Spring 2012

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

Publisher: Lynda Eden

Issue Number: 20

Date: Spring 2012

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

A Note From The Editor: Welcome to the first newsletter of 2012. 2011 was another very successful year for Homefinders thanks to all of our volunteers and everyone who gave a home to one (or more!) of our lovely greyhounds. Here’s hoping for an equally successful 2012.

Last year we homed 126 greyhounds and we get to see many of these dogs again at our open days and events.You are always very welcome to call in to the kennels on a Saturday between 11am and 2.30pm. We will be extremely pleased to see you and your dog!

Many thanks to everyone who attended our “small” coffee morning on December 17th.

What a lovely day we had and it far exceeded our expectations!

A letter from Diamond: Hello everyone. I am writing to let you all know how I am getting on. I have now been at my forever home for five months and have done lots of things.

I love going out in the car and visiting the seaside. I had a lovely holiday in Derbyshire with my mum and dad, Sally and Ian, and my auntie Myra. We all went for lots of long walks. I had a very nice Christmas, with presents. I have my own bed and sleep on that most of the time but if I get the chance I do slip onto mum and dad’s bed! I am now settled very well and get to meet lots of people who all like to make a big fuss of me.

I still enjoy coming back to see all my friends at the kennels, especially my best friend Joanne.Thank you to all of my past sponsors.

See you soon. Love from Diamond. XXX. 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.

Co-ordinator’s Bit The resolve of Maureen and I to stick with just our two boys didn’t last very long. As fate would have it (well that is my excuse) a little 3-year-old girl needed fostering for a while and ended up staying with us permanently.

So Hetty now bosses my boys around with great gusto and as usual they just take it in their stride.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and will have a happy, healthy and successful new year.

I have to say the small coffee and mince pies morning we arranged just before Christmas turned out to be a rather huge event again and despite the snow and two very dubious Father Christmas’s everybody had a great time. We will be putting on the event again this year but it will be held at Hainford Village Hall, (see events list).

I am very pleased to be able to report that we homed 126 greyhounds in the year 2011. The numbers of dogs being returned within a few months is down thankfully and returns as a whole are slightly down. My thanks to everyone who has helped in any way this year it has been much appreciated. We hope that we will see those 126 greyhounds again sometime so do remember we love to see people dropping in on a Saturday morning or at any of our events.

As you read this I will be on a beach somewhere on the Florida Keys (someone has to check them out!!) but I will be back to see everyone at our first Open Day of the year on Sunday 25th March.

Big hugs to all your lovely dogs.

David Here are the dogs we have homed since the last newsletter. Garda Diamond, Tremar Skyhawk, Envious Again, Funway Eagle, Tullowmac Blaze, Glenske Torres, Jewels Second, Plum Punch, Three Zeds, Minesabud, Count on Me, Muntjac Lad, Swift Dazzler, Terrorbasha Whip, Katies Fantasy,Yourinmyway, Lisnak Slippy, Mulpark Blue, Mays Kitty, Classical Star, Tag Along Ciara, Watchitsunny, Roxholme Tara, Thatldoforme, Nobody Tells Me, Ballybrazil Mimi, Prodigy Ninja, Glengar Sarah, Safepac Comet, Bourne Masons, Mentor The Boys, Directors Spur, Goldies Destiny, Goldies Tara, Black Lena, Crakat Cortina, Bigwood Betty, Elite Vieri, Mt Leinster Kira, The Fonz, Rushmoor Merc, Feaky Cole, Rainy Days, Mellison Jewel, Kewell Agassi, Biltan Coppertop, Ceroc Starrider, Angel In Time, Metric Cheetah, Dalsha Duke, Confident Peggy, Rat Pack, Tibbie Shiels, Flying Song. Glenske Franti, Kinda Easy, Hurry Go Fast, Sweep Clean, Safepac Hunter, Dream Hawk. Some are for a second time for various reasons. We hope they are all well and settled.

Sadly we have had to say goodbye to the following dogs who have recently passed away. Our sympathies are with their owners. Colorado Leo (Colly), Hartshill Dace (Darcey), Earsham Flash (Flash), Hillcross Shaker (Shaker), Wood Solo (Solo), Tullig Silent (Tullig), Lucky Focus (Tinker), I Can (Paddy)

Insuring your dog There are many issues to think about when we feel able to take on a dog as a pet at home. Feeding, bedding, playthings, boarding kennel fees, grooming materials are a few of these things. However these are insignificant these days relative to the charges and fees made by vets when they need to see your pet. Costs range from £25 for a consultation to anything up to £10000+ for major surgery. When we take on a dog we also take on the responsibility that goes with it and we want to care for it in the best possible way.

If your dog has an accident and needs extensive treatment are you sure you will be able to care for it as you wish.

Some people have a separate money box/account into which they put regular payments for their pet, some people are of the opinion that whatever happens they will just pay the costs anyway and some people are not able to manage and the dog is then euthanised. However the majority of people take out insurance with a company such as PetPlan or the many others that are around to cover what can be huge costs.

We offer a month’s free insurance when we home a dog as a recommendation that this is a good thing to have. PetPlan offer this incentive and we use it. If people follow up and take out an annual insurance with PetPlan we then receive a small commission, which is, of course, useful to us.

All insurance companies are different and offer differing insurances with differing premiums and it is therefore wise to shop around, read the terms and go for something that suits you once the first month is up.

Case 2: A large dog who had been with his owners for a couple of months had an accident in the house involving extensive surgery to remove a blood clot from the spine. The costs of surgery and after care came to £6000 and with no insurance the owners are finding the money themselves. It has since transpired that the specialists had discounted the bill by nearly a half, so the owners could have been facing a bill of £12000. A scary sum!

The heart warming part of these examples are that both dogs are recovering well and both sets of owners are putting themselves out a lot to ensure the dogs get the best recuperation at home that they can give. I think both sets of owners have been brilliant and have taken their responsibilities very seriously. However it has been that much easier for the owners of case 1 due to the peace of mind that insurance can give.

Nobody is forced to take out insurance but we highly recommend that it is a part of people’s decision making when looking into the costs of taking on a greyhound. If you already own a greyhound and are not insured perhaps it is something to think about and look into now.

Mac and Judy Forever friends Mac and Judy are looking for a new home. They have been together a long while and a change of circumstance for their owner mean they are in desperate need of a new home together, if possible.

They are both housetrained, easy to manage and well used to life at home. An absolute must for anyone contemplating giving a home to two dogs.

We have recently been involved with two very different cases of dogs being taken very ill and both send out a warning whilst being very heart warming.

Case 1: A young dog that had only been with his new owners for 2 weeks when he was taken very ill with something that was never exactly diagnosed but meant 6 litres of fluid being drained from his chest over a short period of time. The costs for his surgery came to over £4000 and PetPlan covered this and were very helpful as the care went on for more than the month. The owners went on to take out complete insurance coverage with Petplan.

Illustration by Sadie Tattersall

Zina has been with me for about two and a half years now and has been so perfect I couldn’t wish for a better friend and companion. She has never made a mess in the house, never stolen anything, welcomed all comers to our home (including other dogs) and has never, ever, got on the furniture. That is until I changed the position of my sofa. It’s like she only just saw it and it has now become hers, so I had to buy a doggie throw for it. Then my friend Linda came to visit and had the audacity to sit on Zina’s sofa. Zina tried to push her off and, as you can see from the photo, was determined not to be the one to be thrown off!! Linda and I found this so funny I wanted to share it with you all. In the end, of course, Linda gave in and peace has been restored.

All the best from us to you.

Lora and Zina (was “Breezy” in the kennels)

Meet and Greet How many hands Have stroked your smooth head?

Caressed velvet triangle ears Shoulders patted and chest rubbed Marvelling at the length of your back.

Hands large and small Rough hands Gnarled, gentle hands Soft hands, ringed and bangled

Hi everyone. Just to let you know that Legend (Riverside Legend) has made himself at home. He is a delight to own. At first he wouldn’t go near the car, but after 3 weeks and lots of sausages he gets in almost willingly, then when we get home he won’t get out!!!! Another load of sausages!

He is lovely with other large dogs, but just cannot believe his eyes when he sees a small one. Owners don’t help as because he has a muzzle on they pick them up!!!!

He is booked in for training classes. It is specifically for rescue and adopted dogs. He understands “NO” very well! He is also a thief; the other day he ate a fat ball (for birds) and some sherry trifle!!! He was very happy!!!.

Since then I have been very careful. He has started to whinge when I go out so have told Michael to tell him NO, but it seems he is a mummy’s boy.

All the best, Sandra.

Legend (Riverside Legend) His new owner is one of the Brother Lees, a band of the 1970s/80s.

As you can see by the photos Mungo (Mullpark Blue), now named Milo, has settled in very well, in fact he literally just moved in! We were all ready for the possible teething problems with unfamiliar sounds etc but he has simply breezed through everything he’s come into contact with!

Milo has also had a very positive and calming effect on our two and a half year old patterdale terrier Bella which has been great too.

Milo now enjoys regular walks on the beach, and running across the fields where we live. He’s not been fazed by our chickens and has even made friends with the postman.

Sparkling diamonds and gold.

Fancy nails, grubby nails!

A child’s tender kiss Little arms drape your neck Silky coat rubbed this way and that.

Delicate touches, some linger some brisk A trace of perfume travels home with us.

All met with honest eyes, Beauty, patience and grace.

He is a wonderful companion and very good with our children. We look forward to seeing you again next month at your first open day of 2012.

Sadie Tattersall

Kindest regards, Ruth, Mark, Jess Lizzie, Bella and Milo.

The way to go As Tinker went into the garden he knew that this didn’t feel right. He stood still, but this didn’t make it any better.

Sponsorship news: Handsome boy Luther is our present sponsor dog. He is enjoying life in the comfort of the sponsor kennel complete with his own sofa and personal items!

Through the night, the same, and then in the morning he went to see a man that knew a lot about dogs. First there was nothing and then ... and then...

Tinker felt himself running, fast and powerful, just like he used to. For a split second he was running through space, but then he emerged into a vast open land, where dogs roamed, in countless thousands, as far as the eye could see.

If you would like to sponsor Luther please send a cheque for £12.00 (minimum donation) to the address below. Cheques to be made payable to Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders.

Tinker stopped running, when, in the very centre of this infinite ocean of dogs, he saw the figure of a man. Without taking one step closer, he knew in an instant who he was.

You will receive a sponsor’s certificate, a gift and photos of Luther.

It was St Rocco, that good and fearless man. Who had bargained with St Peter himself to secure a place for his dog in heaven, and was rewarded by being entrusted as the protector and patron saint of all dogs for the rest of time.

Tinker made his way, now more slowly, reverently, towards this man, who’s outstretched hands and face full of love drew him like a magnet.

As Tinker finally arrived at the feet of St Rocco, he was aware of a dog beside him who somehow seemed familiar. Suddenly, he realised it was Jazz, his friend and companion who had died a few months before.

Jazz smiled a smile of welcome and friendship, and then said, “Hello mate, I’ve been waiting for you”.

You are very welcome to visit Luther and his friends at our kennels. Look for the Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders sign on the A140 Cromer Road at Hainford, 5 miles north of Norwich.

Kennels open Saturdays 11am-2.30pm or by appointment.

0845 458 3797 To sponsor Luther please fill in your details below and send a cheque or postal order made payable to Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders to: Lisa Pimble, 77, St Benets Road, Stalham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR12 9DW. Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

What a lovely story.Thank you to Sara and Karl for sharing it with us..Lynda

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. We are looking for more help during 2012.Your help is needed during school holidays, including Easter, 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.

Diary Dates for 2012 Saturday 24th March Hellesdon vets open day.

Sunday 25th March New Year Open Day at the kennels 11am to 3pm Sunday 15th April Spring Walk Wolterton Park (Wolterton Hall NR11 7LY) Tuesday 8th May Fakenham Races All Day Sunday 13th May Halesworth Lions “Wings and Wheels� Henham Hall All Day Sunday 20th May Stadium Track Walk 11am to 3pm Sunday 24th June Early Summer Open Day at kennels including Greyhound Show-11am to 3am Sunday 8th July Summer Walk 11am at Holt Country Park Sunday 28th July Wells Next The Sea Fete Wednesday 1st August Sheringham Carnival All Day Wednesday 15th August Cromer Carnival All Day Sunday 19th August Summer Open Day at kennels and Auction 11am to 3pm Sunday 2nd September Elgoods Brewery Open Day Sunday 23rd September Autumn Walk 11am at Fritton Woods Sunday 14th October Autumn Open Day at kennels 11am to 3pm Sunday 25th November Winter Walk Whitlingham Park, Norwich Saturday or Sunday 1st/2nd December Elgoods Christmas Fayre Friday 7th December Cromer Christmas lights switch-on 7pm Saturday 15th December Christmas Fayre in Hainford Village Hall 10-1

If you are able to help at any of the above events please call us on 08454583797 If you need any information regarding any of the above events please phone for more details.

Some dates subject to confirmation.

Hi, it’s Al here. Remember me? David, Lynda and all of the helpers at Homefinders looked after me while they were trying to find me home. Everyone did a grand job looking after my mates and me.

I am keeping very well and I like living here. I often visit the beach and the forest at Sandringham. The corgis cannot be in residence or they would come to say “Hello”. After all, it is I, Al! When I take mum out many people comment on my good looks. They obviously recognise class. Well, we greyhounds are aristocrats!

I receive lots of cuddles from different people. One lady, whenever she sees us pass her house, brings me two biscuits.

At first I did not accept them but mum said it was alright so I please the lady by eating them! Jacqueline, a lady who lives near me, calls me “Al Paccino of the dog world”. I assume that is a compliment as she always cuddles me when I see her!

Yes, I like living here!

Love to all, Al.

As you can see Fella (Kewell Agassi) has made himself quite at home! He came with a few bad habits, but he is so keen to please that he is learning very quickly how to behave! Archie and Jess accepted him straight away. They all had a lovely walk on Beccles common this afternoon and Fella met some of the neighbourhood dogs. Anne

It’s 9 months now since we brought home 3 year old Kitty (Queenies Black Ice) – now called Keira, so we thought we’d just give you a quick update on how she is doing. After an initial disagreement with our 10 year old, Trinity, they are now firm friends, although sometimes Trinity looks at Keira like she’s crazy – Keira is bouncing around, bowing and asking her to play, and all Trinity wants to do is sleep!

Keira loves cuddles, and her other favourite things are sleeping (usually with all four feet in the air!) and eating. We had a bit of work to do teaching her the difference between dog food and people food, but she has mostly got the hang of it now!

She likes toys, and will squeak them until they surrender and she loves playing fetch!

We started taking her to training classes to get her used to other dogs etc, and she loves it and is getting on well. She surprised the trainers by being good at scent searching and she’ll even have a go at the agility course – although she was a bit nervous to start with!

She loves to ‘help’ with whatever you are doing around the house – whether it’s putting the washing on or unpacking the shopping she is there, making sure you are ok. She’s is always nudging our hands to say hello and giving them a little lick as we come in, walk past her or get her dinner.

She is a lovely affectionate dog and we couldn’t imagine being without her.

Thanks to everyone at the kennels for all the good work you do! We’re hoping to make it to one of your open days to say hello to everyone. Deborah & Richard Cutler

Otis (Oopys Jim) is a gorgeous boy who has settled in really well. We have 3 chickens and a cat and Otis is very definitely at the bottom of the pecking order in the eyes of the others! Nicola

A Dog’s Prayer Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than my loving heart.

Do not break my spirit for though I would lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

Buzz (Bettyville Flyer) writes to tell us that he has settled in to his new home very nicely.

I’ve taken over three quarters of the couch but my guardians don’t seem to mind. When Susan sits on the end I can then rest my head on her lap; lovely and comfortable!

When it is cold and wet please take me inside for I am now a domestic animal and no longer used to bitter elements.

I love going for walks around the local football field.

When Michael comes with us on our walks we have to go a bit slower as he is in his mobility scooter. Sometimes I get a little too close to the back wheels but Susan keeps me safely away.

I do seem to have a bit of a problem wanting to go after cats and rabbits!

I just can’t help myself!

I am going to go to obedience classes so we will see how I get on!

Keep my pan filled with fresh water for although I would not reproach you if it were dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

I am especially close to Michael and go almost everywhere with him but I do love Susan as well and enjoy her hugs. Bye for now, Buzz Thanks for sending me the poem Buzz, but it has already appeared in a previous newsletter. Definitely worth repeating in a later issue though! Lynda

I ask for no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Though you had no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow, for you are my God and I am your devoted worshipper.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well to romp and play and do your biding, walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should yours be in danger.

Anon Thanks to Lisa and Foxy As postal charges continue to rise please email me, 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!

And Finally….

We look forward to seeing you at our first Open Day of the year, Sunday March 25th, 11am-3pm.

Also, please join us at the stadium for our “Track Walk”.

Sunday May 20th, 11am-3pm. www.yarmouthstadium.co.uk/greyhound-homefinders.htm or www.yarmouthgreyhoundhomefinders.co.uk

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