Sue B

That 'little face in the back of the car window' syndrome - know it so well! I have fostered 100 plus dogs, mostly over a three year period when I first started working at The Mayhew, then had my own dog/s but occasionnaly fostered, now back to fostering again. With a few rare exceptions, i have been choked every time I had to say goodbye to a foster, but found the best way to get over the last foster, was to take on another foster. One more thing, if you ever have the pleasure of meeting ex fosters again - maybe at events the rescue you foster for holds - then you will find out that they NEVER forget you, you cannot beat the joy of seeing an ex foster all happy, healthy and much loved, bound into your arms with joy, then proudly show you how much they love their new family - priceless!

More of this story can be read on our website here : http://www.mayhewinternational.org/places/...stan/index.html We did help him out with the dogs.

I was so sorry to hear your sad news, Kathy. I was very privaliged to have Brummie visit my flat last year and to share walks with him in the park. His character really shone through, even though he was bundled up against the cold in a lovely little coat, he was still first to get the sausages at the cafe Brummie had a wonderful time with Kathy & Ray and had love, security and comfort until the end. Sleep peacefully, Brummie and make sure you meet up with my Hugo

Thinking the very best for Foodog's test results and lots of to her as well. I had the pleasure of meeting Fooddog many years ago and actually thought she was lovely, very welcoming and not at all grumpy, bless her little paws. Foodog, you have to get better for all your fans out there.

Wendy I am so sorry, I know you will be hurting right now but please take some comfort for all the great times Bumpy had with you. Bumpy was a real character and I was honoured to have met him on numerous occasions. I do hope he gets to meet up with my Hugo and they can go off and find sausages together. Sleep well darling Bumpy

Happy birthday Bumpy! I remember the first time met you at Grip's birthday party and what a very handsome chap you were May you have many more happy birthdays to come Sue and Vicky xxx

So very sorry that Shadow has gone, I am sure he had a brilliant life with you then Gary. And what a legacy he left. all those Greyhounds now having lovely lives . Thinking of you

So sorry, I think I worded my reply very badly I was trying to prepare you for the inevitable beating up of yourself you will go through afterwards, whatever you do, as one who has been there. I am sure without doubt you will do whatever is best for Barney.

I am so sorry. As you know, I was more or less in this situation a few weeks ago with Hugo, then he made it, if not easy, then certainly easier, by having a sudden stroke. My vet told me he might recover from it, he could do tests etc but I decided to let Hugo go that day. I knew he would hate the tests and was very frightened whenever he had to go to the vets, I also knew he had very little time left with any real quality of life and I thought it best for Hugo to let him go peacefully at home rather than plough on and risk him having to be rushed to the vets or being in pain, or worst still, just existing and not really living. I know that you will agonise about when, is it too soon, was it too late, please don't agonise, just think about how much love and life you have given him. Really really thinking of you

Thank you so much everyone for your kind words, they do help. Many thanks from me and Vicky

Please everyone raise your glasses to a very special dog, My darling Hugo, who was put to sleep last Wednesday, peacefully at home, after suffering a sudden stroke at the age of 17. I adopted Hugo on the 12th of January 2005. I knew the minute I spotted him that he was the dog for me. I wanted a nice, calm, good-natured oldie and Hugo was all that and more.. A lovely Refuge member sent me a very comforting message describing him as “a perfect gentleman with a rare quality about him†which summed him up very well. Hugo got on with everyone, young or old, black or white, they were all his friends. He had a very special charm and he worked his magic on many people, even people who were not keen on dogs took to him and his fan club was huge; the ticket collectors at the train station, people we saw on the way to work, everyone in my local park and, of course, everyone at The Mayhew, adored him and I have had to comfort many people in the last week who were devastated not be able to see him any more. Hugo was also great with other dogs and had many four-legged friends. He was also very tolerant of all the foster dogs I brought home and all of them adored him, especially Vicky, my life-long foster dog. Hugo was also a huge asset in my work, promoting The Mayhew, he came to lots of events and talks with me and charmed everyone. He also did some therapy work in a care home for elderly people with dementia and really brightened the day of the residents there. Of course, he was not always an angel, he could be stubborn as a mule and was incorrigibly greedy, but he made me laugh almost every day. I will never forget the time he stole a whole loaf of bread from someone’s shopping bag, on the way through Euston station. If he had got wet when it rained he would use the nearest trouser leg to dry his head, which I used to pass of as affection - you would be amazed at how many people fell for that. His real coup though was the time he cocked his leg over the VIP celebrity guest at the opening ceremony of our new dog rooms. He never normally wee’d over people, so I can only assume he thought it would be a great laugh to show mum up! He made me very proud though, not least when he was in a photo shoot for New Musical Express, won Best Rescue at the 2005 GAP show and especially when he was in the Scruffts final at Discover Dogs last November and came third in the Golden Oldie class, beating many other dogs from around the country and getting a special mention from Matt Baker for being so nice and trim at his grand old age. I miss him so much, there is a huge hole in my life and a leaden weight in my stomach. I keep looking round for him and expecting him to come into the room, nose twitching in search of any food. I miss his snoring at night, it is far too quiet without it. Although the loss of him is very hard to bear, I don’t regret a moment of my time with him – Hugo, it was a huge privilege and joy to share my life with you, thank you so much. Sleep tight angel.

I am so sorry, have only just seen this. Please pass on my very best wishes to the wonderful Grandma Squiggs and tell her I am thinking of her. Little Bow had the very best of love and care in her last few months and that is a miracle in itself. Slepp well little Bow

There is also Tilly, an ex Mayhew dog, rehomed to Hearing dogs then to a deaf owner. Whats even sweeter is that Tilly was orginally in a death row pound with little hope. Edited to add: Wa hey! very very well done Katie, you little star, praying you will win.

Long term foster, Vicky, likes to, ahem, wash Hugo's bits, but only in the most public of places She never does it at home or if there is no-one around.

The free bull breed neutering is for whoever wants it, though it may be too far to come for people outside London, and its not means tested - it also includes bull breed crosses. Anyone interested should call us on 0208 969 0178 or see this page on our website for more info: http://www.mayhewanimalhome.org/whatwedo/n...ring/index.html