100 Days with 100 Dogs: Day 73 - Tia and the Wheelbarrow

Unfortunately, it's not been a good day or two for me, especially with my main computer deciding to go on strike. Thankfully Tia volunteered and said that she'd cover Day 73 of the 100 Days with 100 Dogs series. Normally I'd be worried but she promised no bottom biting and that she'd been helping the hooman (Debbie) out without any problems.

I'm sure it'll be fine...

Tia and the Wheelbarrow

Hello everypawdy. Tia here with a pupdate.   You will all be pleased to hear that I have been on my best behaviour. It's true and not only that - I've also been helping the hooman nonstop to try to lighten her load. 

You may remember how I discovered the hooman having fun all on her own with the "snow" last time. Well, once I discovered how much fun it was I keep my eye on her now so I don't miss out. Today was my lucky day. It was kennel cleaning day and the hooman was wheeling the snow to the kennel. Being the good girl that I am I even helped her wheel it so we could get there quicker. I was surprised how much fun I had doing that. I was trying to grab the wheel to pull it to help but it kept spinning around. I wasn't going to let it get the better of me. I perservered. The hooman was ever so excited that I was helping especially when the wheelbarrow turned over. I don't know how she would have done it without me.  I'm worn out now after all the excitement and the hooman looks a bit dishevelled. Off to get some chimkin now. Love tia ❤❤❤

Oh, I should have also announced that the GoFundMe for Bella and her pups has surpassed £3,000 - which is great. However if we can get that even higher and tell them that Tia sent you then the hooman will now who helps the most round here!

https://www.gofundme.com/manage/urgent-appeal-for-bella-and-her-five-pups

100 Days with 100 Dogs: Day 72 - We Salute Those Who Served

In the UK today is Remembrance Sunday (a few days ago there was also Veterans Day in the US) a day in which we remember those who have served and sacrificed in countless wars throughout history. Whilst we all yearn and pray for a time when wars are no longer fought, especially where they benefit the few at the cost of the many, we remain thankful for those who do step forward. The traditional red poppy signifies the remembrance of service personnel and all who have paid the ultimate price.

In 2006 the Purple Poppy was released to remember the animals that served alongside our soldiers. Historically this was mostly horses and ponies, but in contemporary times this is now mostly working dogs. Throughout history, many species of animals have been utilised in warfare from rats to elephants.

Dogs were first recorded in warfare dates to over 2,500 years ago and were formed into fast assault units thrown at the enemy. In 525 BC  they were used in psychological warfare at the Battle of Pelusium, Cambyses II against the Egyptians taking advantage of the Egyptian religious reverence for animals. Sadly dogs even though highly prized were generally used in an expendable manner. For the main part, this continued into the 20th century although as technology advanced and units became more specialised so did the animals,

In modern times the British Army in particular uses dogs for two main purposes: Protect and Detect. Sentry and patrol roles are used to protect bases and units and despite the rapid progress in technology dogs are still a superior choice due to their incredible sense of smell, intelligence and ability to operate with their handlers in a vast range of environments and operations. Those same advantages are even more applicable for their detection roles sniffing out explosives, drugs or people. It is without a doubt that these military dogs have saved countless lives throughout the years and notably in the counter-insurgencies British forces have engaged in since World War II.

An interesting write-up of dogs used by the RAF can be found here:

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/dogs-war/

Not only have dogs provided stalwart service throughout the years (20,000 dogs were trained for service in WWII) they have also been recognised for outstanding bravery. In 1918, Airedale called Jack, helped same some troops of the Sherwood Foresters when pinned down by German troops, after delivering their message for help. Sadly he died from bullet wounds shortly after delivering the message.

More recently, Sasha, a Labrador received the Dickin bravery award from the PDSA. She'd located 15 bombs and ammunition caches in Afghanistan before being killed with her handler Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe in July 2008.

While there are controversies with dog service in the forces their utility and unique abilities make them an important part of modern forces.

To all who've served - we salute and remember you.

100 Days with 100 Dogs: Day 71 - Casper in Training

Often when we take in a dog we need to work with them before they can be rehomed. We've seen the need for this rehabilitation work noticeably increase as a result of dogs acquired during lockdown not being properly trained or socialised. However the dog we meet on Day 71 of our 100 Days with 100 Dogs series the reason proved very different...

Casper in Training

Casper is an 11 month old white male German Shepherd. He came to us at 9 months with his previous caretaker stating that "he'd never had such a dog. Casper didn't listen to anything he said" We soon discovered why.  After a couple of hours in our care, we realised he was deaf. 

Since then Casper spent the time just decompressing. We will now try teaching Casper some visual signals. He is microchipped and vaccinated.

Casper is located in Holbeach, South Lincolnshire but he isn't ready for homing just yet.

You can find other dogs that are ready to join a home on our website:

https://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/dogslist/

We've also just released our 2022 Christmas cards - support our efforts and treat your friends and loved ones here:

https://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/product/2022-christmas-cards/

Christmas Cards Now Available in our Online Store

We are very pleased to announce that our new 2022 Christmas cards are now available in our online store for the festive season.

https://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/product/2022-christmas-cards/

They are sold in packs of 5 for each type and come with envelopes. They are printed on sturdy card stock and the interior is blank and so has plenty of space to add your own message.

Two varieties are available:

GSD Portrait Sketch

This square-shaped card measures 15 cm (6 in) along each edge. It features an antique sketch of a German Shepherd in a clean and classic style.

GSD by the Fireplace

This vertically aligned A5 (15 x 21 cm / 6 x 8 in) sized card features a hopeful GSD waiting by the fireplace in a vibrant style.

https://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/product/2022-christmas-cards/

Calling on the 5,000

WE NEED YOU TO BECOME ONE OF THE 5,000!

Dog rescues across the country are in a state of crisis - we operate thanks to the amazing generosity and here is an opportunity to make a significant change.

Generate free donations when you shop online and earn us an additional £10 donation when you sign up and shop at any of the supported stores three times before the end of December.

If 5,000 people signed up and generated £5 donations each would cover most, if not all of our monthly running costs - AT NO COST TO YOU! So even with the current financial crisis, you can increase your support without impacting your household budget.

A few extra clicks while shopping online and you're contributing directly to helping us save vulnerable German Shepherds and caring for them while we find them new homes. That level of funding would be a game-changer for us and keep us operating well into the future. 

Will you become one of the 5,000 and make the difference?

https://www.giveasyoulive.com/join/gsdwelfarefund?utm_source=charitytoolkit&utm_content=585608&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=CT10kGiveawayCampaign

100 Days with 100 Dogs: Day 70 - Farewell Sandy

If you're a fan of traditional British puddings then today is a doubly good day! Not only is it British Pudding Day (a real thing apparently - https://nationaltoday.com/british-pudding-day/) and so a patriotic duty to treat yourself, but we also say a fond farewell to Sandy.

We introduced Sandy all the way back on day 40. She's a six year old bitch who ended up in a fight with another bitch at her previous home. Apart from that incident, she's been a joy and we're so happy that she's found her forever home. We thank her new parents for providing their home for Sandy and wish them all the best for their future.

If you'd like to adopt one of our dogs then take a look at the too many we have eager to find their future on our website:

http://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/dogslist/

Please Like, Follow and Share so we can reach as many people as possible and find homes for the 120+ dogs currently in our care. Thank you!

100 Days with 100 Dogs: Day 69 - Meet Teddy

We continue with our journey through 100 Days with 100 Dogs and we've passed the two-thirds point! We're trying to put something together to mark the 75th day so fingers crossed that it comes together!

Today we meet a dog ready for his new home with fairly relaxed requirements, so hopefully, he'll find one easily! Please Like, Comment and Share to bring this lovely boy to the attention of his future parents - this also strengthens our visibility on the various platforms - so double bonus!

Meet Teddy

This Handsome boy is Teddy. He is a dark long coated 3 year old male German Shepherd. He was very barky and standoffish when he first arrived but since then has settled well and is now ready for homing. 

He is very food motivated which could be a good thing for future training purposes. Once he is comfortable around you he likes to be with you although still a little untrusting. It takes him time to build trust even after getting to know you so a little extra patience may be needed. 

He's not shown any aggression towards other dogs since he has been with us. Teddy has not been tested with cats. He has been neutered and has previously lived with other dogs.

Teddy is currently located in Cleaveland.

If you can offer Teddy his forever home then please contact us via the form here:

http://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/adopting-a-german-shepherd/