So much to see and do!

Wow!! I cant believe another busy week here in Gap Land has passed without me adding a blog update. Sort of makes it hit home just how busy things really are around here!!

I will attemt to sum up the news in a nutshell. I feel so bad for not blogging but it has been manic.

Saturday saw two of our hounds head off to new homes. Gypsy who has headed off to Hertfordshire and Minnie who has left for a new life in Oxford. Both are so far doing well and settling in a treat. Great to see them finally finding their forever sofas. Gypsy has waited a while as we knew it was the perfect home but her new Mum and Dad were away on holiday and little Minnie came to us really poorly with kennel cough and we have had to wait for her to recover. Thanks to Mel and Brian for fostering Gypsy and Lisa and boys for looking after Minnie.

Gypsy



Minnie



Meanwhile Saturday was also the start of a busy fundraising weekend for us. I went along with other Gap volunteers Trish and Jackie to Westfest2006. West Fest was held at a local high school in Leek and was an open day with lots of live music provided by the pupils of Westwood High School. It was a fabulous day and was wonderful to see so much young musical talent in one place.

The hounds behaved impecably apart from the odd squirrel sighting, lots of awareness was raised and also a wonderful £50 to help continue the care of the dogs.

Westfest2006



We would like to thank the sixth form pupils and the school for inviting us along to attend on the day.

Sunday and back out on the road fundraising with three events being held simaltaniously. First was the PDSA Fun Dog Show and Opening Day in Worthington Park Sale. Another fabulous Gap turn out and we cant thank everyone enough for taking the time to attend. The day was a great success and we managed to raise an astounding £250. Unbelievable.

Also Dogs Trust in both Roden and Bridgend held there annual open days and again volunteers all around the country rallyed round to be in attendance. We managed to raise another amazing £200 combined taking the total for one weekends fundraising alone to £500 thank you so much one and all.

Sundays Fundraising Events..



also on Sunday beautiful Cassie left us for her new forever home in Nottingham with Lynda and husband. She is such a beautiful gentle girl and has settled in straight away. Be happy sweetheart.



Whilst out attending the fundraiser we also received a call from our kennels to ask if we would be willing to take on yet another black male hound who needed help. How could we say no? So another new arrival landed.

Monday and Tuesday were both busy days with the usual flurry of activity behind the scenes, there was lots of transports to be arranged for death rowers and thankfully through so many wonderful volunteers and fabulous rescues we managed to secure places for all that needed a safe place to be. Thank you to everyone who helped too many to name you all know who you are.

Wednesday saw yet another new arrival. One of the overdue poundies was a two year old black (no suprise there then) greyhound male. We made arrangements for him to come safely into Gaps care and to be kept safe in our holding kennels along with Hero and the Sunday dog.

Nicky grabbed him and brought him up from Birmingham collecting me on the way so we could head over to the kennels and walk them all.

On arrival at the kennels we were greeted by Hero and the new boy who im not sure is a greyhound male and I suspect has a little bit of bull in him somewhere, never the less he is a beautiful boy with a cheeky, bouncy personality who has been named Dipsy. We called the new lad Midge and headed out to walk all three. They were angels and are all lovely boys a pleasure to spend time with. Dipsy amused us by doing headstands in the local public field trying to get off his muzzle.

At the sametime Simon the kennel owner asked me to go and have a look at a little middle aged gentleman, I would say he is lurcher x he was dumped two weeks ago in the quarry close to the kennels very near to death he was so under weight and neglected. Simon naturally took him in and has done a wonderful job getting him back on his feet. However, now he needs the routine castration etc and a rescue to safeguard his future? Could you of said no? I know I couldnt. Albert as he has now been named has been happily welcomed into the Gap fold and we will be seeking a foster home for him shortly.

Dipsy, Hero & Midge



Albert



A beautiful bunch im sure you will all agree!

Friday saw Slim leave for his new home in Coventry! Slim is a beautiful boy who has been with us for around four months now. He has left to live with his new parents Andrea and Neil and their beautiful 12 year old lurcher bitch Jess. He is already settling in well and has been a good lad since landing. Good luck Slim we are so glad you finally have your forever sofa. Lots of love to Trish and Mark for doing such a fabulous job with their first foster and looking after him so well.



Saturday and the busiest day of the week quickly comes back around!

This morning we were up the kennels for 10 am we being myself and Trish. We took the four lads out for a lovely walk before it become to hot. They were all pleased to see us and lots of happy tails and smiley faces met us.

Enjoying their walk



As we were putting the hounds back into the kennels Trish caved in and decided that Midge wasnt going to make it back in there. He has now headed home with her to join her family as their second foster. Well done Trish and Mark and look forward to seeing this lad flourish.

Midge leaving the kennels with Trish



and just two hours later happy and smiling settling in.



Also early morning a massive thanks to Marion and Gareth. We had a desperate poundie who needed moving today all the way from Walsall to Bath Cats & Dogs Home. Marion or Mad Marion as we like to call her managed an epic journey right the way up to Junction 10 of the M6 for 10.30am considering she lives in South Wales this is no meanfeat. She then drove all the way back down to Bath to deliver the lad to safety. Poor boy is poorly with kennel cough but is now guaranteed fabulous care and a safe future. Thank you both im sure if this lad could he would send massive licks and kisses.

Yet again we also welcome two more new arrivals to the Gap hound clan today.

First up is a little greyhound girl called Bluebell but now changed to Coco. Coco was found straying and was due to be euthanised last Wednesday but thankfully Rochdale Dog Rescue contacted us and we were able to offer her a place. She was collected today by Alicia and Ray (thank you both) from Widnes and they made the massive journey down to Coventry with her to hand her to her foster parents Abigail and Paul. Thank you Abigail and Paul for welcoming your third Gap foster into your home and hearts.

Once little Coco arrived we were able to trace her ear number and were shocked to find that this little lady has only just seen her first birthday. She was one in June yet already the poor girl is unwanted another waste product of the racing industry. She is a lovely natured playful girl who after a good bath and de fleaing is already settling in well.

Coco



and finally our second arrival today Perry. Perry is a 4 year old greyhound male who has arrived in our care from a home situation. Sadly Perrys owner has found herself in a position where she can no longer care for his needs. He is a beautiful lad who has travelled from Rotherham to Walsall to become Lisa and the boys latest foster.

Massive thanks to Kerry and David for collecting him and transporting him and thanks to Dawn and Lisa for travelling to meet him. Fingers crossed your new forever home wont be far away.



and so to bed and ready for yet another new week. I have no idea from one week to the next what to expect fingers crossed that its all good.

The heat is on!

Phew its hot and in the rescue world the heat is on in more ways than one. Yet again this week has been one of the busiest on record with dogs in danger turning up left right and center..

Its been all chop and change with dogs coming and going.

Saturday saw Beano leave for a new home. Beano is the last of the Greyhound puppies who were whelped in our care in January. We cant believe that this lad has waited so long. He is a joy to have around and such a good boy and so far seems to be settling well. He has gone to live near to Wimbledon Common. No jokes about the Wombles please.

Today he visited our treasurer who actually works on the common with his new brother Gyp and things seem to be going well...















Sunday saw another of our pups leave, Chester. Chester came to us after being surrendered into the pound at 12 weeks old he then stayed there until 5 months when he landed in our care. He is a beautiful boy who is so eager to learn and has quickly picked up all the basics of homelife. He is settling well into his home but is having a few problems with manners around other young dogs, he is being a little overly boisterous and lively on walks and not sure when to call it quits. His new Mum is planning on booking him into training and socialisation classes and limiting his freedom when out and about in the hope of gradually easing him into interacting with other dogs and nipping any social climbing in the bud. We wish them all the luck in the world and hope that Chester soon realises that wally behaviour isnt the way to go and starts to understand how to play. We will be keeping in regular touch with his new family to offer assistance and hope between us that happy little chappy that is bursting to get out begins to bud.




















Also on Sunday one of the regular Gap meet ups took place. A group of us met up at Biddulph Grange Country Park in Stoke to allow the hounds a shaded walk through the woods and some fun in the lake and streams that run the length and bredth.

A great time was had by all, especially the humans after when we headed to a local dog friendly pub The Hollybush Inn, Denford for a refreshing pint and a meal. A few photos of the day below..



Monday was all change again! We have to give massive thanks to GRWE who kindly offered to take one of our current kennel hounds Max into their care to allow us to bring in another poundie on Tuesday.

As always the Gap volunteers stepped up to the mark and Max was transported safely from kennels in Stoke down to Hereford with even a stop off for a pub lunch on the way. Although his table manners leave alot to be desired lol and need some working on!
Massive thanks to Trish and Shellie for taking the time to move him.

Handsome Max



Behind the scenes also a great dane x mastiff boy who was also under threat was on the road to safety. After the pound we regulate asked us for help Hope rescue managed to secure him a place with Teckles in Gloucester. We are greatful to both. Thanks to Nicky for transport assistance.

Tuesday saw all change in the kennels day to make way for our new arrival Roo. Roo is a beautiful 3 year old Greyhound boy who was in a pts situation in the pound. He was transported to Mike and Judy on the M6 where they headed down to Stoke with him to meet up with myself.
We headed up to the kennels with Roo where the plan of attack was to bail Ice and Hero from kennels and place them both into foster care, Ice with Judy and Mike and Hero with Karen and Colin.

On arrival at the kennels though it was clear to see that Roo is so nervous and traumatised he wasnt going to fair well going back into a kennel situation and needed the sanctity of a foster situation straight away. After nipping into the kennels and running a quick assessment on Ice and Hero it was obvious that whilst Ice needed further medical care for the time being Hero was as happy as a sandboy. He grinned me with his daft grin and cheesy face and is fairing very well.
The decision was made, Ice would go to Mike and Judy but Roo would make the journey back to Widnes to foster with Karen and Colin, Hero will be going to another foster home hopefully within the next week.

Since arriving in foster care Roo has proved to be a very nervous and untrusting boy, he has seen more hardships than any dog should ever face in their life. In the 24hours he has been there he hasnt voluntarily ventured out of the sanctuary of a crate although the doors have been left open for him. He went in today for neutering because we decided we wanted to get all the nasties and upset out of the way as soon as possible. Hopefully now he can start to settle and learn to trust before he starts to make his journey to his forever home.

Roo

Our newest arrival lands!

Today we aquired yet another lurcher girl! She was collected today by Anna after her owners decided they didnt want her anymore because she needed are you ready for this.... excercise.

They have had her for 18mnths and she is around 7 years of age, beautiful red fawn saluki x greyhound girl with a grey face. She is now safely in foster care in Spalding in Lincolnshire and will add photos as soon as I receive them. Apprently she is a very kind and gentle girl and has the sweetest nature you could imagine. Fabulous with kids and other dogs just not the usual cats bless her. She has been an only dog so will make a wonderful first companion hound for someone as she has been use to being left when her owners werent around. Her name is Cassie and more updates will follow in the days to come.

Elsewhere..... update on Ice.

Poor Ice went into the vets yesterday morning and has been kept in overnight returning to the holding kennels this evening late on. As I posted yesterday he had a very bad leg and was holding it up on arrival and was very precious about it and wouldnt let us near. Same at the kennels so was booked in at earliest clear oppurtunity for the vets to knock him out and have a good look easiest way as he wouldnt let us near it.

Expecting the usual cracked wrist type injury how suprised and horrified were we to find that actually he had his nails grown right the way round and back actually inside his pad. In the time this has been going on it must have given more pain to be honest than an actual cracked wrist. How can any trainer ignore this fact they must have known it was going on. My heart nearly broke in two for the poor lad, something so basic left to cause him to suffer for who knows how long. He has had the pads opened the nails dug out packed with antibiotics and stitched up. He also needed a dental and has been castrated.

Spoke to Simon at the kennels to see how he was and his words were " he is fine a little p****** off at having to wear a buster collar but other than that fine!" *giggle* poor lad. At least now he can concentrate on learning what a loving brighter future is. Onwards and upwards from here Ice Ice Baby.

News from Sat 24th to Thur 29th June 2006

This week so far has been a busy week and as it appears I cant back blog I will fill you in on some of the comings and goings so far.

The busy week started on Saturday. Firstly a lovely lady from Southampton, Val travelled all the way to my home in Stoke to meet our longest staying greyhound Cash. Val made her way along with her current hound Star and Judy and Mike (Cashs foster parents) travelled him down for the meeting.



Cash came to us in August last year after being under threat of pts by his trainer on retirement from racing. He had alot of growing up to do at first but soon settled into the most wonderful hound who didnt deserve to wait so long for the right home.

The meeting went fabulously well and he headed off back to Southampton with Val and Star and has settled like a dream.

Well done lad, we are all so proud and happy for you. Judy and Mike are having a holiday in Zante and will be taking in their next foster hound on return.

Literally as Val pulled off, Amy pulled up. Amy is one of our volunteers who lives in Halesowen. She had been en route from Worcester to Stoke with our newest arrivals Ice and Hero. Both Ice and Hero were needing rescue spaces after the training yard they were attatched to in Portsmouth closed.

We were contacted by Debbie Buxcey of http://www.greyhounds4u.co.uk/ to see if we could help. Debbie herself runs a small independant rescue and had taken some of the female hounds from the closure.

The dogs were firstly got onto the road by another of our volunteers Charley who collected them from Portsmouth and made the mammoth journey up to Worcester to meet Amy.

As we dont currently have foster places open for these boys they have been placed safely in our fabulous holding kennels in Staffordshire until such assessment places become open.

On arrival it was obvious that the boys were in need of lots of tlc. Both were full of fleas and worms had terrible coats and mouths that left alot to be desired. Along with de fleaing and vaccinating we will be castrating them, taking care of their mouths and also other problems. Hero seems to have faired better and just has a sprung toe on his front paw that funnily points to the sky in a bit of an ET phone home type manner but poor Ice is not so good. He visibly has an injury to his front leg and is in some pain holding it high and choosing not to put any weight through it this needs urgent attention.

Ice is in today to have his paw checked over so good thoughts that its something relatively easy to fix and keep painfree for him would be appreciated.

The boys......



Elsewhere still behind the scenes more was going on......

In the week we had received a call about a little 10mnth old lurcher boy whos time was up in the pound. As the pounds are obliged to take the dog wardens dog via contract if they get to full then they have no choice but to euthanise to make way for more stray dogs needing to come in.

Buddy was one of those due for euthanasia.

Thankfully one of our foster careers Louise who is based right up in Keighley, Yorkshire offered to take the boy. This was fabulous news. Just the small problem of moving him from Birmingham to North Yorkshire. Once again our fabulous volunteers were out on the move and the boy landed safely just hours after leaving thanks to Richard and Marion.

Buddy



Other comings and goings this week have continued...

Sunday saw us out in force raising awareness and much needed funding.

Two events were attended on the day. I myself went to the Green Safari Day at Risley Moss country park in Warrington, the turn out of rescue support once again was fabulous and thanks to all who attended. We managed to speak to quite a few people about the plight of the hounds and raise a fabulous £114 in the process.

Meanwhile Dawn and other members of the team headed off to Dogs Trust Kenilworths Fun Dog Show http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our_centres/kenilworth/and held a stall. Again lot of interest in the dogs and over £80 being raised meaning in one day we had managed another £200 towards the dogs care.

It was also Nog one of our sponsor hounds first official outing. Nog came to us recently a poor old lad whos teeth were in horrendous condition but more alarmingly so is his heart. He is just 10 years of age, still with all this aside he is the most wonderful loving companion hound. He will be living out his days in the care of Dawn so that we can support his ongoing medical treatment.

He had a great day and managed to pick up a rosette in the best senior class.

Noggin the Nog



and finally.... thank goodness I hear you cry!

Today is the day that Fletch goes home! Fletch is a beautiful 18mnth old greyhound boy who has been in our care for around six weeks now. He landed from Ireland with two others (Hustler and Cole) already rehomed.

Handsome Fletch the Snowflake Hound



Fletchs new family first laid eyes on the lad at the RSPCA Derby Fun Dog Show http://www.derby-rspca.org.uk/ that was held recently. They contacted us after and arranged for a home visitor to go and meet themselves and their existing dogs. All went well with the homecheck so last weekend Fletch went to visit for the day. He settled in straight away and got on fine with their little whippet girl and old collie lady.

Good luck Fletch. Looking forward to lots of updates and huge thanks to both his new family for welcoming him home and Sue, Mark & kids his foster family.

So thats a round up of the week so far, of course much more has been happening but I hope you enjoyed the round up of the main comings and goings this week so far! I hope to update this journal three of four times a week so future entries shouldnt be so long....

Welcome to our official News Blog for Greyhound Gap

As we are due to update our website soon we thought it was necessary to add a newspage but thought it would be more fun to do that in the form of blog.

So who are Greyhound Gap and what do we do?

Each year hundreds of healthy greyhounds & lurchers are needlessly put to sleep in the UK and this figure is repeated throughout many countries in the world!
The lucky ones make it into rescue, however the story doesn't end there! There are many rescues the length and breadth of the country looking for homes. There are also many potential adopters looking for the right dog to join their family. There is a "gap" between these two parties in terms of distance, the need for homechecking, transporting the dog or quite simply even knowing that each other exists!
This is where Greyhound Gap comes in. The whole aim of this site is to fill that gap by assisting rescues and new potential adopters in their quest to find the perfect home for the perfect dog. The more the rescues can home, the more lucky ones they can make way for.
We have now compiled a list of greyhound rescue centres in the UK and Eire in an attempt to provide an easy source of reference to their nearest centre for people who are looking to adopt a greyhound. The rescue list can be found on the online forum.
Please feel free to use the board to ask any questions you have regarding these dogs, as there is a vast amount of knowledge and personal opinions to be sought amongst the members there.
As well as the service we and our volunteers offer to already established rescues, Greyhound Gap also actively takes in and re-homes death row Greyhounds and Lurchers who find themselves in a PTS situation in UK pounds.
Whilst in our care, all dogs are placed in foster situations which we find preferable to kennel facilities allowing us to build up our own history on the dogs. This allows us to match each dog and each new potential adopter making for an easier and stress free homing.
All dogs that come into our care are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, de-flead and wormed before re-homing as well as receiving a full vet check and any other necessary treatment. As you can appreciate this costs us a great deal. We are totally self funded and have to work hard to raise the necessary monies required. This is made possible by fantastic support from our network of volunteers and you, the general public. More information on how you can help can be found within the pages of this website.
Homechecks will be required before we will place any of our dogs and we also pride ourselves on the fact we consider our dogs to be rescued for life. Should any problems occur at anytime and it becomes necessary for our dogs to leave their new home they must be returned to our care.
Greyhound Gap operates on a National basis so our dogs can be homed in most areas throughout the UK.

I hope that through the pages of this blog you come to understand more about why we do our work and how come its so important.