September Newsletter.

Hello again folks, it's that time again, another spiel from me about how things have gone in the past month. As usual, pretty hectic. I often wonder what people mean when they use the term "spare time".
Breaking things down so I remember all that has happened we will start off with the

Raffle.
What a great response we had to this. There was such a lot of preparation before hand to make sure that we complied with everything under the Class II of the Gambling Act 2003, and wouldn't you know a couple of things got a bit muddled but all was well in the end. I am pleased to say that the funds spent on the two dogs with the broken legs was replaced into our little bank account and we even managed to have some in reserve for future major expenses. Thanks to everyone who either bought or sold these tickets for us. It was wonderful to see so many people willing to come to the aid of these injured animals.

The raffle was drawn on the appropriate date at the Sunnynook Police Station by Constable Rustbatch who personally pulled out the 12 tickets. 1st and 2nd Prize plus the 10 consolation prizes. these results were published in the Sunday times on the 11th of September.
First prize went to Auckland, the winner being Kathryn Michie and arrangements are underway for her fantastic weekend sometime in November. Our brilliant raffle co-ordinator Bill McKenna, owner of the GreenAcres Motel, and will proudly be playing host to our raffle winner, did a fantastic job and one that he continues to do making sure all arrangements for Kathryn's fun filled weekend run smoothly.

Our second prize winner came from Christchurch and Rose Murdoch will be the proud owner of a peice of artwork by Auckland artist Terry Kleeman.

Eukanuba will be forwarding direct the consolation prizes to the ten lucky winners.

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you again to everyone who particpated in the success of this venture.

Calendar.
This is well underway, with the first draft having been sent through for checking. We are on schedule and hopefully it will be available for sale at the beginning of October. Orders can be done via our website, or post a cheque made out to The German Shepherd Rescue Trust, to our PO Box 101314, North Shore Mail Centre, Takapuna, Auckland, for $25.00. Last years calendar was very popular so don't miss out, place your order NOW.

Rescue Dog Christmas Party.
Sunday 6th November, start time 11am. New Zealand Kennel Club, Clevedon Rd, Ardmore. Hopefully the weather will be fine. Lots of games are being organised by the 'social committee'. Santa will be there for your dog to have its photo taken with Santa - we might even let your child have its photo taken with Santa if they are very good.
I would like to thank Abbaron Kennels - breeders of German Shepherd Dogs, for their generosity in covering the hireage costs of the grounds on that day.
There will be a BBQ around 12.30-1pm - Sausages will be on the Barbie, but feel free to bring a plate to add to the menu.
Even if you don't have a rescue dog, you are obviously on our mailing list because you have an interest in the breed and what is happening, why not come along and meet these dogs who very nearly were not here to see another day.

Rescue Updates
"Rescue" is not merely for those dogs needing homes, it is also to help owners over come problems they may be having and enable them to keep their dog with them rather than feel they must rehome them. We have had several in that position and often it takes an outsider to point out just a few simple changes that make the world of difference and owner and dog remain together. From simple measures like instilling ground rules so the dog doesn't feel it needs to be the one to make all the decisions to simply more socialisation in a controlled environment.
Rescue dog socialisation classes are held every Wednesday night in Auckland in a very secure area where the dogs learn to interact with each other on and off leash. General obedience and owner/dog relationship being our main goal.
This month has seen several dogs placed into their new homes ages ranging from 11 years to 8 months.
Often some time goes past until we inform you of a dog that meets your criteria, often it can be the same day as the application comes in. Sometimes due to other committments I may not be able to respond straight away but I keep every application and when a dog meeting the criteria on the adoption application I will always contact the applicant before the dog goes on the website. Many of our placed dogs have never made the homes needed page, thanks to our waiting list.

Missing dog.
A female German Shepherd is missing from the Morrinsville area. Her photo can be seen on our message board. Please keep an eye out for her as she is greatly missed by her family.

In Memory
18th September 2005 -Jessie, aged 13 years, owned and loved by Jan Purdie, a valued helper of the Trust,
24th September 2005 - Danny, aged 12 years, owned and loved by Janet Ibbotson, Janet is a Trustee of German Shepherd Rescue and has gone to amazing lengths to secure the health of Danny who suffered from the same condition as my own Yani did. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency.

My condolences to both these ladies on the loss of their treasured friends. I share with you this poem that was kindly sent to me at a similar time.

Sit in Silence (A Message from Above)

To those of you who’ve lost a friend,
And feel the pain will never end.
Sit in silence, hear my word.
Know deep inside you will be heard.

Here with me, I have your friend.
Restored to life that never ends.
Sent to you for a time so short,
You’re left with feelings you need to sort.

Beneath the hurt, beneath the pain,
The clouds will part amidst the rain.
Listen hard for the sweet soft voice,
And know within you made the choice.

To open up to unconditional love,
Created for you in the heavens above.
My angels return to sit at my hand,
Some lie at my feet, some majestically stand.

A love to pure to remain on earth,
A suffering soul whom I’ve given rebirth.
My child dry your tears, let go the anger and hate.
Know I am here with your friend, and for you we await.

The day the bridge opens, to let you across,
Your friend dashing to greet you, you’ll forget your great loss.
My home is a mansion, so wide and so tall,
Inside my mansion there is room for all.

So sit in silence and hear my word,
Know deep inside you have been heard.


Until next month,

Thanks for caring about this special breed

Denise
Founder
German Shepherd Rescue Trust