GRWE on the BBC
Re-homing and welfare teams, 17/08/2010
Following on from the BBC Panorama programme and our recent press releases GRWE has been in the news!
We also had a slot on BBC Somerset's Drive Time and were lucky enough to have a live 10 minute interview there to highlight the growing problem of abandoned dogs.
(the GRWE interview starts 34 mins into the programme, which you can find by moving the slider at the bottom)
Abandoned Dogs and Puppies
Julie Sanders, 13/08/2010
BBC's disturbing Panorama programme Britain's Unwanted Pets, broadcast on 2 August, highlighted the issue of stray and unwanted dogs across Britain and Greyhound Rescue West of England (GRWE) has seen a worrying increase in the number of lurchers being abandoned and needing rescue space.
Just this week, we took in a number of lurchers from dog pounds across the UK including a Saluki cross we named Suri. Suri was found tied to the fence outside a dog pound and, although no trace could be found of them, she had obviously had puppies recently.
“We were all concerned about what had happened to her pups,’ said a GRWE volunteer. “When two days later eight six-week-old pups were found in a cardboard box outside a vets in the same area, our question was answered. The vet contacted GRWE having spoken to a national animal rescue charity who said that they would only cover the cost of putting them to sleep. GRWE immediately took them in and placed them in foster care.
Both Suri and her pups are in a poor condition, suffering from kennel cough and sarcoptic mange which is so itchy it is causing them distress, their skin flaky and red raw. Now receiving veterinary treatment and plenty of TLC, both mum and her pups are gradually recovering.
GRWE is run entirely by volunteers. Already overwhelmed with the number of dogs in kennels and foster care, and a growing waiting list, emergencies like this put further stress on a charity that relies solely on donations from the public to carry out its rescue and rehoming work. GRWE currently has around 80 dogs in its care, including 21 puppies.
If you would like to offer a loving home to one of the pups once they are all fully recovered, please call our helpline on 07000 785 092. All home offers will be vetted.
Local volunteers are organising special events to help pay the veterinary bill, already standing at several hundred pounds, for Suri and her puppies. An additional £500 is needed to cover further medical costs, vaccinations and neutering.
Donations to help Suri and her pups can be made using the donate button on the left or by sending a cheque made out to GRWE, to GRWE, PO Box 4243, Radstock BA3 3ZL - don't forget to mention Suri's appeal.
Whatever you are able to give will be very much appreciated. Thank you!
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Greyhound saves another's life
Rebecca Burns, 21/05/2010
A pair of GRWE greyhounds recently became more than just companions when one saved the other's life, highlighting how important it is to have access to life saving canine blood donations.
When Solo retired from racing, fellow GRWE hound Crystal adopted a companionship role with him and helped him to adjust to life away from the tracks. When Solo became unwell, however, Crystal ended up becoming his life line.
X-rays revealed that he had a blockage in his intestines and, after surgery to remove the obstruction, he developed a clotting complication and became critically ill - desperately needing a life-saving blood transfusion.
Help came in the form of his trusty canine friend Crystal, who was found to be a good blood match. She successfully donated 450ml of her blood to Solo - and after a few more days of intensive treatment he was well enough to return home.
Solo was lucky to have a companion with the right blood match - but not all greyhounds or other dogs are so fortunate.
Many vets are now trying to compile registers of owners who would be willing to allow their pets to become blood donors for when such emergencies arise. If you are interested, please contact your vet for further details.
A day in the life of GRWE
Belinda McCarthy, 02/02/2010
A day in the life of a GRWE volunteer…. on a GRWE transport run
On Saturday 16th January 2010, I was privileged enough to be invited along on a ‘transport run’ by Jan Lake, Chair of Trustees. On this particular day, several of the regional GRWE teams were co-ordinating a number of vehicles to collect, deliver and onward transport a large number of dogs which were in desperate need of rescue and safe kennelling – not to mention the love, care and dedication to understanding their needs and helping match them with their forever homes.
Not only was it fascinating to see the hard work, commitment and total organisation that goes into these trips, it proved to be a real eye-opener into what the GRWE teams have to deal with on a daily basis. Although I have two GRWE hounds reclining lazily at home on my sofa, Manuka and Duke (now called Sirius), nothing really brings home the reality of what the organisation has to deal with until you see it at work at the sharp end.
Not everyone, of course, has the opportunity to see GRWE at work. That’s why I thought I’d share my ‘daily diary’ to give you a feel of the sights, sounds and experiences of the day.
To read my diary of the day please click here.
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