Newsletter - Autumn 2012

u

Yarmo

nders e fi

reyhound Ho G m th

Newsletter www.yarmouth-greyhound-homefinders.co.uk

Publisher: Seth

Issue Number: 22

Date: Autumn 2012

Kennels Located At Hainford, A140. Open Saturdays 11am-2.30pm otherwise by appointment

A Note From The Editor: Apologies for the lateness of this newsletter, once again Seth has been let loose with the editing. This is because Lynda is taking ages to choose a hat for the wedding of her daughter Gemma! Although apparently there is also a lot of work to be done to prepare the wedding but then Seth knows nothing of these things.

We wish her well and hope all goes to plan with the happy event in December.

Seth has his top hat, tails and dicky bow ready just in case he is invited.

What a summer this has been. Our streak of having sunny Open Days came to an abrupt end but huddling in the barn was quite fun! Seth loved cuddling up with some very attractive bitches!

We had successful events and not so successful events, happy homings, disappointing returns, sad bereavements and funny stories. We have made loads of new friends and all the volunteers have, as usual, done us proud. Whatever the weather we will always carry on, think positive and enjoy the work we do with our beautiful hounds. Thank you to all of you for the support you give.

Our new little shop area at the Stadium has been very successful so far and is great addition to the raffle and collectors. Seth has helped with it, well he lay down on the duvet provided and kept an eye open! if you are able to come along on a Saturday evening during the winter months and man the

shop for a couple of hours please let Angela (01603 731197) or Seth (0845 458 3797) know. It is good fun and certainly helps with awareness of what we are doing.

Olympic News Seth would like to know if anyone saw the athlete pictured during the summer olympics?

What did he do or take part in? Seth thinks he was in the Greyahthlon or Greyco/Roman wrestling. If you have any better ideas let David know (email: cravengrey@btinternet.com) there will be a small prize for the funniest.

I have just received the 2013 calendars. They are brilliant, thanks to Michele. They will sell for £7 each and can be obtained from the kennels, track shop, calling us on 0845 458 3797 and our Open Day, Walks and Xmas Fayre. Is your dog featured? You will have to buy one to find out!!

Seth says “My lips are sealed but there is a very handsome white and black boy who lives in Sheringham featured in July!!”

If you have any ideas for fund-raising, or if you would like to help in any way please phone 0845 458 3797 Help at the stadium is always very much appreciated and an enjoyable way of raising funds.Your dog will get lots of fuss and attention and at the same time be raising money to help with the care of the dogs still at our kennels waiting for their forever homes.

Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders, a branch of the Retired Greyhound Trust Registered Charity No: 269668

Lynda_eden@hotmail.com Mrs Lynda Eden, 20 Bernard Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9AW.

Sponsorship News Now that Luther has found a lovely home (see David’s column) we have lost our sponsor dog. We have always used a dog that has been in our kennels for quite a while but, at present do not have any that have stayed very long (which is brilliant) so we are now looking at what/who to use for our sponsors. We are, of course, able to use any of our dogs but the changes would be many and short lived. We are now thinking of having the kennel with the sofa in as a sponsored kennel and people would be welcome to come and see whoever is in the kennel at the time. Sponsors would receive a photograph of whoever is in the kennel at the time. If you are a sponsor and have any thoughts on the matter please let Lisa or David know.

To be a sponsor please fill in your details below and send a cheque or postal order made payable to Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders, and send it to: Lisa Pimble, 77, St Benets Road, Stalham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR12 9DW. Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................................. .............................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postcode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If you are sponsoring as a gift for someone else also provide their details.

Standing Orders We have now set up a standing order form for anyone who wishes to donate a monthly amount (from only £1) to Homefinders. This is another way of helping our lovely greyhounds and will be of great help to us. Simply complete the form and send it to Lisa at the same address as for the sponsorships.

Seth says “ To feed one dog for a year at the kennels costs about £120 to feed me at home with all the things I love ie. chicken, steak, asparagus, finest silverside of beef doesn’t cost me anything.”

Harrys Race Rachael Pegg is still in training for her ten miles run at Portsmouth in memory of her dog Harry and if you wish to sponsor her you can pledge any amount by email to hartwoodtiger@yahoo.co.uk or on the form at the kennels. Rachael is also organising a quiz night on Wednesday 17th October at the Three Horseshoes Pub (Ex Stracey Arms) in Briston. All proceeds to Homefinders in memory of Harry. Send her an email if you want to join in or call David.

Seth Says “Good luck to Rachael with the running. By the way what is running?”

As postal charges continue to rise please email lynda_eden@hotmail.com, if you would prefer to view future newsletters online rather than through the post.

Donations of books of 2nd class stamps would also be very much appreciated to help us keep our costs down.

However we are more than happy to continue to post out the newsletters, as I know that such a lot of you love to receive it!

Co-ordinator’s Bit A huge well done to all who came to the Summer Open Day and Dog Show and put up with the awful weather. It was interesting to see so many people and greyhounds in the barn at one time and not a grumble from anyone. Congratulations to Charlotte and Maggie for winning the show and well done to all who, along with their dogs, looked more than daft with their pyjamas on!! Very brave people. What we do is all about having fun and I thank all of you who joined in and gave us a giggle. A total of nine dogs were reserved and subsequently homed. The Autumn Open Day and Auction saw totally different weather in that it was very hot and, later on, very wet. However due to the massive generosity of all our owners we raised £1300 and had six dogs reserved. Brilliant.

The quiz night organised by Angela was very successful. The questions were very challenging but the collective brains of the Pegg family proved to be a bit more knowledgeable than the other teams so well done them. It was all good fun and a very enjoyable occasion. Look out for another in the new year. Talking of the Pegg family I hope you have been able to sponsor Rachael in her 10 mile Harry’s Race in Portsmouth in October. All money raised goes to our dogs. (If not you can pledge to me at any time) We have been out and about with the stall this summer with differing results but hopefully the word about our lovely dogs is being heard. Thank you to all who have been with us on the stalls, your help is much appreciated. Thanks to Karl, Sara, Grace and Sparky for manning a stall at Thetford Vets on the day of our Open Day (that is above and beyond the call of duty!!) £350 was raised from this event.

The dogs in our kennels depend totally on all the volunteers whatever they do and we just cannot thank them all enough. We have a great team of people, a lot of friends and what is particularly good is the range of ages from teens to nineties (yes we have a ninety three year old lady who fosters for us). Many of our dogs are homed by word of mouth from all our friends so please keep showing off your dogs and talking about us.

As you can see below we have homed a good number of our greyhounds (77 up to the date of writing this) and I am sure they are all happy and settling well. I will mention one, Luther, who was with us for a year, our sponsor dog, and seemingly staying for longer. However along came Anita to offer him a home, lots of love and patience and the chance to prove how lovely he can be. We are grateful to Anita and her family and hope that all continues to go well.

We hope to see you all at the October Open Day. Dogs Homed since the last newsletter.

HARTS HILL MOVER (stroller now Ginger); MOANING MILLIE (Millie); BOSCOS CAOIMHE (Keeva); UNIQUE WASP (Dizzy); PERFECT RECALL (Liam); PERFECT SUNSHINE (Summer); DUNMURRY SNAGGER (Murray now Ben); MANGAN JET (Jet); DANTANION (Ben); FIFI CLEARVIEW (Fiona); SPARKLEE OLIVIA (Livi); MUZZLEMENOZZLE (Murphy); KINGY BEAR (Koda); INVINCIA GRACE (Grace); ATHLACCA LUCY (Lucy): HARTS HILL RUDD (Joy); MENLOW JOHN (Johnny); KILLEACLE NUALA (Nuala); SPORTING ROCKET(Sasha); CRAKAT WOODY (Whoopi); DROOPYS HECTOR(Hector); HELL FOR LEATHER (Luther); TAG ALONG CIARA (Ciara); JOE PREMIER (Ben); FISIO FURY(Huey); PAUDIES LADY (Paudie); ROYAL PREMIUM (Earl); CHADWELL FIONA (Fifi); CHESTER; MUNSTER CHAMP (Smithy); SOMERSHAM BLUE (Sol); BELLAVISTA DREAM (Honey); BODELL CONNIE (Connie); DEBEN WHISKEY (Whiskey); RIGEL MAGIC (Joey); JOE JESS (Jess): There are probably one or two homed between writing this and publication.

Two years ago Mary Alexander (lecturer in Fine Arts) enthralled many of us with a talk on Greyhounds in Art. It was a superb evening and for all those of you who missed it and for new owners Mary has agreed to give the talk again and will add new material that we didn’t hear last time. It is an evening not to be missed, believe me, my eyes were totally opened to things I had never thought about before. Tickets are only £5 (already going very quickly) and include a small buffet. See poster elsewhere for full details.

Seth says “DON’T MISS IT.”

Dates WALK FRITTON WOODS (Waveney Forest) Sunday 23rd September 11am.

A143 from Yarmouth, at Fritton Village turn into New Road by Druids Pub. Follow down narrowing road to picnic entrance on left.

OPEN DAY Sunday 14th October 11am to 3pm with a BBQ and all the usual goodies.

WALK WHITTLINGHAM PARK, Norwich Sunday 25th November 11am Park at Visitors Centre (Flint Barn), Whitlingham Lane. NR14 8TR. There is a car park charge.

Don’t forget our CHRISTMAS FAYRE which will be held at Hainford Village Hall, Hall Road, Hainford NR10 3LX (Directions From A140: turn down Waterloo Road (almost opposite the kennels), turn right at the cross roads opposite The Chequers, turn 2nd left into Chapel Road, at the end turn right into Hall Road and the Village hall is down on the right.) Saturday 15th December from 10 to 1pm Lots of Christmas Goodies, mince pies and other refreshments and an excuse to come and have a chat. Dogs can come along.

YARMOUTH GREYHOUND HOMEFINDERS INVITE YOU TO:

“An icon of speed and glamour” The greyhound in history and art A fascinating talk with lots of visual images, given by

Mary Alexander On Friday 5th October, 7pm The stadium, Caister on Sea Tickets £5, from David Tel: 0845 458 3797 or the kennels Includes light buffet, Stadium bar available

IN MEMORY Sadly we say goodbye to Harry (Hartwood Tiger), Cassy (Senditforever) who was one of Crystal’s older dogs for all those who can remember her from our previous kennels, Lin (Lindas Runner), Brucie (Hartwood Shark) and Dooley (Cordoola Pat) who passed away recently.

Hello David, Sadly, we have to tell you that big, lovable, Andy (Andys Ace) has passed away. He became ill a few days before and the vet diagnosed cancer of the lymph glands. We reluctantly accepted the recommendation that Andy be put to sleep to prevent him suffering further.

It had been a real joy to look after Andy for the past three and a half years, with his good, gentle nature and laid-back attitude to his retirement. He is a great loss to us and to Carly,(Carlton Girl) who, as you know, has been with Andy for a long time. Carly is somewhat down without him, and we are spoiling her (even more than usual) and giving her lots of attention to coax her back to her usual bouncy self.

Pam and David Hassam

Collie – Leo (Colorado Leo) We called him Collie because he seemed to answer to that name rather than Leo. Sadly he left us on 10 January 2012.

Collie was a very successful racer, competing mostly in the top grade at Yarmouth Stadium and even in a few open races. His career was cut short by injury.

Collie spent the last nine months of his life with us and two girl friends Dusty and Dixie. The three of them got on together very well and in his early days with us, despite his lameness, he would race with them up and down our battered lawn.

He had a very strong personality and even though we had always made it a rule that none of our dogs should sit on OUR settee, he immediately changed that silly rule and we certainly didn’t argue with him.

One of the highlights of his time with us was catching a rabbit – he was always in a tearing hurry to get back to that place to see if he could catch another one. He was also a very good alarm clock and called from the bottom of the stairs at about 6 am every day. His favourite occupation, apart from rabbit hunting, was sitting in the back of the car when it was parked in the drive – at every opportunity he would get in to sit and watch the world go by.

Sadly his last days were painful – he had difficulty getting up and down but still somehow managed to get into his beloved car. Once it became obvious that even the strongest painkillers were not working we had to make the big decision.

We still feel the loss but it was a privilege and a great pleasure knowing such a very gentle, brave and stoic old chap.

Ann, Gordon, Dusty and Dixie.

Dear David It is with sadness that we inform you that Dooley (Cordoola Pat) passed away from bone cancer recently.

I remember the day we brought him home (minus his tail and sporting a buster collar larger than him) and showed him his new home. All he did was bark at the kids pictures on the wall, stare confused at the back of the TV wondering where the picture came from, growled at his reflection in the patio doors and dug up the garden (and all the grass verges in the neighbourhood).

Dooley was mischievous, snored loudly, woke you up at 4am to go out by sticking his wet nose in your face, ate the mail (including two cheques and a GCSE certificate) and generally ignored every command you gave him. He was bonkers and fitted in well as part of our family Most of all he was loving and our dog! We will miss you Dooley.

Mark, Joanne, Tamsin & Thomas Seth says “ When I lost Abi I became depressed, developed Eczema and worried David. She meant so much to me as well as David and I know how Carly, Dusty, Dixie, Cam and other dogs that have lost a best friend feel. It is very sad but we must remember the happy times such as Abi cleaning my ears out, oh how I miss her.”

Just to let you know that very sadly we lost George, formerly “On Record”, yesterday (Oct 2001 to Aug 2012). The spirit was willing, but the body was weak.

He was a calm, loyal and gentle friend and will be much missed. Thank you so very much for the privilege it has been to be a part of his life. Johanne Wright Finally we say goodbye to Cassy who was at Crystal’s kennels for a very long time until taken home in May 2007 by Mrs Spandler. She lived very happily with her for the last 5 years reaching the grand old age of 14. Sadly Mrs Spandler died in the summer and Cassy passed away not long after. We like to think they are together again.

Cassy 1998-2012

Letters We receive many letters, cards and emails from owners telling us all sorts of things about their dogs (we do get letters from the dogs also!). It is great to hear, even if it is a concern or for advice or sad news, it keeps us in touch with you and the dogs and we love to know how the dogs are getting on.

We print some of the letters or stories and hope they are enjoyed and perhaps useful to you.

Dear Seth It is now seven weeks since you allowed me to have Whoopie. I am writing to say that day changed my life, for Whoopie is everything I could have hoped for, especially as she is the first dog I have ever owned. She is quick to learn. It took her just one day to master the stairs and jumping in the car. Now I cannot keep her out. I hope that Whoopie and myself continue to bond and hopefully we will spend many happy years together.

Peter Hunter and Whoopie (Crakat Woody) Seth says,” I know a greyhound can change a life as I helped to changed my owner’s life, look what he is doing now!!”

Dear Seth all did a very good job. I only have one problem he doesn’t like one particular very large and lively puppy, so we have rescheduled our walks so we don’t encounter the puppy and owner. I made the classic mistake of letting Johnny back out of his collar but no damage was done to anyone except for a dent in my pride as I was the one left with bruises from running up the lane and rugby tackling Johnny. My neighbours say they wished they had filmed it for U Tube as my unathletic shape made it look very funny. I am re-educating Johnny with a bit of training, it is certainly put rightable as he’s so taken to me and loves a cuddle.

Greyhound owning is such “FUN”.

Johnny is settled, He is perfect indoors. He has 3 specific soft beds indoors but I have sneaked down the hall to find him lying on my bed and he thinks I don’t know! He is definitely “at home”. Would you please thank the kennel staff and all his previous owners they

Yvonne and Johnny (Menlow John) Seth says “There is a spaniel in my locality I really do not like and David steers me clear of him just in case I tell him what I think, which I did once and made my throat sore.”

Dear Seth

Dear Seth

Thank you for the newsletter, we always enjoy reading it.

Thought you might like this picture to promote that greyhounds and young children can live happily together, the amazing George with beautiful Florence.

We are the very proud owners of Annie. we have had her for over 3 years now. we are in our 70’s and she helps to keep us fit. We don’t mind walking in the rain but she does. As soon as it starts she determinedly turns and makes for home! We wouldn’t be without her.

Freda and Annie (Fawn Fusion)

Craig Seth says “Please remember to be vigilant when children are in the vicinity of greyhounds. I know George personally and he is a huge softy but I know that his owners are also very sensible.We greyhounds are the best pets when it comes to children but we can all have our grumpy moments, ask David!”

Dear Seth The great news that Mac and Judy had new homes prompted me to tell you how I have settled in with my new Mum and Dad (Seth says “See I told you we had letters from the dogs as well, we greyhounds are a clever lot!). Mum talked to David shortly after I had come to my new home and she had to confess that she had let me escape out of the front door but since then we have settled in very happily together. We have had a few adventures such as me running in after my late night wee and tripping on a paving stone and ripping out two nails (ouch!). The vet said I was a beautiful girl and I now have two new lovely little toe nails. I am lucky to live in two homes, one in Norfolk and one in Hertfordshire. I love Norfolk because we have great walks in the woods and I am allowed to sleep on the sofa there. I also have lots of neighbours who give me lots of attention. I am good at travelling in the car. I like Hertfordshire as well because I have a large garden to run around in and there are squirrels, hedgehogs and fox pooh to enjoy.

I like gardening in the form of digging, usually trying to dig up what mum has just planted. (Seth says “I think I’m in love,”) I have not yet mastered the stairs and sleep alone downstairs but I don’t mind.

I am quite different to Mum and Dad’s previous greyhound but David told them that would be the case.

This is quite right and proper as I can only behave as myself. I am quite self contained but I do enjoy having a love-in every afternoon with Mum and Dad when I climb on her lap. (Seth says “Can I come over for an afternoon?”) I also have a new companion called “snake” (a draft excluder) and I take him to bed with me. (Seth says “I’m jealous now, I don’t think I will come over.”)

I have to give Dad a polite reminder about walkies in the mornings if he is taking too long over the crossword but all in all we have hunkered down together pretty well.

We are all together for life, thank you for looking after me until then.

Katie (Bandicoot Kiki) and her owners Sally and Harry.

Hi Seth

Hi Seth

I have attached a couple of picture of Sparky and Grace they have such a lovely relationship and it is a surprise as Sparky still seems like he is boss which is strange as usually the woman is boss in this house lol.

An update on Boswell and I attach a photo;

They both follow each other everywhere and love nothing more than curling up on the sofa. Grace has a lot of puppy in her and is very inquisitive she loves to play but her favourite thing is to be pampered and brushed she would stand there all day bless her. we are all looking forward to the open day at our vets on the 19th and will pop are heads in that week and drop the box etc off. I hope you like the photos Sara, Karl, Sparky and Grace

He ripped his dew claw the other day and has a big bandage, which he can walk on but also can hop pretty fast. He’s a lovely natured boy, very gentle and calm.

He currently seems all right in himself, perhaps more sleepy than usual.

Emily Seth says “Boswell (Rushmoor Merc) has not been very well with a bladder problem and we all hope he is on the mend with this and his foot, poor soul.”

Poem Little Greyhound “Little dog?!” they laugh But I see him as a small doughnut curled up asleep I see his breath on the window when I come home I see him as a jet black flash across the field And hear his thundering feet Slanting off to miss me at the last second He swerves round, a shower of earth Claws digging in Hot clouds of breath and heaving ribs Eyes gleaming Tail springing This is your second great adventure.

Another reunion was with mother and son. Lizzie (Bandicoot Nancy) was reunited briefly with her son Fisio Fury (Fussy) and again it was lovely to see them together. So you never know who you will be reunited with at our kennels, perhaps you should come along and find out.

Sadie Tattersall (Matty) Fussy(now Huey) the son

Reunion Seth says “A little while ago, at the kennels, I was reunited with two of my litter sisters Gem and Jewel. It was great to see them particularly as Gem looks just like me, very beautiful of course! Most of us don’t get to see our litter brothers and sisters ever again once parted so it is lovely when a meeting happens.Very recently we had another couple of reunions at the kennels. Crakat Woody (Whoopie) and Crakat Snowbird (Tallulah) met up and you would think they are twins (see the photo). The meeting was very amenable with the usual sniffs all round and it was lovely to see them together.

Izzie the mother

Finally...

Seth says “Editing Newsletters is very tiring I think I will go and lie down.”

Ways that you can help the greyhounds…

Blankets are always needed, as are tinned dog food and sardines in oil.

Fund raising, Please ask at your local BetFred to see if they would allow you and your dog to stand in their entrance with a collecting tin (a friendly greyhound always attracts more people!).

Fund raising at the stadium continues to be a great success. We have volunteers with collection tins at entrances and the weekly raffle. Extra help is needed during school holidays, and on a weekly basis throughout the year.

Would you be willing to get up early at the weekend to pack your car with goodies for sale?

Car boot sales are an excellent way to raise money for a good cause. We have a treasure trove full of suitable items for sale available from the kennels!

We do need your help and are extremely grateful for all that you do.

Please phone 0845 458 3797 for more information regarding any of the above.

Designed and Typeset by Michele of www.px2co.net Design for print and web Printed by www.blackwellprint.co.uk