Good luck Roscoe. A most beautiful dog finds is loving new home.
Monday, 23 April 2012
Holy Moley! I'm doing the Bridgnorth 22-mile Walk
I'm not normally taken to such sudden decisions, but today after very thought I've decided to undertake the Bridgnorth 22-mile Walk in aid of Happy Staffie Rescue.
Needless to say this level of activity is somewhat beyond my normal capabilities so it really will be a personal challenge, as well as a fundraising challenge to raise as much money as I can for the charity.
Needless to say this level of activity is somewhat beyond my normal capabilities so it really will be a personal challenge, as well as a fundraising challenge to raise as much money as I can for the charity.
http://www.justgiving.com/JonathanGittingsHSR
Compulsory microchipping
Plans to legally require all dogs to be microchipped are underway and should be welcomed.
Microchipping a dog aids owners to trace their dog if it becomes lost, something many owners feel will never happen, or even worse stolen.
While there will always be the debate about penalising responsible owners, and the small matter of actual enforcement and monitoring, the move has to be in the right direction.
Many dog charities and rescues have been calling for this to happen for a number of year. Hopefully placing the onus on breeders will at least ensure the majority of dogs will be covered. Those who are not reputable breeders, of which there are plenty will I am sure simply ignore the requirement.
Microchipping a dog aids owners to trace their dog if it becomes lost, something many owners feel will never happen, or even worse stolen.
While there will always be the debate about penalising responsible owners, and the small matter of actual enforcement and monitoring, the move has to be in the right direction.
Many dog charities and rescues have been calling for this to happen for a number of year. Hopefully placing the onus on breeders will at least ensure the majority of dogs will be covered. Those who are not reputable breeders, of which there are plenty will I am sure simply ignore the requirement.
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Forget the Walking Dead - it's the WALKING VEGETABLES!!
Sue and Anthony Pitt, who are co-ordinating our fostering scheme as well as being supporters and fundraisers for some time will be taking part in a 22-mile sponsored walk dressed as vegetables!
The 'parsnip king' and his good lady have a Just Giving page in which donations can be made. All funds raised will go towards the BARK Appeal.
You can find out more by visiting their Just Giving page here.
The 'parsnip king' and his good lady have a Just Giving page in which donations can be made. All funds raised will go towards the BARK Appeal.
You can find out more by visiting their Just Giving page here.
Saturday, 21 April 2012
BARK Appeal welcomes Jude and Jim
The relaunched BARK Appeal welcomes its new fund co-ordinators Jude and Jim who has supported both the Appeal and the charity as a whole for some time already.
Both Jude and Jim and coming to the roles with plenty of ideas and enthusiasm and I will be writing about some of their exciting plans for fundraising in the coming weeks.
Everyone at Happy Staffie Rescue wishes Jude and Jim the best very of luck with their efforts, and we'll support them all the way with their plans to help raise the funds necessary for us to obtain our rescue centre.
Both Jude and Jim and coming to the roles with plenty of ideas and enthusiasm and I will be writing about some of their exciting plans for fundraising in the coming weeks.
Everyone at Happy Staffie Rescue wishes Jude and Jim the best very of luck with their efforts, and we'll support them all the way with their plans to help raise the funds necessary for us to obtain our rescue centre.
Friday, 20 April 2012
'Pongo' arrives
This little chap just came into rescue from
death row. He is yet to be named but has been nicknamed Pongo due to the
smells he was producing in the car due to excitement. He's a great 2
year old lad that is very good with other dogs.
blogger.com update
Getting to grips with a blogger.com... talk about becoming instantly lost in unfamiliar surroundings.
Rescue Open Day
We will be holding a Rescue Open Day on Saturday 12 May 2012.
It will be a chance to meet as many of the dogs we have in our care that we can arrange to be there, as well as talking to our welfare volunteers.
The event will be held at Broadmarsh Kennels & Cattery, Wassell Grove Lane, Hagley, nr Stourbridge. Further information will become available on our web site shortly.
It will be a chance to meet as many of the dogs we have in our care that we can arrange to be there, as well as talking to our welfare volunteers.
The event will be held at Broadmarsh Kennels & Cattery, Wassell Grove Lane, Hagley, nr Stourbridge. Further information will become available on our web site shortly.
Rescue Awareness Weekend at Lush, Merry Hill
We will be holding a Rescue Awareness Weekend at the Lush store in the Merry Hill Shopping Centre over the weekend of May 5th-6th.
Our volunteers will be in attendance to improve awareness of the charity and the dogs in our care as well as trying to help change the misconceptions some people might have about this wonderful breed.
And, the good people at Lush will be donated all the proceeds from the sale of their Charity Pots to the charity.
Our volunteers will be in attendance to improve awareness of the charity and the dogs in our care as well as trying to help change the misconceptions some people might have about this wonderful breed.
And, the good people at Lush will be donated all the proceeds from the sale of their Charity Pots to the charity.
St George's Day Fun Day - Kidderminster
Our volunteers will be attending the annual St George's Day Fun Day at St. George's Park, Kidderminster. They'll be in attendance with our 'world famous' Lucky Balls tombola, lots of prizes, info on the dogs in our care and much more. Come and support us, and meet some of the team tomorrow.
BARK Appeal relaunch
We will shortly be relaunching our BARK Appeal.
The BARK Appeal will be focusing fundraising towards any level of fundraising that can be offered rather than setting targets for individuals and team. We hope this will enable more people to take part. For information will be made available on our dedicated BARK Appeal web site.
The BARK Appeal will be focusing fundraising towards any level of fundraising that can be offered rather than setting targets for individuals and team. We hope this will enable more people to take part. For information will be made available on our dedicated BARK Appeal web site.
RELAUNCHING BLOG
After a long absence, the HappyStaffieRescue blog is being reactivated.
It has been difficult to keep the blog going with so many other things going on but I will attempt to keep it maintained as much as possible in the future.
It has been difficult to keep the blog going with so many other things going on but I will attempt to keep it maintained as much as possible in the future.
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Photographic ID cards to be introduced
We will shortly be introducing photographic identification cards for our volunteers and employees to provide greater reassurance to our supporters and donors and greater confidence to those working for our organisation.
The identification card will include a current colour photograph, the name of the charity, an official telephone number, designated reference number, function of the bear and expiry date.
The card will also help those third parties that we come into contact with, particularly the private boarding kennels who receive volunteers to undertake dog walking duties.
Once the cards have been produced the official website will be updated and all volunteers and employees will be required and expected to wear their identification at all times while on charity business.
The identification card will include a current colour photograph, the name of the charity, an official telephone number, designated reference number, function of the bear and expiry date.
The card will also help those third parties that we come into contact with, particularly the private boarding kennels who receive volunteers to undertake dog walking duties.
Once the cards have been produced the official website will be updated and all volunteers and employees will be required and expected to wear their identification at all times while on charity business.
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Charity welcomes new trustees
Happy Staffie Rescue is proud to announce that the trustees have appointed two new trustees as part of its ongoing plans to increase governance of the charity.
The board of trustees (also known at directors) met today with the two new applicants and after consideration voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Sue Davies and Sonya Cave taking the total number of trustees to seven.
The board of trustees reiterated its determination to further expand the board of trustees in the coming weeks with two additional applicants being considered. It hopes this will be achieved before the end of April bringing the total of trustees on the board to nine.
The trustees have also discussed the Charity Commission's recommendation to seek young board members and is looking at ways of identifying and attracting positive, active and engaged 18-24 year old people who might be interested in joining.
The board of trustees (also known at directors) met today with the two new applicants and after consideration voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Sue Davies and Sonya Cave taking the total number of trustees to seven.
The board of trustees reiterated its determination to further expand the board of trustees in the coming weeks with two additional applicants being considered. It hopes this will be achieved before the end of April bringing the total of trustees on the board to nine.
The trustees have also discussed the Charity Commission's recommendation to seek young board members and is looking at ways of identifying and attracting positive, active and engaged 18-24 year old people who might be interested in joining.
Monday, 16 April 2012
Friday, 13 April 2012
Supporters Club newsletter
For the members of our Supporters Club, our latest newsletter is finished and we are just waiting for it to be printed. Once done we will get them in the post to all our members.
Non-destruction policy
At Happy Staffie Rescue we have a policy of not ending the life of a dog unless certain irreversible factors apply.
This means that we will not end the life of a dog simply because it is old, or has ailments or is naughty, or because it has been in kennels for a long time. Provided the dog is not suffering we will continue to care for it.
There are however exceptions. If just like with a dog we might ourselves own, veterinary advice suggests that the dog is suffering and its quality of life has deteriorated to such a level then we will obviously consider what is best.
Likewise, if there is a legal reason, for example a court order or other similar instruction to which the charity cannot defend or appeal against then the charity will be obliged to abide by the law.
Finally it may be that there comes into our care a dog that is dangerous, and by this we don't mean naughty, or a dog that likes to chase cats, or growls. We mean a dog that we believe would pose a serious risk or danger to people or animals that might put new owners, their friends, family, people and animals and others that they come into contact with in danger. Such a decision would not be taken lightly, and not like with some other 'rescues' by a stupidly simplistic one-chance test. We will attempt a variety of training and behavioural methods involving different welfare volunteers and kennel staff. We would also consider veterinary treatment and specialist behaviour counselling to see if this helps. If after all these steps have failed, and there appears no resolution to the dog being a danger to others the matter will be passed to the trustees to determine what should happen next.
As with anything like this there may be occasions when a dog attacks someone or something in a manner that presents an immediate serious concern and in such cases a decision would likely need to be taken more quickly.
Interestingly, when we formed the charity we wanted a non-destruction policy (much simpler than the explanation above) written into our governing document, but the Charity Commission rejected a simple non-destruction policy as uncharitable in law!
This means that we will not end the life of a dog simply because it is old, or has ailments or is naughty, or because it has been in kennels for a long time. Provided the dog is not suffering we will continue to care for it.
There are however exceptions. If just like with a dog we might ourselves own, veterinary advice suggests that the dog is suffering and its quality of life has deteriorated to such a level then we will obviously consider what is best.
Likewise, if there is a legal reason, for example a court order or other similar instruction to which the charity cannot defend or appeal against then the charity will be obliged to abide by the law.
Finally it may be that there comes into our care a dog that is dangerous, and by this we don't mean naughty, or a dog that likes to chase cats, or growls. We mean a dog that we believe would pose a serious risk or danger to people or animals that might put new owners, their friends, family, people and animals and others that they come into contact with in danger. Such a decision would not be taken lightly, and not like with some other 'rescues' by a stupidly simplistic one-chance test. We will attempt a variety of training and behavioural methods involving different welfare volunteers and kennel staff. We would also consider veterinary treatment and specialist behaviour counselling to see if this helps. If after all these steps have failed, and there appears no resolution to the dog being a danger to others the matter will be passed to the trustees to determine what should happen next.
As with anything like this there may be occasions when a dog attacks someone or something in a manner that presents an immediate serious concern and in such cases a decision would likely need to be taken more quickly.
Interestingly, when we formed the charity we wanted a non-destruction policy (much simpler than the explanation above) written into our governing document, but the Charity Commission rejected a simple non-destruction policy as uncharitable in law!
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Dealing with ultimatums
Occasionally we get a call, from one of those types who thinks its great to breed their staffie without any thought as to what they will do with the puppies, and with no regard to simply abandoning them to a dog rescue.
They haven't been able to get rid of the pups. They tell us to have them, or they're dead. We make all the arrangements - finding potentials home, fosterers and kennel space, adding up the financial cost of inoculations and kennels fees; numerous phone calls and pleas. Finally everything is in place in the space of a few hours then we call them back to give the okay. They change their mind. They're going to keep them and try again to flog them. A few weeks go by then the call comes again. Still he has puppies left, still the threat of death hangs over them. What can you do? Ignore it and pretend it never happened and leave him to carry out his vile threat? Or do the right thing, no matter how long it takes or however many people you have to beg and borrow from again. Of course, you have to try the latter. In such emergencies you are thankful of good hearts and minds, for they are those that come to your aid. Kennels make room and time. Fosterers offer their time and home (again), and prospective new owners who had previously said yes, and then were left with nothing still honour their word.
Such is the life of a dog rescue. I'm sure its repeated over and over again by all sorts of animal charities across the country.
They haven't been able to get rid of the pups. They tell us to have them, or they're dead. We make all the arrangements - finding potentials home, fosterers and kennel space, adding up the financial cost of inoculations and kennels fees; numerous phone calls and pleas. Finally everything is in place in the space of a few hours then we call them back to give the okay. They change their mind. They're going to keep them and try again to flog them. A few weeks go by then the call comes again. Still he has puppies left, still the threat of death hangs over them. What can you do? Ignore it and pretend it never happened and leave him to carry out his vile threat? Or do the right thing, no matter how long it takes or however many people you have to beg and borrow from again. Of course, you have to try the latter. In such emergencies you are thankful of good hearts and minds, for they are those that come to your aid. Kennels make room and time. Fosterers offer their time and home (again), and prospective new owners who had previously said yes, and then were left with nothing still honour their word.
Such is the life of a dog rescue. I'm sure its repeated over and over again by all sorts of animal charities across the country.
Friday, 6 April 2012
Planning for the 4th shop on hold
Our need to open additional charity shops is crucial for our ability to increase the number of dogs in our care, and also in the future enable us to afford the cost of maintaining our own rescue centre.
It has been our intention to open at least one charity shop a year but this year may be different.
Pressing demands to increase welfare spending have seen the charity now use up the funds it had set aside to open a fourth charity shop and it would appear that with our expanding of the number of kennel spaces we use (and the related cost) we will not be able to build up a fund to do this at this time.
This is very disappointing in one sense, because it means we cannot increase our fundraising - and therefore increase the number of dogs in our care. However it does mean that we are using all the funds we have had to care for as many dogs as we can.
It has been our intention to open at least one charity shop a year but this year may be different.
Pressing demands to increase welfare spending have seen the charity now use up the funds it had set aside to open a fourth charity shop and it would appear that with our expanding of the number of kennel spaces we use (and the related cost) we will not be able to build up a fund to do this at this time.
This is very disappointing in one sense, because it means we cannot increase our fundraising - and therefore increase the number of dogs in our care. However it does mean that we are using all the funds we have had to care for as many dogs as we can.
Sunday, 1 April 2012
Charity welcomes Budget's Gift Aid Small Donation Scheme
We welcome the Government's plan to introduce a new Gift Aid Small Donation Scheme.
This will particularly benefit us smaller charities that have to currently maintain quite detailed (and what some might consider intrusive) records of its donors in order to be able make a claim for Gift Aid.
The guidance as it currently appears in consultation form appears to be quite strict, but could allow us to reclaim up to £1,250 in Gift Aid on small cash donations up to £5,000.
This will particularly benefit us smaller charities that have to currently maintain quite detailed (and what some might consider intrusive) records of its donors in order to be able make a claim for Gift Aid.
The guidance as it currently appears in consultation form appears to be quite strict, but could allow us to reclaim up to £1,250 in Gift Aid on small cash donations up to £5,000.
Kennels
We have progressed negotiations with the private boarding kennels where the majority of our dogs are cared for and hope shortly to agree a new contract that should allow us to double the amount of dogs we can care for - rising from 5 to 10 dogs in kennels at any one time (this obviously excludes dogs that we rehome from home and fostered dogs).
Friday, 30 March 2012
Charity Jumble Sale
Tomorrow the charity will be holding a Jumble Sale at the Parish Rooms in All Saints Church, Kidderminster. Please come and show your support and maybe pick up an absolute bargain at the same time.
Thursday, 29 March 2012
New trustees appointed
The board of trustees has today voted to appoint two additional trustees to the charity.
The appointment follows plans made by the trustees to expand their number to increase governance activity of the charity.
The Official Meeting voted unanimously to appoint Charlene McQuoid and Mark Hannaford to the board, subject to Charity Commission approval.
The appointment follows plans made by the trustees to expand their number to increase governance activity of the charity.
The Official Meeting voted unanimously to appoint Charlene McQuoid and Mark Hannaford to the board, subject to Charity Commission approval.
Board of Trustees to be expanded
The trustees of the charity have set forth plans to expand their current number of three to 8-10 trustees before the end of May, subject to suitable persons being available.
The board recognises that the charity must demostrate better governance by more frequent meetings of the board of trustees, but to do so might be difficult because the governing document for the charity stipulates that a minimum of three trustees must attend a meeting for that meeting to having voting rights.
The board has decided to make its meetings at least monthly, and by increasing the number of its members this will be more easily achieved.
The board will shortly be seeking applicants from within the existing voluntary support of the charity before considering external applicants.
The board recognises that the charity must demostrate better governance by more frequent meetings of the board of trustees, but to do so might be difficult because the governing document for the charity stipulates that a minimum of three trustees must attend a meeting for that meeting to having voting rights.
The board has decided to make its meetings at least monthly, and by increasing the number of its members this will be more easily achieved.
The board will shortly be seeking applicants from within the existing voluntary support of the charity before considering external applicants.
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Buy quality greeting cards and help Happy Staffie Rescue
Need a greetings card? What to help Happy Staffie Rescue at the same? Then why not visit our charity card shop at
http://charitycards.happystaffierescue.org.uk/
The site allows you to purchase and send greetings cards to cover almost every occasion, and by doing so you will help raise funds for Happy Staffie Rescue
http://charitycards.happystaffierescue.org.uk/
The site allows you to purchase and send greetings cards to cover almost every occasion, and by doing so you will help raise funds for Happy Staffie Rescue
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Welfare - kennel spaces to be added shortly
We are negotiations with the private boarding kennels to expand the number of kennels we can have at any one time. The kennels as ever have been very cooperative to our efforts to increase the number of dogs we can care for at any one. At present due to a combination of fundraising, kennel fees, and the other associated charitable costs (such as veterinary costs) we can only normally afford to have 5 dogs in kennels at any one time.
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Ending our membership of the Fundraising Standards Board
We have taken the decision to not renew our membership of the Fundraising Standards Board.
We have been a member of the organisation for two years but have found that the membership (which costs £50 a year) is an expend the charity cannot afford at present.
The FSB provides a useful area of self-regulation for fundraisers and also allows for the resolution of fundraising complaints.
During our two years with the FSB we have not had a single fundraising complain.
We have also found that while self-regulation can be useful, it seems a somewhat weak method of ensuring compliance.
We are certainly not adverse to rejoining the FSB in the future, or if its remit expands but at present we believe its an expense that can be better spent elsewhere.
We have been a member of the organisation for two years but have found that the membership (which costs £50 a year) is an expend the charity cannot afford at present.
The FSB provides a useful area of self-regulation for fundraisers and also allows for the resolution of fundraising complaints.
During our two years with the FSB we have not had a single fundraising complain.
We have also found that while self-regulation can be useful, it seems a somewhat weak method of ensuring compliance.
We are certainly not adverse to rejoining the FSB in the future, or if its remit expands but at present we believe its an expense that can be better spent elsewhere.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Neutering Scheme suspended
We have reluctantly taken the decision to suspend our community-based assisted neutering scheme. The scheme has proved quite popular, but is a cost that the charity feels will be best spent on the rescuing dogs that face an uncertain future. If funds permit in the future we will always consider revisiting the scheme.
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