even harder

Boycie is back with us.

Our thanks to Sally, Simon and Saffy for fostering him so well for so long.

Sally and Simon had hoped they may have been able to adopt him, but although Saffy tolerated him she was not really happy. He also needed to get on with Sally's Mum's dog as he would need to stay there on occasions, this certainly did not work with them having a run in on Christmas day. So much for peace and goodwill!

They kindly brought him down to Discover Dogs as our representative where he was a complete star.
He had become very attached to them as we found out at Discover Dogs when they left him with me to look around the event. He completely changed, becoming very depressed and curling up on a chair until they returned. So this is not easy for Boycie or them.
However, he has slotted back into the routine here and he is eating and enjoyed a game of ball. I have given him a cuddle but he does keep giving me those 'puppy dog' eyes.
Lets hope he finds a home of his own soon.

27th January

2012-01-27T23:13:00.001Z

Ali Taylor was on Thursday's 26th January Alan Titchmarsh Show with a lovely Battersea Stafford called Marcel.
The item was informing viewers what to do if you or your dog were attacked by a dog. Considering that, they managed to turn it round into a very positive piece for Staffords and the numbers looking for homes, what good family pets they make and the need for responsible ownership.
Dogs Trust were also there with a gorgeous young puppy and another oldie.
Three lovely well behaved Staffords, all of whom I would love to take home, even though I am buried in dogs here.

Marcel now has his own facebook page.

26th January

2012-01-26T23:43:00.000Z

Today I went to see how Jade had settled in her new home.
She went there just under two weeks ago after I had a call from a girl who works with another rescue who said there was an elderly gentleman who came highly recommended, looking for another dog, who said the best dog he ever owned was a Staffordshire x Alsatian.
I arranged to see him taking with me a selection of dogs.
He had an elderly German Rough Coated Pointer female, which rather put me off putting in another female but it soon became obvious the two young males would be too much, so we tried Saffy who was a bit too crazy and growled at the Pointer. Then we tried Jade.
Jade's biggest need was a home where she would not be left. 'Jade just likes to be with you,' I would say. I should know as she has barely left my side for the past two and a half years!
Mr Hammond is very experienced with dogs and his wife who he lost eighteen months ago, was a legendary horsewoman who was part of the British Olympic Dressage team.
He has a live in housekeeper, scores of nieces and nephews and a whole community doing various jobs around the place. One room is bigger than the whole of the downstairs in my house and it has underfloor heating and two acres of well fenced garden.
Despite feeling this was ideal for Jade, two and a half years is a long time and I cried all the way home.

Phone calls revealed she was settling well and everyone was happy.
This morning I saw for myself.

They are delighted with her and as for Jade? Well just look at the pictures....

25 th January

2012-01-25T23:43:00.002Z

Stop Press Ali on Titchmarsh Thursday 26th Jan 3-4pm

Firstly apologies! Anyone looking for Ali on Alan Titchmarsh would have been disappointed as we were! We still haven't found out what happened. Facebook appears to be playing up too which is not helping in gaining info, when we find something out we will let you know.
The bit of Titchmarsh I did see he was introducing Seal's apparently 'live,' interview by saying it was in fact recorded and that although the singer spoke lovingly about his wife in the interview mean time she had filed for divorce!
So it seems this apparently 'live' show isn't, so Ali could appear at anytime really. Confused? You're not the only one! Won't be rushing home to watch you again Alan. (Well will be now if Ali is on.)

Chance

Death Row Dogs. 24th January BBC1 10.30pm

This programme was flagged up to us last week as an anti Bull Breed programme.
Dogs Trust had taken part and then been taken out. We were asked to write to the BBC to complain.
Hysterical Chinese whispers then went round Facebook like wildfire where it was described as 'Staffie Bashing.'
I was feeling rather fed up with this over reaction which was why I wrote the blog before it was shown, last night.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but personally I thought the programme very good. I saw nothing in it that was detrimental to Staffords.
It was about The Dangerous Dog Act and how in its present form it is not working, stated clearly by the Police Officer at the end.
People are very upset that it showed a dog being put to sleep but this was meant to shock and upset to show that innocent dogs are dying because of the DD Act the way it is at the moment.

I do not think this programme will have a detrimental affect on Staffords or their owners or make homing rescue dogs any harder than it already is.

On a more positive note we are planning another Stafford Walk for some time in March.
We have had a few ideas tonight and I am already looking forward to it!

24th January

2012-01-24T22:23:00.002Z

Stop Press Our friend Ali Taylor is on The Alan Titchmarsch show today 3pm - 4pm with a Battersea Staffie discussing dog bites and dangerous dogs.
http://www.itv.com/alantitchmarsh/

Alan Titchmarsh on ITV1

www.itv.com

I am purposely writing this before the programme goes out tonight and everyone has their say on that.
I want to let you know where we are as a rescue at the moment and about the two phone calls I had today.
Tara is keeping me company snoring over by the radiator.

Tara

For some time now, weeks that became months, we have had far more dogs than we would like and can comfortably deal with.
The problem is that re-homing has slowed down so much that dogs are staying far longer than they used to, we have also had some returns, which we never refuse as we keep our commitment to each dog we home.

Boycie

We are bombarded by requests to take in new dogs everyday, most of which we refuse but as someone said to me recently, you cannot claim to be a dog rescue if you never take in any dogs, and so there are exceptions and the numbers increase.
Jade's home appears to have worked out so we have had one dog less for 12 days but Boycie is coming back on Sunday. Sally and Simon with Saffy have fostered Boycie for several months, they had hoped Saffy might accept him but this was not the case, they have hung on to him far longer than we had hoped but no home has been found and he is coming back. We also have Sandy in kennels and a puppy in the wings.

Sandy

So we are overdrawn by four dogs! We cannot return to a reasonable quality of life until we home four dogs (and don't take any more in!)
Having so many and one in kennels is a huge drain on our resources and when we pay the January kennel fees we will have all but run out of funds.

That is the situation, now let me tell you about the calls:-

The first was from a lady up north. She had an eight year old female Akita and had recently lost a lab x Lurcher. She heard of a Staffie cross which had been found wandering the streets so she offered him a home. It had taken a long time but she had won his trust. However, the other day she came home to a bloodbath where he and the Akita were fighting and now he had to be caged so she wanted him to go to a new home where he would be the only dog.
We, of course, were unable to help as she was too far away, the dog was a cross and we have no spaces or homes especially ones for only dogs.
She had tried lots of other places, hence trying us despite the distance.
Someone had suggested having the dog 'put down,' and she said she would rather be put down herself but she couldn't keep him caged like he was at the moment......

The next call was on my doorstep.
It was a girl who had rescued a dog' from a mate,'else he was going to the RSPCA and she felt sorry for him.
She got him back to her flat and he didn't like her cat. So she was having to crate him so he was no better off than in his other home plus he was making the most awful racket ( I heard him) and the previous owner was not answering her calls
So she wanted him gone....

This is how it is everyday. Sometimes you feel sorry for the people, mostly we worry about the dog, but you cannot help them all, especially when you are struggling to cope with the ones you have.
So lets see how this programme fits into the equation, let everyone jump up and down defending their breed and signing their petitions, as for me, well, I have dogs that need to go out....

23rd January

2012-01-23T21:36:00.000Z

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-16687487

I am sure we all feel dismayed by this dog attack on the six year old girl.
It has still not been confirmed what breed the dog is despite it having been seized, but it is hardly relevant.
Having seen the area where it happened, an area where it seems reasonable a dog would be off the lead, I personally feel this could happen to any of us. I wonder if we will hear more details and ever understand why the dog attacked.

Meanwhile we will have to continue to be responsible owners and not take any chances, even if it means restricting our dogs for a while.

The anti-bull breed programme is tomorrow night at 10.30pm on BBC 1

I enjoyed walking the two oldies again today. Tara went mad in the woods tucking her tail under her and charging flat out, before executing last second hand brake turns. Lexus tried to ignore her concentrating on eating his Ground Elder (do any other dogs eat Ground Elder?) none of our others do. Every now and again Tara would charge into him, trying to get him to play eventually giving up and tearing up a stick instead!

Mad moment over, they pad home at a more sedate pace befitting their age.

21st January

2012-01-21T22:09:00.001Z

Feeling very tired tonight so just a short blog with a few new photos I have managed to download from my phone.
Had better mention everyone is drawing attention to an anti bull breed programme being shown on 24th Jan BBC1 at 10.30pm Apparently DogsTrust were to take part with pro Staffy comments but they were dropped from the programme. People are being asked to contact the BBC and complain.

I am not sure I can get too worked up over this. It is unfortunate, especially when we have had some good press lately, but surely intelligent people can make up their own mind about things.

It is my belief and experience that it is the Staffords popularity (albeit with the wrong people) that means too many have been bred and why the pounds and rescues are over-flowing. Public mis-conception of them as a dangerous dog has little effect on re-homing, it just makes for an uncomfortable time when out walking them!

This is a Stafford Val and I saw in a shop in Banstead when we were there on Monday. I am sure you agree they are a great ambassador for the breed!

20th January

2012-01-20T23:41:00.000Z

My friend Steven came to help me walk the dogs today, with one thing and another we haven't met for a while.
It was not a very inspiring day weather wise and had one been stuck inside I think it could have been quite depressing.

Getting out I started to spot some signs of spring, with snowdrops out and bulbs coming up I have even seen a couple of Celandines in flower.

We started with Spryte and Khan, Spryte doesn't like the young dogs and ran back when I tried to walk her with Kye yesterday, so we gave her a break and just took her and Khan.
As people with another dog were in front of us where we normally go we went through the gunpowder mills and across the low lying valley fields behind Lockner Farm. We then took a left through Postford Mill and another left which took us into beech woods and along a path neither of us knew, below St Martha's hill and back down to the Gunpowder mills. It was delightful, especially the beech woods which were sheltered from the wind and quiet.
The dogs had a lovely run, and we felt refreshed by discovering somewhere new.

Next we took Chance and Kye and walked up to the big field and round its perimeter whilst they tore along shoulder to shoulder.

Then I took the two oldies Lexus and Tara for longer than usual through the gunpowder mills, we only passed one person and so they were able to potter along off lead for most of it.

I hope the dogs are tired, I certainly am!

19th January

2012-01-20T00:18:00.000Z

Sorry for missing the last two days, it has been a particularly busy week, with things other than dogs for once!
However, with dog business as well, things have rather caught up with me.

Tara Macnara

We remain very busy with lots of dogs 'in residence,' as well as phone calls and emails.
Four phone calls yesterday, all wanting dogs re-homed.
Four phone calls on Tuesday, though two were enquiries for adopting, have not gone further, the other two were wanting to hand dogs in.
Two calls today, well three including my mobile, all from helpers, which is nice.

Kye and Spryte

It is not easy keeping all the dogs happy, especially with other commitments, but we have a routine and the gang at the moment are fairly settled.
Dave always does our three dogs last thing before coming to bed which for him can be pretty late, or early depending how you look at it. I do the rescue dogs before I retire usually about 11pm.
Amazingly the rescues do not make a sound when Dave does our three and even new dogs quickly fall into this pattern.
I am usually up first and the youngest dog is the first to go out. At the moment it is Kye and he does not normally let me go beyond 7am, and its still dark! But the other Sunday Dave had to be up by 6.30am to take a service, I was really tired and stayed in bed expecting to hear Kye and Chance create when Dave took Khan out. The next thing I knew was Dave bringing me a cup of tea in bed! Because I didn't go down they didn't stir, unbelievable!

16th January

2012-01-17T00:19:00.000Z

Kye is consistently reaching the garden to pee now!

Val with all five dogs, Luci on right.

I had to take my younger daughter to Banstead this morning. As it is local to Val we met up for coffee and she brought Luci.
This is the first time I have met Luci, she is tiny, much smaller than she looks in photos.
She behaved impeccably especially considering she is so young (6 months ) she is a credit to Val and all the hard work she has put in.
A gentleman sat next to us outside the coffee shop and was very taken with her, he seriously would have considered offering her a home if his circumstances had been different and he said he was not particularly fond of Staffies but was very taken with her!
Just as well Val and I don't get together too often, accosting people outside Costa coffee houses!

15th January

2012-01-16T00:36:00.000Z

The link below is another part of Battersea's Staffies they're softer than you think, campaign. During the montage of still pics there is a picture of our Dolly with her young owner wearing pink.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIP0Xy4KUUs&sns=fb

Welfare are considering the neutering programme again, trying to find something that works for everyone, I will keep you informed as to how it goes.

Each week we have an email about urgent pound dogs needing rescue spaces. It is normally on a Sunday which is a real 'downer' when we are trying to have a bit of a break.
This week was no exception.

There were 24 dogs in total. 8 of them were SBT's a further 6 were described as Staffie crosses or Staffie type.

These are all strays or abandoned dogs who have done their seven days and not been claimed and if rescue places are not forthcoming they will be PTS

The person who sent it said how she had fallen in love with a SBT male called Glen.
Most of these dogs are lovely and would make wonderful companions for any family BUT all rescues, like us, are full, the situation has reached gridlock, rescues cannot home them and so many will be put to sleep.

On top of that we have emails and calls from owners wanting to rehome their Staffords.
This week was relatively quiet.....7 calls!! 7 Dogs!!

This is the reason we want to start a neutering programme.

Lets hope Glen has a happy ending.http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll5/greenowl30/?action=view&current=Glen_188_PEN.jpg

14th January

2012-01-14T23:23:00.000Z

Kye made it all the way down to the garden this morning before he squatted to pee, (yes, he still pees like a girlie, and yes, we have to negotiate the drive way from the side door to reach the garden!) We would never pass a homecheck!

Kye

Most of the Staffords with their obsessive nature, are fine doing this off lead after a while but new/ young dogs we have to take on the lead. It is crazy in a way, but actually works well as you get to do some lead training. My RSPCA friend cannot believe we live like that and cope with so many rescue dogs. So much for the people who say when they win the lottery they will take in all the unwanted Staffies.
Good job not all of us waited for that!

Once reached my garden is 300 foot long and the reason we bought the house and we feel very privileged to have it ( all the new houses being built in the village have tiny, postage stamp gardens.)

Back to Kye. I presume his habit of 'performing' so quickly is a legacy from his puppy days where he was kept in a flat. It is a wonder he is toilet trained at all, but he is and hopefully as he matures and settles to our routine he will make it down the drive more often!
He is coming on well, learning to play ball (and bring it back) he had obviously been chased! He has met several dogs whilst off lead on walks and is very good, generally coming away and has never shown aggression though he will play if the other dog allows.

Angel

Both Chance and Angel ignored dogs on the bridleway today when they were playing ball in the field above, a huge achievement for both of them.

Fleur's (Pepper) blog has proved to be the most popular ever. Do visit our successes pages to read more happy endings.

13th January

2012-01-13T23:43:00.000Z

In total last year we homed 10 dogs, this is half what we used to home but it is still 10 dogs that now have a good life and a bright future because of Guildford Stafford Rescue.

We have paid £26 out of the Reuben Fund (this is the fund originally started to raise money for Reuben's(now Harley) op to remove a benign tumor from his head. Now used for dogs needing emergency medical treatment.)
This was for an old dog who was having episodes, to do blood tests to find the cause, the RSPCA had also contributed.

Jade has gone to a gentleman in Peaslake (ok so far)

My son spotted a poster for a Found Staffie in the bus stop in Chilworth this morning.
The dog, a female, has been sighted over the New Year holiday but is too nervous to get close to. The dog warden has been informed. From the photo she looks like a female version of Kye.

The gardner whose puppy I found wandering in the road a few months ago, called to say he had lost her again! She was not wearing any ID
It turned out someone had picked her up and taken her to Treetops Kennels. Owner and dog reunited.

12th January

2012-01-13T00:05:00.000Z

Our final Dog of the Day is Smudge.

Smudge was the last dog we homed in 2011

She was just 3 months old when a nurse from a veterinary surgery contacted us about her, after the lady who had owned her for a month wanted her gone, saying she was moving and taking on a new job, and even threatening to have her 'put down.'
We had no spaces, but due to her age, took her anyway, although she wasn't the quietest customer and 'wound up' the other dogs!
It seemed she was the most unwanted puppy in the world!

After a week David and Helen agreed to foster her and with regular training and discipline from Shadow, David's German Shepherd, she developed into a lovely little dog.
She joined in the Stafford walk and all the events in November becoming quite a celebrity, suddenly she had become the most popular puppy in the world!

Sally, Greg and their two boys heard about her and came down to David's clinic at Pets at Home to meet her.

They fell in love with her and now she is a very contented member of their family.

11th January

2012-01-11T22:34:00.000Z

Our Dog of the Day is Sandy.

In October 2010 we were alerted to Sandy's case by a dog warden.
She was being kept in a flat and toileting inside and because she had become so boisterous she was now being shut in a room on her own.
It was obvious she needed to be out of there but we had no space, so we launched an appeal for foster homes/permanent homes and funding and that is how this blog started!
However 15 months on and we have so far not found a suitable home for her, which is very disheartening.

One of the first things we did was let her run and she really loves to run and play with a ball. She ran in the snow which fell soon after she arrived.
We also took her on a basic training course and to agility as well as spaying and vaccinating her.

She is a very hyper dog and needs a home where she is the only dog, with a decent sized garden she can play in.
At the moment she is in kennels as we have no foster space for her and she cannot come back to us until Tara is homed as Tara is in her space by the radiator (although Tara would prefer to be on our bed!)

Sandy is quite happy in kennels and does not find it stressful, perhaps she enjoys watching all the activity after her previous life. Apparently she got on very well with Tina's son at Spangleberry kennels, when he was home from university at Christmas. He spent a lot of time playing with her and she was very good. This is very encouraging, perhaps a home with older teenage children would work?

It is costing us a lot to keep her in kennels and we are rapidly running out of funds.

Could YOU offer Sandy a foster home?

Could YOU offer Sandy a permanent home?

Could YOU donate towards her kennel costs?

10th January

2012-01-10T23:04:00.001Z

Our Dog today is Peppa formally Fleur

Peppa is one of our success stories of 2011. Fleur as she was formally known was an urgent case. She really needed to come into rescue due to family circumstances but due to the situation with no homes coming forth for the dogs that we currently have there was no room at the inn. Fleur's previous owner agreed to keep her whilst we put her on the website for re homing, including Stafford Welfare's and Epsom Canine Rescue's (ECR) with the kind permission of Nikki who runs ECR.
Alison and I waited, as we do, for applications and enquiries to come in. Nothing, then an application from Karen and James, they had just lost their Stafford whom they rescued. It looked good but they lived in a flat, no garden. What to do? Then I remembered advise that had been given. People who live in a flat have to take their dog for a walk, whereas those with gardens often tended to just let them out into the garden with no real exercise. Alison and I discussed it. I rang Karen and discussed Fleur with her, checks were done a meeting was arranged. Karen and James adopted Fleur in November and none of them have looked back.

We recently received this email from Peppa.

Well I’ve got a new home and my new parents are really nice, they give me lots of cuddles. They have changed my name from fleur to peppa and I like it, sometimes I get called piglet, pepper pot, wiggles or cheeky monkey but I know it’s me!

It was a bit strange to start with because they live upstairs and I wasn’t really sure how they worked but I think I’ve mastered them now and I can charge up and down! We go to the park lots of times a day and it always smells great, there is so much to explore! We go to lots of different places for walkies too, I have even been allowed to go off my lead a few times which I love because I get to charge about like a loony! I’ve also been to the woods! Well that was just so exciting and I couldn’t believe how much fun, there was so much to sniff and I even chased a squirrel!

I was a little poorly a few weeks ago but I went to see the vet and now I’m all better, I heard that I’m going to be having an operation soon for neutering, I’m not really sure what that means but I’m sure it will involve me getting lots of love and attention.

I have found so many exciting things like my favourite purple tennis ball and my blue toy bone. But I think my favourite thing is when I get stag bars, I have so much fun running around showing it off to anyone who is here! And I play with my Kong when I am home alone, I get to listen to the radio too! The nice people who sent my harness also sent me some rawhides and I often try to hide them on the sofa but I always get caught! I have my very own blanket on the sofa and I just love to snuggle up into the cushions and have a snore!

I have made friends with all the neighbours and sometimes I go to visit them at their house, and I try to behave my best, but sometimes I just get too excited and I lick their sofas!

I am going to go to school at the end of January, I am going to see a lady who was on the tele on dog borstal (but I don’t think I’m that naughty that I need to go there!) I am going to have some classes because I don’t always do what I am told and also I don’t really feel that comfortable around other dogs, sometimes I get a bit scared and it makes me snappy, but I am lucky my parents understand it’s not because I’m a mean dog, so they are going to help me work on thisI was very scared when the fireworks went off on new year’s eve, and I ran into the hall but I wasn’t scared for long because mum and dad came and sat in the hall with me and said it would be alright, I soon got over it when I saw the packet of choccie drops come out!

Thank you Guildford and district Staffordshire bull terrier rescue for finding me a home where I am so loved and cared for!

Peppa. X

I spoke to James tonight, Karen was out but he did not mind as he had his 2nd favourite girl on his lap, cuddling him and giving him love as only staffies know how to.

We wish Karen, James and Peppa a very long and happy future together.

Today, Alison has received a call, one of many! Requesting to re home a young male stafford 1-2yrs of which seems a desperate situation due to the health problems of the owner. As it is local to me I will be going to assess the dog for suitability and the situation. However as urgent as the case maybe we are only able to help by the dog remaining in its current home until a new home can be found.

Lets hope that all the dogs in Alison's care and those that are truly desperate find new homes in 2012.

Author: Valerie

9th January

2012-01-09T23:51:00.000Z

Our dog of the day is Tara.

Tara is 10 years old. Her owners called us to say she was growling at their youngest child who was two, although she was fine with the older children.
They mentioned in passing that they could not really keep her where they were, as well!
Probably the truth lies somewhere in between and it was obvious they no longer wanted her. In fact we found out she had been given to one of their friends when they had the baby and then the friend couldn't keep her, so she had not been back with them that long.
Normally if there is any concern about a dog towards a human we don't get involved but given her age my heart went out to her.
It was some distance away so we asked another rescue to assess her.
They found out what we thought to be the case the child was haranguing her and she was just fed up.

The other rescue took her in until we could take her, the only place we had was in kennels so she went there.
We were concerned she was not settled in kennels, after all it was no place for an old lady, and we planned to swap her with Sandy, as there were still no free places but on the Saturday I had a call from Tina at the kennels to say Tara had broken a panel from the side of her kennel and appeared in reception!

I had to go and get her straight away and Sandy took her place.

We were worried how she would be with us as she would have to spend some time crated, she doesn't like it but she has settled really well and we have her out as much as possible.

People do not like adopting older dogs because they cannot bear the heartache of losing them especially if they have only recently lost their dog, which I can understand but we are loving having Tara. She is so easy after all the young 'Hooligans' we normally have.

Walking with Khan and Lexus

She enjoys her walks with Lexus, charging through the woods. She has plenty of energy but if there is not sufficient time or the weather is bad she is equally happy with just a visit to the garden. She sneaks upstairs and would love to sleep on the bed if allowed.
She could live happily with another male dog.

Could you give a 'Golden Oldie' like Tara a home?

8th January

2012-01-08T23:59:00.000Z

Our Dog of the Day is Peppa.

Peppa came in to rescue as her young owners found they were unable to take her to their new property, this is becoming more and more of a problem.
She was just a year old and very sweet, she sat beautifully for her photo to be taken.
As we had no space for her she went into kennels. it was during her time there they noticed she was deaf.
When I contacted the previous owners they said they had thought she was but the vet had told them that Staffords were a stubborn breed! They had gone home and carried on as normal thinking it was them!
They had done a really good job of training her, though they did mention her recall left a lot to be desired, hardly surprising!
She came to us once there was space and I looked forward to training her, planning to learn dog sign language and everything. There was, however, no need as she responded really well to everything even recall where she seemed to sense you were calling her back!

Then Annette contacted us. She and her family had previously had two dogs from John Laker, chairman of Welfare and S.E. Rescue. The last dog Annette had owned had become deaf with age so she was well equipped to cope with Peppa. Or as John put it,'She was used to chucking her arms around an all that!'

Peppa, now Lucy is doing very well with her new family.

6TH January

2012-01-06T23:56:00.000Z

Our Dog of the Day is Chance.

Chance found himself, like so many Staffords these days, as a stray in the pound kennels.
Luckily for him he caught the eye of Rebecca who works there
. She sent us several emails asking if we could help. As we were full we tried not to look but when we unexpectedly homed Peppa during our week of fundraising at Pets at Home in October, I emailed Rebecca to say we had a place, (whether this was strictly true is debatable, and certainly my family would not agree!)

Having spent all day at Pets at Home I got in to pick up call after desperate call from Rebecca asking me to confirm if I could take him as the dogs were being transferred to Battersea that afternoon, and one final call saying I was too late, they had gone.
After lots of calls and emails and the help of modern technology we had a plan in place for the next day with our friend Ali Taylor who works at Battersea.
Ali explained she was at Battersea Old Windsor the next day but she would see what she could do.
The next morning however I had a call from her saying, 'They are here!'

It was all very exciting as we tried to establish which one he was and confirm it with his number by text as I navigated my way to the kennels.
Rebecca sent a text saying,'He is black brindle, stressed and when you stroke him he licks his lips.' I forwarded it to Ali who sent a photo back and said this must be him. She had separated him from the others and put him in an office. I sent the picture to Rebecca who sent a text back saying, 'That's him! Yahoo!'

It was dramatic stuff.

The last time I had been to BOW was when I adopted my first Stafford, Joshua, as a nine week old puppy. It felt like a lifetime ago.
Ali showed me the recent intake and why it was so hard to establish which one he was from my description, 'Brindle, staffie, entire male.' There were half a dozen fitting that description!

However, when I walked into the building there was the most terrible noise. 'Oh,' I innocently remarked, 'I hope that's not who I've come to collect?' The receptionist smiled sympathetically ......it was!

We popped him in the car whilst Ali showed me around and he was quiet, but I began to feel worried.
Once home my fears were realised.
With our system the one thing we need is for dogs to settle quietly in their crates.
Once in his crate Chance went mad, clearly stressed he made THE most terrible noise.
I rang David Egan in tears, he could not hear me above the noise but managed to give me enough advice.
He advised sitting with my back to the crate until he calmed down. Immediately I could feel him calming.
I ate my dinner there and even wrote the blog there that night!
BUT I did wonder what I had taken on.

Having got through the first night, I did manage to get to bed, Chance did settle though he was very insecure and stuck to me like glue for weeks.

He has now grown in confidence.
He has been neutered and vaccinated, we think he is quite young, 12 to 18 months
He is a stunning looking dog and my vet thinks he is one of the nicest dogs we have ever had.
He is very responsive and easy to train.
Chance needs a home where he can bond with one person and ideally accompany them to work, he would be happy pottering around whilst they worked out of doors. He could live with another dog but needs plenty of attention, he does not 'read' other dogs very well at the moment.
He has lots of energy and would need a home where he could have off lead runs.

It is a sign of the times that he has not yet found a home.

5th January

2012-01-05T23:41:00.000Z

Our dog of the day is Leah.
Leah was a 'home to home,' and she was adopted by Trevor and Maureen in May.
They are members of a caravan club and it was important that Leah fitted into this way of life.

This is an email I received from them :-

Dear Alison, over the past seven months we have had Leah, she has had a
great time on caravanning holidays in wales,riding on a steam train, playing
in waterfalls, jumping in waves on the beach!she has also been to Cornwall,
and lots of weekends away in the new forest. She has excelled at dog
obedience, passing her pre beginners, only losing half a point for
anticipation!.We are pleased that she is settling in so well , and the
first staffie we have had that is a telly addict! Will keep in touch.
Regards Maureen and Trevor.

4th January

2012-01-05T00:24:00.000Z

Our dog of the day is Jade.
Jade is 5 years old and sister to our own dog Spryte.
Her background is very complicated and involved but the reason she finds herself in rescue is not her fault but due to the humans in her life, she typifies many Staffordshire Bull Terriers these days and I hope to write down her story one day.
She has been with us for over two years now and although she comes with me everyday she does not get the attention and life she deserves and which she could have in a home of her own.
I admit I have a special attachment to her and would only let her go if it was the right home which was why we took her off the website.
We have had several homes recently that I hoped would take her but sadly none of them came to fruition.
She is used to horses, ok with dogs she knows and would live happily with a laid back male dog.
She would be best in a home where she could accompany her owner to work or where she was not left.

She is good on and off the lead, excellent with puppies, loves attention and fuss.
There must be someone out there who can give her the home she so deserves

3rd January

2012-01-03T23:16:00.000Z

Apologies for not sticking to our Twelve Dogs of Christmas, I think we will extend it.
Really can't let today pass without mentioning the weather. It was really bad here today. Lots of trees down, a bus driver injured from a tree falling on his bus just up the road at Witley. We had a tree fall on a car in our village(presumably no-one hurt.) We had some fence panels fall but Dave has secured them for the moment.
At the stables we had buckets and dustbins flying around.
Whether it was that or the shock of being back to normal routine but I am struggling to keep my eyes open tonight.

Our dog of the day is Syd.
Syd found himself spending his days in a (very luxurious) kennel in the garden and nights shut in one room when his owner's relationship ended and she had to move back in with her parents. It was no life for an older gentleman. Syd's life changed when John and Jackie adopted him.
Now he sleeps on the bed!
I had a lovely Christmas card from them with Syd on it. John wrote,'He is a wonderful friend......the love affair continues...'

31st December

2011-12-31T22:52:00.000Z

Happy New Year From All at Guildford Stafford Rescue!

Thanks to Val for last nights blog and sharing the ups and downs of her past few weeks with Luci.
What a difference from the photos of a hunched, skinny little dog when she first came in to the relaxed, contented dog in the more recent photos. Well done Val.

As a special on the last day of the year we are having a brief review of 2011
Our thanks to all our supporters and followers especially those who have made donations and kept Guildford Stafford Rescue afloat. It has been a great year!

JANUARY
We had the first meeting of the Stafford Forum at Battersea Dogs Home.

FEBRUARY
Dolly is homed.

MARCH

Cleo has operation on her knee and comes for recuperation.

APRIL
Cleo still with us, target is reached for her appeal, thanks to all who donated to this.
Bullseye homed.
Royal Wedding.

MAY

Four days fundraising Pets at Home.

JUNE

Battersea Old Windsor Open Day.

JULY
Lexus is 9 on the 14th

AUGUST
Family Holiday Seagull Cottage
Angel stayed with David and Pat Bennet and Jess
Sapphire and Jade boarded by Glenn.

SEPTEMBER
Peppa taken in (we discover she is deaf)

OCTOBER
SBT Welfare AGM
Four days fund raising Pets at Home.

NOVEMBER

The first National SBT Day with events taking place throughout the country, we attend Discover Dogs and hold our Stafford Walk.
Battersea launch their 'Staffies they're softer than you think.' campaign.
Battersea and some members of Welfare have an audience with parliament.
Lots of press coverage.

DECEMBER
Bullies in Need Fundraiser

Christmas!

30th December

2011-12-30T23:22:00.003Z

It's nearly 2012, hope and faith is renewed.
I took in Luci a 20 week old puppy as a foster never dreaming that one so young could have so many behavioural problem. I am well used to having puppy Staffies and was not undaunted by the fact but nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to encounter.
The first night Stuart and I had no sleep with her constant barking and whining until Stuart took her out of her crate and slept with her on the bed in the spare room. The next day we took her with us to Bristol on a business trip but when we left her in the car it was apparent that she would under no circumstances be left willingly in the car. She was allowed to come into the sales room with us where she settled on top of my feet, if she could have melted into me she would have. Luci would not go out in the garden unless I went out with her, then as quick as a flash back indoors only to run upstairs later to poo or wee. As soon as she lost sight of me she would throw a tantrum barking and whining. I realised that there was obviously some deep lying problems, which should not be with a 20 week old pup. I contacted the previous owners mother explaining what I had been encountering and that I needed to know a truthful account of her back ground and behaviour so that I knew what I was dealing with. From the conversation it was quite apparent that Luci suffered from separation anxiety, was not house trained or trained in anything, she jumped up and bit with intent, biting any part of you that she could get hold of. She was a puppy that was never left, only taken out in the garden when her owners were having a cigarette break, tied her up to a wardrobe when they went for a shower in case she chewed. This puppy had no input with regards to training from them, they thought she would train herself!
The first week I took her to work with me. When in the van and left she would just curl up and go to sleep. Out in the gardens she would walk on my heels as I mowed the grass, it was me and my shadow. At home I was unable to go into any room or the garden without her or she would throw a tantrum, even with Stuart there and the dogs. I knew that unless Luci could be turned around she would need to be put to sleep. It is not a decision that is taken lightly and unfair on a dog to be pushed from pillar to post throughout its life. Everyone has to go out at sometime, shopping, the doctors, hospital appointments etc. The way Luci was it would only exacerbate out of control and she would probably also become destructive. She was not re home able and her future looked bleak. I contacted Robert Alleyne from the T.V. program Dog Borstal and discussed Luci he explained that unless I was prepared to keep her for a while there would be no point to a consultation as all it would be doing is controlling the situation not curing it. I agreed and he kindly gave me a special rate as Luci was in rescue and arranged to come to see her on Tuesday 22nd December. However on the Friday prior to this Luci had a tantrum in the crate which lasted 4 hours! It was like Chinese torture, I spoke to Alison who could not believe the noise that she was making, John, the chairman of Welfare rang he could not believe the noise. In desperation I rang Robert Alleyne to ask for advice prior to his visit sadly he could not give any as he had not assessed her and gears his advice to a specific dog and the situation. Luci continued, I turned the radio up, I really don't know what my neighbours thought, still the barking and whining continued. I could have easily taken her there and then to the vets. Out of shear desperation I kicked the crate and screamed shut up!!! I cried to think that I had been pushed that far and it is something I am not proud of but suddenly there was silence and Luci slept for 2 hours. I was counting down the days to Robert Alleyne's visit, hoping for a miracle as I knew that I could not continue the way things were.
Tuesday 10am the doorbell rang, the dogs barked, I opened the door and larger than life, or so it seemed was this smiling, reassuring face looking back at me. Daisy, Honey, Oscar and Doris greeted him and settled whilst Luci jumped on the chair ran up his back onto his shoulders, biting his neck arms and hands. He promptly put her on the floor and held her there with her squealing, Daisy and Honey rushed over to make sure she was alright but I told them to leave and they walked away.

Robert asked about the problems I had been encountering, I explained I kicked the crate on the Friday and that Luci quietened and went to sleep he reassured me that it was obviously what she needed. I told him Luci's history, her diet including treats and her daily routine, and how was she within the pack. All the while he was assessing Luci, our dogs and me. After a couple of hours I had to take out our dogs so that all that was left in the room was Robert, Luci and I, he undertook a training session with her on the LEAVE command with two training aids, two cuddly toys and some treats suddenly she changed into a different dog! Stuart could not believe the transformation when he came home from work that evening, saying it was worth every penny to see her like it. Totally amazing, even as I write this looking back I cannot believe it. Robert was here for a total of six hours. I also have to work with Oscar my big delinquent who does not always take notice of me!
Luci's diet has been changed, with on going training exercises and a weekly update to Robert on Luci's progress. Suddenly Luci has a future!!!!
I am now able to leave a room without her, she will happily settle and sleep next to any of our dogs instead of Stuart and I. Luci goes out in the garden on her own or with the dogs without rushing back in, she is house trained, sleeps in a crate at night without barking or whining. I can even get up in the night to go to the toilet without her starting, you do not know how much a relief that is! Her jumping up and biting is 90% better. She will sit and wait in the hall when the door bell goes not rushing up to the visitor. Her re call was always excellent partly due to her separation anxiety. Luci will sit until you throw a ball return with it, drop the ball and sit. Today Stuart and I went shopping, as always the dogs are separated Luci was put in her crate with a marrow bone there was silence as we left and on our return after one and a half hours we stood outside our house listening for the tell tale barking instead SILENCE reigned. Luci should be up for re homing if all continues well in the next month or so. Whilst we will be sad to see her go at least we know that we have given her an extra chance of a good life and at such a young age she deserved it even if she did take us to hell and back.

You may ask why are we not keeping her? Realistically we could not afford another dog with vaccinations, insurance, Advocate, worming and vet bills, food and not to mention 2- 3 hour walks each day.
So whilst everyone is enjoying their New Year celebrations without a worry about lying in bed the next morning to recover. Take a moment to think of Alison who will still have to get up to feed water and exercise the dogs in her care whilst waiting for a home of their own.

I would like to thank you all personally for your support and Wish You All A Very Happy New Year.
Author Valerie

29th December

2011-12-30T00:43:00.000Z

Sorry bit late with blog tonight, seduced by good telly then did the usual, fell asleep.

Bully and Simon.

I let Kye and Jade off together on the walk today, before, I have let Kye off but kept Jade on. He tried to play going totally over the top but she 'put him in his place' even so they did some charging about and tonight we have had one very tired puppy! Hooray.

The next dog we homed was Monty, at the beginning of March. This was a home to home which I believe worked out but I have no pictures. I have left a message for Monty's new owner and will share any pictures we receive in response.

Bully and Hanni.

The next dog we homed was Bullseye.
Bullseye came from a chaotic family with other dogs, cats and lots of children. He regularly strayed and was well known at the local pound. He was pretty bombproof but just ran in a straight line and didn't stop!
Sally, Simon and Saffy fostered him for months before Melissa and Patrick adopted him as a third dog to go with Hanni their other male Staffy and their female crossbreed. Introducing a third dog really changed the dynamics and David Egan helped them restore order which they worked very hard on and were rewarded with excellent results.
Sadly Hanni has since suffered a stroke and lost the use of his back leg. We extend our sympathy to Melissa and Patrick over this and wish Hanni a full and speedy recovery.
Melissa has promised to write an article about introducing a new dog into a multi dog household, when personal circumstances allow.

28th December

2011-12-28T23:40:00.000Z

I was woken at 7am by Kye. It was genuine because I tried to get him out as quickly as I could but was just not quick enough getting my boots on and poor chap couldn't hold it. Never mind there was a dog towel handy! Dear Kye still squats to 'pee' and does it almost immediately you are outside, as he spent most of his puppy hood in flats it is not surprising and remarkable he is trained at all.

Tara

I was not impressed when it started raining just as I got the two oldies,Tara and Lexus out for their walk, however it soon stopped and failed to dampen spirits. Tara went mad in the woods putting her tail between her legs and careering madly around performing last minute hand brake turns. You would never know she was ten, it makes me marvel how agile they are as a breed. Playing ball with Sapphire and Angel I am amazed at their speed, they are faster than the ball when I throw it down a slope, incredible.
Tara and Lexus are so comfortable together I indulge in a little fantasy that they know each other from their past, it is a possibility. It is still a treat to walk them both.

Our dog of the day is Kye.
Kye is 9 months old and spent the first part of his life in inappropriate homes in flats with young children and being passed from home to home by internet ads. By the time he was 7 months he had had a different home for each month of his life.
He is Staffie crossed with something much bigger poss German Shepherd.
He is quick to learn but requires ongoing training especially within a home environment.
He could live with another dog but must not be allowed to play continuously.
He would best be suited to a home with teenage children upwards due to boisterousness.
An experienced home would be best.

27th December

2011-12-27T22:43:00.000Z

We have had a very pleasant Christmas so far here at the Oakden abode especially considering we are a very full house indeed.
We even managed lunch at my brother in laws yesterday. They graciously ate early so we could leave in time to walk dogs before dark, meaning we had all the best bits like a delicious lunch, and missed all the awkward bits, like making conversation afterwards, should have thought of this years ago.

Batley

No special events today so I set out to give the dogs more exercise. Only problem everyone was out walking today.
I took Chance up the bridleway in the woods. When I let him off he shot off full pelt up the hill, I called and he came back only to take off yet again, this time when I called he did not return. This is so out of character as he usually sticks to me like glue and has only recently become confident enough to venture further but never far or for long.
Despite continued calling, nothing! I hate it when this happens, although there is no immediate danger of roads or the like, when you can't see them you don't know what they are doing (awful pictures flood my mind) and they are hardly 'under control,' as the law requires.
After a long ten minutes a friend came by jogging and stopped to help, she thought she heard something and after I continued calling we heard someone calling back, not very often and not very loud. I puffed up the steep hill to find a girl with a big male Staffie cross, that has gained quite a reputation locally for being out of control. There was Chance, apparently they had been playing happily for ten minutes! We must have followed them up the hill and Chance ran off to play.

Oh,' judge not that ye be not judged!' I have been 'tutting' when I met this dog, but now it was my dog who was out of control, and the owner was completely non condemning, perhaps I should suggest walking together again!

It is funny how one remembers events. I certainly have had problems remembering the dogs we have homed this year despite numbers being down on past years. I have had to check back and I had forgotten Batley.
Forgotten because he was so easy. We didn't have him very long, he was SO straightforward and he went to my friends Paul and Sue at the Wheatsheaf in Bramley at the beginning of March. I only rang them about something else and happened to mention him, the rest, as they say, is history. He settled in almost immediately and is adored by all he meets, which is quite a few as he lives in a pub! During the day he accompanies Paul to work, for Batley it is the perfect life.
I could only find one picture of him and that was after much searching.

Counting up we have homed 9 dogs so far this year, still time to make it double figures...

26th December

2011-12-26T18:32:00.000Z

For our twelve Dogs of Christmas the idea is to alternate a dog we homed in the past year with a dog who is still waiting for a home.
Our dog today is Angel.

Angel is 5 years old. She originally came in from a home with young children and another male dog with whom she had a litter. She was not walked and left to play in the garden with the other dog and chased her tail so badly she was damaging the end.
We homed her and her tail chasing stopped immediately but sadly her dog aggression became worse making it impossible to walk her with their one year old son and she was returned.
She is a highly strung,very intelligent little dog who is very well trained.
She would suit an experienced home where she is the only dog and could be walked where she is unlikely to meet many other dogs.

She is excellent in the home, very affectionate and would be an exceptional dog in the right home, she is one of my favourites.

24th December

2011-12-24T23:06:00.000Z

This time last year, Christmas Eve, we were asked by another rescue if we could take in an 18 week old female pup that the fosterer had returned. It being Christmas Eve most of their usual options were unavailable. We had cut down for Christmas so had a space, so Dolly came as our Christmas puppy.
From the moment she arrived she was a delight and no trouble whatsoever.

She stayed with us until the beginning of February when she was adopted by Nathalie and her family.
Dolly has remained a lovely girl and a great ambassador for her breed.

Some of her photos have been used by Battersea in their 'Staffies they're softer than you think' campaign and Nathalie tells everyone how wonderful Staffies are and especially Dolly who is adored by the whole family.

23rd December

2011-12-24T00:26:00.000Z

Still feeling ridiculously stressed but beginning to calm down as the day draws nearer. Managed bank,petrol and Sainsburys today avoiding worst queues although petrol was on second attempt and Sainsburys on third.

This was the scene at our party last year.

Have been coping with two instead of three crates in the car since Monday. Jon borrowed one for Kye and Smudge's should have been back on Tuesday but was delayed as replacement not in. This makes things very difficult for me as I can only take two dogs out with me instead of three which means more left at home and makes a huge difference.
However, picked up Smudge's cage this morning and Jon returned cage this evening, sadly along with Kye as things didn't work out. So full quota of cages but another 'guest' for Christmas.
Handover of Kye coincided with cloud burst so wet feet and most everything else too. Happy Christmas indeed!
It is our Christmas party at the ponies tomorrow so I am busy baking mince pies and sausage rolls and writing this with greasy fingers.
Felt like Christmas Eve this evening, little traffic etc, wonder how tomorrow will be.

We hope to do our twelve dogs of Christmas again plus comments from the residents staying at the Oakden Hotel over the festive period, if time and energy allow.

Wishing you all a wonderful peaceful Christmas.

Alison.

21st December

2011-12-21T23:48:00.000Z

BT engineer has been. Partial solution and internet restored. Dave will sort phones as it is due to our extension wire.
Fortunately engineer was a dog lover/owner and pretty accepting sort of a chap seemingly unfazed by conditions in our abode!

Some of the feed bowls

I have been helping someone else and in total today I have fed 11 dogs, 6 ponies, 2 cats, 2 pigs and 5 of us.
I have walked 9 of the dogs, some of them more than once! No wonder I feel weary.
I also did my main Christmas food shop which I found ridicuously stressful not least paying for it all!

No snow and fairly mild but horribly messy underfoot, my kitchen floor is black again.

Received a card from the Chief Executive of Battersea and other members of the forum including our friend Ali Taylor. It is the picture of the Staffies plus knitted Staffie in front of Westminster bearing their slogan, 'Staffies are softer than you think.'
I feel very proud to be part of it all.

A bag of food of this size lasts a week.

All done!

Also lovely to get cards from owners of dogs we have homed, a great one from Syd.

Just to let you know, we sorted something for the two dogs and their seven pups.

20th December

2011-12-20T23:34:00.000Z

Kye

Still having problems with internet and phones. Chased it up today only to find out an engineer had not been booked on Friday as we had thought, so starting all over again!

Kye has been neutered and is now in his Christmas foster placement with Jon and Lynne.

Kye having a training session with Sam outside Pets at Home.

Smudge has been fully adopted by her new family.

I did not get one call about Tara but she is doing very well and it is a pleasure having her here.

Tara

With Kye going out and one dog less it seems quiet and easy but I can't count, it's only five rescue guests we have not six, at least I hope so!

Have heard of mum, dad and 7 eleven week old pups needing re-homing. They are Staffie X I am trying to sort something for them but not with us there is no room at this Inn this Christmas.

17th December

2011-12-17T22:45:00.000Z

Happy Christmas.

Still only a tenuous internet connection.

I am going to collect Kye from kennels tomorrow (instead of attending a Christmas drinks party! No further comment.)
Kye is booked in for neutering on Monday, he will then spend Monday night here and go to Jon and Lynne for foster over Christmas.
He is now 9 months old, we think he is crossed with German Shepherd, he still needs a permanent home.

Christmas cards almost done, will get some new photos of dogs soon.

It looks as if we will have six 'rescue' guests over Christmas, see how they rate the service in the Christmas blogs!

16th december

2011-12-16T19:32:00.000Z

A very quick blog just to let you know we have been having major problems with our internet and landline phone. We hope this will be resolved in next few days but apologies if anyone has had trouble contacting us.

We hope to feature a different dog for each of the twelve days of Christmas as we did last year probably between dogs we have homed this year and those still waiting.

Hope your Christmas plans are going well.

Alison.

15th December

2011-12-14T23:47:00.000Z

Just a brief blog tonight as been writing family Christmas letter hopefully make it with 2nd class post. Why does it always get to last minute?
Had most normal day today I have had for weeks. Felt all dogs I was responsible for had sufficient exercise even managed some training with Angel and Chance. Also did supermarket, housework arranged haircut (much needed) and organised for Kye to be castrated and to go to Jon and Lynne for foster over Christmas, starting 20th December.
So not bad day.
Have not had single call about Tara despite newspaper ad. In Surrey Times today too.
Smudge is doing well in her home.

Spryte and Lexus on holiday. Seems a long time ago.

Cold weather on way!

14th december

2011-12-14T01:59:00.000Z

Little Luci the 20 week old pup Val took in proved very difficult to start with so Val and Stuart hardly had any sleep for two nights! She was insecure and had separation anxiety so that she needed to be close to you constantly. Val could not even move her foot without her jumping up and whining. The other dogs did not calm her at all and she would not settle in a crate even if someone stayed next to her.
Val despaired and really wondered if Luci had a future as she was un-homable as she was.
So Val contacted the mother of the young man who had handed her in and we gained a fuller picture.

If you wonder why so many Staffords are in rescue, here is Luci's story as we have pieced it together and I would suggest this is not an isolated case but what is happening all over.

Someone bred a litter of un registered pups. Whether this was intentional or one of these 'amazing' accidents we are always hearing of, I don't know.
Friends came round to coo over the cute babies but when asked if they wanted one the answer was 'No.' Their work, home, lifestyle did not allow it. Then they found they could not home the puppies, they grew and grew, now getting long past the age when they could have been homed and they could not afford to vaccinate them.
So, they pleaded with their friends and people who never really wanted a puppy and whose lifestyle was not suitable now succumbed and took one.
The boys who took Luci were like that. They were living in one room of a rented house and one was working. No access to a garden for toilet training, unable to securely leave her when they went out.No money for vaccines. Apparently they had to tie her to the wardrobe to have a shower! She in turn became completely dependant on them constantly being there and with no outlet for her energy increasingly hyper.
Then they split up and moved home to Mum and Luci came too!
Thankfully Mum had also paid for the vaccinations. She had a dog and a cat of her own.
So then they began ringing round rescues and of course all are full. Luci is the third five month old pup we have heard of in the past week.

Out with the gang on one of the first walks

When Val spoke to the mother and told her of the difficulties she was having, the mother completely understood as she had struggled for a week with her.

Val then rang Ali Taylor our friend from Battersea Dogs home and Ali was able to give her advice as she has taken in many such dogs. Things have slowly started to improve.

Settled in the crate at last!

Thanks to Val and Stuart, thanks to Ali Taylor, thanks to GDSBTR and all of you who support us Luci now has a future.

12th December

2011-12-12T23:50:00.000Z

Here is the article from the Surrey Advertiser about the Stafford Walk. The dog featured is Tara (not our present Tara) but another older lady we re-homed last year. Thanks to Sandi Beeton-Caird for the photo (she sent several to the paper for me, they picked this one)

They wrote the bit saying the walk was to promote the work of the rescue, which is of course not really true as it was to promote the breed, but they have said that too so we will let them off.

Thanks to all who have given donations recently we are very grateful.
Pets At home in Godalming are supporting us in their 'Support Adoption' Christmas appeal. We will benefit from the 'round the pound' giving and people can also donate items to the charity bin.They have huge signs on the counter declaring this. We have already received some lovely goodies.
We also have any food or goods that are put in the charity bin and have done very well lately with an almost full bag of Wainwrights food which is what we feed anyway, and today, a huge bag of tripe sticks which smell awful but the dogs love, also very expensive so I do not normally buy, so we are doing very well and the dogs enjoying some extra treats.
Thank you to all who support in any way.

10th December

2011-12-11T00:17:00.000Z

I'm back! And....we made it into the Surrey Advertiser. Not just the ad for Tara but a piece about the Stafford Walk. It really is a very positive write up, I will scan it,when time and energy allows, so that you can see it. I only wrote some of it the rest they have taken from the website but as these things go it is fairly accurate and I am very pleased, I lurve a bit of media coverage.

Angel with Jess on her summer holiday.

So Val took in that puppy after all. Apparently the other lady went to look at her and said she was too small, so they rang Val and took her straight round.
Val was having a very busy day attending her grandson's school Christmas performance, among other things, so, as often is the way, it was not the best time to take in a puppy, but she did it anyway and we are very grateful to her.
Her day continued to be busy and the pup 'challenging', so for the moment we have swapped roles and I am the one enjoying a quiet night with Tara snoozing on the floor next to me.
More info and photos when Val gets a chance....

'Please like me Jess?'

Walking Tara and Lexus together remained the highlight of last week. They really seemed like they had been together for ever. Lexus would take his tennis ball and Tara run madly round in circles in the field occasionally barking, so good to see her happy. (She is snoring beside me now.)

At one point Tara stopped to squat and then shot off full pelt, at the same time Lexus had dropped his ball by my foot and left his nose there in anticipation of my kicking the ball, only problem, Tara was on the extending lead rapidly hurtling to its full length. If I stepped forward I would have tripped over Lexus' nose and gone flying. I did a sort of lurch with my upper body and let the lead go, averting disaster, but who said these two oldies were a nice safe walk!

Work in the garden continues.

My neighbour felt too exposed with the trees cut down so has had panel fencing erected at the top of the garden (very smart and secure for us.) It meant moving the dismantled kennel I have had lying there for years. So on Friday Steven moved it to the bottom of the garden for me, while I cut back an aggressive shrub rose and laid two bags of bark down so the dogs have a dry area near the top of the garden for their toilet. It took far longer than expected but I am very pleased with the result.

9th November

2011-12-09T23:11:00.000Z

Dear All,
Alison has lost service on her computer for the last few days so is unable to do the blog.
I was hoping to do it tonight but circumstances has stopped me. We have taken in a 20 week old puppy today, which I will be fostering and making an assessment of her. Her name is Lucy but I will be spelling it Luci from now after a dear friend.
So watch this space I hopefully will have some photos and her story tomorrow. I have an early start tomorrow driving to Bath to look at a lorry for the business as we have to change the current one due to the Low Emission Zone that will be coming in force on January 3rd. Thank you government you are really helping small businesses.

Valerie

7th December

2011-12-08T00:17:00.000Z

A brief update on everyone.
Sandy and Kye are in kennels and both are settled and well and they can stay there for the moment.
Tara is in Sandy's bed so really Sandy cannot come back until Tara goes as it would be too unsettling for everyone. So it was a great relief to know they were settled and could stay but then in the middle of the night I began to worry about the money.
Next to vet fees kennelling is the most expensive outlay of funds. Whereas with veterinary costs you cannot cut corners, kennelling always seems such a waste. It is much cheaper to keep them in foster. Even with rescue discount it costs almost £400 to kennel two dogs for a month. Last month, with so many dogs in, our kennel costs were nearly £600
Our thanks to those who have given donations but to continue to help so many dogs we need your continued support.

Smudge is almost one week into a two week trial at her new home, Things seem to be going well so far.

Tara and Lexus enjoyed another walk together today they really are like Darby and Joan.

I took a call today about a five month old female who had been bought by someone for his partner. They had now parted and the owner worked too much to care for the puppy and had taken time off work to find her somewhere. He was in val's area so I took details and said she would contact him. When she did she was told someone from a rescue nearby (in a road known to Val) was going to see the puppy on Friday.
You can imagine this felt like a kick in the teeth when we had offered to help. Oh, the delights of rescue!

A complete aside, with my columnists hat on, I bought a different bath soak today as it was cheaper than my normal. Whilst I soaked in my bath I peered at the bottle and saw it reassured me it was 'paragen' free! Well isn't that good to know.....

6th December

2011-12-07T00:01:00.000Z

Tara has been given a clean bill of health!
No blood in the urine sample, blood tests clear.
It was quite a surprise as I was preparing myself for bad news although she did look remarkably well when she trotted off with James at the vets this morning.
Now we know there are no lurking nasties we can get on and find her a home.
There will be an ad in the Surrey Advertiser this Friday and in the Guildford Times next Wednesday.

She had to miss breakfast so was very pleased to be fed. I left the door of her crate open while I had lunch, Lexus had warmed her bed whilst she was at the vets and she took herself in and sniffed around and then rolled around on her back. It was the first time she has taken herself in there.

Later I walked her with Lexus. He insisted on taking a tennis ball and they trotted along happily enough, he with the ball in his mouth. She is slightly taller but he is at least twice as wide as she is!
When we reached the field Tara began eating grass and I kicked Lexus' ball. She wanted to chase but i stopped her. After he had had a run I clipped him on and let Tara off. She tore round the field giving the odd high pitched bark, doing that mad 'Staffie' thing. At one point she crashed right into him!

Just out of shot, Bella, Hippo and Bonbon and Chance

Run over, I clipped them back on and they trotted home.

I found the photos of the Stafford Walk I thought I had lost, here is one on the Lammas land.

5th December

2011-12-05T23:21:00.000Z

Everyone has been asking how Tara is.
She is very well in herself, no obvious signs of anything today.
She saw the vet this morning and we discussed different options. The blood in urine is probably just cystitis and not really serious in itself, I have taken a urine sample in to be tested this evening.
The worry is, if she has some underlying cause, as she also has some other worrying symptoms.
We really wanted to put an advert in the paper, latest tomorrow, to get her a home before Christmas but of course we cannot do that if she has something wrong with her and our most pressing need at the moment is space as we have two dogs in kennels and two dogs we know of in Guildford who urgently need a rescue space and of course the pre Christmas dumping has begun, I turned down four dogs on Saturday alone.

However, we have agreed to go for a blood test which she will have tomorrow and we will go from there.

She was very bouncy on her walk this morning, and spent a long time out in the kitchen this evening while Sara attempted The Sun crossword and Sam and I attempted to help! Rather than the rucksack Tara curled up on Sara's bag.
I washed her bed (again) last night and dried it on the radiators this afternoon. It is one of those special beds that reflects the heat ( good for old,young and sick dogs ) it came from the charity bin at Pets At Home and is probably the best bed we have ever had.
After her time in the kitchen she went happily in to bed on her clean,dry, warm bedding. She really is a sweetie. Thank you for your concern.

Khan,Lexus and Smudge last week.

During a busy family moment today Lexus went into the bathroom and removed the lid from a full bottle of shampoo! Dave caught him just in time! He is still managing to root out windfall apples down the garden each morning, despite them being rotten and having the frost on them.
He also still continues his bad behaviour at breakfast time,launching himself from behind the kitchen cabinets and barking madly so that Tara and Chance have learnt to join in.
That Dog!

4th December

2011-12-05T00:29:00.001Z

We had a good day at Bull Terrier Rescue Christmas Fund Raiser.
Although local to us this is a big day in Bullie Rescues calendar and many people had travelled some distance to be there.
We met people like ourselves who despite family committments fostered and gave homes to several needy dogs, each with their own sad story to tell but now safe thanks to rescue.

Sandi, David, Sam Keen,Jon and Lynne turned up to help so we were well supported.
My mother in law also came as she lives practically next door! She spent some money, winning on the tombola and the raffle with ticket number one! It was good to see her and catch up.

Epsom Canine Rescue, whom we work closely with, had a stand there as well as a local pet store and the Donkey Sanctuary from Witley.

We all agreed we had never seen so many English Bull Terriers before and also we envied their calm nature compared to Staffords. We couldn't imagine so many Staffords together in such a small area.
There were some lovely dogs and we all fell in love at least once with a kissable pink nose.

Several had Demodex mange, seeming even more prone to it than Staffords and we were able to share about Promeris Duo, a spot on treatment which really gets rid of it which we have been using since we tried it on Hippo many years ago.

This whole event comes about due to the efforts of one lady who organises it and concentrates purely on fundraising, which just shows what can be done.

We raised £52.50 which was surprisingly high for such an event and due to the generosity of people giving extra for bits bought.

Our Thanks to Bullie Rescue for inviting us.

I am sorry to report that Tara is not well. She passed blood in her urine when Dave walked her today and then needed to urinate frequently for the rest of the walk. We have also noticed she drinks a lot. I will speak to my vet tomorrow.

3rd December

2011-12-03T22:07:00.000Z

Looking in my local paper I see the Bullie Rescue event we have a stall at tomorrow is advertised as a 'Dog's Christmas Party' and there is a DOG SHOW for anyone who wants to bring their dog along as well as stalls from various rescues. ALL money to charities such as ourselves.

From 10am Milford Village Hall

2nd December

2011-12-02T23:42:00.000Z

Bullies in Need Christmas Fund Raiser Sunday 4th December 10am start at Milford Village Hall, nr Godalming. We will have a stall there.

Yesterday my car went in for its MOT and Dave was on a course so I had an entire day at home, very different from usual and certainly different from Monday and Tuesday when I spent most of the day driving.
I thought I would get plenty done but most of the day was spent walking dogs and we had the Forth bridge scenario again in that by the time I did the last one it was time to take the first ones out again.
Despite this I managed to wash my kitchen floor but all to no avail when it started raining as by the end of the day it was black again!
My car returned in the evening with a new MOT certificate and an affordable amount to pay, hurrah!

Tara on the rucksack. The mark on her nose is where she has bitten at the kennel (now healing)

Tara.
We had to collect Tara from the kennels on Saturday evening as she had demolished half the kennel and they had nowhere secure for her to stay.
We didnt know then how she would settle but a week on she is doing well.
She still prefers not to be crated and still curls up on the rucksack by the shoes when out in the kitchen. However, she will go into her crate and settle especially if she has had some time out first.
She does get upset by the unavoidable movement of other dogs and when we go out. She mainly makes silly noises but will also bite the wire of the crate and some how lift the whole thing up so it makes a thumping noise, which was what she must have done in kennels.
She enjoys a walk and is good off lead with excellent recall.
She is pretty grumpy with the other dogs.
Today I left her loose in the kitchen and went out for a while. Although she doesn't like you going, and greets you with enthusiasm when you return she does settle.
I am going to put an advert in the local paper for her.

Today Steven helped me walk dogs and Chance had the best run he has ever had with Spryte and Khan. He really stretched out.
Afterwards we walked Tara and Lexus which was so funny and so easy after the hooligans we are used to.
After walking them side by side we let one off then the other then both off at the same time. Tara loved him running really fast for the first time and trying to get him to play!

It was definitely the highlight of what has proved to be not just busy, but a very stressful week for me.

28th November

2011-11-30T00:10:00.000Z

Thanks Val for yesterdays blog (one of the most popular ever) and for pleading our cause but especially for spending yourself on behalf of Fleur and getting a very deserving dog into a loving home.
It is so satisfying when an abandoned unwanted dog suddenly finds love and they become transformed before your eyes from an ugly mongrel into an adored pet.
This has happened for Smudge. Once she was the most unwanted puppy in the world , now a family are counting down the days until she comes to their home.

David did some work with Kye and again instead of seeing an unruly monster we saw a handsome intelligent pup.
David has promised to work with him and so we now feel able to take him on and home him ourselves instead of waiting for a space in another rescue as we were doing.
There are some people who have a gift for seeing a dogs potential and in turn helping me to see the dog differently and Sandi and Sam Keen are two who have this gift and who have been very supportive at all our latest events.

On Sunday I arrived at David's clinic about 12.30 Apparently it had been non stop all morning. Melissa brought Bullseye along now looking sleek and handsome and Julie demonstrated obedience exercises with her Collie.
Despite this people did not seem to grasp the need to donate and a somewhat disappointing £13 was raised.
Never mind, Smudge found a potential home so it all seemed worthwhile!

I am glad every day is not as manic as the last two days have been. Just listen to all I did on Monday.

After taking all the dogs down the garden and feeding them I then took my daughter to college for 9.15am On board were Kye, Chance and Tara.
Dave (my husband ) was on a government training course all day, so Tara came with me as we still dont like to leave her with no-one at home, Kye was going to the vets for his kennel cough vaccine prior to going into kennels.
After the vets we went to the farm to bring the ponies in and each dog had a walk.
It was then I noticed Chance's neutering scar looked red and inflamed. Phone call to vet. It was agreed to take him at the same time as Sandy in the afternoon.
Then we returned home and Kye and Chance went in and Angel and Jade went into the car after a trip down the garden. Then I took Spryte and Khan and Lexus down the garden.
I was waiting for Kye's vaccinnation certificate to come in the post but despite the post being there the certificate was not. A couple of phone calls revealed the certificate was still with the previous owner but as this was close to the kennels I arranged to collect it prior to dropping him off.
Next I drove to the bank and met up with my daughter, then a quick visit to Sainsburys to buy Chinese for my son Sam's birthday dinner ( oh yes I forgot to mention it was Sam's birthday, 14 ) then we filled up with petrol before meeting David and Smudge at Pets at Home.
Smudge on board we went back and turned the ponies out also giving Angel and Jade a run.
Then home where Tara was dropped off (as Jessie could now dog sit her ) Angel was replaced by Kye and Chance in the car.
Then I took Khan and Spryte a walk while Jessie made me some toast and took Lexus down the garden.
When I returned from the walk Dave was home, paperwork was not in order so the afternoon course was cancelled!
Then we left to take Kye to kennels picking up his vaccination certificate on the way.
The plan was to drop Kye off and collect Sandy to take her to the vets for her booster and return her to kennels before 5pm when they close. As it was 4.20pm (the time of her vet app ) when I collected Kye's certificate we could see there needed to be a change of plan.
Kye and certificate were dropped to the kennels. Phone call to vet changed Sandy's app to following day but decided to still take Chance and wait for slot for him to be seen.
Peering into the car at this point and seeing a brindle face staring back at me, even I was beginning to get confused who it was.
Dark, rush hour drive across Guildford to vet. Chance given course of antibiotics.
Drive home, feed dogs whilst preparing birthday meal. Dave has his early and leaves for college.
Eventually we eat, Happy Birthday Sam.......now only phone calls to make and maybe write the blog....

27th November

2011-11-27T22:16:00.002Z

                    Happy Endings, New Beginnings!!!!!!!!


Fleur has gone to her new home this afternoon. Checking that all arrived safely home, the update this evening was that Fleur is laying with all four legs outstretched watching Midsummer Murders! We wish Fleur and her new owners Karen and James a long and happy life together.

Fleur was up for re homing due to her owner having to move into accommodation where only one dog was allowed, she had two, Fleur and her mother Nellie. Fleur was the elderly lady's dog which she had had from a puppy and Nellie had been her grandsons dog.
Alison took the call requesting the dogs be re homed by the owner due to the circumstances. Before Alison agrees to re home a dog the dog/dogs require to be checked for suitability. I went to check their suitability for re homing as they were within my area. I refused the mother Nellie but I accepted Fleur for the website due too her fantastic temperament and demeanour. Obviously due to the current situation with Staffies we have to be very selective on suitability for re homing.
The assessment is not a quick in and out, questions are asked whilst observing the dog in its home environment, this can take up to an hour or more. If a dog is accepted we then have to take photographs and compile a write up for their page on the website. This is then added by the webmaster to Guildford's website and we add it to Staffordshire Bull Terrier Welfare's website, should the dog be over 7 years we submit a request to The Oldies Dog Rescue website for inclusion. Whilst waiting for enquires to come in there are the unrecognised factors that have to be dealt with In the case of Fleur, she needed vaccinating, spaying, micro chipping her claws clipped, Advocate, worming, and she a health check. The elderly owner was unable to do this because of finances. Due to the logistics of taking Fleur to Guildford and Districts vets she went my vets where rescue rates had been agreed. This meant that two full morning were taken up, collecting her from her owner, taking her to the vets and returning Fleur to her owner. Not knowing how Fleur would travel I enlisted the help of a friend to handle Fleur whilst travelling.
When an enquiry comes through Alison and I discuss the suitability for dog and applicant, a telephone call ensues, then a home check by Alison or myself in some cases we will contact other rescues if they have done a home check previously or their veterinarian for a reference. If all the boxes are ticked, a meeting is arranged with the suitable dog and it's prospective owner. If all goes well the dog is adopted there and then but in the case of Fleur, Karen and James had to come back as Fleur had to have her 2nd vaccination. This required that I was present for transfer of ownership and adoption documentation to be completed at handover.
The time that this one dog has taken to re home, if you equate it at an hourly rate, that one would pay a service provider you would be looking at a fee of £400 or more. Add to this the cost of veterinary services of £200 which includes only a percentage of the fee towards spaying. Whilst a donation of £150 is requested for a dog and £30 administration fee for a dog who remains in its current home untill a new home is found it does not cover the cost incurred. Certainly an accountants advise would be to cease trading!!!!!
This is not to mention that whilst Alison or I are undertaking these duties our families, jobs and dogs take a back seat. For Alison more so than I it does mean that she has less time to spend on walking the dogs that she has in her care for re homing. Juggling our lives to the fullest extent is part and parcel of our everyday life. It can be filled with happiness when a dog is re homed but when there are those lovely dogs who remain 'waiting' for such a long time it is soul destroying.
I know that I may be 'going on' but this is the other side of rescue that many are not aware of. Especially when you are told that someone has not got the money for the care of their dog, then proceeds to tell you later that they are going on holiday to America!!!!!!!!

Breaking News:- Smudge has got a new home. I am sure Alison will tell you all tomorrow.

Smudge dreaming of her new home

Thank you Alison for your well wishes on the birth of our grandaughter.

Henry, our daughters staffie now aged 14 years is being impeccable. He lays beside the crib and when the baby is picked up he follows close to heel ensuring that she remains safe. Henry was like this when Charlie, our grandson was born and has remained his bestest friend (Charlies words not mine).

Please continue to support Guildford and District SBTR
Donations always needed help to continue their work.
Author:- Valerie

26th November

2011-11-26T22:38:00.000Z

Don't forget!

Living with wolves dog training and behaviour clinic Tomorrow Sunday 27th November 10am/3pm Pets at Home Godalming.

Best laid plans......I had a call from the kennels this afternoon to say Tara had 'removed' a panel from her kennel and appeared in reception!
As they could not ensure keeping her in could I go and collect her asap.
They were happy to take Sandy in her place, so once I had finished my lessons I drove over to pick her up.
I thought I had done well arriving at 5.20pm but as I turned in the drive I remembered they close at 5pm Oops done it again!
Sandy was happy enough to go in. Tara was waiting with Tina sitting on her lap!

She is a sweet little girl but has become increasingly upset when she hears or sees someone around and cannot get to them. This has become worse since she changed kennel as they are working on her old kennel block and now any changes upset her.
This is separation anxiety and something I fear and dread, as, if severe it is impossible to home the dog and I have known some so bad, impossible to keep them anywhere until a home can be found.

I drove Tara back beneath Guildford's Christmas lights wondering if we were going to be able to help her.
She came happily enough into the kitchen and ate some food. She had a growl at Chance who was being silly, every time a new dog comes in it changes the dynamics and others can get upset.
Whilst I chatted to Val, on the phone, mother and baby doing well by the way, Tara curled up on a rucksack on the kitchen floor and fell into what looked like the deepest sleep she had had since before going into kennels!
So far so good but with so many dogs she has to sleep in a crate. I offered her a treat and in she went though obviously not as happy.That was two hours ago, she seems to have settled, lets hope for her sake she will.

25th November

2011-11-25T23:18:00.000Z

Well what a day!
From finding a Staffie puppy running in the road when I pulled out of the drive from my ponies, to a German Wire Haired Pointer still missing after running off last night, and everything in between!
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the puppy. A young man grabbed her and I jumped out of my car and joined him. She was tagged and he rang the number. It turned out she belonged to the gardener from the house opposite whom I know as he has an older Stafford. Someone had left the electric gates open and she ran out and into the road stopping the traffic. Fortunately she survived, but bad call mate!

Returning from the walk with Steven, Khan, Spryte and Sandy I received a call from a friend to say there was a discussion on the Jeremy Vine Show on Radio 2 about did Staffies deserve their bad reputation. I hurried back nearly bringing on a heart attack, after contacting Val who was herself rushing from a job to join her daughter who had gone into labour whilst shopping in Croydon.
I heard most of the debate and thought it very balanced. Lesley Mcfayden from East Anglian SBT club and part of our forum spoke very well even mentioning the Stafford agility team (of which Rhea and Kerry are part) and National SBT Day.
There was an unfortunate comment from a lady from another rescue who tried to give out her web address!
I missed some negative comments about all Staffie owners being morons, I will listen again. Owners are posting positive Staffie pictures on Radio 2's facebook page. I have put on some photos of the walk.
There is an article in the telegraph, something on BBc Kent, the message is getting out there.

Val's daughter gave birth to a baby girl after a textbook delivery at 3.30pm Our congratulations to Mum and Grandparents.

Then news from Sam that a Pointer had gone missing from a neighbour at the ponies.

Sadly only one of our 3 homes came to fruition and that is for Fleur who should go to her new home on Sunday, we are pleased but it does not alleviate the situation here.

Our plan is to change Sandy and Tara over on Monday. Kye will also go into kennels unless something else has come up for him.
Smudge comes back Monday for a week.

24th November

2011-11-24T23:40:00.001Z

Living With Wolves Dog Training clinic THIS Sunday 27th November 10am/3pm at Pets At Home Godalming.

Gwen Laker, Audrey Hubery and John Laker from Welfare at parliament.

Apparently the parliament meeting went well with Battersea raising all the relevant points relating to Staffies and the problems at this time. Launching their Staffies are softer than you think campaign.

Tara an old lady needing a home

We remain in crises still coping with several dogs over our limit.
We have still not found a rescue space for Kye and Smudge needs to come back to us for a week as David has a dog coming in for training. Unless we have some movement we have no space whatsoever to take her back.
Tara is becoming stressed in kennels so I have taken the decision to swap her with Sandy. Sandy seems quite happy in kennels (and stressed here) but as Tara does not cope well with change once here she will have to stay until she finds a home.

Kye needs rescue space

I have had three calls from people who need to rehome their dog or else they will lose their home.
One man was moving into accomodation where he cannot have a dog. It is heartbreaking but how can we help when we cannot cope ourselves.

23rd November

2011-11-23T22:08:00.000Z

East Anglian Stafford agility team at Discover Dogs Kerry and Rhea back left and Kerry's husband with Neighla, back middle.

The link below is Battersea at parliament today where members of SBT Welfare were invited. Click http://www.battersea.org.uk/about_us/media_centre/press_releases/battersea_shows_off.html

Link below shows footage of Stafford Walk :-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnRAEv1_j3Y&feature=email

We hope to have an article in the Surrey Advertiser either this week or next week

22nd November

2011-11-22T22:31:00.000Z

Tomorrow John and Gwen laker and Audrey Hubery from SBT Welfare join staff from Battersea Dog And Cats Home at an informal meeting of Parliament where Battersea will launch its recent campaign of promoting Staffies. We wish them well.

I had a lovely time first thing this morning taking the dogs down the garden one at a time and playing with them or clearing leaves in an unhurried way. Not sure why it happens so rarely.
Chance has been neutered, he was a good boy and it was all straightforward, he doesn't seem to have noticed yet and is as bouncy as normal.

Jade

Best news is we have three possible homes, here's hoping...!

21st November

2011-11-21T22:49:00.000Z

And we raised a fantastic £158.50 for funds!

Photos are still coming in, I have added some to yesterdays blog.
Thank you for all your lovely comments.
If some of you who were on the walk and chatted to any of us about training or possibly adopting another dog, do get in touch by email or call me on 01483 578230
Rachy, who missed the walk, with the Staff x Pug we would love to see a photo of your dog do email one across.
Also if anyone has photos please send them in.

We also received a cheque for £400 from Pets At Home Support Adoption for the four days we did there in October. Our thanks to them.

Back to reality we took Kye in as an emergency on Sunday evening. This is the 8 month old who has had a different home for each month of his short life. As he is a cross we are trying to find him a space with another rescue. Having him puts us way over the limit of dogs with us and can only be a temporary measure.

Kye

We desperately need homes or foster homes, do consider if you could help in this way.
Poor Tara is still in kennels and needs to be in a home asap.

Tara

Chance is being neutered tomorrow.

20th November

2011-11-20T22:43:00.002Z

Well our STAFFORD WALK was a HUGE SUCCESS!

Far beyond anything we could have imagined!

http://www.staffiezone.org.uk/discover_dogs_2011_.html

Before I set out I checked my emails only to hear from the people who couldn't make it so I was feeling pretty discouraged when I arrived at 10.15am.
Sam and her Mum Sue, and Roxy were soon there and I booked them in and then someone else came and they just kept coming!

Soon the car park was full of very excited Staffords and it was only 10.50am
We moved down towards the river to try and calm everyone down and then we were off!
You can imagine we made a very impressive presence. Once on the river path everyone settled down, crossing the roads we stopped the traffic and once back outside Pets at Home shoppers were asking us what was going on.
David was accosted by desperate dog owners so that he ran out of cards, someone took a photo of the side of his van to get his details and we left him there still talking to people!
The only thing missing was a hot drink and snack at the finish...maybe next time.

We had 36 dogs and many more people. Everyone behaved responsibly even though some of the dogs were not easy (especially mine) and it passed off without any unpleasant incidents.

My thanks to EVERYONE who came along, special thanks to Sam Keen and her Mum Sue, David and Helen, Sandi (our official photographer ) and Morag who produced our wonderful stickers.

I am going to award prizes.
We had 36 dogs. All Staffords apart from two Collies and a Yorkie called Jo-Jo (prize for being the smallest dog there, and the bravest!)
We had several Staffie crosses Two Staffie x Newfoundland ( prize for being the biggest dogs there)
A very well behaved Staff x Labrador and Ernest Staff x Boxer ( rescue from Acek9 ( Treetops) wins prize for best rescue.
There were 3 quite young puppies one of whom was deaf Roxy ( special needs prize) with her brother Drake and Maisy who was only 13 weeks ( prize for youngest) and of course dear Smudge (prize for youngest rescue)
Gareth came with Monty! (Prize for travelling furthest) he came all the way from Wiltshire setting off at 8am!
Guildford Staffords included Monty, Hippo,Tara, Sky with their adoptive families. Jade, Sapphire, Chance and Smudge, still waiting for homes.
Several people came without dogs including Ellen who came on her own (so gets a prize for that ) she took Jade and coped with her very competently despite Jade barking for almost the entire walk ( she shares the prize for the noisiest with Rex)
Hippo wins a prize as Guildford Stafford celeb and the Stafford with shortest legs!
Sandi wins a prize as best turned out owner in her Welfare Deed not Breed pink tee shirt and matching wellies!
Kathy and Alan with Bella and Jess with Buster all win a prize for coming when they were nervous about their dogs. Bella and Buster both did really well and well done to you guys for turning up and taking part.

Everyone was asking when was the next one going to be....

19th November

2011-11-19T20:30:00.000Z

STAFFORD WALK TOMORROW!

Tomorrow is our big day. Looks as if the weather is set fair. We do hope many of you join us.
The purpose of the walk is to show publicly what good dogs Staffords can be with responsible owners.

Daisy and Honey at Discover Dogs

We hope it to be a positive experience for all who come along.

Dogs will have to remain on leads throughout. Even if your dog is O.K. others may not be. We will have a number of 'reactive' dogs there and we want to encourage owners who are not normally brave enough to attend such events, to come along but we do not want to spoil it by others being inconsiderate or insensitive.

Our behavourist David Egan from 'Living With Wolves,' will be present and a number of stewards who are experienced trainers will also be on hand ( in high viz gear )

We have also printed out some guidelines which will be handed out to each walker plus a sticker and poo bag!

Can't wait now to meet you all. Let's change public opinion....let's WALK OUR STAFFORDS WITH PRIDE!

17th November

2011-11-17T23:48:00.000Z

2 Days to go until our Stafford Walk! Our advert will be in Surrey Advertiser 'Whats On,' magazine again tomorrow. Nothing left to do except pray it doesn't rain! Knowing what Staffords are like in the rain they will be going nowhere!

Saffy in the new exercise area

Have spent another frustrating day running out of daylight. I ended up turning ponies out in the dark and Sapphire Jade and Angel having their evening run in the dark! Though cannot complain about the weather, another pleasant, surprisingly warm day.

The oak tree showing the Ivy and lower branch removal

The tree surgeons were back in my neighbours garden finishing off the clearing. I am still thrilled with my new exercise area which we are continuing to clear. I bring you some exclusive pictures. This area is about 1/4 of my garden and was very dark from the overgrowth of next doors trees but now has been opened up, making a lovely area for the dogs to play in. I wish I had some 'before' pictures but I do not.

Looking down the garden

(Danger reality check)...

I am sure you will be pleased to hear that the dog poo pit is still working with hardly any smell. I add the bio chemical about once a week and also sluice with water. It is a far more eco friendly way of disposing of the waste than using bags.

16th November

2011-11-16T21:00:00.000Z

3 days to go to our Stafford Walk Sunday 20th November 11am start from Pets At Home Godalming

Please join us and show how good our breed can be with a responsible owner. Let's walk our Staffords with Pride!

Follow this link to see one MP's support for National SBT Weekend. http://www.epolitix.com/1832-blog/blog-post/newsarticle/guess-the-dog-loving-mp-2/

Congratulations to Jenny and Simon owners of Boris on the arrival of their daughter Rosa Mary on 18th October. Jenny writes

' Boris has adapted really well to the new addition in the family. We are so proud of him. He licks her feet in the morning to say hello and is very gentle around her. When the Tesco delivery man comes he sits beside her cot protecting her! He has not shown any agressive behaviour and has settled into his routine again since we bought her home from the hospital.'

I have put out a request on the website ( as not everyone reads the blog!) for homes and donations for the many dogs we have in, or are supporting at the moment as we are under considerable pressure in all areas and running dangerously low on funds.

15th November

2011-11-16T00:25:00.000Z

4 Days until our Stafford Walk Sunday 20th November 11am Start from Pets At Home Godalming

John laker, myself and Boycie at Discover Dogs

Sorry about the problem with the blog yesterday, we have tried to rectify it but to no avail, we hope you all realised you just needed to click on 'read more.'

We are getting excited now about our walk on Sunday. Please remember the purpose is to promote the breed in a positive light and dogs will need to remain on the lead throughout the walk and keep a safe distance from the dog in front. We would also like to dissuade you from letting your dog meet nose to nose with another dog.
Also the route is very wet so remember your wellies.

Sally and Boycie

We walked Angel and Chance together today and Angel did not react to him AT ALL unbelievable for her. She must find him very non threatening.

14th November

2011-11-15T00:01:00.012Z

Sorry Alison,

I was so tired after Discover Dogs that I fell asleep and ended up with Domino's Pizza, then promptly fell off to sleep again!!!!!
Admission for dogs and handlers this year was via a side door, apprehension creeps in as you join the queue, hoping that the dogs are going to be good. Phew! No need to worry. It was busy with dogs coming from all angles but everything was fine. We arrived at the stand to see Alison deep in conversation with a lady, Sally with Boycie on her lap in the pen and Simon intently looking on. John and Gwen were talking to people and Sandy at the ready with her camera. There was a lady (sorry cannot remember her name) who works at John and Gwen's kennels handing out leaflets to all those who passed and Marsha with her daughter, she had re homed three rescue staffies two of which were from John. It is at events like this that you meet people that are of like minds all pulling together for our special breed.
As it was change over we do not get the chance to catch up so with a brief hello it was time for Alison and co to leave but Sandy who against my standard of photography is a marvel took some photos. Thank you Sandi.
Daisy and Honey settled quickly, Stuart stood with Daisy outside the pen and I had Honey inside the pen sitting on my lap doing her meerkat impressions, which never fails to draw the crowds especially children which Honey adores.
This year the vibes were very much pro Stafford's, parents were not rushing their children pass but took the time to stop and stroke the dogs.

One lady had happily spent £70 on treats and a new bed that is off of the ground to help prevent her dog from smelling for her staffie x. Many owned staffies producing their mobile phones with photos of their dog. One lady had recently lost her staffie and was looking for another one but wanted to re home from a rescue close to where she lived. The consensus was, as we all know it's not the dog it is what is hold the other end of the lead!
One couple who own 3 gun dogs but also would love to have a staffie talked about the problem with staffords, they live in South Norwood, London. I happen to know this area as Blaze who is now happily re homed with Luci came from there. It transpires that dog fighting in South Norwood Country Park is rife.
An American lady who now lives in England, owned and bred Pit Bulls when she lived in Manhattan said that they are lovely dogs but again it is down to the owners. She did remark looking at Daisy and Honey, Staffords are far smaller than Pit Bulls, so buyers beware of those remarks 'long legged'.

It was a rewarding and worthwhile day and if you had time to wander there was everything you could imagine to buy your canine friend and come home with an empty wallet or purse. Or better still the chance to re home that special dog!!!!!!

13th November

2011-11-13T18:45:00.000Z

We have done Discover Dogs! One down three to go!
Next Sunday 20th November is our Stafford Walk 11am from Pets at Home Godalming.
Sunday 27th November Living With Wolves is holding a Dog Behaviour and Training Clinic 10am-3pm
(Pets at Home, Godalming) Donations to Pets at Home 'Support adoption Scheme' and Guildford SBT Rescue.
contact david on 07971627146 to book your place

Boycie

and on Sunday 4th November we will be at Bull terrier Rescues Christmas Fund Raiser at Milford Village Hall, Nr Godalming from 10 am

We had a good day at Discover Dogs. I picked Sandi up slightly late this morning but as we texted Sally to say we were running late we received a text from her to say the same thing. We made good time arriving before I had even finished telling Sandi the uncensored version of the latest ups and downs in rescue.
The last bit to the car park is always tricky as the sat nav takes us to Earls Court. I made a sudden detour when I thought I recognised a greengrocers, incurring the wrath of the London drivers expressed in the usual way!
But we made it and as we turned into the car park I remarked 'Ooh there's a nice Staffie,' only to realise it was Boycie with Sally and Simon, great timing.

Boycie was an absolute star! Calmly taking the stroking and patting from young and old, large and small and generally ignoring the other dogs, looking stunning in his red harness. The only time he wasn't happy was when Sally and Simon left him with me whilst they looked around the show. He became very subdued eventually lying down on a chair with his back to everyone. We thought he was getting tired but once they returned he was back to himself again!

Val and Stuart arrived with Daisy and Honey at lunchtime immediately stopping the crowds, and Boycie and the first shift were able to go for a well earned rest.
I didn't quite make it back to hear Dave play the Last Post at the war memorial, having walked ALL the dogs for me earlier, but it was great to get back to the dogs and get them out briefly before dark.
(Val may add her report of the afternoon later.)

11th November

2011-11-11T21:13:00.001Z

This is officially NATIONAL STAFFORD WEEKEND with events taking place up and down the country

We will be on the SBT Welfare stand at Discover Dogs on Sunday

Guildford & District SBT Rescue wishes GOOD LUCK to everyone at their events.

That dog Lexus has not had a mention lately but it is not because he has been behaving.
Even with the garden cleared he still manages to source a windfall apple each morning, consuming it with relish and then choking on it when he tries to bark to encourage a speedy arrival of his breakfast, resulting in disgusting noises.
His tongue sticks out from the toothless gap in his mouth more often than not these days, but always when he is sleeping on the sofa.

Smudge is getting on well with the cats so far. Her education has been extended to another twenty dogs of various shapes and sizes and two cows.
Not that it has all been straightforward as David has been subject to Staffie predudice, when a Westie ran up to Smudge and she stiffened because she was unsure only for the Westie owner to shout,'Get that Staffie away from my dog!' David was incredulous and asked her if she was joking. Welcome to our world David! Glad to know it happens to experts too!
He has produced an advert for her which we are going to display in vets.

Poor Tara has developed an ear infection in kennels and is feeling sorry for herself. We really need a foster home for her.

My horse osteopath, Morag, also a Staffie owner has produced some fantstic stickers for the Stafford Walk.
It is also advertised in the Whats On magazine in the Surrey Advertiser.

Good luck to the Stafford Agility Team at Discover Dogs tomorrow.
Sam please introduce yourself to Kerry and give her our love.

10th November

2011-11-10T22:51:00.000Z

I thought I should clarify our reasons for not offering rescue back up for the 10 month old male one of our blog followers had offered to foster.
The first is that we have not seen the dog and he was described as long legged, we never take a dog in without seeing it first.
The second was we have no space at all to put him in if something should go wrong with the foster home and especially if he did not get on with the fosterers dog, which leads into the third that from the description this dog was not good with other dogs and needed to be the only dog in the home with a very experienced handler who could spend time training him and also the dog sounded as if he would not find a home easily leaving us with another 'sticker.'
When I share these dire situations with you I know it gives you a sense of helplessness but I want you to be aware of the gravity of the situation with SBT's, it is not just this one dog,there are hundreds more in the same predicament. Gone are the days when you could rescue a difficult Stafford and save its life because the reality is you will be stuck with it because no-one else will want it, and there will be another hundred dogs exactly the same out there.

While we are in a sombre frame of mind can I draw your attention to the fact that in a few days time we will have had Sandy for a year.
Do you remember the big appeal and excitement when she finally arrived? This was how the blog started as well.
BUT a year on and we have not homed her.
And unlike some of the other long stayers, she is not happy and for sometime has been stressed by life here.
We are far better than a kennel environment but we are not her home.
This has been bothering me for sometime and I have to ask, should we have taken her in?
Also if she is unhappy and we cannot find a suitable home, what should we do?
Gone are the days when you could save a difficult Staffy and guarantee a happy ever after........

9th November

2011-11-09T23:18:00.000Z

Rhea Agility

We are gearing up now for Discover Dogs on Sunday.
Sandi BC is coming with me to give support as she did last year but she is not bringing cassie as we are going to take Boycie. Boycie is currently being fostered by Sally so she is driving down and meeting us there.
We will do the morning, joining John and Gwen Laker on the Welfare Stand and Val and Stuart will take over with their very good dogs for the afternoon.
There will be a SBT agility team display on Saturday and Sunday with our friend Ali Taylor from Battersea with her dog Squirt and Kerry Crick with her two Staffords Neighla and Rhea ( who is a Guildford Stafford)
Sadly Kerry and Rhea will be there on Saturday not Sunday so we will miss them.

Smudge is doing very well so far with David and Helen. My thanks to Val for getting the pictures up which I was unable to do. You can see what a hard time Smudge is having of it! We bought her a coat today as they are worried she is feeling the cold.
It is so much calmer here without her, although she was delightful, and the other dogs have settled down.
Things have rather caught up with me,however,and I am struggling to stay awake in the evenings and write the blog.

Val with Honey who will be working the crowds at Discover Dogs

One of our blog followers has offered a foster home to the 10 month old male I mentioned in yesterdays blog. It is a very generous and kind offer but we have regretfully decided we are unable to offer rescue back up for this dog at this time.

8th November

2011-11-08T23:32:00.004Z

Despite all the encouragement, all the campaigns, things seem to be worse than ever.
I had two calls today from a lady locally wanting to re-home a 10 month old male.
They had agreed to look after him temporarily for a friend of their son but weeks had turned into months until it became apparent his owner wasn't coming back.

They didn't want him, he was after all, not their dog.

They had two Spaniels and he started to fight with the male.
They had ended up with a dog they never wanted in the first place and now he was picking on their own dog.
They wanted him gone.

So they advertised him on Gumtree as free to good home.
Realising the dangers of this they had turned down single men, stipulating he needed a family home.
They had found homes for him twice.
One they had another male dog so that didn't work.(I think I had a call from this home)
In the next home they had a 10 month old child, he knocked it over.
Desperate to find him somewhere they had paid to have him castrated.

Now they were contacting us.

We were unable to help as we are already running four dogs over our limit.
We could put him on our website but there is no guarantee he would find a home and they wanted him gone quickly also he sounded as if he needed some training, if we advertised him and someone came along would we really feel comfortable homing such a dog.
Yet your heart goes out to him, here is a young dog nobody wants and whose future is looking decidedly bleak.
This is not a one off, this is happening to hundreds of Staffords throughout our country everyday.

To end on a positive note.

Smudge appears to have landed on her paws with David and Helen fostering her, so far going well with the cats and getting pampered as these photos show! ( Sorry cannot get them to load.)
By taking her in when we did we saved her from suffering the same fate as this 10 month old and so many others.

6th November

2011-11-06T22:13:00.000Z

On Friday we walked the route for the STAFFORD WALK
My daughter Jessie and my friend Steven came with me along with Jade, Chance and the pup Smudge.
I have to say I am really excited, it is a lovely walk and we start by walking over the bridge in Godalming.
Even with three of us it created quite an impression and the thought of fifteen/twenty or more Staffords with their owners walking over the bridge showing we are proud of our breed was fantastic!

Smudge

I do hope lots of you will be inspired to come along and join us and make the idea a reality.

It is easy walking and very pleasant but quite wet in places, at least it was on Friday, wear wellies!
There are two open fields where it may be tempting to let your dog off lead for a run but please DON'T as your dog may be fine but others not. The purpose of the walk is not to exercise your dog but to show publicly that Staffies with responsible owners are lovely dogs and we proud to own them.

It takes less than an hour and Smudge, who is only three months old, had no trouble at all completing it.

David Egan has taken Smudge as a foster, as long as she gets on with Helen's cats. She and Shadow are already firm friends.
This will give us a much needed break and allow us to give more attention to our other dogs, things are already much calmer, although we loved having her.

Playing with uncle Lexus

Battersea's Staffie promotion is still being well received with people talking about it after church today. It is really spot on warming the most unlikely people towards them.
Well done Battersea.

3rd November

2011-11-03T22:56:00.000Z

Just over one week until Discover Dogs 12th/13th November.
We will be on SBT Welfare stand on Sunday 13th
The following w/e Sunday 20th November don't forget our Stafford Walk 11am start from Pets at Home Godalming. Join us and walk your Stafford with pride.

This morning we asked a friend to help us clear leaves in the garden and have a bonfire.
As he arrived a tree surgeon who is working on my neighbours garden also arrived. ( My neighbour is having lots of clearing work done of very mature trees which have taken the light from our garden for years.)

Dave, inspired by the work already done, continued the clearing in our garden putting some old poultry houses onto the fire and removing the 'small' duck pond.

The effect when I returned after lunch was amazing. The lower branches of an enormous oak tree which had reached right across our whole garden, had been removed (I had not thought this possible) letting in so much light plus the other clearing means we have a lovely exercise area for the dogs, without doing anything else to it.
I have often felt our garden is a huge unused resource (since we stopped keeping poultry) but the way this has all come about in the space of a day is, as far as I am concerned, nothing short of a miracle.

Little Smudge has really settled down. Although she still has her moments she is a different dog to the crazy little thing that arrived on Friday night.
It is wonderful to watch Lexus playing with her (definitely softer than you think)
I feel we have come through the latest crises and the house is calm again.

I plan to walk the route for the Stafford Walk tomorrow

2nd November

2011-11-02T20:08:00.002Z

Battersea have launched their campaign to promote Staffies and try to get more homes for their dogs.
www.battersea.org.uk/staffie

Staffies.
They're softer than you think.

I have seen the advert online but was surprised to have a large leaflet through our door today! Fantastic, quite big so you cant ignore it. I was just thinking how I would tell Ali our friend who works at Battersea that we had a leaflet and what a good idea as I tramped up the hill with Spryte and Chance.
I met a lady with a Ridgeback who asked, 'Are those Staffies?' It turned out she had read the Battersea leaflet and looked at their dogs as she had recently lost her other Ridgeback but she had young children and for Battersea children have to be eight upwards. So I told hr I was her local rescue and hopefully we have found a home right here in my village! Thanks Battersea!

Smudge and Chance both slept well after all their activity yesterday.

Hippo, not taken today.

I saw little Hippo today who we homed over four years ago and who is the smallest Stafford ever! I was sorry to learn she has arthritis in three of her legs, not that you could tell as she jumped around.

1st November

2011-11-01T23:32:00.001Z

The baby went through the night!
I felt decidedly more human today until tonight when I realised I had missed an appointment for a minor operation I had waited 4 months for!

Kerry and husband with Neighla an Rhea (right)

A Stafford agility team are giving a display at Discover Dogs.
Our friend Ali Taylor who works at Battersea, and is part of the Staffie forum will be taking part with her dog Squirt. Ali and Squirt work tirelessly promoting SBT's and re-educating young people in their attitude towards dogs.
Also Kerry and her husband will be taking part with their dogs Neighla and Rhea (who was one of our puppies from 2009)
The teams had a practise at Battersea this weekend.

David Egan worked with Angel and Chance today as well as meeting Smudge who transformed from an unruly puppy into a well mannered dog in minutes, how does he do that?

In the evening we took Sandy, Chance and Smudge to Doghouse Agility with Anna.
Sandy was rather too excited but flew over the jumps.
Chance was so good Anna thought he must have done some before (I would think this is very unlikely) he is just a star.

The team during last Saturdays practise.

Smudge was just there for socialisation, she is too small to do any jumping.

31st October

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000Z

Smudge woke me at 5.45am.
Took her out and then had to take several of others out too, trying to ensure she did not wake the neighbourhood in the meantime.
Had 3 attempts at getting back to bed before she would settle and just as I managed it the alarm went off!
Felt completely wired all day.
She came with me to the bank to withdraw some of the cash she is spending and then to Pets at Home to spend it!
She attracted lots of attention.
She and Lexus have surprisingly become best mates.

Dave drove down to Southampton to pick up Tara from Second chance rescue.
Apparently everyone there has fallen in love with her. She is a sweetie.
A quick visit to the vet for vaccine and then a dark drive over to Spangleberry kennels.

We are now full to bursting and one in kennels resources are stretched.

30th October

2011-10-30T23:11:00.000Z

Battersea are about to launch a campaign to promote SBT 's in a positive light to try to help in homing the many they have in their homes.
A photo of one our dogs, Dolly, and her young owner is to be featured in their campaign.
Dolly was the puppy who came to us on Christmas Eve last year. She is adored by her new family.

Smudge extended her education today by playing with a young female Whippet, seeing a river and investigating mole hills! She wasn't too keen on the river she raised her hackles and put her tail between her legs.

I now know her owner advertised her on Gumtree as she passed my number on to an interested party. Had we not taken her in it sounds as if we would have had another unwanted litter as she was wanted (free) to be a playmate to a male Staffie of a similar age.

29th October

2011-10-29T22:43:00.000+01:00

Exploring at the ponies

Aaaah! Happiness is a sleeping puppy. Smudge was a good girl through the night settling down and sleeping soundly.
We took her to the ponies today where (as well as the ponies) she met several other dogs, a Tibetan terrier, the two Spaniels from the farm and Daisy the Collie who is excellent with puppies. At home we have had her out with Khan and Lexus. Lex seems intrigued but Khan does not like puppies and barks and gets upset.
One of my pupils walked her and we gave her a good long play so that she would be tired and sleep. Listen to that..... Silence ..broken only by a deep snore, RESULT!

After work I took Sandy and Chance up to the fields for a run. Darkness was falling. They had a great time running shoulder to shoulder and Sandy was exhibiting lots of calming behaviour which I was very impressed by, she really has come on.
Unfortunately it was marred near the end when a large Lurcher or Wolfhound appeared from nowhere and surprised them. They didn't react well and neither did I. The dog ran off back to its owner half a field away, by now it was dark. In the confusion I dropped a lead and couldnt find it in the dark so had to share a lead between them on the way home.
Before we got back the wretched fireworks had started.

Looks as if we are going to get two nights of Trick or Treaters this year too, deep joy.

28th October

2011-10-28T23:52:00.000+01:00

Do not start a dog rescue if you want a stress free life! ( Though I am sure you knew that.)

We seem to have had at least one crises a week for the past month but this week we have had three!
Dave rang me at work today to say we had received a call from a vets about a 3 month old female who they had been asked to 'put to sleep' as the owner was moving and couldn't take it with them!

With rescues full people are becoming desperate, but this was unbelievable!

Smudge (also impossible to photograph.)

People regularly use the term, 'getting rid' of a Staff when they contact us now, but this owner really did just want 'rid' of this puppy, not caring what happened to her at all.

Despite not really having room we felt we had to take her in, even if it was only temporary.
One of the vets from the practise lives near me so she dropped her off this evening, after I had hurriedly bought a new crate, bedding and puppy food.

She is a wriggly,lively, skinny thing who so far seems undaunted by coming into a house full of adult Staffords. She is a very pretty 'silver' brindle colour.
We have not had such a young pup for a long time, (still has baby teeth.)

Thanks Mark for your comment.
As for the posters, with all the things we have going on I was fairly 'tongue in cheek' about the discrimination and realise it is illegal to put posters in some places, but you usually get a few days before they are removed but this was almost instant!
I do find it faintly amusing that someone might find us so offensiveness.
And they weren't the ones on telegraph poles, those are still there!

Soo stressful here tonight! Only place for puppy to run round and investigate is the kitchen which then winds Chance and Sandy up. Ended up walking her up the road at nearly midnight to try and tire her out before bed!

27th October

2011-10-27T22:34:00.000+01:00

Lexus doing what he does best.

Welfare are reconsidering their decision on the free neutering and trying to find something that is workable for all.

2nd Chance Rescue have assessed the home situation of the10 year old female in Portsmouth and have taken her in for us for a few days.
It seems the two year old was haranguing her and she was just trying to tell him she had had enough but it was decided for everyones sake she was better out of the situation. She is fine with older children.
2nd Chance will keep her for us for a few days free of charge, the only space we have is kennels. If anyone is able to offer a foster space for her please let us know, no small children and not good with Stafford bitches.

I had lots of lessons today. Jade, Saffy and Angel came with me and all enjoyed a good run at some point in the day.
Dave gave each of the ones at home a walk.
When I returned late afternoon I tried Chance and Sandy together on a walk. Thankfully it worked as this will make my life easier. They had a lovely run in the dusk, it was dark by the time we came back. The only negative, three of our Stafford Walk posters have been removed. It could be where we had put them but I still feel slightly discriminated against.