Yarm

outh Greyhound Homefinders

NewsletterPublisher: Lynda Eden Issue Number: 9 Date: Spring 2009

A Note From The Editor…This being the first issue of 2009 I would like to wish everybody a very happy New Year.

2008 brought Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders much sadness at the death of Crystal but also much happiness. We were very lucky to be offered new kennels very quickly so that we could carry on finding homes for the gorgeous greyhounds. Thank you so much Chester and Rosie.

Our Open Day was extremely successful and led to the homing of Shelley who had been with us for 18 months before finding the perfect home for her. It truly was the highlight of the year!

A certain person is not ashamed to say that he had a tear in his eyes when he heard that she had gone to her new home! Didn’t you Clive??

I’ve been lucky enough to see Shelley so happy and settled in her new home. I was also very privileged to have her at home with me for a few hours before she moved on.

Shelley (now Ellie), you were a very special little girl who deserved a special home. I’m so glad to say that you’ve now found your happy ever after home!

We all miss you at the kennels but knowing that you are happy is wonderful!

Lynda_eden@hotmail.com Mrs Lynda Eden, 20 Bernard Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9AW.

Open Day, Dec. 2008After a week of bad weather all of us at Homefinders were watching the forecast on a daily basis! We were promised a sunny but cold day and that is exactly what we got! The sun shone from a blue sky and we didn’t care about being cold! We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day!

Even before the official opening time we had people arriving and it was non-stop from then on! To say that we were busy would be an understatement! Merchandise was almost flying off the stalls and Maggie and Martha’s cake stall was an overwhelming success! There were even

homemade doggie biscuits for sale so that our four legged friends were catered for.

Thank you to everyone who came to see us and make the day such a great one! We met up with friends old and new, two and four legged! We homed dogs and we raised a very, very impressive £1,400!!!! What a fantastic day!

A great big thank you to everyone who helped on the day. Without your help it would not have been the success that it was! THANK YOU!

Kennels Located At Hainford, A140. Open Saturdays 11am-2pm otherwise by appointment

Coats and dog food are available for sale at the kennels. Please phone David for more details. 0845 458 3797www.yarmouthstadium.co.uk/greyhound-homefinders.htm

Help is always needed at the stadium on the tombola stall or with a collection tin at the gate. Please contact Russell on 07828 212197 or russell.gilbert@btinternet.com if you can spare some time.

Apologies for not including your photos and stories in this issue due to lack of space. These will all be included in the next Spring edition

More Open Day PhotosFrom left to right. Dick, Albert, Lynda, David and Jake in the foreground.

Walking the Homefinder dogs

The stalls proved very popular. The Christmas cards and calendars sold extremely well.

Guy the Reindeer!

Martha’s StoryMartha was one of Crystal’s dogs. I’m Clive and I’ve been walking at the kennels on Saturdays for a while now, since I homed Maggie in March. Maggie, used to be known as Gemma. Anyway, back to Martha.

Racing name Cachem Free Kick, she’s a white and brindle ten-year-old who has spent all of her life in kennels and only recently came into the Homefinders fold. A favourite with the volunteer walkers, she has a reputation for being a calm old girl, bit of an old stager who maybe should only have a short walk, what with her age and her dodgy back right foot with only three toes. Poor old thing! Well, since I’ve had her at home I can dispel that reputation. She certainly is still a sweetie though! It has certainly been interesting to see the different sides of Martha and getting to know her better. Having managed to convince (sort of) Anne, my much better half, that having two greyhounds would not be such a bad idea I now have to convince Maggie.

In my fantasy, two-greyhounds-at-home world, they would sleep together, play together and be instant best friends. Obviously Martha’s arrival has meant a big change in the pack dynamic for Maggie. As an older dog Martha has asserted herself as the more dominant. In the early days there was a minor flare-up over choice of beds but slowly they have become friendlier. They often walk in tandem with heads down as if joined at the nose. The other day after a walk in the woods while I was taking off my boots I noticed Maggie, who has a bit of a lame front leg at the moment, taking the weight off it and resting her head on Martha’s shoulder. And with Maggie snoozing on her bed one evening Martha tried to get on beside her, but not in a “that’s my place” kind of way. I love seeing them together and who knows, maybe it won’t be long before my two best friends become best friends too.

I wonder what it’s like to have three greyhounds!

Sid came to live with Star and Freddie during 2007 and despite having several “issues” has settled in well. He is now relaxed and cuddly, much more laid-back in the company of small dogs and chickens but still has some way to go with cats!

Sid’s favourite pastime is relaxing on his sofa with Radio 4 and a good bone!

With lots of patience and love there is hope for any greyhound, even Sid!

He sends his love to everyone who looked after him during his long stay in the kennels.

Cheryl.

Shelagh helped her owner to complete a 3 mile sponsored walk in aid of McMillan Cancer Support. It was very cold and muddy but they both enjoyed it!

Fizzy (Zulu Princess) enjoying a moment of madness in the garden with Julie. She (Fizzy) went to Julie somewhat on the plump side and so was put on a diet immediately, fizzy that is not Julie!! A good diet and lots of exercise produced the desired result and Fizzy is now a beautiful, sleek little dog. Well done Julie.

Casper (Demo) and Barney (Butch) enjoying the snow.

Tiger (Gurta Kileen) happily homed and enjoying life with his new friends. At the time of writing Tiger is undergoing some much needed surgery and we all wish him well.

“Girlie has given me lots of love and laughs in the short time she has been here. She quite often has mad moments where she charges about, all the toys are chucked out of the basket, and loves to roll around on her back , legs flying everywhere, with a silly grin on her face.”

We had an email from the owner of Flash (Dralion) and thought it so lovely here is some of it.

“It was very sweet to see our cat Eddy and Flash drinking out of Flash’s water bowl at the same time tonight. It did come as a little surprise even though they have got closer over the last few weeks – Flash had cottoned on to the fact that if he hangs around when Eddy is meowing in the kitchen, he gets a treat too (he gives the big soft eyes and Eddy makes all the noise – its too much to bear!).

It made us think of those first tentative days only five months ago when we first brought in the unknown and just look where we are today.”

“We have had to remove a picture and text about another dog here as unfortunately he was returned just before this issue. So I, Seth, (David is my manservant) have rushed, well ambled, to the rescue with a picture of myself. This is the position I took up on the first day at David’s and I haven’t moved since.”

Dog Tails!

In Loving Memory of Annie BestAnnie, because she came to us on our anniversary, 15/08/03. Best, because she was the best dog, best greyhound, best in show, best everything.

Annie was black and beautiful in every way. She had a beautiful expression, a beautiful nature and a beautiful way with everyone. Especially her companion, a little jack russell with whom she had a special affinity.

Her loss, due to cancer, was so sudden and unexpected, 05/10/07, that we have been unable to move on until recently.

Thank you Yarmouth Homefinders for finding us Annie Best (Paul’s Girl).

Julie, Bury St Edmunds

Some Of Our Recently Homed Greyhounds

Ellie (Eneleven)

Tony (Tritowers)

Rummy (Rum Chaser)

Chloe (Clodiagh Nipper) Biff (Gnarls Barking)Bess (Oldinn Bess)

Leo (Colorado Leo)

If you have a story or photograph you’d like to include in our next newsletter, please email Lynda: lynda_eden@hotmail.com

Co-ordinators Bit.What a day our first Open Day turned out to be. It was great to see everybody and the huge number of happy dogs. I did try to talk to everyone but it was not an easy task with over 200 people turning up. If I missed anyone, I apologise and will no doubt catch up with you next time.

You will be pleased to know that the final figure for homed dogs in 2008 was 89. Given what happened to us with the change of kennels this is a very satisfying number of happy dogs. From time to time, as you know, we get dogs returned to us for various reasons but all of these dogs are found new homes as quickly as possible.

The new kennels have opened up a lot of new possibilities and as you will see from our events lists for 2009 we are running our first ever greyhound show in June. Chester and Rosie Brooks, the owners of the kennels, have been hugely supportive and we much value their help and generosity.

Many thanks to those of you who sent in treats for the dogs over Christmas, they all went into a big stocking which was guarded by Brucie (see photo) until we handed them out.

Many of our events for 2009 have yet to be confirmed but if all goes to plan the schedule will look like this.

March Collections in and around Sheringham and Cromer.

April 5th Greyhound Walk (see other page)

May 4th Iteringham Fete and Boot Sale

6th Fakenham Races

16th Collection in Sheringham

24th Weybourne Country Fair

June 21st Open Day at kennels (see other page)

July 4th Aylsham Carnival tbc

12th Greyhound Walk (see other page)

30th Notcutts Dog Show tbc

August 1st Overstrand Fete tbc

5th Sheringham Carnival tbc

15th Cromer Carnival Boot Sale tbc

19th Cromer Carnival

23rd Open Day at kennels (see other page)

Sep 13th Greyhound Walk (see other page)

Oct 18th Open Day at Kennels (see other page)

Dec 4th Cromer Lights

There are many other collection/boot sale dates to be arranged plus fundraising days at the Stadium. We would be more than pleased to see you at any of the above.

I would like to mention Fakenham Charity Horse Race Day which was held on February 13th. One of the greyhound trainers, Julie Green (Guy, Tony, Dan, Brookie, Micky among others) actually rode in the charity race and was sponsored by many people and companies. A fair proportion of the sponsorship money is donated to us and by the time you read this we will know the outcome. Our grateful thanks go to Julie and more about this will appear in the next issue.

Please remember that the other volunteers and I are not experts but just enthusiasts, most of whom own a greyhound or two. We try very hard to help with any problems and concerns and are pleased to do so. We do, however, also like to hear about positive stories and events concerning your greyhounds so do call, write, email or send a picture. Just recently I had a really lovely call from an owner telling what the little bundle of fun we homed to them had been up to. It was very funny and it does cheer us up enormously.

If you ever look at our website (www.yarmouthstadium.co.uk and click on HOMEFINDERS) you will notice it has been updated and looks very good. We are hoping to have a short video of the kennels on it soon and more information will be added. Remember if you wish to have a DVD of your dog racing you can use the link on the site and Shaun at the Stadium will be pleased to help you. I have a video of my little girl racing which I bore all my friends with as I picked 6 races which she won and I have been told I act like a proud dad!!

I hope all your greyhounds are behaving themselves (perhaps too much to ask!) and are happy and healthy. Please give them a big hug from me.

David

Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders

GREYHOUND GET TOGETHER AND WALK

At Bacton Woods Witton Nr North Walsham

Sunday April 5th 11am

Featuring:

• A walk around the woods

• Meet other people who have homed our lovely greyhounds

• A picnic (bring food and water for you and your dog) weather permitting!

• Swap stories and advice

• Meet members of the volunteer group

FUTURE WALKS AND OPEN DAYSMake a note of the following for your diary.

Sunday June 21st Open Day and Greyhound Show at the Kennels Fun classes with lots of prizes.

Most Handsome Boy, Most Beautiful Girl, Best Looker 9 and over, Waggiest Tail and others. All the other open day attractions, café, stalls, raffle, walks etc. etc.

Sunday July 12th Greyhound Walk at Winterton 11am

Sunday August 23rd Open Day at the Kennels

Sunday September 13th Greyhound Walk at Earlham Park, Norwich

Sunday October 18th Open Day at the Kennels.

We would love to see you and your dogs at any of the above. The emphasis is always on fun and disorganisation! There are no time limits, you spend as long or short a time with us as you wish.

SEE YOU THERE

Our Dogs Available For Sponsorship:Rosie has become a new sponsor dog. Along with Chevy and Meaty. You now have a choice of whom to sponsor!

Rosie is a very pretty white and fawn girl. She loves to play and has settled really well in to her new foster home. At present she is living with John and his greyhound Bosun.

Chevy is a very special boy. With his “unique” features he is quite a character! When he was a puppy he was attacked by his mother, leaving him with a very special look! He is an adorable boy who just loves a fuss and a cuddle.

Meaty, a handsome white and black boy. He is affectionate and friendly and also the oldest dog in the kennels!

It makes a great gift either, for yourself or a fellow dog lover and at only £12 a year is fantastic value. You will receive a certificate, a gift, a photograph and four editions of the newsletter.

Please send a cheque for £12 (minimum donation) payable to Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders

To: Lynda Eden, 20 Bernard Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9AW.

Please state: Rosie, Chevy or Meaty

Dog: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Date of Birth: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (so that your dog can send you a birthday card!)

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Yarm

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th Greyhound Homefinders

By Popular Demand, Lynda’s Cookery Corner!!For those of you who enjoyed Lynda’s treats at the Open Day. Lynda would like to point out that she can’t be held responsible for any kitchen disasters!

Many congratulations to committee member Julia and Andrew who got engaged at New Year.

Julia with Ronnie on a recent camping holiday

And Finally…Yet again I want to thank each and every one of you who has supported us throughout the year. Fund raising, dog walking, your very generous donations and gifts. Homing a greyhound or offering a foster home. Supporting us at the events and walks, on behalf of Yarmouth Greyhound Homefinders, THANK YOU.

Malteser Cake – obviously not for the dogs85g/3ozs butter or margarine2 tbsps golden syrup2 tbsps cocoa powder170g/6ozs crushed digestive biscuits1x175g bag Malteesers. Half crushed, half left whole.

Melt the butter and syrup in a small heavy based saucepan. Stir in cocoa powder, digestives and crushed Malteesers. Allow to cool slightly then stir in the whole Malteesers. Line a 1lb loaf tin with cling film and pour in mixture. Press down well but be careful not to crush the Malteesers. Chill until set, about 2 hrs. Cut in to chunky fingers.

Easy Cheesy Bites – for the dogs8oz/200g wholemeal flour1 egg10oz/25g cheddar cheeseStock or water, garlic (optional)Heat oven to 180 degrees gas mark 5

Put flour, cheese and crushed garlic into a bowl, add egg and enough stock or water to form a stiff dough. Roll out to 1/4” thick and cut into shapes, Place on a baking tray and cook for approx. 20 mins or until golden brown. Allow to cool and then store in an airtight container, use within a week.

Hope your dogs enjoy them as much as mine do!