The last 2 days

VERY HARD. The last 2 days have been very hard. Saturday was so busy, we didn't have time to stop and think, and then we had people already invited over for the evening. Bran's loss hit home hard yesterday and today. Paul was in pieces yesterday morning and this morning when he opened everyone up and Bran wasn't there sitting in his bed waiting for his Daddy to call him out. Dru was sat waiting alone in the bed. They always used to sit together and wait for Paul. We've both been crying a lot. TODAY. We took Bran to the vets this morning. We'd phoned ahead, and they had everything ready for us, so Paul could just carry Bran straight in. Danni asked if we wanted them to do things, but Paul wanted to do it himself. We got Bran ready to go to the crematoriam together and we said our final farewells. Bran will be coming home again, as do our all our old friends. INSPIRATION. Bran was Paul's special boy. At the beginning Bran hated every man he met with a passion, but he instantly trusted Paul. Bran the first experience for Paul of transforming a badly damaged collie into a happy and well adjusted collie. Bran was Paul's inspiration that awakened the interest in collie behaviour. Liz, one of our fosterers, says that is a wonderful legacy for Bran to leave Paul with.
RUN FREE BRAN, Bamley, Mr Bam-Bams.

The end of an Era

Once again, sad and upsetting news. I'm starting to think that someone somewhere likes seeing our hearts breaking. This morning we found our beloved Bran permanently asleep in his bed. He crossed the Rainbow Bridge in his sleep during the night. He was only 10/11yrs. We are in complete shock as Bam-Bams had shown no signs of being ill. The only thing we can think of is it was his heart, as we know he had a heart murmour. Bran and his brother Dru were the inspiration for Wiccaweys, they were the start of it all. They are both on the Wiccaweys logo, Bran next to the 'W' of Wiccaweys. When Bran arrived with me as a young dog he was dog aggressive and people aggressive. He would have been pts at a rescue centre, there was no doubt about it. Dru was just neurotic from lack of things to do, but Bran was completely screwed up. Over many, many months we worked through the problems and issues. It took time, but we got there. We saw there was another way to help these wonderful dogs and give them that second chance of life and love. If we could help Bran transform from the dog he was when he arrived, into the beautiful boy he became, then we could help other collies to achieve the same. There was another way to help this wonderful breed. ALWAYS THERE. Paul has said Bran will always be here, he is imortalised in the Wiccs logo, and its because of him that other collies have been saved and found new families. NOW. But for now, all I can think about is that Bran has gone, and we don't know what to do with ourselves. The phone is ringing, and we have people booked in today. It sounds mean, but I don't feel up to seeing 'strangers' today. But we can't do anything about it now. People are on their way. The first people have arrived. Paul is being brave and has gone out to see to them. I need to go out, but I look a mess all tearstained. I'd better have a wash I guess and pull myself together.

Santa Paws has been!

We hope everyone has been having a lovely christmas. :) The dogs here have been enjoying all their presents. Treats have been scoffed down, and toys played with (and demolished in some cases!) Christmas Day for us was just like a normal day really. We finished the morning routine about 11am, and then it was time to start dinner. We had my Mum, Dad and Nan coming over for dinner. Once veg was peeled etc, and the turkey was in the oven, it was back outside to do some walking and playing. The puppies were in fine form and throughly enjoyed their new toys. The folks arrived and we ate dinner about 3. Once that was done with, it was time for the afternoon routine, and then putting the gang to bed. The folks left about 6pm and Paul & I put our feet up! YAY!!! NO phone calls!!!! We were really looking forward to Doctor Who! Boxing Day was a normal day, very quiet and nice. Today we were spoilt. Pauline & Amanda had decided Paul & I were going to have a day off, and organised to come over and dog sit. The phones were starting to ring today, and emails are coming in again, but we were under strict instructions to have a day off - or else! We left about 12.30 and went off. About an hour and half later we came back. We didn't know what to do with ourselves. I was a bit upset about it, coz I felt useless. We got sent off again with instructions to go and have a meal somewhere. We found somewhere and had a nice lunch. We came back about 4.30 to sort out the dogs for the evening. Many thanks to Pauline and Amanda for their kindness and the thought for giving us a break. Because Paul & I are so crap at having time off, Pauline & Amanda said next time they are going to book us up for the day with stuff to do and just give us an itinary! LOL! That might be best actually!

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER!!!

His results are back!! PATCH DOES NOT HAVE CUSHINGS!!!! We can't believe it! We knew it! Goodness knows what happened with the tests and results last year. That's a whole year Patch has missed out on a home because he was wrongly diagnoised with Cushings. Oh well, whats done is done, but what a fantastic Christmas present for us all. We are so happy for our big lad. MERRY CHRISTMAS PATCH!!! Please, someone now consider giving our big lad his own home. He is such a special guy.

Up & Down Few Days.

It's up and down at the moment. WEBSITE. Finally we have been able to get access back to update the website - and we only found out by default this morning. FASTHOST's didn't actually inform us how to do it. It was only while Paul was hanging on the phone trying to speak to a person again that he heard a little gem of information hidden in all the recorded message! Why they couldn't have done what they did do in the end to sort people out we will never know! Idiots! So, the good news the website is up to date. SAD NEWS AGAIN. Another week for saying goodbye to old friends. Kym passed away, his Mum Sarah phoned to tell us the news. Kym was a total star and we are all extremely upset by his passing at the grand old age of 22/23 years. Our dear old cat Lily Manky also crossed the bridge this week. She went to sleep cuddled up on her heat pad, tucked up in her blanket, on our bed. Run free sweet Lily. SCARES. Brigg is feeling much better, but is still very doddery. This week Tally also decided to start feeling her age and scare us to death! She is better now, but she had us worried for a while. That is what happens when you choose to give your heart to the daft old buggers I suppose. Wouldn't be without them though. THANKYOU. Thank you to all that have sent christmas cards and presents for the dogs - we really appreciate it, and we love receiving cards and photos of our babies in their new homes. It really makes our day. PHONES. The phones are still rediculously busy for dogs needing to come in. Just horrendous. PATCH. The big fella was at the vets yesterday. We are having his Cushings Tests redone to see what is going on. He spent all day being spoilt by the girls and charming the birds from the trees! Old smoothie that he is.

Merry Christmas To All!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Here is the Wiccaweys Christmas Message to All. Move over Sir Cliff, this years Christmas Song belongs to Bamley!! Enjoy the first ever Wiccaweys Collie Christmas Song & Video!!


SANTA PAWS. Santa Paws has been kept very busy over on the Wiccaweys Forum. All the doggies have been writing their Christmas Letters to Santa, and Santa Paws has been replying to them.... check it out here! HI TO THE ATTIC! Merry Christmas & Hello to all Rachel's friends & the In The Attic bloggers - thanks for coming over to visit us and support us guys! It is very much appreciated! Have a great holiday!

Better Day

I've just got back from the Laughing Dog factory. CHRISTMAS DINNERS APPEAL. Thanks to Alexa, our fosterers co-ordinator, and our wonderful supporters, the Wiccs Dogs are all set for Christmas. Alexa ran a Christmas Dinners Appeal and folks donated enough money to pay for 42 sacks of food! That is a staggering amount! We are currently feeding 2 sacks a day, so this is a brilliant bonus to see us over Christmas! Well done everyone, and thank you. I came back with 25 sacks today, and it's wonderful to know that there is food already paid for, for the next pick-up. Fantastic! LAUGHING DOG. Alex and the rest of the wonderful team at Laughing Dog are now generously supplying us with 3kg bags of food to send home with all the rehomed dogs. That is a really kind gesture on their behalf, and means we no-longer have to fill up a carrier bag for folks to take food home in. Alex and I were also talking about Crufts, and we are hoping to arrange things so Wiccaweys will have a presence at Crufts, courtesy of the Laughing Dog stand. Very exciting!

Another Kick in the Teeth - Run Free Hope.

We have just received the very distressing news that Hope passed over the Rainbow Bridge this morning. Adam, Tracy and the rest of the family are devastated, as are we. Hope was riddled with tumours. Regular visitors will know Hope's story from the website and the blog and what a brave and beautiful girl she was. This really isn't fair. Our thoughts and love are with her family. Run free dear Hope.

Blog Entry From Paul

LOOKING FOR HOMES. Please remember that at this time of year the phone is horrendously busy with enquiries about taking dogs in, but this is where we need more and more people offering a home to the dogs who need a new home. If you call and don't get through, please leave a message and your telephone number - you'd be suprised as to how many people don't leave their telephone number, then complain we don't ring them back! We'll call you back as soon as we can. So, if you're looking for a doggy friend and would like to adopt a collie, please give us a call. Let's see if we can find some wonderful homes for these lovely collies in time for them to join the Christmas festivities. NOT A GOOD IDEA. Be warned though, if you are intending to home a dog as a 'present' for someone, you will be told politely to sling your hook. People should never be given an animal as a gift, especially a dog. We need to assess the home of the adopter, and assess their suitability to home a rescue dog. This procedure means that homing a dog can never be a surprise, or a gift - everyone must know about it, and everyone must be happy for the adoption to happen. PHONES. It may be busy on the phones at this time of year, but we will get back to you as soon as we can. If you cannot get through, I am probably taking another call, so please leave a message... There's no need to call back repeatedly - this often happens whilst I'm already on a call, and the phone will be bleeping like 1990's rave music! We look forward to hearing from you, and let's make this Collie Christmas a great one.

Soul Destroying Week so far.

It's been a very tough week so far. WEBSITE. We can't update the website at the moment as our hosting company, FASTHOSTS, had a potential security breach and decided to change the passwords of many of their clients - without telling them first -just sent an email to say they had done it! Getting through to them on the phone is nia on impossible and we have been waiting for several days for a response to an email! Paul has checked with other FASTHOST clients and everyone is in the same boat. We are all very angry and it isn't good enough! We are looking into finding a new host for the website, but at the moment we can't tell you when we will be able to update it with new arrivals and homes found etc. You will have to bear with us on that one. WEEKEND. I wasn't able to make the Rugby Agility Show on Saturday with the Wiccs stall as normal, which was a real shame. We had 5 dogs arrive from Ireland Saturday afternoon. A lovely little speckly nosed girl called Floss, a handsome big fluffy bear of a boy called Harvey, and 3 of the naughtiest pups you could ever meet! PHONES. As to be expected at this time of year the phones are red hot with people wanting to hand dogs in and other rescues needing our help. It is out of control and rediculous. We are getting every reason under the sun for dogs needing to come in. And its not just people asking for us to take 1 dog - they are asking us to take multiple dogs. I'm not even going to say how many dogs we've been asked to take in the past few days, as you just wouldn't believe me. We are both dreading hearing the phone at the moment, because we know what it is going to be - and people are not nice when you can't help. And it's not like we are saying we won't help, we give advice - if people can be bothered to listen to it - we are saying we can't help immediately. We will help as soon as we can, but it can't be right now. But of course, in most cases that isn't good enough because they want the dog gone for christmas! MONDAY. A sad day as we said goodbye to an oldie. Jill crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I was terrifed we were going to lose Brigg too, as he was not well at all and showed signs of either having a stroke or vestibula. The vet was uncertain which, so we are treating him for a nasty inner ear infection. It appears to be working. He is holding his head much better now, and there is nothing wrong with his appetite. TUESDAY. We knew Tuesday was probably going to be a sad day. Big D and his Mum & Dad were coming over to see us. Big D had been suffering from a type of 'seizure' that meant he didn't know what he was doing and would behave very aggressively, but not know he was doing it. When he 'came round' again he was very confused. These seizure attacks were getting more frequent. We had the day planned to devote to Diesel and his Mum & Dad. Deep down we all knew what we were going to have to decide, but we wanted to all get together and talk through everything first. We all loved Big D so much, and it was so unfair as he was such a happy soul when this wasn't happening to him. He'd made so much progress with his Mum & Dad, and Moppet. We'd gone through all the behavioural stuff we could. It was beyond behavioural. That was agreed by everyone, including Big D's T-Touch lady, and his own vet. Diesel & family arrived and obviously we were all very upset. It was a very emotional time and tears were flowing freely. Diesel, bless him, was oblivious to a huddled bunch of humans and was racing around with Moppet having a lovely time as he always did when he came for a visit. Moppet and he went off shoplifting! We started to talk everything through. Interruption. While we were talking, another car turned up. It was somone returning a dog. They hadn't called to tell us they were coming, or to arrange to come - and I am afraid I felt very angry at the intrusion into what was a very personal and sad time for both us and Diesel's family. Decisions. When they had left we all concentrated on Big D. We talked and talked, but we all knew what we needed to decide. It was very upsetting. We spoke to our vets and explained the situation. Big D was having a really good day, the sun was shining and he was happy. We all made the decision that he would cross the bridge that evening while he was happy and relaxed, and not after he'd had another terrible episode and hurt his Mum or Dad badly. Big D spent the afternoon playing with his family at Sywell Lakes, totally happy and carefree. When they came back, he had some lovely sausages with sedative to make things much easier for him and his folks. We all went to the vets together. The sedative made Diesel very sleepy and he was able to have fusses and kisses from us all with no worries or fear. We asked if they would like us to stay with them, and they said yes, we was his family too. He was already asleep before the vet came in. Our vet suspected a tumour in D's head. We were all with him as he crossed the bridge, and he looked so peaceful and relaxed. Paul & I left Big D's family with him so they could say their private goodbyes. PEACE. We all know it was the right thing to do, but it doesn't make it any easier to bear. Big D is happy over the Rainbow Bridge now, at peace with old friends and making new friends. No more headaches Big Man. SOUL DESTROYING. Its times like these that make you question yourself. Diesel was a lovely boy, and his Mum & Dad are 2 of the best people you could hope to meet. They adored their 'Bubbles'. Life is so unfair. IN MEMORY. As a tribute to Big D, I asked his Mum & Dad if they would like to name one of the pups that had come in. They said yes please. We now have a Little Bubbles running round causing chaos - and I think Big D would find that very amusing - especially as she is very good at shoplifting!

Wiccaweys Christmas Party!

We are just about catching up with ourselves now.... I can't believe it's a week since the event already!! HUGE thanks from US both for everyone who came and supported the Christmas Party. MASSIVE thanks to those that helped out, donated and generally mucked in on the day - I'm not naming names as I will no doubt forget someone, so will leave it at the Wiccaweys Catering Corps, The Folks in the shop, Raffle ticket sellers, Crafters and Bakers and general DogsBodys on the day.
RAFFLE TICKETS! Thanks to Santa's little Helpers for raffle ticket patrol! And thank you to all who put something on the table for the raffle.
SPECIAL THANKS to Rachel for coming up to judge for us. Her first time judging and little taster of what the Autumn Show will be like. I hope you weren't too daunted Rach! Goodness knows what Pete must have thought we'd been doing to you when you got home, covered in collie slobber from all the kisses and mud splatters from all the paws!

Rachel made herself a special little friend - puppy cuddling keeps you warm on a windy day!
Despite the wind, and early rain The Powers That Be over the Rainbow Bridge waved his wise old paw and dispersed the rain clouds. There were several women early in the morning, in a huddle rubbing on GB's locket asking for him to stop the rain. He did. We forgot to ask for him the make the wind drop! DOH!

THE GRUMPIEST SANTA CLAUS I have ever seen made an appearance and promptly turned into a Flashing Santa after bursting his trousers! The dog walking barn made a lovely grotto. Little Bo telling Santa what she would like for Christmas.
Santa was ably assisted by the Grumpiest Looking Little Helper in the world!

Thankfully, the REAL SANTA PAWS made an appearance. Here he is asking Alun what is on his christmas list - and telling Alun he is on the Good Dog list!
GAMES. We tried to barr Ted from the sausage race, but he managed to get in...even cheating and eating his own and someone elses sausages to knobble the opposition! Viven and Bryn were co-erced into the Musical Mats game.... Viven thinking Bryn wouldn't like it at all.... Guess who won!!

FANCY DRESS!! The Fancy Dress, as always was OUTSTANDING and HYSTERICAL!!!! OMG!!! *and it has given me a special event idea* Everyone entered completely into the spirit of the things and the costumes were fantastic! Rachel stood there open mouthed as they all trooped in! I had warned her the Fancy Dress class is extremely competitive!
Little Bo in a Manger above, and the rest of the family below... not sure about Mark looking like a Wise Man though... more of a passing resemblance to King Herod - which is a worry!
Some dodgy looking, or should that be Doggy looking Elves!
Competitive Mum Syndrome!A Christmas Tree!
And a Raindeer!
SPECIAL MENTION must be given to the Squirrels who surpassed themselves this year - and were forced to pose for this Nativity Scene in Santa's Grotto! I STILL think Mark came as King Herod!
Absolutely FANTASIC Day!! Well done everyone!

Christmas Party

It's the Wiccaweys Christmas Party on Sunday! Full details can be found in the events section of the website. The lovely Rachel Fuller has confirmed today that she will judging the show for us. I know Jim will be very pleased to see Rachel again. :) Competition will be fierce in the Fancy Dress class as normal! Challenges have been issued and accepted, sewing machines are in a frenzy and there is more competitive spirit than on an episode of Project Runway! So, to all those Fancy Dressers - in the words of Tim Gunn - MAKE IT WORK - CARRY ON! Should be a fantastic day, really looking forward to it.

Bertie & Gertie

Sorry for the delay in posting about Bertie & Gertie as promised. As you can see from the pictures, Bertie and Gertie arrived in a bit of a state. We know they aren't collies, but we can't turn away dogs like them that need us. Bertie & Gertie are Shih Tzu's. They have come from travellers. They have had a very hard life, bless them. Bertie arrived with a problem with one of his eyes. They would have died on the Halting Site if it weren't for the rescuer getting them. NO LONGER USEFUL. They were kept for breeding and no longer any use. The rescuer happened to go in on the right day when they decided they didn't want them anymore. This particular Halting Site gives the dogs and puppies to the children when they don't want them anymore. HORRIFIC. The children have bonfires or dowse them in petrol. They don't hit the dogs over the head first before they do it, or shoot them. They thrown them into the bonfire - puppies, adults, oldies. You name it, they do it. So, 2 Shih Tzus burning to death on a bonfire for the amusement, after those poor little buggers had been bred to hell. BARGAINING. The rescuer did have to bargain for them, as the woman was going to change her mind about letting them go. Luckily the woman wanted the loaf of bread and dog food the rescuer had with her more than the dogs. HOMING. The rescuer told me she wouldn't be able to home the Shih Tzus in her area - people aren't interested in fluffy numbers in Ireland, which is why the Halting Site didn't want them anymore. Puppies weren't selling quick enough.

Bertie above, Gertie below - when they arrived.
SAFE NOW. A trip to the vets was on the cards the day after we got back. Bertie had to have his eye removed. He had no sight in it, and he didn't produce tears, so it was very painful. There seemed little point having medication daily to keep his eye moist, for an eye that doesn't work anyway - better completely done with. Poor little chap. HAIR. Gertie was spayed and both had their hair shaved off while they were under and it wouldn't hurt them. Poor Gertie screamed when she had her temperature taken to make sure she was fit enough for her op, as the hair was so tight around her bottom. Poohing must have been awful for her. So painful. The vets couldn't believe the state of them, and there were definate tears in eyes all round.
Bertie above, Gertie below - back from the vets
FRIENDS. Bertie and Gertie had had some lovely coats and goodies sent to them by some very kind and generous people. They were feeling the cold after their coats were taken off, so some very smart knitwear arrived through the post for them.
Which way to the ski slopes? Bless 'em.

Wiccaweys Does Ireland!

Well, we're back! Get a coffee, sit back and join the adventure. FRIDAY. Alexa had driven up the night before, and the alarm went off at 3am and a few minute later we were on the way to catch the ferry at Holyhead. Brynn was loaded to the gills with donations for LAW & Tom. We arrived at the port with plenty of time to spare and daylight just breaking. The Sea trip was 'interesting' - it was very VERY rough! I'll never make a pirate, that's for sure. Luckily we were both so exhausted we snoozed through most of it - apart from the crashing of plates from the kitchen area after a particularly rough bit! Despite the rough crossing we arrived on time. I had an interesting conversation with customs who asked if we were bringing any 'raw meat' into the country (foot & mouth restrictions). I thought he was asking if we were bring any 'romanies', or any 'romanians' into the country.... this went on for about 5mins, until he said 'are you bringing any uncooked meat!' Oppphs! He saw the funny side of it thankfully. We started off, with me flustered and the window still open. Alexa then pointed out were heading for the disinfection sprays, which spray from top to bottom.... Brynn's electric window seemed to be in slow motion, and I can safely say I am fully disinfected! It was another 3 hours to get to Limerick, and we arrived about 2.30ish. Eila, Niamh and Ann came to meet us and treated us to a lovely meal. Afterwards we went to see Ann's foster dogs before hitting the road again for another hour to head to Marie's. Marie had dinner on the go, and we were throughly spoilt. I went to bed about 9.30, fit to collapse and didn't wake up again until 10am the next morning. SATURDAY. The day started with a yummy breakfast, thanks to Marie's hubby, Patsie. Then Norma & Lisa arrives to see us. Norma arranged for someone to look at Brynn who was having indicator problems. While we are getting ready to go visit the sanctuary Norma takes a call about a collie who the lady thinks is being aggressive. They think he/she will have to be PTS as there is no-where for the collie to go. Norma has said the key words - COLLIE & PTS. We bundle into Brynn, and go to see said collie on the way to the sanctuary. She is not aggressive, she is only young and very nervous and scared. She'd been straying near the lady's home for a month. The lady has got her in her garden and she agrees to keep her overnight, we will collect her on the Sunday and take her with us. We leave to head to the new sanctuary. LAW Sanctuary. The journey to the sanctuary was verrrrry interesting. The sanctuary is on a mountain and the way to the sanctuary is along VERY narrow lanes. First crisis - man suddenly blocking road with vehicle - Brynn nearly down ditch on narrow road. Man moves vehicle and we continue. Second crisis - same road, Norma in front - very old man on very old tractor comes flying down the very narrow road and swerves a number of times before finally speeding up and crashing into her!! Very drunk old man on very wobberly old tractor!! Car & tractor pull apart - crunching noises head from the safety of Brynn, and old man continues on his way, directly towards Brynn! Brynn dives to the side of the road and old man and tractor head off! Norma pulls in! Norma's car limps to sanctuary, the sacrifical lamb! We arrive at the sanctuary and meet up with Aisling, Ann Kelly, Jodie & 2 other ladies. Have a good look round. Location is fantastic, and it will be fab when it is opened up. Unload the towels/blankets/leads etc we have bought with us.
Norma has phoned the Guarda to report Father Jack (if you watch Father Ted you'll understand) on his tractor. Poor Tony the Guarda is then subjected to mad giggling women and asked to have his picture taken.
Man turns up to take Norma's car away - and checks Brynn's indicator problem at the same time - which has miraculously cured itself! Norma's hubby arrives to take her away, and Tony drives off in the hope of locating Father Jack and taking him away! We leave the sanctuary and head off to visit Norma's and meet her hubby and dogs. Norma lives in a wonderful place, and we have hot chocolate cake and ice-cream. We see some of the places that dogs have come from. Norma's hubby suggests we go up the mountain and sign the visitors book. Is it van friendly? Oh yes...... ermmm, well, yes, eventually - but it got hairy for a bit!
Climbed up the rest of the way, and sat in the 'Kings Chair' to make our wishes - all freezing cold! Come back to Marie's with Lisa in the back of Brynn and falling asleep. Saturday evening, Marie and hubby & Norma and Hubby took us out for drinkies at Norma's Aunties pub. We was late back. Alexa & I aren't used to these late nights, and started to flag pretty early on in the evening. Apologises for all the yawning Marie. SUNDAY. Sunday morning Eila phoned to say that we would be staying with her Sunday evening instead of Aisling. That was grand with us. Marie and hubby made sure we had a good breakfast before we started off for the days adventures. This was a day I was really looking forward too as I was going to meet Tom. The first port of call was for Marie to collect little Ross from his foster mum, and then we drove over to meet Norma at Bally....something. Norma was having trouble catching the little girl now known at Prue, so we went to help. When we got there, Prue had been lured into the kitchen and some choice bits of ham convinced her that it was a good idea to wear a harness. She was quite happy as she was loaded into Brynn with Ross, and then we were off on our way.
The next stop was Ann Kelly's to collect Lesiha, now called Aleea. It was just a quick stop as we needed to be on our way to Limerick to meet up with Eila, before heading on to Tom's before we lost the light. We met up with Eila & said goodbye and thank you to Marie for her hospitality (send breakfast pudding food parcels asap!) Nimah arrived and we headed off to Tom's place. Tom's. We made good time, and arrived a bit early. Tom was very good and stopped what he was doing and came out to meet us and take us into his place. He lives in a truely lovely location. Beautiful countryside. Tom was a bit shy at first, but Eila had told us he was very excited about our visit and was really looking forward to meeting us. Tom went to shake my hand, but I just gave him a big hug and told him it was great to finally meet him. We got out the food we'd bought over for him, and I gave him a present of a Wiccaweys fleece, which he seemed really chuffed with. Tom showed all round and introduced us to all the 'family'. He showed me all the dogs, cats, horses and cows - including the sex-mad cow who made the bull run away and move in the farm next door! The cows are pets. Folks had warned me what to expect, and yes conditions were basic - BUT all those dogs and other animals are extremely well fed and they certainly do not go short on love. You can see that they all adore Tom. Tom has such a good way with the animals, and he is definately in the Wiccaweys ethos of working with and communicating with the dogs. He does have dogs there that are half wild, they've never known any different - but those dogs COULD run away if they wanted too - but they choose to stay with Tom and the other dogs. They allowed us to pet them and never showed any aggression - they were gentle. The dogs have space to be themselves, they are not confined in kennels that would surely send them mad. Tom understands his collies and they understand him. Tom speaks collie. Dogs to come. Tom had picked out about 10 dogs who he thought we could bring back and have a better life than he could give them. Sam, Kasper & Clyde's brother was on that list. It was obvious watching Tom and Sam how much they adored each other. We walked round and Tom showed us who he had picked out. We decided on the 3 sproglet dogs and big Cody. Little Ted was not on the list, but obviously he'd heard about Stinky Pete's success in finding a home in the UK, so he wangled his little terrier body onto the van. Pic - Ted's cheeky little face!
Pic - Ted & Cody loaded in and ready to leave.
Pic - The Sproglets all safely in.
And so it came to Sam's turn. He'd been watching hard, and he knew what was happening. He went and got in his bed and put his paw over his nose. I said to to Tom - "he doesn't want to leave you, look at him" Sam wouldn't come out of his bed and just hid his face. We went off to feed the horses and Sam came racing out and was dancing around and trotting at Tom's heel with a big smile on his face, but when we got back towards the van he went in his bed and peeked out. "He doesn't want to leave you Tom." Tom had tears in his eyes, and was secretly pleased. He wanted to give Sam a better life - but Sam loves the life he has with Tom.
Pic - Sam refusing to leave, but agreeing to have his pic taken with me, Tom, Alexa and a hairy thing she was trying to steal!
While we were walking around, another lad who was not on the list, Squeaky, glued himself to me, and kept hanging around Brynn looking. He tried to climb in a few times. By this time Squeaky was practically turning somersaults by the van.... "me, me, me". Tom asked if he would find somewhere ok. Squeaky was bouncing about, and following me around. "He would Tom." Tom went off to think as Squeaky has been with him for a long time and he was very attached to him. Squeaky carried on trying to get in the van. Tom then invited us into his home for tea and coffee. Eila says that is a great honour as she had never been in before. Niamh, Eila, Alexa and I sat down at his big table and Tom made us all hot drinks and bought out apple pie and biscuits. He had some lovely pictures on the wall, and Tom gave me a present of a painting he had done himself. It is of the countryside around his home, and shows the hill were the Druids worshipped. I cried. It was a very lovely thing for him to do. Then it was time to head off. Tom decided that Squeaky could come, and a very excited Squeaky was put into the van. We left Tom and Squeaky alone for a few moments as they said goodbye. Tom found that very hard I think. Pic - Tom saying goodbye to Squeaky
Pic - Me, Tom, Niamh & Alexa - I think Eila was standing in a hole taking this....camera tilt!
We all said goodbye, and I gave Tom a big hug again. He clung on tight and said to Alexa, "I'm not letting her go..." Then he asked if I washed up! Alexa & I followed Eila & Niamh out and we were on our way again. More to to. The next stop was a foster home to collect 2 puppies. They were safely loaded and we were off again! It was getting later now, and we dropped Niamh off at her car and said our goodbyes. The next stop was to collect 4 more puppies. They were safely loaded and we were off once again, and it was back to Eila's. Eila headed back out to collect two Shih Tzu's that she'd saved from a halting site on the Friday we'd arrived, and I'd offered to take on. While Eila was out, Alexa and I sorted the dogs for the night, and Eila's hubby Ed sorted dinner. Eila came back with the two little ones, and you could have cried at the state of them. Poor little buggers. We got them comfortable and went in for tea. I will post the Shih Tzu's story in a seperate entry tomorrow. Once we were fed and watered, we hit the sack about 10pm ready for the trip home. MONDAY. The alarm went off at 4.30 and we sorted the dogs out ready to leave. Eila filled out flask and made sandwiches for the trip and waved us off.
We hit some of the rush hour traffic, but arrived in plenty of time for the ferry. While we were waiting, certain little bottoms kept us busy and we made sure everyone was comfortable and had plenty of water. Pic - A shattered Alexa forcing a wave!
A lady came over and started to talk to us as we were sorting the dogs. She asked if she could see them. She said what lucky dogs they were, and started to choke up. She started crying and I asked her if she had a collie at home. She nodded as she couldn't talk and I asked her if she would like a card. She nodded again and said what a fantastic job we were all doing. The next thing was the customs inspectors. They all came over for a bill and a cooo at the puppies! Softies! One lady inspector in particular was very chatty. She was talking about the other rescues that go through that port, especially the Leitrim guys. She was very proud of her rescue lab cross, and told me how she had had her neutered as soon as she got her. She wished us all a safe trip home and hoped that she would see us going through again soon. Once we were loaded on, thankfully the sea was much calmer than on Friday and I was able to wander about a bit. Alexa was knackered so settled with her book. Pic - Leaving port.
Once back in the UK we were 10 mins into the trip and someone decided to give us a very smelly present! That sorted we were off again. All of the dogs decided to go to sleep - apart from one little Madam who wanted to talk to us! Pic - Play with me!!!
Alexa snoozed on route, bless her. We did get caught up in some traffic - but we arrived back safe and sound about 6pm. Alexa grabbed her new foster dog, Ross and headed for home. Paul and I settled in all the new arrivals and I came in to a big welcome from all my gang. Massive thanks to Marie & Eila for their hospitality - we had a great and enlightening time. In all, 17 dogs travelled back with us to start new lives in the UK. It's been a very busy week since we've arrived back.

Wiccaweys Christmas Cards!

Wiccaweys Christmas cards are now available.
They come in packs of 6 cards featuring 3 of Paul's fantastic, exclusive Border Collie Designs. Diane (aka Smirnoff) has offered to make up to 100 packs and handle the orders and donate all of the proceeds to Wiccaweys.

The cards come in packs of 6 (2 of each design) for £3.00 a pack. To cover postage and Paypal costs please add £1 for one pack, £1.20 for 2-3 packs and £1.50 for more than 3 packs.

Orders & Payments can be made by Paypal to diane@minshall.fsnet.co.uk. If you wish to pay by cheque, please contact Diane on the same email address for address details.

Colliewobbles & Sheepdogshop

The lovely folks at Colliewobbles and the Sheepdogshop are kindly giving us a donation when people purchase certain products from their shops. They are christmas cards & a T-shirt.
Site visitors do not need a special code, as long as you buy the relvant products they will send us the money. Thanks you very much to Mandy and all the gang at Colliewobbles & the Sheepdogshop.

Onwards & Upwards

'POPPY' I took the girl I picked up on the A45/M45 last week to the vets and had her scanned. She did have a microchip, so we were able to contact her owners. Her name is Poppy! It works out that they have been trying to find a place for her anyway, and so asked us if we would keep her, and take her on for rehoming. It appears FATE played a hand for Poppy on Friday. :) She is a smashing girl. 'EIRE' Only just over a week to go before Wiccs Does Limerick, so to speak! I can't believe it is finally going to happen. The girls at LAW are mud wrestling (ok, slightly exaggeration - but I do see a hilarious fund raising opportunity there!) as to who is putting Alexa & I up for the weekend. It looks like we are going to be very spoilt! I'm really looking forward to meeting Nimah & Tom finally. 'PHONES' The phones are still RED HOT with dogs needing to come in. We just don't know where all these dogs are coming from! It is heartbreaking, it really is. :( 'MANNERS' They cost nothing - and that is all I am saying. 'SIR PERCY' Percy Chi is at the vets today having his whatnots whipped off! I am worrying of course, well he is such a little thing. Not that he thinks that! I wonder how long it will take for Percy's ardor to cool after the op? He has been such a naughty little devil for the past couple of months - since he discovered 'manhood'! LOL! Nothing was safe, whether it moved or not! Poor Snips - pardon the pun! TeeeeHeeeee! 'HOUNDFORCE' Its a Houndforce this weekend, so hopefully we will have willing volunteers to come and work on specific projects. We would really like to get the walking/grooming/now also puppy playroom finished. There is plently of other stuff to do too. Saturday evening we are having the Fireworkless Bonfire Party, so that should be good fun.

ABSOLUTELY FOUL WEEK!!!

HORRIBLE! This has been a horrendous week, hence the delay in the blog being updated. Both Paul & I are mentally and physically exhausted. This week has just been desperate phone call wise, and almost all of the calls are people wanting to hand dogs in - and the phone literally isn't stopping ringing. While, people phoning needing help with their dogs isn't an issue, after all, that is what we are here for - IT IS THE WAY PEOPLE ARE TALKING TO US! We are being spoken to and treated like sh*t by some peoples attitudes and expectations. Poor Paul was at breaking point by bedtime last night. We can only do our best with the resources and time we have - during the week we are just TWO people! FRUSTRATION! One of the most frustrating things at the moment is the number of other rescues who have homed collies to people, and when it doesn't work out, they are not taking responsibility for their own dogs and taking them back - but instead are giving our number and details to the people and telling them to ring us! We then get it in the neck from the people when we can't help them immediately. That is a bloody disgrace! If you are a rescue - take responsibility for the dogs you rescue and home! You have a duty to the person you homed the dog to, and even more so to the dog you homed! If you want our help, then ask us yourselves after you have taken the dog back! OTHER CALLS & EMAILS At the moment we have a huge backlog of emails and calls we are frantically trying to get through. So if you are waiting for a email or call response from us, please bear with us - we will get to you as soon as we can. TRANSPORT On Wednesday I helped out with a RDR transport. One of their poundies was in danger of not making it out due to a shortage of volunteer drivers, so I said I could do his final leg of the trip if he could be goot to Wiccs HQ. Alison collected him from Diane at Leicester and bought him to us and then Alison rode shotgun with me onto the receiving rescue. LIZ Our homecheckers co-ordinator Liz is stepping down for now due to work commitments. Huge thanks to Liz for all she has done for us, and hopefully she will be back in the saddle again soon. LAW Pauline and family went for a short break to Ireland at the begining of the week, and came back with our latest LAW arrivals. We have 4 gorgeous pups - all full of fun of mischief, and also the lovely Mindy who came from another Irish rescue and hitched a lift too. TODAY Today started at 5am when I headed off to meet up with Pat to collect more Irish collies who had come from Anne. I collected 2 very lovely girls and an extremely yummy big lump of a collie boy pup! It was back home to get the new arrivals settled and do all the early morning routine. A quick scan through the emails to see if anything was urgent and then, I loaded Mel & Geri into the van as it was a vet run for them today. At the vets, I got the disappointing news that the lovely Vicky was leaving the surgery next month. We wish her well, and really hope that the new vet will be as rescue minded when he/she arrives. Fingers crossed. Once finished at the vets it was off on a homecheck. After the homecheck it was a trip over to Dunchurch to Laughing Dog to collect the latest supplies for the hounds! The traffic was foul and I spent ages queuing on the A14. Once at Laughing Dog, the food was quickly loaded and I was ready to head for home. As I was heading down the A45 and just before getting on the M45 I noticed a collie wandering dangerously close to the traffic. My heart skipped as I saw it nearly get clipped by a large lorry. One emergency stop later and said collie was loaded safely into Brynn's empty crate and I was off home again. More queuing on the M1 and a confessional call to Paul to say I was coming home with 1 extra! Finally back home we discovered we had a very grotty looking collie who obviously lives rough, or outside. She has on a very old, manky collar with no tag. If I can't locate our scanner, she will be off for a trip to our vets on Monday for scanning. Not holding out much hope for a chip to be honest, but we will see. She is a sweet girl. So that's it for now - Paul is still wading through calls bless him, he's just had another horrible one where someone has been nasty to him while I've been typing this - I really don't know what people expect from us - contuary to popular belief we are only human!! He is white at the moment with steam coming out of his ears. Well, he can have a break from the phone for a while, as its time to start sorting everyone out for bedtime. I think we are just gonna turn it off tonight before it gets thrown down the drain! Lets hope the weekend and next week are better.

Poorly Brig

It's been a very worrying week. Old Brig has been under the weather, and we thought we were going to lose him for a couple of days. He must have eaten something that didn't agree with him and it gave him a very poorly tummy. He would only drink a little bit of water for 48hrs. He's perked up today, and had something to eat, so it looks like we are out of the woods. Bless him. He's such an independant old devil, he wasn't impressed with me fussing round him like a mother hen. "Fuss and nonsence woman - I'll be fine!" Fingers crossed. There have also been adopted Wiccaweys dogs feeling poorly this week too. Nicola's Holly has been very poorly - the vet suspects canine menigitus, so we've all been keeping our fingers crossed for her. And Sharon's Meg has had a lump which has been removed today. Luckily it turned out to be a fatty lump. Some good news, Itty-Bitty-Kitty has finally decided she will wean! We've been trying hard for the past week, but we've had kitten tantrums, and glued together lips if I tried to put anything other than milk near her little chops! Yesterday we had the breakthrough. Old Brig has been poorly this week, so is being handfed bits of chicken. I tried HerNaughtiness with some yesterday afternoon. You would have thought I was trying to kill her! She swotted it across the bed and kitten-sulked until I did her bottle! Yesterday evening Daddy went up to feed and wee/pooh her. The next thing he shouts me, and I go upstairs to find Her Naughtiness on her hind legs dangling off a piece of chicken (and Paul's finger!) She was a thing possessed! YUMMY!!! He'd dipped the chicken in some of her milk, and she sucked it, then bit it and then gone WHOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!! Finally!! I thought she would never wean, stubborn little miss! She is now volocaraptor kitten - hunting down bits of innocent chicken, shreading it with her little claws and tearing at it with her sharp little teethies! YAY!!!! And we have finally decided on a name for her - she is Nell.

Hectic Weekend again

We had 7 of the gang head off to new homes over the week, so that was brilliant. Bryn, Missie & Gopher together, Bingo, Bonnie, Chloe & Smoothie all found themselves new families to love. Alexa, Carol, Angela, Pauline & Margaret came over on Saturday to help out, and Roz, Chris, Dave & Lindsey came over on Sunday to lend a hand. We have even more outside lights fitted thanks to Chris. :) The grooming/dog walking barn is coming on fantastically. Paul has been working really hard on it. We are now working out how to run the water system in there. One of the chaps who adopted over the weekend is involved in plumbing so he had quite a few helpful suggestions. Vicki from the Wiccs forum has contacted a grooming suppliers. Apparently they are moving premises and having a stock clear out, so she has contacted them to see if they can help out with grooming equipment. Fingers crossed. We definately need to find out about a couple of the big grooming dryers. We've had so many underweight and malnourished dogs in recently that I've been checking out about investing in a set of vet scales. That way we can keep a close eye on weight gains/losses every couple of days. I've seen some on Ebay, so will do further investigations. And we've finally managed to book our long awaited trip over to visit our collegues at LAW in Ireland. Alexa & I are heading out on the 9th November, and will be back on 12th November. Fingers crossed we will be bringing back some of the long waiting dogs. I'm really looking forward to finally meeting Niamh & Tom.

Wednesday already? Blinky heck!

WOW! Loads to catch up on!! Ist things first - the new van is here!!! Pics and details can be seen on the Wiccs forum. Yipppheeeee! He was pressed into service immediately earlier hours of Tuesday, and will be doing the same again tonight - it was vet runs today for him. It is sooooooooooooooo fantastic to have such a brilliant van - thank you everyone. Saturday saw Alexa & Tilly's new people come over for dog walking. :) Mitch made an appearance and we got new videos of him. The difference is amazing. Paul cracked on with the new dog walking barn, and is making such a fab job, he carried on with it on Sunday and even he can't believe what a great job he is doing. :) The phones are absolutely manic again - and it's mostly people wanting to hand dogs in. :( On the ride over to pick the dogs up from the vets this afternoon, in the space of 20mins, Paul took 5 calls from people needing to hand dogs in. The waiting list is getting huge again. We took in 8 dogs on Tuesday and have 2 more arriving tonight. If anyone is thinking about fostering, now is the time.... Alexa would be happy to talk you through everything. Get in touch and you can help us to save more lives. Being the glutton for punishment I am, last Friday I collected the newest member of the Wiccaweys family. A couple of weeks ago we lost Princess cat :( A few days later I saw a post on the Refuge asking for good thought for a tiny kitten who was only a few days old. She'd been found with her dead siblings in a shed and no-one was certain she would make it. :( I contacted Cheryl and said that if she pulled through she could have a home here. Cheryl got back to me saying that was fantastic, but could I go one better? She was off on holiday in a few days and wasn't sure who she should leave her with and was really worried. Little kitty was on 3 hourly feeds and not many folks want the responsibility of that. So, she came to us last week. She is a little fighter, that is for sure. The 3-4 hourly feeds are fun, especially if she is being stubborn and decides to spit it out over you! Alexa had the pleasure at the weekend. We are still thinking about a name for her.... at the moment she is Itty-Bitty-Kitty. Awwwwww.

Busy few days and a new arrival - of the Pooopie kind!

WOW - busy couple of days! Wednesday was manic. It started first thing with 3 boys heading off to the vets to part company with their favourite toys. I came back to HQ, unloaded the crates and heading off to Laughing Dog for our food order. In the meantime, Paul had visitors arriving here.

I had a lovely surprise when I got to Laughing Dog - I'd forgotten that they were promoting a special offer at our show, and for every bag of food and treats that people bought, Laughing Dog were making a donation towards our next food order. It all added up to around £150! So that was an absolutely amazing surprise! £150 off the order I was collecting! So huge thanks to everyone who bought food at the show, and to Laughing Dog for organising it. :) So 20 15kg sacks of food later, loaded into the astra, I was back down the M1 and heading for home. I arrived to see Bryn & Tilly's people who were sadly returning them to us due to changes in their family circumstances. It was a very sad time for all, but even so, their dad helped us unload all the sacks of food. So thank you for that.

So, the crates were loaded back in the astra ready for the vet run to collect the boys. Paul heading off to Oxford with Mark, Tab's dad, as Carol & Matty had arranged for a donation of wood for us from Matty's works. Paul, Mark & Tab set off in Mark's landrover and trailer.

Around about 2.30, Michelle arrived with Alun. He'd gone on foster a couple of days before to see how he would cope as an only dog, but he didn't like it very much and demanded to be returned to Wiccs HQ! His pals in the kitchen were so pleased to see him, and I swear I saw him and Martha Jones snogging!

I spotted Keith around (gamekeeper) and we had a quick chat. He said he was about for a couple of hours.

I just about finished all the normal routine and it was time to head out and fetch the boys from the vets. They'd been as good as gold, and all leapt in the car as if nothing had happened! Collies hey!

When I got back, Keith was just heading off, and it was time to start putting folks to bed for the night. I got everyone settled, and Paul phoned to say they were almost home. The journey back was being taken VERY slowly!

They got back just after 7, and I was amazed at the amount of wood that was loaded on the trailer! And it is all good stuff! We were expecting ends etc., but this stuff is amazing and will help us with so many projects! Paul was like a pig in mud with his goodies! Huge thanks to Mark for taking to trailer to get it all.

While the boys were unhitching the trailer, I scooted out to get pizza for tea. We were both to knackered to even think about cooking. In fact, when it came to it, we were both to knackered to eat!

We were just thinking about heading to bed, when the phone rang just before 10pm. It was some folks from a Staffy Rescue. They'd had an 8 week old collie puppy dumped with them. She was dumped by her breeder who just turned up on their doorstep (she knew they were involved in dog rescue in some way and found out their address) and told them if they didn't take her She would dispose of the puppy. She said the puppy was useless to her, and would be a waste of her time and effort to KC register her and try and sell her. If they didn't take her, She would kill her.....



And what is this girl's terrible crime? Being born deaf.

Alison collected her and bought her over to us yesterday. She is an absolute dote! Very intelligent and full of life and fun. Bless her. Well, her new life starts here!

The phones are amazingly busy again, so apologises if we've not got back to anyone yet. Paul said he is on mass phone catch up today. I know he has a list as long as his arm to get through.

Very exciting....

We spoke to Steve today about the van, and sent over the design for the signwritting. It is so exciting. I've asked Steve about fitting a mesh bulkhead behind the front seats for extra security and for hanging leads up on. We've also asked about having a roof van fitted for the dogs in the summer. Pauline spoke to Steve about fitting rubber matting to, to stop the dogs sliding so much and for easy cleaning. I'm like a child on Christmas Eve!

YOU'VE DONE IT!!! WHEELS APPEAL!!!!

Yes, it's true - all you fabulous Wiccaweys Supporters have raised and donated enough money for us to fund the new van!!! What an absolutely fantastic achievement! Well done, and thank you to each and everyone of you. You are all absolute STARS!!! We love you all. It also looks like we have raised enough money to tax the van for a year and insure it too! Totally amazing!
Watch this space! If I could, I would do a cartwheel!

Hugely busy weekend, on Saturday 4 residents left for new homes, Jess, Malakia, Bonnie and Amy. And 5 dogs came in. Sam, Little Gem, Chloe, Korky and Scott. All gorgeous babies. Mr&MrsB came over in the catering wagon, and Amanda and Dewayne came over to bring some outdoor seating they were giving us and for Dewayne to weld the gazebo poles - remember the flying gazebo from the show? We should have a super strength gazebo for next time.

Sunday saw another busy day with Little Molly heading off for pastures new, and Alun off for fostering. Liz, Rachel & Bex took on dog walking duties, Mr&MrsB did a couple of tip runs for us, and of course MrsB kept us all supplied with lunch, drinks and cakes. Pauline's lemon drizzle cake soon disappeared too! My folks popped over for a while, bringing a swing-set to keep visiting kiddies occupied - just need to decide where to put it now. Truely's new people came to see us and to show how she was doing. She looks fab, and was really pleased to see us. I love it that our dogs always remember us. Makes me go all gooey! And quite often snifferly!

Watch out later for details of the next Wiccaweys Event, planned for the end of October. :)

New arrivals

Today I went over to the RSPCA home at Leicester. We'd taken a call just over a week ago about a collie boy they had there to see if we could take him in. He was severely kennel stressed and also behaving aggressively towards other dogs. As we were full up, in the interim, I gave some advice, recommended a food change and asked them to call in a week, and as soon as I could I would pop over to see him. The lady called earlier this week and said that the food change had helped, and that he was improving. He'd met another dog and had been ok with them. So I met Sky today and it was obvious that he was just a stressed out little lad. The lady who had been working with him loves him very much and had been giving him special attention to help him while in kennels. He so wants to please. He is very well behaved and obedient. He just can't cope with kennel life. We popped him in the car, and he settled straight away.

Then they asked if I could have a look at another collie there. A little bitch, who was very dog aggressive. The lady was quite worried about her, and feared for her chances. One home had turned her down when she tried to attack another dog there when they had her out for a walk. We took her out, and again, it was obvious she was a confused and stressed out girl. I pointed out and explained why she was doing things, and how to solve them. Then I fetch Gem-Gems Stooge Dog from the car. The RSPCA lady was amazed when Bonnie behaved impecably. I explain what and how I was doing things - and why it was making such a difference. She was very relieved when I said I would take Bonnie today too. We walked both Bonnie and Gem back to the car together, and as we put her in the car next to Sky, she realised we'd walked past other dogs on the way and Bonnie had not reacted. She was amazed. She was even more amazed when Bonnie and Sky settled next to each other in the respective crates without a grumble or cross word murmured. They are both fantastic dogs, and I thank the lady at the RSPCA for calling us to take them on and give them the chance they deserve. Here is a video we took earlier of the 2 dog aggressive dogs together just after arriving - It just shows how easily these wonderful dogs are misread and misunderstood, and they are not the dogs people have them pegged as. Beautiful Babies!

Run Mummy Run!!

Been a bit breezy here today, so all the normal case of leaving doors open is going to have to change. Autumn has definately arrived. I was on a phone call, when I heard the sound of the hallway door opening - looked out of the window to see Jake, Martha, Daisy Bassett and little Poppy all heading out the front door (should point out now, the front door leads to fields, so nothing really to worry about). The wind had gusted through suddenly and blown the doors open. After apologising and saying hurridly - "I'll call you back".... I raced out of the room. Anyone who knows Martha knows she is a nervy lady, and is still being walked on lead in the fields, so I was over the moon when she came racing up to me when I called her, tail wagging and bottom following suit and a big grin on her face. She followed me straight through to the kitchen when I called her, as did little Poppy! What Stars! Jakey took the opportunity to steal toys from the hallway before heading back. Daisy sauntered back, Bassett Style, in her OWN good time - snaffling the cat food on the way past! Hound Dog! Once they were all safely back, I noticed that Blind Alun was missing - surely not - the doors hadn't been open that long? Oh yes - we have a Super Blind Dog - what was that character called? Daredevil? Yes, well, we have a Doggy Daredevil! He must have been like lighting, or wearing a clock of doggy invisability! He'd got out the door, negotiated the front garden, round the side heading for the veggie patch, veered off to the gate to the main yard and was sautering around by the training barn, before heading off to check out the office! No-one ever tell me that blind dogs are good for nothing! We know they aren't! I called him and he came racing over bless him. Never missed a foot, or bumped into anything. He is such a fab dog! He trotted back at my heel. What a sweetie. It's still windy here, so the doors are now firmly shut. Got to get out of the summer habit of doors wide open now. Boo Hoo!

We have had a lovely email and call from a lady called Rachel who would like to come and see what Wiccaweys does, and we are looking forward very much to meeting her. :) Folks who read Rachel's blog have been visiting the site all day - so a special HELLOOO to everyone from all the dogs (and humans) at Wiccaweys!

Queueing up to come in.

Another busy day for calls for dogs needing help. Strangely, all the calls seemed to come late afternoon today. We have quite a few dogs due for arrival this week. 1 lad that was supposed to come in today didn't because his transport couldn't be sorted, so little Poppy was called in instead. She is currently curled up snoozing with Percy Chi after snaffling some of our Chinese dinner. Very sweet little lady. No, scrap that - they've just woken up and are doing wall of death round the lounge!

Jennie popped over today to go through the wish list and update it. :) Her collie Ty was refusing to leave! LOL!

Off to Leics RSPCA later this week to assess a collie they have and would like us to take on. Sounds like a stressed out little man, bless him.

Pauline has reported in that the Wheels Appeal has raised £2070 already! That is fantastic and thanks to all those who have contributed.

Hectic Weekend

Another busy weekend, seeing old friends heading off to new homes, and new friends arriving into our care.

On Saturday, Alexa, Carol and Pauline came over to lend a hand with the post show catch up! Alexa had a little tear in her eye as her foster dog Pete heading off for pastures new. After the general tidying chores were done, it was quite amusing to watch all 3 of them embark on a mass grooming session. LOL! Old Tally was leading them all a merry dance.

Saturday afternoon saw the arrival of Roz, Chris, Dave & the reprobates more commonly known as Robbie Der Teef and Remmi (the not so innocent!)! Chris promptly set about installing outside lights for us, now that the evenings are getting darker - and Wiccs HQ is darker than a dark thing in a dark thing factory at night! The lovely Roz spent Sunday catching up on some lawn mowing for us - and Dave was subjected to torture by Percy!

Thank you all for your hard work.
Sarah
x

Message from Pauline - Wheels Appeal:

Hi folks. As many of you will know Wiccaweys badly need a dog van and thanks to Steve Tubb (Doggy Cages) they have now got the chance of buying a decent caged model. The only problem is that we need to raise more funds to buy it. We have just over £1000 that we can use as a deposit from the proceeds of the show (thank you again to everyone who helped raise that) but we need to raise a total of £3000.

I am co-ordinating the Wheels Appeal. I am asking you if you can dig your hands in your pocket and see what change (or notes!) you have that you can spare to make this dream come true for Sarah and Paul (god knows they deserve it!). Last week, Sarah had to make a run to collect the dogs that had just come over from Ireland and it was a very tight squeeze to fit them in the Astra estate. A fully caged dog van is essential for the safety of dogs coming into Wiccaweys.

Sarah and Paul are planning some fund raisers, but obviously the sooner we have the money together the sooner Wiccaweys get the van. If you can help in whatever way and make a donation, big or small, please send a cheque made payable to Pauline Barr and send it to 18 Spencer Road, Long Buckby, NORTHAMPTON, NN6 7YP. This way all the money earmarked for the wheels will go direct for wheels.

To start the ball rolling I pledge £100.

Thank you in anticipation.

Pauline

Busy, Busy - and some good news

Busy night, we had an overnight run to meet some Irish dogs that had been waiting for a while to come over. All safely enscounced and settling in well. Little Star is a sweetheart, he was found down a river bank in a storm drain. Probably thrown in. He couldn't climb out. His details are in the ABC section.

Good News: The very lovely Steve Tubb, of Steve Tubb Fabrications, and a Wiccaweys adopter and supporter has offered us a lovely van at a bargain price. Its a 02 Fiat Ducato van with only 57,000 miles on the clock! AND it's Wiccaweys colours - a purpley-blue colour. The van was for sale on Ebay and the reserve was £3,000.

Steve has said we can have it for £3,000 and he will completely crate it out for us included in the price! That would normally cost another £1,500 alone! And he will sort out the signwriting too. And he will put 12mths MOT on it for us too!

I took it for a test drive yesterday and it drives lovely. CD player, electric windows, electic mirrors and a tow-bar. Only ever had light use, as it was Steve's own demo vehicle.

We are now frantically trying to work out how to raise the extra cash to secure it. We have the £1,000 raised from the dog show, so we have a start. :)

It's very exciting, so fingers crossed we can raise the extra. It would be so wonderful to have a really decent van for the rescue - and it would mean the long planned for Irish trip could finally happen.

Post Show News

Well, we are starting to catch up with ourselves today. Paul has the phone firmly glued to his ear-lug and is starting to make headway into all the calls that need doing from the past few days. I'm sorting out all the cheques for the show expenses. The brilliant news is that once all those have been paid, it looks like we will have raised around £1,000 from the show! So thank you everyone.

We are looking to use that money towards a new collie ambulance/van. Anyone who know us well, knows we don't have much luck when it comes to vans. We tend to drive them into the ground due to the amount of miles we rack up, and the fact we have to buy 'cheapies' due to limited funds. Our trusted old astra is starting to feel the pace now, and we dearly need another proper caged out vehicle for the collections and vet runs. Fingers crossed we can find something reasonably decent for the funds available. :)

We really need something reliable so we can finally organise our long planned trip to Limerick Animal Welfare in Eire. It's been in the pipeline for a year now. As well as visiting with our friends over there and seeing the places where a lot of the dogs come from, there are several collies in Ireland who have been waiting to come to Wiccaweys for over a year. These little souls are very timid and have been through terrible times. They are with a lovely chap who gives them a safe haven and regular meals, but doesn't really have the facilities to do much more. They only know Tom. None of us want them to come over on the normal transport runs. I want to spend a little time letting them know me before bringing them over myself.

Thank You!!

Paul & I would like to thank everyone who came a supported the show, and all those who mucked in and helped on the day. It was a fantastic day, barring the wind, and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. The atmosphere was really lovely, and had a real ambience of a celebration of the dogs and their families. Everyone was happy and smiling - including the dogs. I'm going to try and thank everyone, but I do apologise if I miss anyone, please don't take it personally, and just give me a kick. Firstly, thank you to our Fun dog show Judges, Nick & Sheena - brilliant and happy judging. And to Patch for judging the agility - the course seemed to promote happy faces. To Lindsey & Teddy for their obedience display, and Gina and the lovely Cassie for their Heelwork to Music display. To Pauline, Dewayne, Amanda, Penny and AlisonT on the refreshments - stirling work as always guys! And Colin for doing supply runs. To Dot, Hayley and David for battling the wind in the entries tent, thank you all. To Tricia and her Mum for holding down the tombola; Jenn for manning the bric-a-brac; Dee, Vince and Isaac for the face painting and bargains stall, Diane for the craft stall, Joan for face painting. Huge thanks to Liz for being the Compere without compare once again. Alexa for the dog walking, promoting and everything else I threw at her throughout the day. Dougie for helping Paul on the Wiccs stand - mainly hanging onto the gazebo so it didn't blow away while Paul saw to folks. MrsB for cakes and raffle ticket selling. To everyone else who bought cakes for the stall - especially Frodos Mum for the wonderful GB cake. I still haven't cut it yet as I want to take a photo. Bridget and friends, & Mum & Dad for acting as ring party for Patch at the agility rings, and Premier for the loan of the equipment. All the flyballers who came to strutt their stuff. Ros & Nicola for the healing and massage stall. Richard & Jennie for all the help with anything that needed help with, and for the KCGC gate. Alison for running the KCGC tests. Rob for letting us use his field and Steve for marshalling the parking, signs, setting up and taking down and everything else. Carol for her wonderful Wiccaweys display board and the brilliant owners club badges. Toni & Graham for the Guess the Name of the Dog competition (where did you get that collie?) Laughing Dog for their sponsorship. Everyone who sponsored a class or game, and all the other rescues that came along with their stalls. Alex, Greg & Mitch for helping out - especially Alex for Daisy escorting services. And finally to all the Wiccaweys Dogs and their wonderful families for coming along to see us. It makes us so proud to see you all. I hope I've got everyone. One thing, please, please email your piccies over if you have them - I didn't get chance to take one photo all day.

Calling all Wiccaweys Dogs!!

The Autumn Show is almost here, and the lovely Carol has volunteered to make up a board that will show off all the gorgeous guys and girls that have been homed in their forever homes. PLEASE please could you all spare 2 minutes to send through a photo to carolmillerdesigns@googlemail.com , she will be making up a very fabby board that will be displayed at the show. If poss, could you please send through your piccies before Sunday 9th September, if you can't don't worry, she will leave some holes for any late entries. Thank you xxxx. Paul & I are really looking forward to seeing all the photos, and of course seeing everyone in person on Sunday 16th September. Full details for the show are in the events section.

Healing at Wiccaweys

Wiccaweys is lucky enough to have a Healer amongst our volunteers and we can now offer healing sessions for both dogs and people. If folks wish to book healing time, please call Ros on 07906 260310. You may have to leave a message, but she will get back to you soon as she can.
There is a lovely beautiful calm, serene space at Wiccaweys HQ near Wellingborough, in which Ros holds the healing sessions. She also has an office in Cambridgeshire. Find out more by visiting the main website, and checking out the Healing section.

Blimey Charlie - it's weeks since I've had 5 minutes to sit down and catch up on the blog. So much has been going on. We had our TTouch workshop on Saturday which was a huge success. Everyone throughly enjoyed themselves and to see all the chilled out, blissed out attending collies was fantastic. Thank you so much to Marie for donating her time to us (sorry about your stalker - Gem the TTouch Junkie) and to everyone who helped out and attended.

The wonderful Midge & his Daddy Paul recently completed their 200 mile Jogathon, Coast to Coast run. It was an absolutely amazing achievement and we are really proud of both of them. Full details of the adventure can be found on the Wiccaweys Forum, and will also be in the next Wiccs Newsletter. They raised a brilliant amount of money - it is still dripping in, so the final total is yet to be announced. Superstars!

We still have a limited number of tickets available for our Mary Ray Cabaret evening in August - details can be found on the events section of the website.

The very wonderful Kym has found himself a new home at the grand old age of 22! He has gone to live with a maurading gang of shop lifting Cavaliers and a gorgeous Rottie. Thank you so much to his new Mum Sarah for giving the old fella a home.

The next big event after the Mary Ray evening is the Wiccaweys Autumn Show and Collie Fun Day - date is in the events section. Lots of planning to do and things to organise - hopefully it will be even bigger and better than last year - and last years show was FANTASTIC!!! I can't wait!

On a daily note - our waiting list for dogs to come in is horrendous at the moment. Phone calls are through the roof. Last Thursday alone we were asked to take in 30 dog on that one day. :( We have several dogs arriving this week who have been on the waiting list for a few months. It is going to be very busy over the next few days. If anyone has considered fostering, please think about it again. We have lots of lovely dogs with us who are assessed and ready to move into either foster homes or their new homes. By them moving into a foster home, they will be freeing up space for the dogs on the waiting list to come in. If you can help, please get in contact.

This weekend sees the visit of 3 of our friends from Limerick Animal Welfare. Marie, Eile, and Norma are coming over to spend a few days with us, and to bring Easter and pups over to Wiccs. We all had a fabulous time last year when the girls visited, so we are all looking forward to seeing them. They will be well and truely collied-out by the time they escape - I mean, leave for home!

Oh well, best get back to it - Paul has the phone firmly glued to his ear once again, and I can hear mischief happening outside!

TTFN,
Sarah

**IMPORTANT** Change of Date : Mary Ray Evening

**IMPORTANT** Due to unforeseen circumstances the date of the Wiccaweys 'Evening with Mary Ray' has had to be changed from Wednesday 20th June to Wednesday 22nd August. If you have already received your tickets and still wish to come then, please contact Pauline and she will re-issue you with new tickets. If you cannot attend the new date then she will refund your cheque in full. Many apologies for any inconvenience caused. email: moffatdale@aol.com

Midge & Paul's 200mile Jogathon for Wiccaweys

Wiccaweys dog Midge & his dad Paul are doing a 200 mile Jogathon to raise funds for
Wiccaweys. Keen runner Paul & Midge have been training and planning for the trip for
several weeks.
Their adventure with start from St Bees on the Cumbria coast on the afternoon of the
2nd June.
From there they overnight at (distances approximate) 2nd June Cleator Moor (10m) 3rd June Rosthwaite in Borrowdale (22m) 4th June Patterdale (16m)5th June Orton (25m) 6th June Tan Hill Inn (23m) 7th June Richmond (24m) 8th June Osmotherley (27m) 9th June Robin Hoods Bay (45m).
Paul says,"I am not following the Wainwright Coast to Coast route slavishly due to
personal preference of a slightly different route for more interest (Eg The Tan Hill
Inn) and places that will take dogs.
I have done mad things like this in the past, but not for a while. A mid life crisis
(half century) has precipitated the decision!
Midge and I have been in training dashing around the place (well him dashing and my
old bones staggering) to get fit. The distances are nothing for Midge, he and I did
well over 30 miles day after day in the summer heat of last year - well me 30 and him
60 or more - without problems - as long as he gets his water and preferably a swim.
Midge & I will be carrying leaflets to publise Wiccaweys on route.
I hope you will wish us luck and donate some money to Wiccaweys in honour of sore paws
and sore feet."
To find out more about Paul & Midge, please visit the Wiccaweys website and look at
the "It's Hard Work, But Worth It!' section.
If you would like to sponsor Paul & Midge, you can contact them on:
pjw25@leicester.ac.uk or you can contact Wiccaweys on: 07905 203254 or wiccaweys@aol.com

Kym comes to stay - aged 22!

On Sunday, Kym joined the Wiccaweys Retirement home. He came to us at the request of Social Services. Kym's Mummy has had to go into a care home, and sadly there were no family members to take on Kym. Kym is a very spritely 22 year old chap! Kym loves other dogs, he eats very well, he likes to walk at least a mile a day, pulls like a train on the lead - and is very fond of the Ladies! ;) He is a pretty amazing guy!

Special Wiccaweys Event! An Evening with Mary Ray.

20th June - Wednesday - 7.30pm

Cabaret Evening with Mary Ray at Benn Hall, Rugby, Warwickshire. CV21 2LN
Once again Mary & Dave have generously pulled out the stops to help raise funds for Wiccs.
Wiccaweys Stand, Mary's Stand, Raffle & Bar.
Tickets: £12.95 - Limited to 220Bookings being taken now.

To book your tickets

Please make cheques payable to the Organiser: Pauline Barr
And send them to:18 Spencer Road, Long Buckby, NORTHAMPTON. NN6 7YP.

Please enclose a stamped address envelope for your tickets. For all enquiries concerning this event, please contact Pauline on: 01327 842900 / Mob 07917 358245