Jackthelab

Today I recieved a phone call I was expecting but dreading, a lovely man who helped with the car parking at WHAM show for 3 years passed away on Saturday. He was an incredible man and had a life filled with ups and downs. I'd like to share his story with you.... He spent a few years on the streets, homeless until he was offered a lifeline. Tony walked into an Army careers office as it was warm and asked if he could join, the Seargent who was manning the office told him that he needed an address, of course he couldn't give him one, so to see how comitted he was, the NCO gave him a fiver and told him to buy himself some clothes and have a shave, so off her went to the local baths and had a shower and shave, bought clothes from a charity shop and went back. The NCO was so impressed that he asked Tony to come stay with him until he went off to train with the Army. After many years he left and settled in Grays, Essex..sadly he developed Agrophobia later in life until he got is little Terrier Yogi. Yogi and him were insperable, he would go everywhere with Tony, in fact that is how we met, down at Davy Down. Tony was there come rain or shine, always had a friendly word for everyone and a treat for everyone's dog, all of the dogs loved Tony and Jack would run across the park if he saw him in the distance. Sadly, Tony was diagnosed early this year with Prostate cancer, it was too advanced to treat, and he was very disappointed not to be able to come to WHAM show this year. He will be sadly missed by every one who knew him at Davy Down. His ashes are going to be scattered at Davy Down where he spent so much time with his dog. Yogi has been adopted by one of his dog walking friends and now lives with a couple of other rescue dogs and will have a very happy life. Tony...I hope you are looking down from Heaven and can see how you touched so many lives. God bless you...x Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the softly falling snow. I am the gentle showers of rain. I am the fields of ripening grain. I am in the morning hush. I am in the graceful rush of beautiful birds in circling flight. I am the star shine of the night. I am in the flowers that bloom; I am in a quiet room. I am in the birds that sing; I am in each lovely thing. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there; I did not die.

It Was Christmas After All Did you hear that?" the old dog shouted. They all ran to the front of their kennel doors to see if someone was coming to "pick them." "Sorry," he said to the other dogs as his ears fell down from their perked position. "I could have sworn I heard voices saying, 'Isn't he cute? It's Christmas, can't we take him home with us?'" "You must have been dreaming again old man," said the dog in the cage next to him. "Anyway, what's the big deal about getting picked up as a Christmas gift. We've all been through that routine and look where it got us." The word "home" meant little to these shelter dogs. "Just once, I'd like to feel the warmth of a hand stroking my head," said the old dog. "I'd like to be the one who kisses the tears off a sad face. I'd like to curl up next to a fire instead of this cold concrete. It hurts my bones." He curled up and sighed as the others said, "The only place you're going to find that is in your dreams old man." * * * Hank's wife had only been gone a year but the pain was as fresh as if time had stood still. He was an old man now, alone and longed for the comfort that he knew no other person would ever be able to give to him again. What would his life become without her by his side? Hank's cupboards were close to bare now and, although he didn't want to go out, he knew he should at least pick up the basics. He drove slowly down the side streets for freeway driving had become too challenging. Suddenly, the car started chugging and sputtering until finally the engine quit altogether. One of the basic needs he forgot was fuel for the car! So he coasted over next to the curb, spotting a building within walking distance. Hopefully, they'd let him use their phone. He walked into an office area and rang the bell for service but no one came. He spotted another door going outside, failing to notice the sign posted "Employees Only". As Hank walked out, he was overwhelmed by yaps, barks and insane jumping from dogs all sizes and shapes. He then realized he had unintentionally gone to the dog shelter. Slowly he walked down the concrete aisle looking for an attendant. should the old dog get excited? No one would want him. But, he sensed a need and couldn't resist offering a kind look and a gentle wag of the tail. As Hank neared the old dog's cage, he laced his fingers through the chain link to steady his gait and the first feeling of comfort he'd remembered in over a year came from a wet nose and lick across his arthritic fingers. Just then a voice of authority sounded, and Hank jumped. "I'm sorry sir, you aren't supposed to be in this area!" she said. Luckily Hank didn't know he had walked into the "final area" where unclaimed dogs were scheduled to be put down. There went the nudge and lick thing again. Hank looked down to the most pleading eyes he'd ever seen. Ignoring the attendants order to leave, Hank asked if could he see the dog closer? Her demeanor changed completely and her sternness melted away. She had forced herself to be this way so she could do the part of her job she despised. She brought the old dog out and instantly the two souls -- once so lost -- found reason to hope. Hank's cupboards were now filled, a warm fire crackled and the old dog smiled inside as he remembered "only in your dreams." Closing his eyes he felt Hank's hand stroking his head whispering "sleep in heavenly peace". It was Christmas after all.

Michelle, she is a Full IWH, both her parents come from excellent lines I have since found out too, her Parents owner had 7 IWH's

She and her siblings were the result of an accidental mating of 2 of the 7 dogs living in the home, the owner unfortunately had to go abroad as his work dried up here and the person looking after his dogs didn't realise the bitch was in season, he came home thought she had bloat, rushed her up to the vets only to discover she had 2 weeks to go!!!! Anyway, that accident meant we have our beautiful girlie

Hi all I have not been around for a while and WOW this new site looks brilliant, what a great new board!! Lots been happening, but the biggest thing is our new addition, Tara the Irish Wolfhound Puppy. She is from an unwanted litter and she came into foster at the age of 6 weeks old with 5 of her litter siblings, she was the smallest and when I saw her photo I fell in love with her and asked if she could come live with our pack. She has now been with us 3 weeks and Jack and Maia have finally realised (reluctantly ) that the puppy is here to stay. Here are some photos for you all 10 weeks old 11 weeks old 13 weeks old

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=G90kcwYLUyk Spot me giving it my best TV presenter impression

Hear hear Dan x

Lots of love and special thoughts and healing, going across the World today for a precious 'old' soul. xxx

Molly will be cremated and her ashes scattered, a memorial fund has been set up by Lab rescue NW to help dogs like Molly in the future, its called 'Mols Fund'. Anyone wishing to donate or the start a standing order can find information on their website. www.homealabrador.net Natalie x

Sadly had so many homes in such a short life, died on the operating table while undergoing a major life saving surgery. Run free sweet little angel xxx AM NOT THERE Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there, I did not die.

Unfortunately we have very bad news about little Molly. Despite the best efforts of the Veterinary Surgeons, Molly did not come through the operation and died whilst still asleep. If you have made a donation to Mollys Appeal your donation will be refunded, or should you wish kept by the rescue to be used to help other dogs. Could you please email Glenys at [email protected] to let her what you would like us to do with your donation. Please accept our thanks for your concern, help and efforts in trying to help Molly - and a particular thank you to Ali, her intended foster mum who is currently very shocked and upset by this sad news. Run Free sweet Molly.....whole and pain free again Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there, I did not die

Molly had her operation yesterday, she will be in Intensive care for a few days and then moved to her Foster space. These few days are critical and we are all praying for her to make it through this weekend. oops thats what you get for cutting and pasting <very emabarrassed> Fugeee peeps I know are very forgiving

Molly has been brought to the attention of Lab rescue NW by Manchester Dogs home, she was handed in by her owners after thes discovered she need an expensive operation to repair her damaged throat. Here is her story; Molly is a 7 month old , female, Black Labrador She has only been in our care a few days (Manchester Dogs Home) and we are already her 3rd set of owners. Her first owners most likely noticed her medical problem but did not act on it, instead they offered her for rehoming to a family that were not informed of her medical concerns and after having them diagnosed by a vet realised that they could not afford the £2000 + bills. Sadly, what could have been correctable at a much younger age, Molly will now be left with on going medical issues. Molly was born with a blood vessel constricting her oesophagus. This means that whenever Molly tries to eat normal wet or dry dog food, it does not readily pass in to her stomach due to the constriction; often she will regurgitate the food. The surgery that Molly needs to have will remove this constriction, however due to the length of time that this problem has been persisting for it is very possible that Molly’s oesophagus is now “stretched†and she will require a special feeding regime for the rest of her life. To assist Molly in digesting her food, it will be necessary for her to be fed a slightly liquid diet and her food bowl will need to be raised. To increase her ability to digest the food she will need feeding 3 times a day. There is a risk that if Molly regurgitates her food too often that she could suffer from aspiration pneumonia which would require veterinary treatment She is going into Liverpool hospital friday its MAJOR surgery has to crack open her chest anyway the dogs home have given the go ahead and fingers crossed we now have a foster home the plan is that she goes into the foster home from the hospital. This girl will need to recuperate from all this with special foods etc Please send lots of DP love and vibes to get this beautiful pup through this op We have put out an appeal for a Foster home in volunteers, so if you think you cna help please let me know.

Just checking, my apologies you did, I have your form now, I had 'misfiled' it Looking forward to seeing you

Hi ya long time since last year can you confirm that you will still be needing a pitch at WHAM pls ta x

I found this one tonight, wow this is wonderful and sums it up really.... I am an Animal Rescuer Annette King-Tucker I Am an Animal Rescuer My job is to assist God's creatures I was born with the need to fulfill their needs I take in new family members without plan, thought, or selection I have bought dog food with my last dime I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand I have hugged someone vicious and afraid I have fallen in love a thousand times and I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body I have Animal Friends and friends who have animal friends I don't often use the word "pet" I notice those lost at the road side And my heart aches I will hand raise a field mouse And make friends with a vulture I know of no creature unworthy of my time I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven But I believe there are Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind We may be master of the animals, But the animals have mastered themselves Something people still haven't learned War and Abuse makes me hurt for the world But a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for mankind We are a quiet but determined army And making a difference ever day There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan nothing more rewarding than saving a life No higher recognition than watching them thrive There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play who only days ago, was too weak to eat I am an Animal Rescuer My work is never done, My home is never quiet My wallet is always empty But my heart is always full In the game of life, we have already won ~ Written from the heart by: Annette King-Tucker Wild Heart Ranch Wildlife Rescue Claremore, Ok www.wildheartranch.org

No, but he knew all the London dog handlers, he works with them regularly, so we had a running commentary last night during the programme

I am quite excited now Hubby is in the British Transport Police and he has been waiting to get accepted on a dog handlers course, he turned one down last year as we had just moved house, he has just rung to say that the 'bosses have asked if he would like to do the course, which means we get to have another dog albeit a working one. They live with the family when not working and have purpose built kennels in the garden. Dead excited!! Can you tell?

Morning ALL X Its beautiful here in the village, am feeling all bright and cheery, even tough Madam Maia decided to launch herself onto OUR bed at 3am this morning or thereabouts...was there a storm last night or something coz she did night before when there was! We ended up decamping into our spare room as Maia took up the whole of our King size bed Sorry to hear bout the poorly peeps, hope you are all feeling lots better soon

hehehe:laughingsmiley: How weird...it posted twice

hehehe Its my birthday today and the sun is shining and I am on top of the world. What a fab day, and its my second week of my new job after being unemployed for 3 months. Sorry I haven't posted for a while, but I am back now.....

Would have loved too, but we have a East of England Labrador Forums weekend camping trip at Rendlesham that very same weekend Next one we will be there

I love my Jack so much, I took a picture of him a month or so back in Black and White and noticed how grey his muzzle is, its so sad that they have such short lives I hug him every day and make time for a cuddle at night

Oh Angie She is really adorable and I mean REALLY adorable, I Soooooo want a puppy kizz fix now

OOO I am so nervous and excited..hehe I am packing my holdall tonight, trying to think of everything I need for me and Jack. Leaving at 5.30am!!!! we should get there for about 9am then I hope, apparently the traffic is horrific after that. We are listed to be on at 3,20pm according to the schedule.. See some of you there then