k9knitters

Thanks both! It certainly has been fun whilst its lasted, and I know our merry band of knitters have enjoyed helping rescue dogs. Any more rescues interested in a one-off / regular supply of dog coats? Still plenty of room on the list for more.... Cheers, Carrie

Many of you will be aware of the hard-working band of K9knitters who have been knitting dog coats to raise funds for rescue dogs since 2006. However, over the past year, the time that Ash Robertson and I have had to spend on K9knitters has dwindled dramatically - so we've decided the time has come to wind it down. It's a shame we can't continue with our existing 'business model' - over £16k has been raised for various dog rescue charities since we started - but lack of time means we're letting people down (both our knitters and customers), and ultimately letting rescue dogs down. However, our knitters *love* knitting for rescue dogs. So we want to find a way to let them continue doing so. If we can hook up keen knitters with rescues who would welcome occasional donations of dog coats (and other item like blankets, snoods, quilts ec) then everyone can still benefit. So, if you represent a rescue, and you would like to be on our "K9Knitters Network" list to receive parcels of coats - either for your resident dogs or for fundraising purposes - please either reply to this msg or send me a PM with the following info: - Name of Rescue - Address to send coat donations too - Contact email - Whether you have any specific size requirements (small, med, large, huge!) - Whether you would welcome any other items (blankets, snoods, quilts, human items like hats/scarves) Also, we have a huge stash of stock to distribute around - so if you would like a one-off donation in time for Xmas, please also let me know. I'll be sending an email out to all our supporters (knitters, customers, wool donators) over the next week or so to let everyone know a bit more detail about the next chapter for K9knitters. But in the mean time, can I thank the Refuge gang for their support over the past five years! Cheers, Carrie

It was my mum's funeral on Monday, and we read "If I Should Go" by Joyce Grenfell. "If I should go before the rest of you, break not a flower nor inscribe a stone, nor, when I am gone, speak in a Sunday voice, but be the usual selves that I have known. Weep, if you must; parting is hell, but life goes on, so sing as well." It was poignant for two reasons. Mum was a singer and appeared in many operatic productions....so there wasn't a dry eye in the house. And the vicar turned out to be a distant relative of Joyce Grenfell! Cheers, Carrie

Yay! Molly is now in the Top 10. Now, how many clicks will it take to get her to Number 1??!!

No idea whether the competition is still open - but I've just had a mad clicking frenzy to try and get Molly into the Top 10!! Cheers, Carrie

My Jazzie hates fireworks. Thankfully, in the village they only really happen for a week or so around Bonfire Night. I'm going to try her with DAP this year - a snug knitted coat has had some effect in previous years, but she still ends up quaking under the desk. Cheers, Carrie

Hi Karen. If you could use any more coats, then let me know and I'll send you a bundle. Will also have a rummage in the garage for some as-good-as-new toys to send you. Cheers, Carrie

Try looking at Dogs Invited and Dog People. Oh and The Real Visitors Book has some good write-ups too. Cheers, Carrie

Last year, 100% of the proceeds of K9knitters dog coat sales went to Dogs Trust and Ashbourne Animal Welfare. I've totted up the total amount of cash raised by the K9knitters team during 2008.....and am delighted to announce that a whopping £5091.65 was raised. So thanks to everyone who has supported us over the past year - either by knitting, buying coats or donating wool. We rotate the charities we support every year on 1st Jan....and for 2009 we'll be supporting Dogs Trust (again), Greyhound Gap and Tailends in Devon. Don't forget that we often have surplus dog coats up for grabs for rescues to help keep their residents snuggly and warm. So if you represent a rescue and would like a batch of coats sent to you then do let me know. Oh, and lots of lovely new coats have just been loaded onto the website - so why not treat your pooch to a new year pressie?! Cheers, Carrie @ K9knitters

Oooh, have only just seen this thread. Thanks for thanks, Mags - it really does mean a lot! And Maureen's thankyou card was appreciated too. We're always getting coats in from our knitters that are not quite up to the standard for selling on the website.....but which are perfectly good to use - so I'll be sure to send Mags some more in the new year! Cheers, Carrie

Hi Amanda A bundle of coats will be on their way to Freddie and friends tomorrow. Do let me know when they arrive safely! Cheers, Carrie

Here are a couple that would be the right size - all with button fastenings which avoids the need to fiddle with front legs! Saturday Night Fever Chocolate Camouflage Chunky Autumn Marble (this may be a bit large round the chest - but possibly OK for Freddie?) Cherry and Denim Stripes Night Sky And another one which may work for Freddie: Mega Chunky Hound Once you have Freddie's measurements, let me know which ones you'd like and I'll get them into the post for you. Cheers, Carrie

Yup - happy to send you one (or a batch if you've got other residents who would benefit from a wooly pully!). Just let me know approx sizes and address to send them to, and I'll sort something out for you. Cheers, Carrie

Jackie from Greenbank (dog friendly holiday accommodation in the Lake District) has asked me to post a msg to let you all know that they have decided to retire. They are therefore selling up. They are very keen to sell as a going concern - to like minded people who would guarantee to keep running Greenbank with the same dog friendly principles that they have established. Part of me is gutted with the thought that we may lose our favourite holiday spot .... but maybe there is someone out there looking for a great opportunity to take over Greenbank! We're seriously tempted, but would need a small lottery win first. The property (plus all out buildings, land and fixtures and fittings) has been valued at £1.15m They are going to market it for six months as a going dog friendly concern - and then offer it to a wider market if they've had no interest by then. If anyone is seriously interested, then the marketing agent is Andrew Holmes at Carter Jonas. Rather than post his contact details here, pls PM me if you want his telephone number or email address. Cheers, Carrie

Oh, what sad news, Trish. I'm sure he'll be watching over you for the rest of your trudge.... Cheers, Carrie