100 Days with 100 Dogs: Day 76 - Elda Settling In

After yesterday's video showing the scope of our current undertaking, we want to remember the positive side of what we do. So for Day 76 in the 100 Days with 100 Dogs we see how Elda is progressing since joining us after being rescued from Police custody - a battle that took two years to win.

Elda Settling In

The lovely Elda continues from strength to strength. Given all that she has been through, she's adapted amazingly well. Her character is starting to reveal itself and she is full of mischief. 

Elda loves to interact, in fact, she almost demands it because she still doesn't feel secure enough to be touched. Naturally, we'll continue to let her determine the pace of progress. It's not something to be rushed. She will snuggle up next to me on the sofa as long as I don't try to touch her. 

Her whole look has changed. She is such a sweet character that it doesn't bear thinking about how frightened she must have been to get her in the situation she was in.  She is now enjoying life and I don't think I've ever met a GSD that uses their nose as much, but after two years in a cell who can blame her?

Elda is currently one of our resident dogs and one who's been through court procedures so we have additional responsibilities for her care. Like other dogs that will never be suitable for re-homing we don't punish them for it, but instead, provide them with a life they can enjoy.

If you'd like to support their lifelong care then you can sponsor resident dogs here:

http://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/product/sponsor-a-dog/

100 Days with 100 Dogs: Day 75 - Meet 118 of the Dogs in our Care

We've reached the three-quarter mark of our journey of 100 Days with 100 Dogs and it's been an eventful one. Along the way we've tried to make the quarter completion stages and with this being the penultimate stage somebody had the bright idea of trying to show the context of what we're trying to achieve. At the start of the series we had 100 dogs, now we have over 120 and we've collated photos of 118 of them to assemble this video.

Each dog has 1.5 seconds as Debbie (our chairman) tells us each of their names. For each of those passing seconds, we have a hungry mouth to feed, a dog that might get sick and require veterinary treatment, a dog that's likely to need rehabilitation before it can be homed and of course, the daily care that we all know as fans of the breed requires considerable effort. We love the dogs passing through our care and we look after them as we would our own dogs. However, it's not hyperbole when we state that we are in crisis and need people to come forward to adopt and support us with donations.

We face a potentially grim future - the worst case of which would be us no longer being able to help vulnerable German Shepherds. It could be bleak, but we're still holding on and that isn't just down to our tenaciousness - it's thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our supporters. Time after time they step forwards and help us keep going. And this 100 Days series has also brought us new friends and also new more adopters. If we can build on that momentum then the future might not be so bleak.

There are so many ways people can help - the easiest starting with following and subscribing our page and channel and liking and sharing this post. We need so many shares that it makes the algorithm take notice of our posts and boosts them even further! If you're looking for other ways you can paint the future brighter then check out this massive list here:

https://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/how-you-can-help/  

It truly is a long list and probably near impossible to manage them all, but there's sure to be at least one that suits your circumstances. Thank You!

100 Days with 100 Dogs: Day 74 - Joined by Princess

Day 74 of our 100 Days with 100 Dogs series arrives and once again we're beyond capacity and shouldn't take in any more dogs. We urgently need adopters for the dogs already in our care and funds to pay for their upkeep and the 30 dogs that are permanent residents.

Naturally, that lasted as long as it took for the next GSD to need our help. There is some good news with a few more dogs off to their forever homes, but still fewer than those coming in. In practical terms, we should close the gates and try and maintain our resources as best we can for the 120+ dogs until the situation improves, but that's not why we were founded. How could we say no to this little girl when she needed us? 

And with your continued support, we hope that we won't have to say no - especially as often we're a last-stop call from a rescue that puts the dogs down to create space.

Joined by Princess

This regal lady is Princess and she's 11 and a half years young. Her owner left the country and felt they faced no alternative but to leave her in the property alone. 

Although not underweight she is malnourished. Her diet consisted of cheap tinned food which is basically cereal and so now has an upset tummy. She's had 2 litters of puppies. 

Princess has the sweetest nature but she's feeling a little bewildered at the moment. We'll give her some time and properly assess her to see what comes next.

We are constantly fundraising so that we can help dogs like Princess. If you care about German Shepherds please consider supporting us. If you work or own a business that can help then please get in touch. Every little helps if enough people are pulling together - there are even schemes like Amazon Smile, Easyfundraising and Give as you Live to earn donations when you shop online that cost you nothing.

We've recently created the Friends of GSD Welfare group and for as little as £3  per month, you gain membership to our exclusive group and access to some incredible content. We need you. Please help. ❤

https://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/product/friends-of-gsd-welfare-membership-1-year/

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/