AlTRPD

Now that the trees are changing colour, and we are in that 'Season of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness' the countryside near my home can provide some lovely scenery and pleasant walks, with or without dogs. These along woodland tracks and open spaces on what was once an old colliery site and also adjacent forestry commission land. If such a walk were to be arranged for a Sunday morning, and perhaps early in November, I am wondering how many people might be interested in attending? The location is about three miles north of Pontypridd, although, depending upon numbers, and the abilities of the walkers, and the duration of any walk, there are a couple of choices for the actual venue. It might even be possible to arrange a guide for those capable and fit enough to do a longer, more demanding walk, and for those who may only wish to do a gentle, shorter stroll. If you are interested, perhaps you could post here with preferences? Once I have a rough idea of potential numbers and requirements, if anyone at all fancies the idea, perhaps some more definite plans can be made. Thanks.

TRPD's October Auction only has a couple of days to run now, and there are some terrific bargains up for grabs. These include quality dog/sighthound coats and raincoats with bids of as little as £5 - £6; decorative sighthound collars, padded chest and a T-Touch training harness with bids as low as £2 - £3; plus lots more! Link: TRPD October Auction The auction ends on Sunday, 11th October, at 9pm, and we hope to be able to provide further parcels of 'I Need A Home' webbing items and other goodies to rescues participating in the 'Wish List Project'. Thanks

To date, twenty of the smaller rescues have posted 'Wish Lists' at this link on the TRPD forum: The Wish List for Rescues Project. We hope to be able to provide parcels of the items they most need, and worth at least £50, to each of these rescues, and if you can help us to achieve this, please do. Every pound, or even 50p, will help. Thanks. Even if you cannot afford to sponsor anything towards this, please DO have a read of what these rescues need; you may have something second-hand, unwanted, and in useable condition that could help one of them. I can provide postal address, if required and by PM. If you can also help to spread the word about this project, please do so, thanks. If you can make dog or cat toys - as simple as a pom-pom from odments of unwanted wool, perhaps - please do so, as one of the rescues is requesting toys for kittens. By cutting the legs off old tights and plaiting together several of these with a knot at each end, you can easily make a tuggy toy for pups to play with, too. Those things can be made whilst sitting in front of the TV. Not only do projects like this help rescues in the practical sense, but at difficult times, simply knowing that others are thinking about them and CARE, can lift the spirits of the dedicated people working to aid the animals in their charge, and brighten their day. Thanks.

We now have about 12 rescues with representation, and another batch of parcels are in the bag to go to post on Monday to the lucky rescues whose rep are active. However, there is to be a new project starting shortly and called 'The Wish List for Rescues' Project, and so far only two reps/rescues have responded with their needs. I know those who run rescues are often run off their feet, which is where the voluntary supporters acting as representatives can really prove a huge help and benefit. Please check out: Wish List for Rescues Project for more information or if you can help, thanks.

Only the reps for five rescues have come forward so far, and we already know that Hereford & Worcester Animal Rescue are seeking someone to act as a rep on their behalf. Details will be in their newsletter or on their forum. I am sure that there will be several other rescues wishing to appoint new online reps. Hoping to start a new project to benefit rescues shortly, and that can help to obtain things that they need, so if you are here for a rescue, please start thinking about your 'Wish List'. A bit like the lottery - you have to be in it to win it...

Lots of very needy rescues are losing out on the TRPD Pet Craft Project forum because those holding positions of 'Rescue Representatives' there no longer seem to be actively supporting them or acting on their behalf. We are therefore having a review of ALL staff positions on that forum, therefore, please can anyone here currently holding a 'Staff' position on THAT forum, please post at this link: Staff Positions - Review & Proposed Update if they wish to continue in their staff position? TRPD staff members who don't post will have their positions reviewed and may well have their profiles modified to show them simply as 'members'. Can any members (new or old) who wish to hold staff positions, or become active rescue representatives on that forum, please also post there, stating positions that they would like to hold - with the approval of any rescues concerned, if applicable. Thanks. Any rescues reading this may be interested to learn that, during the past month alone, more than 40 parcels and packages of items have been sent out to rescues, including several packs of 12 collars from the 'Collar a Rescue Dog Project'; quiz and competition prizes. The rescues receiving these are the ones that active members themselves nominate or whose representatives speak up and act on behalf of their rescues. Despite having well over 100 Rescue Representatives listed, during the last month, only 29 have logged in there at all, and many of those haven't posted so much as a news update as to how their rescue is doing in the current climate, let alone nominated their rescue for any of the available project offers or prizes. With that in mind, it seems necessary to have a little 'cull' of the inactive Rescue Reps, and to give any rescues that wish to benefit the opportunity to appoint new and active representatives on their behalf. It costs nothing at all beyond a few minutes, and a willingness to act. Thanks.

It has to be a scam, as I advertised FREE horse manure, and received an identical reply!

Voting has commenced for this competition now, if anyone wishes to. A new competition has also commenced, should anyone wish to enter? Prizes will be the same as last time.

This competition closes tonight, when a poll will be added, so that members can vote for THREE entries, so that we can decide the winners. Even if you don't wish to enter, do please read the stories. There are currently ten entries, which is encouraging, so we may well hold another of these competitions next month! Remember, winners may either choose to keep the prizes for themselves, their own pets or nominate a rescue to benefit. Prizes may be chosen from the range of items available for sale on the TRPD Pet Craft Forum and either in the current clearance sales or the sales listed there on behalf of other TRPD Project Groups.

I agree with everything that has already been said. It is apalling the way those whom we voted into power behave in this matter, and act supposedly in our name!

There are only five days remaining for people to enter this short story competition, if they wish to do so, and we have only had less than a handful of entries so far, despite there being TRPD Pet Craft Project prize vouchers worth £20, £15 & £10, which the winners may either spend on their own pet or choose things to donate to their favourite rescue. Link: Short Story Competition - theme 'A Walk in the Woods.' Stories don't have to be animal related, and if you don't wish to join that forum, you can always PM me you stories and I'll post them there on your behalf, as I have done last night for one of the lads I've worked with in a writers' group. Thanks. There will be a poll for members to vote for the winning stories, and that will be opened after entries close on 30th April. You can read the entries to date via the above link. However, if you wish to vote, you will need to join that forum.

l'll announce winners on Sunday evening for this, and there will be several rescues benefitting, as I've already picked several favourites! Busy sewing even more extra prizes, so please keep the photos coming, even if they are from years ago, it doesn't matter.

What size, Lesley... I LOVE baby deerhound girls - would love one myself, if I had room and didn't have this pesky JRT puppy that's been dumped on me by my son! She is a hell-hound!

Just a quick progress report - so far we have managed to sell enough coats to be able to donate ONE coat for the Northants Rescued Greyhounds. Surely we can improve on this? If anyone has any old or outgrown greyhound coats, and would like to donate them to this rescue, I am sure they would be well received. Thanks.

Hardly any entries for this yet - and it costs NOTHING! (More snow oon the way, though, so please get your cameras out!)

Too much snow for me, here in the South Wales Valleys.

Impromptu SNOW Photo Show - Just a bit of fun, and a chance to share your best pictures, but I'll offer a couple of prizes for the rescues chosen by the owners of those pics I like most and that are posted there. Our little JRT pup, Gypsy, has exhausted herself trying to clear the snow off the back steps up to the garden this morning, and with her mouth. She has now crashed out for a nap on top of the big hairy old collie, Moss!

Last month, thanks to the support of many people here and on the TRPD forum, we have been able to donate TEN coats and raincoats to Rescue Remedies and Terrier Rescue, and as a result of the coat/raincoat sales totalling 40! During February, for every four coats or raincoats sold in the Februiary Flash & Grab Sale, we will be donating a coat/raincoat to: Northants Greyhound Rescue. It would be wonderful if we can equal or exceed last month's total, but we really need some help spreading the word to help the sales along a bit. It seems that it takes years for the coats and raincoats to wear out, as they last so long! My own dog, Scampi, has the same one he had over four years ago, and it still looks like new, despite lots of use! So, if you know anyone looking for a nice new coat or raincoat, please tell them about the ones available from the TRPD Pet Craft Project, thanks.

This link will take you straight to the list of available TRPD items... TRPD Flash & Grab Sale ... Lots of greyhound shaped coats available at the moment, and you just copy and paste the details of what you want. This month, for every four coats sold, one is being donated to Rescue Remedies & Terrier Rescue. Also, other rescues benefit from prizes and donated items.

Thanks, Mole. I am sure that the rescue will appreciate your kind donation - and especially so the dogs that need warm coats. Nearer the end of this month, I'll be looking to find another rescue or two that is/are struggling for something in particular and that we are able to help in some way, so please, if you are a rescue rep., go to the link in the first post here and update the news on behalf of your rescue. If we don't know about specific difficulties they are having, we can't do anything to help, and communication really is the key. If you are thinking of treating you pet to something new, by taking a look at what we have available, you can see for yourself which rescue benefits from any profit made via that sale and also, don't forget we do a 'repair and recycling project' to pass items onto a rescue that needs them too, and if something you have and don't want needs a bit of work done before it can be passed onto a rescue. Thanks.

At TRPD, we are trying to gather some information to try and identify how the recession is affecting rescues around the country, and possibly help or put people in specific areas in touch with those whom they may be able to help. However, many of the appointed Rescue Reps don't seem to be very active on the TRPD forum. That is a shame, as just a few minutes time spent keeping things updated could help. Please, if you can spare the time, please visit this link and share any rescue news you have: How is YOUR Favoutite Rescue Coping at Present? For example, we heard recently that Rescue Remedies and Terrier Rescue is struggling to find enough warm coats for the many dogs they have currently in Kennels - lots being staffies and staffie crosses, who don't have very thick coats of their own. To try and help them, for every four coats sold i the current Flash and Grab sale, we'll be donating a coat to them, and some people have kindly sent them their unwanted/outgrown dog coats, too, or sponsored one for them. You can read more about this, and find the address to send any spares you may have at the following link: Coats for Rescue Remedies & Terrier Rescue We also have an anonymous member who has offered to sponsor a coat or something else needed by a rescue chosen each month during 2009, and by the person they feel has made to most interesting or entertaining post/thread on the TRPD forum. That could take any form at all - chat, an article or story, a blog, a competition etc., and it costs nothing but a little time to participate. Similarly, of late many of the available quiz prizes on a Sunday night have not been won on behalf of a rescue simply because there are not enough members participating. In these days of recession, I am sure that YOUR favourite rescue would appreciate any help and support that you can give them, and it doesn't have to cost you anything but a little time - and you can have fun at the same time, as well as doing something worthwhile and appreciated. Thanks.

If I can see your original harness, I can probably make what you require by copying it. However, I am having problems receiving email at present, so the best way to get in touch with me is via a PM on the following forum... TRPD Pet Craft Project Forum There are also some padded chest harnesses available on that forum and in the Auction Club's current Rolling Flash & Grab sale. Photos of those can be seen in the gallery there, too.

Just to let those who have asked know that there are now a couple of the I Need A Home webbing harnesses available in the current TRPD clearance auction: See this link items 43 & 51. More, and in other sizes, will be added before the sale ends, but when they have gone, that will probably be the end of these, due to the increased costs of purchasing more of this specially printed webbing. At the end of the month, the TRPD store will be closing and ALL stock will then be added to the clearance auctions, which will be ongoing untill everything is sold off or disposed of. This could take a few months, or longer, at the present rate.

I am so out of touch with all lately, but loved the photo of Josh, Becks. How grown up he looks there and so confident, too. Ethan (grandson) is pestering me almost daily now to ride daisy, but the weather's been so awful and my 'down' periods withthe chemo seem to fall when the weather's good. At least little Daisy is settling and improving now, and less 'sour' too, to handle. She is even allowing me to make a fuss of her while she's eating now, and without getting shirty. She's starting to get her winter coat in, as are Merlyn and Bronnie. Soon will have three muddy teddy-bears. It's looking as if the planning application will finally go through soon for the rebuild of the stables (touch wood) - although quite what the logic of the transport department's objections were over access, and their demands to have two parking spaces (one a disabled bay) for vehicles in a field of horses are all about... Oh well, we can always pitch the barrow-loads of muck onto the heap from those, I guess, but have told them I'll be damned if I'll park my old Merc anywhere near Merlyn or Bronnie! It's not looking as if any building will happen this side of next spring, though. Hope the old building will survive or can be patched up enough to last this winter out... Wings and Prayers for its survival appreciated, please! BTW, if anyone's looking for a good, reliable, family car, please see the 'Swap Shop' - my son's reluctantly selling his Vauxhall Vectra (with a donation to the TRPD Postage fund for rescues) because he's the chance to buy his mate's transit van, which he needs for work... and is 'nasty mummy' won't sell her tatty old Merc.

Current Auction Club sale ends at midnight, if anyone's after a last day bargain.