Give A Greyhound A Home.

2012 Summer Newsletter.

“The only sure place to find

golden sunshine this Summer”

Give A Greyhound A Home – Rescuing Greyhounds & Lurchers

For Aberdeenshire & The Rest Of Scotland – Contact Pat 01224 782489 For Glasgow Strathclyde & Lanarkshire – Contact Elaine 01236 727653

If you would like to make a donation to GAGAH please contact us via the website at www.gagah.co.uk

We need an early start this year !!!

Introduction by Diane

Hi Folks

It’s that time again, the Summer Newsletter is out already. Well it has been a mega busy past few months for everyone, with all the fundraising events, awareness days, kennel refurb, GAGAH Funday. Glad to say every one has been a roaring success. It was great seeing everyone and the houndies at the Funday, I hope you all enjoyed it and can make it again next year.

The Lodgers are loving their new kennels, cosy and bright and will be so much warmer in the winter. Thanks to everyone who helped make it possible in so many ways.

We have had our fair share of appeals as well, with transport for new dogs coming in, foster appeals etc, and as ever, there has been an amazing amount of help and support to allow us to deal with all these situations.

It’s not been a great Summer, weather wise so far, but that hasn’t deterred so many of you getting out there to help the hounds and it has allowed us to once again cope with the staggering annual vet bills of £16,000.

Thanks again to Annie & Alfie for the newsletter and to all of you who have contributed to make it another fantastic read, with the usual hilarious stories thrown in.

Derek is kindly taking on the ‘trust fund’ application role as we have two major projects we would like to get funding for. The first one being for an extension to Hope Kennels, you may have seen Phil’s drawings/plans for this at the Funday. Then after that to redo the outside pens here at Methlick so that they are on a concrete base. Also we hope to double the size of the ‘running free’ pen here as well.

You will find, inside the newsletter, up and coming GAGAH events which I hope you may be able to attend as well, they are a great day out meeting like-minded folk.

We have a full house of hounds here at Methlick and we also, have Cleo at the Hope Kennels. They are all still looking for their forever home, or a foster home, so if you are interested just email me if you want more information as a first step.

So, enjoy the newsletter and a humongous thank you again to all of you who make all of this possible. Thanks Di

Diary of Events 2012

2012 is still a busy year, with lots more fun events still to take place. So please come along and join in. Please keep checking the Forum for updates.

July Saturday the 28th & Sunday the 29th - 10am to 4pm Pets At Home Boulevard Retail Park Aberdeen Raising awareness & selling Big Summer Raffle Tickets Please come along and join in (bring a hound along too)

August Sunday 5th Monthly GAGAH Walk 11am Location – Possibly somewhere in the Banchory area.

Sunday 19th DAWGS DAY Hazelhead Park GAGAH has a table at this event – always very well attended

September Sunday 2nd Monthly Walk at Haddo House (near Tarves) 11am This is also the “Not the Bennachie Sponsored Walk” and it replaces the old Bennachie Sponsored Walk

It`s also a chance to raise funds for GAGAH We will also draw The Big Summer Raffle 2012 at the end of the sponsored walk. Followed by a Picnic if the weather holds up, unlike last year.

October Sunday 7th Monthly GAGAH Walk 11am Location still to be decided

November Sunday 4th Monthly GAGAH Walk 11am Location still to be decided December Sunday 2nd Monthly GAGAH Walk 11am Location still to be decided

BA Stores

2012

We were all looking forward to this year`s BA Stores Vintage Weekend in May,

because we had all been to last year`s show and knew how good it would be.

This event always marks the start of

our GAGAH Fundraising year. Our aim

is also to raise awareness, and we had

the new GAGAH banner on show too.

We met and spoke to lots of people

over the weekend. But what made it

worthwhile for us was meeting the

wonderful Pirie Family. They later

attended the GAGAH Funday and rehomed Stumpy who is now Ozzy, and then

rehomed Layla too. Our hope was to rehome one dog, but two dogs was amazing.

In addition to the Hound Awareness we also

had our ever popular Tombola and Big

Summer Raffle tickets were on sale too.

Making it`s first appearance was the new

line in GAGAH Merchandise, which did well

considering it was it`s first appearance.

Altogether the weekend raised £453

As usual the dogs were fantastic, and

they loved all the attention, and the

treats. Considering how much they

usually sleep during the day it was a

miracle that they all kept going.

They do a great job for GAGAH, just by

being well behaved and quiet as always.

You could see the pleasure in everyone`s

face when they came along to meet the dogs, they were the stars of the show.

BA Stores is probably the best show we go to all year.

Mainly because it`s very Family orientated, and always

well attended, and the Dogs get loads of attention.

We felt our presentation was much improved on last

year, and next year`s will be even better.

Tex – Abi – Polly – Ozzy & Layla ( The Story So Far…)

Our first contact with GAGAH was in 2006. We decided to get a dog and had looked

into different breeds to see what would best suit the family, we have three children,

the youngest two and a half, so we wanted a child friendly dog.

It was a friend of the family that suggested a greyhound and told us of GAGAH. We

read up about greyhounds as we were not at all familiar with them, we were surprised

at how ideal they sounded for us! Next we contacted Diane and had our house check

done, then we waited……

In June 2006 the phone call came

that there was a lovely 6 year old,

fawn boy in Cumbernauld that we

could go and see, Tex. We jumped

in the car and off we went,

surprise surprise we fell in love

with the elegant and gentle boy.

So Tex came home with us and

was a star from day one, no mess,

no fuss, so laid back and he

settled immediately.

As Tex had been such an easy dog to settle in and so

adorable we decided that another greyhound for

company was the next step! Again we contacted Diane

and were put in touch with Jane (near Stirling) who

had a little fawn girl for rehoming. Again the family

including Tex packed into the car and off we went to

get Abi.

Little Abi came home with us but was a different dog

altogether from Tex. She was also 6 yrs but hadn’t had a great start to her life like Tex.

Abi was scared of everything, if a man

went near her she would wet herself and

cower in a corner.

It took us nearly a year to build her

confidence and get her dry in the house

but it was a joy to see her changing and

learning to trust.

We had two happy settled dogs when we decided to try fostering!! Along came Polly, a

one year old non-runner.

Polly

We fell in love with her and decide that

she was the new addition to our expanding

family. We took Polly to be neutered and

blood tests showed kidney failure and she

wasn’t able to go under anaesthetic. She

was born with malformed kidneys and

there was nothing to do but give her lots

of love. She was put on a diet to give her

kidneys the best chance. Little Polly

managed to live on for another 2 years

before her kidneys packed in, she gave us

so much affection and joy in that time

and lived her short 3 year life to the full.

We were lucky to have Tex and Abi with us for a good long time. Abi passed away at

12 years old last year and our darling boy succumbed to a liver tumour in April this

year. That was it for us we could never replace our dogs and although the plight of

the greyhound was very close to our hearts the pain on losing them was too great to go

through again. We were going to be a no dog family, no ties, no dog responsibilities

just an empty house to come home to……..

We went to the BA stores weekend in May this year. The GAGAH stall was there and

we were even hesitant of going over as the pain was still raw. We skirted about but

were drawn over by the beautiful and familiar shape of the hounds there. We met

Alfie with Izzy, Frankie and Jess and it was lovely to be able to pet a greyhound again

and just to talk about how much the dogs had meant to us. We left them that day a

bit confused, do we want another greyhound??? Yes, no, yes but not yet, no, no, no !!

We promised to go along to the GAGAH funday as we really wanted to support the

work that GAGAH does. When I got an email about a BFF for the funday I thought

that it would be nice to pour out a bit of love to one of the lodgers for the afternoon,

almost like having our own dog again for a short time. The night before we went my

husband, Aldy, who is the sensible, non-impulsive one confessed he wanted another

dog,in fact why not two!! It was me who put the argument against it (totally out of

character to have a practical head on!).

Anyway off we went to Methlick, myself, Aldy and our daughter Kirsten, where we met

our BFF Stumpy (who later that day became Ozzy). We were won over in the first 5

minutes!! After his initial jumping up and down and pulling with the strength of ten

elephants he settled and was just so placid. Kirsten was able to lead him about and

entered him in most of the classes. That was it, he was a keeper, all my practical

intentions went out the window when I looked at his soulful eyes.

Ozzy and Kirsten at the Funday

We had a great day and were lucky enough to

chat to Lex whom Ozzy came from. Lex is a

mine of information and advice. Ozzy came home

with us that day settled immediately, he has

been immaculate in the house from day one and

loves tearing round the garden after his toys

The house immediately became somewhere I

wanted to come home to again as my tail wagging

(ok, half tail wagging) Ozzy would be waiting.

Ozzy

As I mentioned before Aldy had stated that he would happily have two dogs again,so

we mentioned to Diane and Lex that if a wee girl was looking for a home we would

happily take her too. A month later we got the shout and picked up Layla.

Initially there was some barking and growling between Ozzy and this newcomer!! That

didn’t last long, they get on better than our other bunch did. Ozzy and Layla wander about the house and garden together and even share a bed sometimes. Layla wasn’t quite as well looked after as Ozzy had been, but some flea treatment and worming has

sorted her out and she must be much more comfortable now. She is such an

affectionate wee girl, so no issues there. Now she has had time to settle she’ll be going to get spayed and her teeth sorted next week, at least she’ll be coming home to a familiar house and her pal Ozzy to help her recover.

Thanks to GAGAH for everything that you do for the wonderful greyhounds and for

helping us to get our two new family members.

Ozzy and Layla

It Pays to Advertise Everyone at GAGAH is constantly involved in raising awareness and the profile of

these wonderful dogs. Every time we take our dogs for a walk, or go on the Monthly

Walks, or go to an event with displays and handouts etc, the dogs are on hand to let

members of the public meet them. Any situation that helps get them noticed, and

possibly rehomed is always very positive.

Earlier this year we had a Coffee Day at the Kirk Centre in Ellon, to

raise awareness and funds. In attendance was Chris Brand, a reporter

from the Ellon Advertiser. There followed a trip to the Advertiser`s

offices in Turriff to meet Editor Jan Mackie. Jan went out of her way

that day to hear GAGAH`s story, then offered the Advertiser`s support to

assist our awareness efforts. This was on a Wednesday when Jan has

three papers to edit, the Turriff, Ellon and Inverurie Advertiser, that`s

the type of person Jan is, and it was very much appreciated.

Our association with the Advertiser started in April with

an appeal for Buzz, which also included contact details and information

about GAGAH. If we bought this space it would have cost a fair amount,

and probably would have required fundraising just for the article.

There then followed another article in May, in the section which

appears on the last Friday of every month known as Paw Press. It`s the perfect place

as this is where ant "Animal Lover" will go to. Following on in June there was a

genaral article on GAGAH, featuring our wonderful Funday, which gave an overall

picture of what GAGAH does.

The whole point of the articles are to make people "aware of our GAGAH" and have

them see the name GAGAH yet again. Then maybe wonder what it is and find out.

Recognition and interest is not always an overnight success, so if GAGAH were a

business the articles would be a "long term investment"

We could not get better publicity than we do from the

Advertiser, as it reaches everyone from Turriff to

Inverurie and beyond. The continued support from Jan

and everyone else at the Advertiser is very much

appreciated by all of us at GAGAH.

There will be another GAGAH article in the Advertiser on the last Friday in July

DAWGS DAY @ HADDO

DAWGS Day @ Haddo was again a very well

organised day. It is always a pleasure to take part in

a DAWGS event. We were hoping for better

weather than last year when we had to “abandon ship” because of the high winds. Thankfully all was well this year and the sun was shining. There was a

good crowd and a lot of interest in the dogs. Plus the

hamburgers the Rotary Club were selling were out

of this world, and they raised loads of money too.

( Hand on the hip club, don`t ask!! Just thankful

Derek wasn`t doing it too!!!)

We had the “must have” tombola, which went well, we also sold Big Summer Raffle tickets.

Helen made some treats from Sue`s recipes, as ever they were snapped up. I think we could

produce them by the truck load and still sell out.

Our next outing to a DAWGS event is Hazelhead Park on Sunday 19th August details on the

forum nearer the time. This is also a great chance to raise awareness, we shall have hand outs

etc. Everyone welcome to come along and help or just pop by and say hello. The more dogs

we can get together the more interest we get.

It`s a great day out for dog lovers with every shape and size of dog, and there will be

Labradoodles, Jackadoodles, Poodledoodles, and Cockadoodles to name but a few!!!!

and of course, our very special Houndies, please come along the more the merrier.

You might know Frankie couldn`t stay standing for two minutes!

Patch & Danny by Jane

We got Patch when Sara was 5yrs old and Steven

was 13yrs old. Myself and Steven went to his foster

Mom’s (Jayne) in Stirling to collect him. We hadn’t even seen a picture of him before we went. We

arrived at Jayne’s house and Patch never left

Steven’s side from the time he walked in, so I guess

he was meant for us.

Never having a greyhound before we had a few

teething problems. Frantic phone calls to Di when

he split his tail and our hall looked like a murder

had taken place. We got him in November and on

Xmas day thought I hadn’t cooked the turkey enough but was just The Patchy Poo pinching the

parsons nose.

We had seven fabulous years with our

gorgeous Big Boy Patch and we were

heart broken when we had to let him

go so quickly and without any

warning on 1st October 2011. Thank

you Patch for letting us love you and

for all the love you gave us back.

Sweet Dreams in Rainbow Bridge

After loosing my gorgeous Big Boy Patch in

October 2011, I said never again, but as all

hound lovers know it’s easy to say never again.

Then you see a pair of those eyes and you are

off again Danny has been with use since the end

of January 2012, I think he likes it here as he

has settled really well as you can see from the

roaching pictures.

.

Here are some more of our favourite photos of “Wonder Boy” Danny

Danny has made our house a home again,

and all I can say about our Danny Boy is he

is a STAR and has helped fill the void and

mend our broken hearts. As I said previously

I said NEVER AGAIN but when the hounds

get you they get you for life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you Danny for

letting us take care of you. You are stuck

with us whether you like it or not.

Danny also had a “house guest” recently when Samson stayed

over. Samson`s foster Mum Vi

had to go away for a few days,

and he stayed with us. Both

Danny and Samson got on well

together. The good news is that

Samson has now found his new

home where he will be loved and

spoiled for the rest of his days

Samson

XXX Jane Sara & Steven

The Big Summer Raffle has been a huge success again this year.

The draw will be made after the “Not the Bennachie Walk” held at Haddo House on Sunday the 2nd of September

If you want any Big Summer Raffle tickets just e mail

alfiedolphins@aol.com with your adress and how many you want.

Here is a reminder of what`s on offer in this year`s raffle.

£150 Cash Big Bird Bin Food Hamper Car Valet

Shop Voucher G U C C I P R A D A HUGO BOSS

Hairdryer Ladies Hamper Gents Hamper Dragon Brooch

Plus Lots Of Other Prizes and Don`t Forget

You Have To Be In It To Win It

At last June 2nd, the day us Houndies had all been waiting for had arrived, “quick Mum give me a brush I want to look my best.” A bit of a sad day for me too, as it was the end of my year as Best in Show, Supreme Champion, Most handsomest Hound to name but a few, Mum said I wasn`t going to defend my titles as we had to give another handsome boy or beautiful girl a chance. Off we went Mum, Dad and the terrible twosome Jealous Jess and Whizzy Izzy, can`t get anywhere without them. When we arrived it was all systems go, I didn`t need to help as everyone seemed to know what they were doing. Tents were up, food was out, tables and chairs too, but the best thing was the weather it was dry and sunny.

Next thing you know everyone was arriving, Hounds were coming from all over the north east and beyond. It was great to see all my friends, some I see quite often and others just now and again. There was also lots of new friends to make, I don`t think it will be possible to keep in touch with them all but I will try. There were lots of stalls, nice new Houndie things with Auntie Eliza, Raffles, Tombola, GAGAH merchandise, Cakes, DAWGS, Cats` Protection, Rare Breeds Society, and much more. The dog show had classes for everyone, with lots of nice rosettes.

It was so busy Mum and Dad didn`t get a chance to speak to everyone that they know, never mind the new people, still there is always next year. The free “café” was very busy with lots of lovely food some of the hounds did quite well there too, you have to beg and steal at every opportunity, something we Hounds have to keep practising.

Late in the afternoon Auntie Di was speaking to a man with a dog that wasn`t hound shaped at all, still don`t know how that one sneaked in!! The man was Dennis Robertson a local MSP he had been speaking to GAGAH folks at B A Stores and was very interested in what we do. He said to get in touch if he could ever help in any way. Auntie Di phoned and asked him along and although he was going somewhere else on the day he said he would try to come, and he did, wasn`t that great.

He asked if there was one thing Auntie Di would like him to do to help, if he could, and she said if they could make it legal to have Vets at the flapping tracks as some poor hounds get hurt badly and maybe don`t see a vet for a few days, maybe even not at all. GAGAH has to keep in touch with him a good contact to have but most of all he was a very nice man.

I don`t know where the day went, too soon it was coming to an end and everyone was going home. We were put in the car while Mum and Dad cleared up. What a mistake putting Izzy in the back seat when there was a bag of cream cakes on top of a box. I don`t think I need to tell you what happened, but Jess and me didn`t eat anything. The greedy Madam didn`t even give us any, she ate them ALL herself. Mum was a bit upset, but Dad wasn`t too bothered, he said Mum didn`t need the calories and his little Princess Izzy can do no wrong. That will be right!!!

What a great day we all had, the dog shows were really good, Best in Show was Buddy a new boy who is looking for his forever home. I didn`t mind Buddy winning as I thought it would help him to get a new Mum and Dad, who could resist when they see how handsome he is .After the show he went home with Billy and his Mum and Dad, they are fostering him to let him get to see what is like living in a house. Last we heard he was getting on really well teaching Billy some new tricks and bad habits, and here was me thinking it was supposed to be the other way round, come on Billy shape up and be firm!!

When we all headed home we were all tired but happy, the Fun day had been a great success. GAGAH raised nearly £2,000, and this will go a long way to helping other dogs like me that need a second chance. I think the best thing ever is that Stumpy, now Ozzy went to his new home. You can read his story in this Newsletter, because he now has

a companion Layla. There are also a couple of home checks lined up very soon, and these are all positive things from the Fun day. Yes the 4th one was the Best Funday Ever !!!

I am really glad Auntie Di decided to have all of us houndies and humans all gathered together every year, because it really is a

See you all next year lots of love, Flatout Frankie xxxxx

A big THANK YOU to Bill Marshall for all the great photos

Well being a single guy and all that, I thought “man`s best friend” maybe I should go along and see what`s on offer at the local kennels. Never been to a dog rescue place before, no idea what to expect. No point hanging around, straight in the door, and there she was Scrabble!!!

I was lost for words, with those big eyes staring at me saying PLEASE TAKE ME HOME !!! I was stunned and shocked at seeing such an amazing dog. I had to turn away as I didn`t want to make a rash decision. It suddenly became even more difficult, near impossible, as I found myself looking at the silliest happiest face I had ever seen. Bingo it hit me just like a flash, I could have two greyhounds. It was then I knew my number was up, and I had to take them both. I wasn`t expecting a full house so quickly.

I couldn`t believe what had just happened, so off I went to find the Kennel Boss Mr Waddington. I needed to find out what to do, and how much it would cost to look after these two dogs because I didn`t have a Cleudo. I was hoping it wouldn`t cost a pile of Monopoly money just to get them through each week. I asked “Mr Waddington can you give me some advice”. He stopped me saying “ just call me Black Jack, did you know that dog Scrabble was the finest racer in all of the Tic Tac Toe province before he got his injury. Then his career ended, just like that, Kerplunk. Come up to the office but watch where you step, you don`t want to disturb our little friends, and it`s a bit of a climb too.”

There I was faced with the two things I hated most, in all the known universe, snakes and ladders.

I got there without incident, and was told to expect an unusual dog, as the field just outside the office was where all the “special ones” were kept. I could hear lots of activity and sensed the energy. He said he had to make a phone call and left. It was then my curiosity got the better of me, and I just had to open the door to find out what was making all the noise. Looking every inch the Olympic athlete as he rushed past me was the one and only Buckaroo !!!

What an amazing sight, I knew I just had to take him too. All I wanted to know was when. So I asked how I went about it. Black Jack said first we send a couple of checkers to your house, and they make sure your place is ok. Then they give you some sensible advice, for example these dogs are thin skinned that`s why you have to keep them away from draughts.

He then said he would skip the usual formalities and I could take them all away today. He tried to talk me into taking another dog called Ludo, but I said no dice from the other side of the counter.

I thanked him, and was about to climb down the ladder when I noticed all three dogs were staring up at me, and waiting for me down below. I didn`t realise at the time that the rest of my life would never be the same again. Don`t you just love it when a story has a Happy Ending !!!

G B G W 24th June Aden Country Park, Mintlaw

Well here we all were again for the third year in a row “enjoying” the delights of a British Summer on the Great British Greyhound Walk, or as we will be renaming it next year the Great British Greyhound Swim. Some of us were daft enough to do another circuit, after the proper walk and that`s when it really started to rain, soaking humans and hounds. Maybe if we do not mention having a picnic afterwards the weather will be nice and sunny.

Thank you to Stuart for organising the day again and doing the tail count! We had 38 dogs, nowhere near last years` number but I think the weather played a part in that, and it was still a good turnout. The grand total over the country was 2,240 dogs. Amazing to think of all the other like minded folks out walking at the same time to support the same cause. I think when you see lots of hounds together, it`s always a great way to raise awareness, and it will always certainly attract attention.

Even the smaller groups on the monthly walks attract attention, there`s always someone asking who we are. I suppose it looks unusual all being together, we are such a “strange” bunch after all!! `Out walking with dogs, how unusual!!

Aden park is a lovely place to hold the walk and I am sure we will be back there next year and we will have a picnic (weather permitting)

Our leader with two of his Houndies.

What`s That On Your Sweatshirt ?

I`m pleased to say that`s a question I`ve been asked a few times

since I`ve started wearing the new GAGAH merchandise. You can`t

beat meeting and talking to someone face to face, as it gives you a

chance to “gauge” their interest, and also give them information.

Since the Merchandise started in April there have been over 50

items sold, raising more that £150 for GAGAH. In “business” terms that`s a turnover of around £1,000 not bad for only three months.

I`ve also had some feedback form GAGAH folks to say that they too

have been stopped and asked about the Logo and the dogs. Perfect!!!

So why not join in and spread the GAGAH logo, let`s all help to

raise awareness, because these dogs deserve all the help me can give

them, and it`s raising funds for GAGAH too. Here`s what`s on offer.

Beanies Hoodies Fleeces Sweatshirts T Shirts Polo Shirts Baseball

Every item comes in sizes from Small to 5XL, plus children`s sizes too.

In Colours – Black, Dark Grey, Light Grey, Navy, Royal Blue, Red, Pink, White

“Starting this Autumn Body Warmers – details in the Autumn Newsletter ”

For full details, a catalogue and costs just e mail alfiedolphins@aol.com

No postage charges if possible, as I will always hand it to you if I can

Wear the Logo – Raise Awareness

JASMINE THE WONDERHOUND

(This story from Frances Lamb)

This is a true story. In 2003, police in Warwickshire, opened a garden shed and found a whimpering, cowering dog. The dog had been locked in the shed and abandoned. It was dirty and malnourished, and had quite clearly been abused.

In an act of kindness, the police took the dog, which was a female greyhound, to the Nuneaton Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary. It`s run by a Geoff Grewcock, and known as a haven for animals abandoned, orphaned, or in need.

Geoff and the other sanctuary staff went to work with two aims, to restore the dog to full health, and to win her trust. It took several weeks, but eventually both goals were achieved. They named her Jasmine, and they started to think about finding her an adoptive home.

Jasmine, however, had other ideas. No one quite remembers how it came about, but Jasmine started welcoming all animal arrivals at the sanctuary. It would not matter if it were a puppy, a fox cub, a rabbit or, any other lost or hurting animal. Jasmine would just peer into the box or cage and, when and where possible, deliver a welcoming lick.

Geoff relates one of the early incidents. "We had two puppies that had been abandoned by a nearby railway line. One was a Lakeland Terrier cross and another was a Jack Russell Doberman cross. They were tiny when they arrived at the centre, and Jasmine approached them and grabbed one by the scruff of the neck in her mouth and put him on the settee. Then she fetched the other one and sat down with them, cuddling them."

"But she is like that with all of our animals, even the rabbits. She takes all the stress out of them, and it helps them to not only feel close to her, but to settle into their new surroundings. She has done the same with the fox and badger cubs, she licks the rabbits and guinea pigs, and even lets the birds perch on her nose."

Jasmine, the timid, abused, deserted waif, became the animal sanctuary's resident surrogate mother, a role for which she might have been born for. The list of orphaned and abandoned youngsters she has cared for comprises 5 fox cubs, 4 badger cubs, 15 chicks, 8 guinea pigs, 2 stray puppies and 15 rabbits - and one roe deer fawn.

Tiny Bramble, eleven weeks old, was found semi-conscious in a field. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, Jasmine cuddled up to her to keep her warm, and then went into the full foster-mum role. Jasmine the greyhound showers Bramble the roe deer with affection, and makes sure nothing is matted.

"They are inseparable," says Geoff. "Bramble walks between her legs, and they keep kissing each other. They walk together round the sanctuary. It's a treat to see them."

Jasmine will continue to care for Bramble until she is old enough to be returned to woodland life. When that happens, Jasmine will not be lonely. She will be too busy showering love and affection on the next orphan or victim of abuse.

GAGAH MONTHLY WALKS – Come and join us

Get to know all the GAGAH Hounds & Humans When you have an idea, and hope it`s going to last, one thing is certain, you

don`t know if it will. On the first Sunday in October 2010 we had our first ever

Monthly Walk at Haughton Country Park Alford, with 11 hounds and 10 people.

I`m pleased to say we`ve had a walk every month since, except when we had the

bad Winter of 2010 / 2011. We started up again in February 2011 at Turriff,

and we all felt as if we had been hibernating for the Winter. We have been going

strong ever since. This is us on the Strichen walk where we had over 30 dogs.

We have been to Alford, Newburgh, Bennachie, Strichen, Turriff, Countesswells,

Huntly Castle, Tyrebagger, Haddo, Glen Tanar, Fyvie Castle and Kemnay.

We move the walk around so nobody has to travel a long way every month.

Then last Sunday we were at Dunnottar Woods in Stonehaven. By going to the

walks we now know lots of dogs and folks we might never have known. The only

other place to meet anyone and their dogs would be at the GAGAH Funday, but

we all know how impossible it is to find time to talk to everyone that turns up.

If you are new to GAGAH and don`t know anyone, please come along to any of

the Monthly walks. You will be guaranteed an enjoyable walk in good company,

and we will all get to know you too. Details of where, when and how to get there

are always posted on the GAGAH Forum. It`s always the first Sunday of every

Month starting at 11am. Hope to see you at the next walk.

Flatout Frankie`s Yummy Treats

“I`ve Tried All These Yummy

Dog Treats, Now You Can Too ”

Big Boo Biscuits

3 1/2 cups wholemeal flour 2 cup Porridge oats 1 cup milk 1/2 cup hot water 2 beef stock cubes 1/2 cup Beef dripping

Dissolve stock cubes in hot water. Add milk and dripping and beat. In a separate bowl, mix flour and oatmeal. Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and mix well. Press onto an ungreased cookie sheet and cut into shapes desired. Bake at 300 for 1 hour. Turn off heat and leave in the oven to harden. Refrigerate after baking.

Frozen Doggie Yums

1 cup water 1 Beef stock cube 4 small pieces of chicken or beef

Dissolve stock cube in water and cut meat into 1/2 inch squares. Freeze for about 12 hours or until solid. Great for hot days!!

Liver Chip Cookie

2 cups Wholemeal flour 1/3 cup Butter -- melted 1 Egg -- beaten 6 tablespoons Water 1/4 cup liver – chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, butter, egg, and water. Mix well. Blend in liver bits. Turn onto a greased baking pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and cut.

Gimme Them Bones 9oz Wholemeal flour 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder 10oz Unsalted peanut butter 8fl oz skimmed milk Preheat oven at 190c Grease baking trays, stir togther flour & baking powder Then set aside, In a bowl mix peanut butter and milk, stir in flour mix till blended Turn out dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Roll out until about ½ inch thick and cut into shapes with a biscuit cutter. Place on baking tray, bake for 20 minutes, until lightly brown. Cool on wire rack.

Milk Bone Dog Biscuits

3/4 cup hot water 1/3 cup margarine 1/2 cup powdered milk 1 teaspoon salt 1 egg, beaten 3 cups whole wheat flour

In large bowl pour hot water over the margarine. Stir in powdered milk, salt, and egg. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Knead for a few minutes to form stiff dough. Pat or roll to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into bone shapes. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes. Cool. They will dry out quite hard. Makes about 1 1/4 pounds of biscuits.

Chicken Garlic Squares

1lb Chicken 3 Heaped Tablespoons of self raising flour 1 Egg 2 Teaspoons of garlic granules

Blast all the ingredients in a food processor, Line a baking tray with tin foil. Now pour in the mix and smooth it out Bake at 180c for 20 minutes or till firm to touch. Allow to cool, then carefully peel out of the tray, then cut into small squares Use within a few days because there are no preservative in the recipe.

Flatout Frankie Says

“These Are So Good It`s The Only Thing I stay Awake For”

The

Rainbow

Café

Hi and welcome all to the Rainbow Cafe, I am Poppy who lived with Vi & Stan in Cove, I am just poppin in for a wee chat so come and join me.

Nearly 3 years ago they adopted me cause Mum felt broody for a new dog. I didna have a good life after I stopped racing, but boy did I enjoy living in that madhouse, they had 3 strange lookin dogs??? Covered in feathers with 2 legs, what did they do to have someone chop off the other legs, how did they run!!!

Mambo a huge Macaw was my best friend out of the 3, she was very good at giving me a pedicure, but mum was very carefully watching us. Saturday night was nearly always music night, there was music and my pals always sang, laughed and danced. I was a lady and no way was I going to join in with that racket going

on. I was very happy there and wanted for nothing.

After less than 3 years at almost 10 I passed over, and I am with Stan now, he looks after me and we both look after Vi & Cha Cha. We are both free of pain and I can run like a pup again in cotton wool clouds where the sun always shines.

I know my Mum misses us both and cries sometimes but because of the pleasure we both gave her she wants to give something back to GAGAH by fostering for the happiness we all shared. Mambo and Salsa are not with Mum now they are in a beautiful Parrot Sanctuary in England, so they won`t be popping in here to this Rainbow Cafe hopefully for a long time.

I`ll tell you somethin for nothin its getting afa crowded in the Café. So let`s all have a drink, no traffic wardens here so you can drink, drive and run to your hearts content. Till somebody comes in and meets up with me for a blether, I'll keep you a seat.

Would you like to come and join me at the Rainbow Cafe. Lots of folks can get to know all about what you got up to, and what a good time you had. There`s a seat next to me.