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GILBERDYKE NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2009

Spring is here at Bennetland Lane, and we couldn’t be busier - or more upbeat! Dogs find sanctuary with us on their way to new homes and new lives, but there are lots of lovely people - just like you - who want to give a little dog a second chance, so we are as proud to wave them goodbye as we were to welcome them in.

Trebor, Jack, Barney, little Daisy the Jack Russell, Cleo and Jasper are just some of the dogs who have waved paws good bye to us in the past month. This list includes Charlie, who merits a special mention.

CHARLIE, a Labrador cross, is probably our oldest rehoming success. He came into Gilberdyke a few months ago, aged 14, a serene, intelligent charmer. We never thought we would be able to find a loving new home for such an old chap. But we did!

Charlie went to Hessle to live with an elderly lady – dog, that is - and has settled in “beautifully” according to his new family. He even goes walkies every day with a pack of new friends.

Rehoming elderly dogs such as Charlie (and 13 year old greyhound Daisy recently) is usually very difficult. People are fearful about homing an old dog because they dread losing them sooner rather than later. Yet older dogs have so much affection and wisdom to offer, any time with them is as precious as it is rewarding, and can be, according to manager Angela, “a selfless and often unexpected joy.” 

 

Like Noah’s Ark, some dogs even come and go two by two.

Last month it was the miniature Schnauzers Wallace and Gromit.

(Pictured with their new sister Dolly.)

This month it has been Chihuahua cross brother and sister Buddy and Stella (named after the beers!) who came to us due to a change in their family’s circumstances. Both little charmers, they soon found a new home together.

 

 

More positive news for spring! And more good things that come in twos - improvements to the kennels here.

Staff have never had any special dog washing facilities, but now they have - courtesy of Sue Curry, Mary Burkill, Carolyn Cox and Christine Wood, who raised over £500 so that a two tier shower bench can be installed in B Block, to enable showering dogs of all sizes. Thank you everyone for this wonderful mod con that will make everyone’s life so much easier!

Also some new fencing for the paddock, which will create a safe and secure play area for the dogs, but which will also dismantle to allow other activities, such as the open day show. The £2500 was raised by the brave Three Peaks walkers last year: and they will be doing it all again on June 6th - but hopefully without the blisters this time! Sponsorship forms are available, or there is still time to register to participate

Peter, our versatile new maintenance person and Martin, Angela’s Husband, will be doing all the hard work of erecting the fencing, Peter will also be making some agility equipment for the dogs to use in their new play area, but if anyone has any old kit to donate, all offers will be gratefully received.

Dogs come to Gilberdyke in many different ways. The best way is when people bring them to us, and then we know their ages, history and personalities, which makes them easier to assess and rehome. But dogs also come from stray kennels, found wandering or abandoned.

Our classic abandoned dog is Olive. She was dumped on the outskirts of Gilberdyke, and looked more like a poorly little hippo than a dog. A small Labrador cross, she was bloated and looked pregnant, bald and with skin like leather. Her toenails were growing back into her feet, and she looked dejected and dull, as well as ill

She came to Gilberdyke from another rescue centre that had to close, and as well as all this, poor Olive suffered from nosebleeds. Things didn‘t look good for Olive. But Jerry Green never gives up on a dog without a fight! It turned out that Olive was not pregnant but suffering  from an illness where the hair follicles die off due to changes in the skin.

Olive is one of Gilberdyke’s resident dogs, now. She has a gentle, eccentric personality, returns kindness for her own rescue by being surrogate mum or auntie to many dogs that arrive distressed and feeling lost, and we wouldn’t be without her!

 
 

CLAUDE (pictured right) is the latest abandoned dog to arrive here.

He was found tied in a lay by near a car sales garage. We don’t know why he was just dumped - he is a handsome Rottweiler, about eighteen months old, who has been well cared for and socialised. Being still a youngster he is boisterous and playful, but a loving dog who adores people and really needs a new family; everyone here has all fallen in love with this gentle giant.

 

 

Make a date to come to the annual Open Day And Fun Dog Show on Sunday September 27th. The show is always great fun, so come along find a bargain on the stalls and expect a few surprises! Donations for the stalls are always welcome too, from bric a brac and books, to those unwanted presents that will help the tombola. So if you are having a spring clean, think of us and bring your unwanted things along.

 

Help the dogs directly.  We always welcome donations of tinned dog food, tinned hot dog sausages, treats, toys and old blankets etc for bedding. Or even dog beds or dog coats your pets may have grown out of.

 

And if you want to do something even more practical and get fit for summer, volunteer dog walkers are always welcome. Ring the kennels for a chat on 01430 449112. Ring also if you are looking for a dog to join your family. Callers are also welcome, every afternoon except Wednesday, between 1.30pm and 4pm.

Gilberdyke Centre Shop stocks a wide range of doggy items, from collars, leads, toys and dog bowls to hand knitted and crocheted blankets, greetings cards and wrap and Jerry Green’s own brand of dry dog food, which is excellent value for money. And don’t forget special trendy dog tags can be ordered, and there is even the smart new green Jerry Green car sticker, featuring the new Rusty the golden cocker spaniel logo, for just £1. (Rusty, for anyone who might not know, was Jerry Green’s own dog, who inspired him to set up the charity in 1961 with the slogan ‘every dog deserves a home.’

More news in your next letter...

Catch up with the latest news from Bennetland Lane in your next newsletter. Sign up now to receive as an email, which is becoming increasingly popular. Send your details to eriding@jerrygreendogs.co.uk

 

 

Or come and visit us  especially if you are thinking of adding a dog to your family. We are open every day except Wednesday from 1.30 - 4pm.

JG GILBERDYKE - for directions click (map)

 

 

Thought for the Month:

They say a reasonable amount o’ fleas is good for a dog - keeps him from brooding over bein’ a dog, mebbe. (Edward Noyes Westcott)

 

Happy dog days!

With best wishes from Angela and All at Gilberdyke.

Until next time!