BillyMalc Posted June 16, 2008 Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 Thanks to a very kind, lovely couple and their equally lovely Greek rescue dog Marro (sp??) me n Mal finally made it to the annual Greek Animal Rescue (GAR) walk in north London - it's not half a trip for a walk in the park I tell ya! I was really looking forward to seeing Mal meeting Vesna (the founder of GAR) again, after 7 years. She has been aware of all of Mal's health problems and has been great with loads of advice and support. I was also looking forward to finally meeting Paul (Loader, the guy who ran a marathon for the Oldies Club - top geeza!) and his partner Titch, who were the main volunteers at this particular shelter before it closed. Paul also accompanied the transport that Mal was on. They have 5 Greek rescue dogs, one of which is Mal's old kennel mate Zorba, and of course I really wanted to meet him again as well. Zorba is kind of the reason I fell in love with Mal, but that's another story The meeting was really well attended, by about 60-70 dogs and their dedicated servants, and everyone got on great! The pictures dodn't really do it justice, as I took a few general shots but then managed to delete these again as well, DUH!!! Anyway, here we go: "How are ya mate? Long time no see!" Paul gives Mal a good ol' scratch: Zorba, Mal's old kennel mate. He used to be a gangly, lanky lurchery type,but these days he's more like a labrador with a pointy snout! Nelson!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it when I saw him! Nelson too was one of Mal's kennel mates, and if I hadn't fallen in love with Mal first I would have wanted to take him home. He's such a sweetheart The closest I got to getting a picture of Mal and Nelson together - neither one of them felt much like posing. Dogs will be dogs when there's treats to be had, regardless of their 'nationality' OMG it's Shep!! When I saw him last, 9 (!!!) years ago, he was a bouncy boy, always wanting to play with everyone. So lovely to see him like a distinguished but still happy, older gentleman Lily!!! (now Ellie, to avoid confusion with the neighbours' little girl ) She was also one of my charges all those years ago. She wasn't interested in my camera either tho, can't really blame her with so much going on Dexie the dobie, still a bit wary and keeping out of the way, has now, after many years of abuse and neglect in Greece, found his forever home with Paul and Titch Her Ladyship Marro :wub: has landed very well on her huuuuge paws with her beloved dad Christy All in all it was a smashing, and a little bit of an overwhelming day, which went much too quickly. Mal took everything in his stride, exchanging a few polite tail wags with some of his old fellow 'ex-pats', but other than that predominantly interested in the available treats. And boy was he happy to be reunited with his sofa! I still can't get over having met 4 dogs who I've not seen for 9 years and who are all doing so well, and seeing all these dogs so happy and well looked after, knowing the cruel fate that many will have escaped. As far as I'm concerned we will be there again next year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReikiAnge Posted June 16, 2008 Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 Oh Billy, that's sent shivers down my spine, how wonderful I think I'd have spent half my time blubbing had I been you! The dogs all look fantastic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramsey Posted June 16, 2008 Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 Aww what great pics! Looks like a fab day out that thanks for sharing, i think i would have blubbed too!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rudi Posted June 16, 2008 Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 What lovely pics - must have been emotional seeing all the dogs again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACKYSIAN Posted June 16, 2008 Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 What a fantastic day it must of been. Lovely to see such happy and loved dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cycas Posted June 16, 2008 Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 What a wonderful day! I love that last pic particularly, that should be a card or something their expressions are classic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikaela Posted June 16, 2008 Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 What lovely photos Glad you managed to get there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurel n Hardy Posted June 16, 2008 Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 what a brilliant day out love the pics and really glad u n Mal had a super time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
one.eyed.dog Posted June 16, 2008 Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 That Paul is a serious bit of stuff Marro looks a wee sweetie. That looks like a really good reunion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merledogs Posted June 16, 2008 Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 Lovely pics Billy, what a wonderful bunch of dogs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytgirl Posted June 16, 2008 Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 That Paul is a serious bit of stuff Marro looks a wee sweetie. That looks like a really good reunion. agree on all of the above!! and he loves and rescues dogs too..perfect?? Dexie is SOOOOOOOOOOOO gorguss!! we need more pics of this handsome lad. Lokks such a lovely day, must be so heartwarming to see all those dogs together again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyMalc Posted June 16, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 agree on all of the above!! and he loves and rescues dogs too..perfect?? You lot!! :laugh: I take it you've conveniently missed the bit where it says "his partner"? And no, she's not his "business partner" LOL! Paul and Titch are both diamonds when it comes to rescue dogs though It was an amazing day I think I was just too gobsmacked at seeing all the dogs, especially the ones that I "knew from way back" to go blubby - if that makes sense. It also helps when all the dogs you go all OMG!!!! about react the exact same as Mal did to Vesna: "oh hello. Have you got food? No? Oh well, must look somewhere else then, bye" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ranirottie Posted June 16, 2008 Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 how lovely to see all those dogs safe and happy,looks like you had a great day. Mal is still the best one tho! x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yantan Posted June 16, 2008 Report Share Posted June 16, 2008 Fantastic report Billy Now how anyone who says that we shouldn't import dogs in need into this country can still stand by that after looking at these pictures I don't know! (Phew, that was a sentence and-a-half wasn't it I know what I meant ) Marion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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