Friday 12 August 2011

Letter from Oliver & family

Hi Sarah and Paul,

Just wanted to update you on Oliver. We wrote just before Christmas and he was doing very well. Since then we have joined an agility club, they do not compete but do it for fun. They also have a display team which they have asked Ollie to join. He loves agility and gets so excited about it every week. Maybe once he gets even better at it we might enter him in a few agility competitions, I think he would really enjoy it as he loves all the attention he gets from everyone else when hes top of the class. 
He also recently went to a fun dog show where he came second in best rescue and was very pleased with that, the judge was smitten by him, although we think he should have come first. He also got a rosette for completing a series of mini games and obstacles, and he had the second highest score. hes a little star and we cant remember what it was like before we had him. 
He had a bit of a poorly back recently and wasn't his usual self, he wasn't running around and going up the stairs. The vet said he probably twisted it when catching his ball and that it was quite common. But hes a lot better now and is back to his usual running and jumping that he loves. 
I have attached a few photos, not sure if I've done it right. Please let me know if there are any problems with them.

The Marks Family 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Letter from Bella & Mum Lin

Dear Sarah and Paul

I thought I'd send you an update following Bella's visit to the vet
yesterday for stitch removal.

When the nurse and I were running through her general health prior to
her op, I mentioned that she doesn't seem to have the stamina you'd
expect in a 14 month old collie, in that after racing after a toy or
whatever, she has to flop down each time.  Iain, the vet who did her
wibblies, when told of this, gave her good check over and found her
heart rate to be significantly elevated, but given the stressful
situation she was in, wanted to check it again when her stitches were
removed and I was with her.

Her pre sedation blood test was absolutely fine and when he listened
to her heart yesterday he said that was fine too, with a very good
rhythm.  However, when we discussed how she is on exercise, he thinks
she has got some obscure metabolism disorder which stops her muscles
getting the glucose they need for what he calls explosive activity i.e
chasing after toys, birds etc and hence she has to rest her leggies.
She's absolutely fine on steady walks - in fact we did 6 or so miles
this morning on our regular weekly get together with my school friends
- she was tired this afternoon and went to bed instead of helping me
cut the grass, but otherwise OK and we've played hide and seek indoors
this evening.

When Iain described it thus, it all tallied with what I observe in
her.  It's as if her body can't keep up with the demands placed on it
and she has to flop out for a bit.  She's not distressed at all and
not breathless in any way.  He said that she could have tests to
determine exactly what is going on but they are long and drawn out,
involve treadmill exercise and blood tests to eliminate each
condition, one at a time, and at the end of it all they mightn't be
able to offer treatment in any case.  Iain's advice (and I have huge
faith in him as he cared for Cass like she was his own) is to manage
her exercise regime so she isn't faced by 'explosive energy
requirements', in other words long steadily paced walks are good but
toy or any other chasing games should be considerably restricted.  Of
course if there is any worsening of it, then we will think again with
regards to tests etc.

At my age, I wasn't planning on scampering around doing agility or
flyball so the long steady walks suit me well and we have a variety of
places to choose from.  I'm just so thankful, if it is going to be an
ongoing problem she's got, that she's not struggling to earn her keep,
(which she wouldn't be able to do) on a livestock farm, and that she
can do as much or as little as she wants with me.  I was just SO proud
of her yesterday morning when we had a walk along the banks of the
Cut-off channel at Denver.  She was off lead, we came round a bend and
50 yds ahead was a beautiful female roe deer on the path, looking at
us.  I told Bella to 'Wait' and, as she looked at me saying 'Do I
really have to?', the deer took off into the bushes and still B
waited, bless her, despite quivering with anticipation.  Lots of
treats! In fact she shared a custard tart with me at Denver Windmill
tea room!

I love her to bits and she looks so smart without those blooming
wibbly wobblies.  Dear Cass saved my life when my grief overwhelmed me
in the early days and dear Bella has given me my life back.

With love from us both
Bella and Lin xx

PS We're looking forward to another Wiccs walking stint before long.

Letter from Evie & family

Arrived home safely she was sick in the car must be nerves but now she's wandering around the house as if she's been here for ages. Tried to give her a bath as shed rolled in her sick but she was a little afraid so I've washed her back legs down for now. She's had a bark inspected our back garden and has managed to gel with Archie extremely well. Both Wendy and myself would like to thank you for allowing us to take Evie on I think she's going to be one very happy dog
Regards

Steve & Wendy Buck

Letter from Milo & family

Hiya Auntie Sarah and Uncle Paul,
 
My mum says thank you very much for the invitation to the Fun Dog Show in September but unfortunately they have already had an engagement on the day of the show (not that I'm invited tho HHRUMPH!)
Any way my mum has attached some photos of yours truly so you can see me in holiday mode - I just love their caravan and will even put up with travelling in the car to get to sites.
 
Do hope you are all well - mum and dad's love and my woofs to you both, all your helpers and my furry friends
 
Milo
 
xox
 

 

Letter from Sherpa (now Luggs) & family

Hi Everyone

Just to let you know Luggs has settled in fabulously!

He and Chester have shared a crate since the 1st night.

Everyone thinks he smashing and even the kittens are taking to him!!!

Hopefully see you on 4th

Regards

Lisa






Letter from Bea & Mum

Hello Sarah and Paul,

Its been a long time since I wrote though I still keep up occassionally with
the website and the three of us continue to subscribe each month!

I now have a more suitable garden for Beautiful Bea, lawn, extended for her,
and a more normal garden with flower beds and grass paths. Bea absolutely
loves her new, not so new now, home. There are lovely walks to be done
mainly over fields and we go up the drive of Kentwell Hall every day and
then over the fields. She is a very happy girl.  She is still a bit of a 'Madam' and is now much more affectionate, much
loved by all.

The main reason for writing is to say we are in Cornwall again during
September in Port Isaac, a lovely house overlooking the sea.
Bea loves the seaside and its her holiday too, she loves digging in the
sand, even tries it in the garden!!!!!!!

So, do hope all the wonderful volunteers continue with the good work, in
these difficult times it gets harder, the other animal rescue place I
support are finding it difficult as all charities are.

So, hope your Funday goes well, I will be checking on line.

Love to you all and Bea send all her love too.
xxxx