Have a heart...

There are many national and local charities - large and small - which benefit from the generosity of agility people. Thousands of pounds are raised by agility clubs and individuals around the country via demonstrations, sponsored walks and other events. What has your club done today?

On Yer Bike Again

Charity Stamp Appeal

SBT Sponsored Walk

Debbie Stewart and her two staffies Tilly and Cassie are taking part in a sponsored walk this weekend in aid of Staffie Rescue. The staffie has been given a lot of bad press and but doggy people will realise this is mostly down to irresponsible owners. If you have met a true staffie yourself, you will know they have a wonderful people friendly nature! 

Many of the dogs that end up in rescue are not in the greatest state of health. Many are old, have been abused, with nutritional deficiencies or skin complaints and some are even battle scarred.  It is for such dogs as these that Rescue needs to raise funds to cover their immediate costs, to get the right help and ultimately the right home so they can progress to a happier life.  90% of the re-homes are to recently bereaved families and people who know the character and the quirks of the breed. That knowledge and experience gives the rescued dog the head start they deserve and very much accounts for the success of Staffie Rescue.
The rally has been held for the past 16 years where Rescue Supporters are known to gather from all over the world. If you would like to give your support please sponsor us and let us know by email weimleague@homecall.co.uk , I will then let the organisers know how much we intend to raise.  I will then give details of how to send a cheque or I can collect from you at the next show. 

Peter's Uphill Battle for Charity

It's now only four weeks till Peter van Dongen goes to Peru for his Charity Trek in the Andes, walking, over six days, up to Machu Picchu!

Pete says, 'I'm getting quite excited and am ready for my adventure. If you have sponsored me already, I'm sorry to bother you again! Thanks!

'If you haven't sponsored me yet, please take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to help me raise some money for RAIN. At the moment I'm nearly at £2,000, but I would like to raise a little bit more. If you can afford say £5 or £10, please go on-line (see link below) and follow the instructions, or send me a cheque, payable to RAIN (see address below). All the sponsorship money collected goes entirely to my chosen charity!

If you don't want to do it for me, do it for some unfortunate pets, needing help. If you don't want to do it for pets, do it to help me in doing something which means a lot to me personally.
If you just don't want to do it, that's okay too, but you'll miss out on an entertaining post trek evening talk and photoshow!;

To sponsor Pete's trek, see www.justgiving.com/perutrek3

Bottesford Gala for Charity

The Bottesford Gala Agility Show will take place in Bottesford, Nottinghamshire on the first Bank Holiday in May (5 May).  It is the 30^th Anniversary of the village gala, a charity event organised by The Vale of Belvoir Lions Club raising money for many charities at home and abroad. 

This is the first year that they are having a dog agility competition in a separate arena as last year the agility demo proved so popular.  The organisers have received sponsorship for classes from doggie related businesses including Karen Perry Animal Therapy, OBDN's Dog Training & Agility Club, Belvoir Boarding Kennels & Cattery and Barking Mad Home from Home Pet Care.  Also supporting the event is CSJ Dog Food. The equipment is being supplied by Adams Agility.  All helpers/organizers of the agility are just volunteers. 

The show will be low key and relaxed, ideal for beginners. Dogs do not need to be KC registered to enter, but should be sufficiently trained and a member of an agility training club. Prizes consist of trophies, rosettes and there will be some doggy goodies to give away too. All agility handlers shall have parking next to the arena.  All in all, it should be a nice relaxing day of dog agility for anyone not going to the Vyne.  Places are still available, especially for Small/Medium dogs

There will also be doggy stalls among many other trade stands, plus many other attractions in the main arena including dancing displays, crowning of the May Queen, parade of floats, Bar-B-Q, & lots of kids entertainment. In the main arena, there will be events from 10.30am – 4pm with games and events for children and adults, parade of floats, Tug of War competition, lots of stalls selling nice goods, a bar & food.  Further activities take place inside the village hall.

Last year over 3000 visitors attended so presumably this year will be bigger and better.

www.bottesford.org.uk

Collecting for the Homeless

Liz Stedman will be collecting any unwanted collars, leads, plastic bowls and rucksacks etc. at Shuttleworth on Sturday, 29 March, assuming the damaged ground doesn't cause another cancellation. The Hungarian Vizsla Club is collecting these items to pass on to homeless folk who have dog. Liz can deliver any donations at the Vizsla show on Sunday.

If you do not know Liz, you can leave your donations at the secretary's tent.

Support Amelia Derbyshire's Run for Charity

Amelia Derbyshire is running the London Marathon on 13 April for a local charity, Iain Rennie Hospice at Home. It is a hospice who relies heavily on donations to fund its' team of nurses dedicated to caring for the terminally ill, allowing patients to stay at home with their families. She has been training hard over the last few months and is hoping to run the 26.2 miles in four hours or under four hours.

Hopefully the training will come in handy keeping up with her two Labradors Bert and Ernie this season!

You can sponsor Amelia through the following web link www.justgiving.com/amelias-marathon

Thank You from Newton Heath

Newton Heath DT raised £560 at the Pay on the Pay classes at their show on Saturday, 23 February which will be shared between Blackburn Hospice who looked after Sharon Hardman and Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in memory of Bill Wilde, two of their members who passed away in December and January and will be sadly missed.

Have You Got Your Crufts Car Sticker Yet?

There are only a few weeks left until Crufts but there is still time for you to apply for your free Car sticker from the Kennel Club if you have qualified in any discipline - agility (of course, obedience, breed, YKC etc.

Just send a sae envelope at least 6 inches square to Ellen Rocco, 38 Northolme Road, London N5 2UU.

If you would like to make a small contribution to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust - it is completely optional - you are very welcome to include a small donation. Thus far Agilitynet readers have give more than £120 to the charity.

New Charity Working for the Benefit of Border Collies

Granted formal charity status at the end of 2007, the Freedom of Spirit Trust for Border Collies (FoSTBC) has been set up to promote a better understand of the breed and so prevent the current plight of so many Border Collies who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in already overcrowded rescue organisations or facing destruction.  FoSTBC aims to give people  the understanding and skills that are needed to create a happy and well balanced dog.  It is not a rescue kennels but it does take in needy, old, infirm dogs or those in need of rehabilitation and a healing time. Throughout each year, FoSTBC will hold seminars and workshops to educate people about  the Border Collie, both in working and companion homes.  It will provide information and support to people who already own a Border Collie or are thinking of getting one.

FoSTBC has five ambassador dogs – Dart, Loch, Megan, Mossie and Tosha who will be at our seminars and events, visit hospitals and schools, and are available for media work to demonstrate the very best of the Border Collie both in breeding and behaviour.

FoSTBC is delighted to announce that Dame Ellen MacArthur, DBE has become our Patron.  Dame Ellen says,  'From being a small child, I have always loved Border Collies. The more time I spend with them, the more I realise I have much to learn from them. They are the most loyal creatures and interacting with them makes me feel incredibly close to nature. Sailing is about working with nature and the elements, not fighting them, and being in the countryside with Floss, my rescue Border Collie, gives me a similar feeling – one of freedom and feeling alive!  I feel great compassion towards animals who, reliant on us for their well being, get misunderstood along the way. But FoSTBC is not just about helping those dogs in need, but also about educating people to understand them, so that fewer mishaps take place along the way. I am both honoured and excited to be the Patron of FoSTBC and look forward to helping to promote the work to give Border Collies the freedom of spirit they so deserve.'

Founder and Chief Executive, Barbara Sykes, MBIPDT, is dedicated to the future of the Border Collie. She says 'Border Collies are a breed of integrity, loyalty and great freedom of spirit and this is far more important than any trophies or medals they can earn for their owners. Our ancestors worked hard to give us a loyal and true working partner and it is my belief that to ensure we preserve this heritage for generations to come, we must eliminate the great divide between the farmer’s dog and the companion. Opinions vary greatly about the breed but there is only one Border Collie. As well as a love of the breed, I have a great respect for it and if I can bring people just a little closer to the heart and soul of a collie then I will consider some of the love given to me by my dogs as being repaid.'

For more information, visit www.fostbc.org.uk

Peter's Peru Trek

Over the last two years vet Peter van Dongen has done two charity treks - first in Norway, doing a week long ‘Husky Trek’ Arctic Dog Sledding Challenge, and then in Namibia, Africa, doing a Desert Walking Trek Challenge. He enjoyed both very different treks so much that he's decided to do another on whilst at the same time managing to raise money for charity -  The Blue Cross and Dogs Trust respectively. He's done dold and he's done hot. This time he is going up!

Peter is going to do a week long trek in the Peruvian Andes, trekking up to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. This year He is raising money for Rescued Animals In Need (RAIN.) Again, it will not be a holiday but a physical and mental challenge, for which he will be in training over the many months before the trip. During the trip he will hopefully see lots of beautiful landscapes, amongst which tropical forests, scrubs and high mountain passes. The entire trek takes place between 2,500m and 4,000m altitude and altitude sickness is a real possibility. It promises to be an interesting and rewarding, but at the same time difficult challenge.

RAIN is a local and relatively small animal charity in the South-East, so local to Pete's veterinary surgery. The main aim of RAIN is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home animals, and to provide any help that is needed in terms of general care and veterinary treatment. They work mainly with cats, dogs, and small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters that all need new homes for one reason or another. The charity also has contacts with welfare organisations dealing with wild animals, birds, and other animals. They help in the following ways:-

1. Finding new homes

2. Fostering

3. Providing veterinary care

4. Neutering programmes

5. Working with local animal protection agencies, giving talks to local groups on animal care.

For further information about RAIN, please go to their website at www.rain.org.uk

Pete said, 'As a vet I am very much involved with the care and treatment of pets each and every day of my working life. I already work closely with several animal charities on a daily basis and find raising money for them a worthwhile cause. I already support RAIN but thought they could do with a bit of extra help. In fact, to a relatively small charity such as RAIN, a small amount of money is a great deal!'

'This trip to Peru seems a real challenge, whilst being wonderful in every way. But I would also like to raise a lot of money for RAIN in the process. I have funded the entire trip myself, so every penny raised in sponsorship money goes completely to the charity!'

If you would like to help, by sending donating as little or as much as you feel able to give, please send cheques, payable to RAIN, to: Pete van Dongen, 25 Tolsey Mead, Borough Green, Kent TN15 8EQ, Great Britain. Every little bit helps. Alternatively, you can donate money on-line, at www.justgiving.com/perutrek3  This has the added benefit that it’s easy, quick and safe! You can also donate some money whenever you see Pete in the next few months. Please dig deep and help me to help RAIN.

After the event I will write a full report about my experience, as usual, with photos of course. I will also invite all sponsors to a post trek evening talk and photo show. Let’s hope we can all help RAIN to continue to care for as many pets as possible for a long time to come!

Thanks for the Donation

On behalf of the Trustees of the Kennel Club Trust, I wish to thank Agilitynet for its kind donation of £127.50 in support of the Trust, raised from the people who requested 'I've Qualified for Crufts' car stickers. As you know, The KC Charitable Trust is dedicated to improving the health and welfare of dogs and their capability to improve the lives of human beings. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

As with previous donations, the name Agilitynet will appear in the Kennel Gazette in the list of those who have kindly donated to the KC Charitable Trust, and also on the web site.

Source: Cas Oakes, Charitable Trust Administrator (17/01/08)

Thanks for a Cool Yule

Hot sausage rolls, mince pies, Christmas cake and agility all on one day?  What else do you need to have? Excellent venue, good weather, organised happy atmosphere? Cool Agility had it all. Cheers Graham for a great end to the year, to all those who donated to the prize draw and Agilitynet for publicising this event. Many of us know how much happiness rescue dogs can give so it’s our pleasure to give something back.

Source: Martin

Angelic Dogs 'Fly' for Charity!

A team of 27 dogs and owners from FRACAS and Dog Angels took part in a sponsors 'Agilitython' on Sunday, 11 March, completing 1,111 obstacles to raise funds for The Chilterns Dog Rescue Society.  

'I'm truly delighted' said organiser and club founder Lesley (Harpley) Young. 'Club members and their supporters have been fantastic. Thank you to everyone who took part. 

As Lesley explained, 'Many of our dogs are rescues and many of those came from The Chilterns Dog Rescue. It's nice to be able to put something back and agility can really help dogs gain confidence as well as fitness. Although some clubs focus primarily on breeds like Border Collies, we have a great mixture.'

Altogether, around 50 people supported the event, including careful adjudication to ensure only successfully completed obstacles were counted! Even the puppy class turned out to complete the tunnels! 

As Colin Harpley explained 'There are important safety aspects to agility. It's important to know what you are doing and young dogs should not take part in serious agility training until they have finished maturing, both physically and mentally. They can still have a lot of fun building the foundations though.'

Ashridge DTC aka 'FRACAS' was formed in 2003. The 'F' and the 'R' stand for 'Fun' and 'Reward.'  It now boasts about 50 members with Puppy, Companion Dog and additional Agility Classes run in Flaunden (Herts) under the recent extension 'Dog Angels'. The club has really gone from strength to strength achieving some fantastic successes in Agility and Kennel Club Listed Status in 2006.

In addition to bringing out the best in its canine companions, the club has already supported three instructors through UK Agility Club Accreditation with others working through their qualification. Inspired by Kennel Club's Good Citizen Scheme for Companion Dogs the club is also piloting four levels of award for 'fun' Agility handling. These in-club GEM awards range from Amber through to Diamond enabling dogs to win specially designed rosettes.

'It's important to celebrate progress and success along the way' said Lesley, 'although many of us compete in Agility, it is also about just getting out there and having a good time with our dogs. It is great to see the improvement.'

Rother Valley Fund Raiser

Beanie's Big Day Out

Sadly agility dog Beanie didn't win the PAT Dog of the Year competition despite everyone's kind votes, but Monica Dixon and Beanie had an absolutely wonderful time at the Awards Lunch at Buxton on  Sunday, 18 November 2007. Monica wrote this follow up report.

The title went instead to a dog whose achievements outshone all the other finalists – Bryn, a beautiful black crossbreed who visits Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology on the Wirral, one of the largest Cancer centres in the UK. He had received several nominations from the staff, patients and their relatives. When his citation was read out I don't think there was a dry eye in the house, particularly when we heard what the daughter of one patient had said: 'My mother was receiving treatment at the Department of Oncology and I was close to tears on more than one occasion after I'd helped her onto the metal treatment bed and then had to leave the room whilst she was 'zapped'. There were a number of times when Bryn and Sue were just outside the treatment area as I came out and to be able to bury my head in Bryn's soft fur and give him a cuddle helped direct my thoughts and helped me through those horrible times. Bryn was there at just the right moments to work some of his Pets As Therapy magic for which I will be eternally grateful.'

I feel tremendously honoured that Beanie was even considered in such company and although naturally disappointed not to win, I can well understand why. The other five finalists (including Beanie) were all named 'equal runners-up' which was a nice gesture, and were each awarded a certificate, rosette, a crystal trophy and a cheque plus some of the sponsor HiLife's products which will be sent to us in due course.

We stayed on Saturday night in a wonderful farmhouse B&B - which I had found on Agilitynet - about 11 miles from Buxton. The next morning we woke to freezing sleet and a sprinkling of snow on the hills. Our landlady provided a splendid cooked breakfast and insisted on cooking an extra sausage specially for Beanie, all cut up into little pieces, mixed with whole-wheat dog biscuits and served on a china plate. Spoilt or what!

There's a nice photo of Beanie at the Awards Lunch in last week's issue of Our Dog'. There's also an article mentioning the work we do at Treloar College on page 20 of the December issue of Your Dog magazine. When we went back to Treloars on Monday for our weekly PAT Dog visit we were greeted with a huge golden helium-filled balloon on which was written in sparkly letters saying 'Beanie, you're our #1!'

Chiltern Inter-Club Match Raises Money for Parkinsons

This year the Annual Inter Club Charity Agility Match between four clubs - BATS, Watford, Letchworth and Redgates - was hosted by Redgates at their venue The Crows Nest in Saffron Walden (Essex.) As the venue Dennis and Pat Bailey and as Pat suffers from Parkinson's, it was decided that all the proceeds should go to The Parkinson's Disease Society.

Tim Griffiths of Redgates said, We were first invited to take part in 2006 after Aylesbury dropped out. After coming 4th out of four, we volunteered to host the event this year.'

So it was a frosty and foggy morning late in October when everyone gathered in the field. The sun came up and, within a couple of hours, it was incredibly warm with handlers running around in T-Shirts, and loads of spectators sunbathing around the rings.

It was a great day.
Watford took an early lead, and for a while it looked like they were going to be by far the strongest team, but it did not stay that way for long, with all four clubs leading the pack at some time during the day.The event went well and there were many compliments about how well the match was organised, how nice the training venue is, and what a lovely atmosphere it was with loads of people around the rings watching, cheering a clapping whenever anyone did well, and commiserating with anyone who made a mistake. The final result could not have been closer with just nine points separating the first three clubs. The finals points score was:

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and a staggering £1200 was raised for charity! Janet Crofts, a representative from the Cambridge branch of The Parkinson's Disease Society visited Redgates on Sunday 8 November to receive the big cheque.

Redgates would like to thank the following people for their help in making this match so successful:-

• Pat and Dennis Bailey for allowing us to use our training field free of charge
• Pat, Dennis and their daughter Julia for providing the Judges Lunches - again free of charge
• STP Office Services of Haverhill for donating the Canon Colour Photo Printer as a raffle prize
• Equine Canine, our Trade Stand, and Galley Slaves, the caterers, for their donations;
• All of the very generous people - too numerous to name - who donated raffle prizes. There certainly were a lot of comments about how nice the prizes were
• Everyone from Redgates who helped set up on the Friday, assisted on the day - particularly those who were at the field extremely early on the Saturday morning, and those who helped clear up on the Sunday
• James Greenhow for looking after all the processing of the entries and printing of ring cards etc. James seemed to spend most of the day in the Secretary's Tent on his laptop. It was also James who managed to get us the electronic timing at a very 'good' rate
• Our friends at Letchworth for lending us a few extra pieces of equipment and a score tent
• Mary Ann Nester and Alan Humphries, the judges
• And lastly to everyone from BATS, Watford, Letchworth and Redgates who took part, and helped out in so many ways, thank you.

Support RSPCA Cool Fund Raiser

Graham Taylor is inviting the agility people to join in with his festive New Years Eve fundraising event Cool Agility for the Hot 100, in aid of the RSPCA.

He said, 'Some agility elders may remember my first RSPCA rescue dog Bomber Bates. My current rescue, Geronimo Bates (20 months) joined us from the RSPCA Worcester, and is showing such great promise that I thought it would be nice to try to raise some funds for the RSPCA to say thank you for the great job they're doing across the country. With your help, we can raise the RSPCA profile within the Agility community, generate some welcome funding and enjoy some good agility.'

Graham has gathered some rather nice goodies to attract your support . Each day there will be a draw at The Hot Hundred 30  & 31st December 2007. See the Agilitynet Show Schedule page for more information.

The grand prize will be an amazing hamper filled with goodies, biased towards agility. If enough items have been donated, there may be several draws each day! Thus far the prizes include:-

• 2 nights at private venue just 5 minutes from the NEC for any time whilst Crufts 2009 is running (6-9 March 2008) for a caravan - donated anonymously
• 1 x bale of towels with agility logos donated by Packington ADS
• 1 x camping spot at their May show donated by Packington ADS
• Large Green Defender Seed Feeder and 2.5kg of Sunflower Hearts, donated by CJ WildBird Foods Limited of  Upton Magna, Shrewsbury NEWER
• 20 rosettes of the winner's choice. Could be Congratulations, Happy Birthday, Best In Show, Clear Round etc. donated by Norton Rosettes NEW
• A 15kg bag of Alpha 'Racer'  from Bob Scott (Midlands based)
• Road Refresher Non-Spill Dog Bowl from Prestige Pets
• £10 cash donated by Heather Mitchell (Midlands based)
• Complimentary entry for one dog with the same handler on three days and the handler's camping unit at the Pembrokeshire County Show August 2008 donated by the Cantref Gwaelod Dog Agility
• A reflexology session donated by Margaret Kyriakou (East Midlands based)
• Entry for two dogs and one person to The Autumn Exhibition 2008 East of England Showground Peterborough, donated by Spalding DTC
• A conducted tour of the Golden Apple winning orchards that help make Magners, Thatchers & Bulmers Cider- with a sample or two - followed by one nights Bed & Breakfast at Webton Court in heart of Herefordshire
• Bottle of champagne
• £15 Dagenham's voucher
• Agility Warehouse gift certificate
• 15kg Alpha Foods Field Nuts

All the gathered goodies will be listed here. The prize fund is expected to grow as we build up to New Year.

To take part in the lucky draw, please print  your name and a contact telephone number on a £5 note. Cheques should be made payable to RSPCA Worcester. Please do not send cash through the post. You can hand your contribution to Graham Taylor personally or send your cheque to him at RSPCA Festive Fund Raiser, 2 Medley Grove, Leamington Spa, CV31 2GA.

RSPCA Worcester and Mid Worcestershire Branch, registered charity number 205930.

I've Qualified for Crufts 2008 Stickers Back Again

Once again The Kennel Club has given us permission to distribute 'I've Qualified for Crufts' car stickers which are available a breed shows but not - or at least rarely - at agility trials. They are free to anyone who has qualified for Crufts next March whether it be in agilty, obedience, flyball or breed etc.

If you would like to claim your certificate, just send us a self-addressed, postage paid envelope - at least 6in square - and we will post your certificate to you. Although we cannot guarantee exactly when you will get your certificate due to the national postal strike and local problems with the sorting office in North London, it should reach you before Crufts starts!

If you would like to make a small donation to The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, your generosity would certainly be appreciated. It is a great cause which is making a difference for dogs by funding a wide variety of work ranging from supporting research into canine diseases to welfare initiatives and the promotion of support dogs - all of which give dogs healthier and happier lives. 

Just send either a cheque made payable to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust (not Agilitynet), postal order or cash along with your sae to Ellen Rocco, Agilitynet, 38 Northolme Road, London N5 2UU. We will pass your contribution on to the KC and keep you up to date with the total donated. Last year we collected more than £100 for the Trust. Let's do better this year!

Breast Cancer Awareness Dog Agility Show for Charity

The show will be held in Eastington, nr Stonehouse, Gloucester. For further details and directions, please find the schedule on www.colliewobblesagility.org.uk, or please contact Rachel Williams direct on WILLRE@wiltscoll.ac.uk for further details.

Bethany's Three Peaks Challenge

They would greatly appreciate any offers of sponsorship - every little helps! Anyone who'd like to sponsor them should email bethany.passey@hotmail.co.uk. Or for more information visit www.heartresearch.org.uk/three_peaks.htm

Update… We did it!
We completed the challenge in 10 hours 50 minutes, raising just over £500 including matched giving from National Grid plc for Heart Research. The walk was much tougher than I had imagined, especially after all the rain we'd had in the run up to the event.

The walk wasn't very dog friendly and, after lifting two muddy dogs over numerous styles and walls, we were all wet and filthy! I'm really proud of the dogs (and us, of course.) It was a tough day, and in true collie style, Floss wanted to play with a ball when we finally got back to the caravan! It didn't take them long, however, to curl up in a corner!

Carl Cycles for Cancer Charity

MacMillan Cancer Research was there for Carl Stretton and his family when his Mum was dying from cancer and wanted to spend her last days at home. They sorted all the medical provisions out, generally bossed his Dad around and did a totally professional job at a difficult time.

Having done a few fundraising events Carl has decided to go one better this year and cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats in 12 days between 5-17 September. 

Carl said, 'I am no sportsman and so I have been training hard but it will definitely be a challenge.'

Anyone who wishes to sponsor Carl online can do so by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/bae_lejog or catching him at shows where he will have sponsorship forms.

Thank you from Carl
I would like to say a big thank you to Barry, Shelley and the Norfolk and Coltishall clubs for their help and generosity in helping me raise over £200 towards my Land's End to John O' Groats cycle ride. The proceeds will go to MacMillan Cancer Relief. Thanks also to Christine Brown and Simon Chandler who, along with me, judged three pay on the day classes which went to into the donation bucket. It really goes to show what a generous lot we Agility folks are. The kind remarks I have been given will help to keep me going at the low times of the 1000 mile journey, I have been quite overwhelmed by everyone's support. Catch me at the shows if you want to make a donation or go online to www.justgiving.com/bae_lejog

Flood Damage

As you may have seen on the news, the charity Support Dogs has been severely affected by the recent floods in Sheffield. Not only did the premises suffer over four feet of flood water but a wall surrounding the nearby Forgemasters factory collapsed causing structural damage to the charity's Head Quarters. No staff, clients or dogs were injured during the destruction.

Staff were able to remove all dogs from the premises yesterday lunchtime but were then unable to return to the centre having to leave their own vehicles to the forces of nature. Inside the building the ground floor is a scene of devastation with everything hit by flood water and tens of thousands of pounds of fundraising merchandise ruined.

Support Dogs give very valuable assistance to people with disabilities and train dogs to give alert to epileptic owners. Agilitynet fans can donate on-line at www.support-dogs.org.uk. Thank you. Chrissy Walker 4Paws

Peter's Long Walk for Charity

In two weeks time exactly, Peter van Dongen will be walking 130km in the Namib Desert, in Namibia (Africa) to raise money for Dogs Trust! He will be walking up to half a marathon's length per day for seven days in a row at daytime temperatures of 35*C, with freezing nights and without any comforts. He will sleep in simple tents and have no running water for the entire week!

Peter has already raised £2,500 and would like to increase this still. Every penny raised will go entirely to Dogs Trust as he has paid for the trip myself.

Peter has been walking many miles per week to get himself properly prepared for this trip and feels fit and ready now! All who sponsor him will get an invite to the post-trek evening talk and photo presentation as well.

If you feel you can help a little bit, please either send cheque to 25 Tolsey Mead, Borough Green, Kent TN15 8EQ, made payable to Dogs Trust, or go online to www.justgiving.com/namibiatrek .

On 'Yer Bike... Again

Janine Harvey, the Agility Club Awards Secretary, is cycling 34 miles for charity... again. On Sunday, 15 July she is cycling from Haywards Heath to Hove on the Capital to Coast Charity Bike Ride. 

She said, 'Whilst I know that this will be an incredible challenge for me, it will also be a great experience. The beautiful English scenery, winding country lanes and the sea air aren't the only reasons that I am taking up the challenge. I will be raising funds for Capital to Coast which supports four worthy charities to help children and adults with learning and physical disabilities and Cystic Fibrosis: Norwood, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the Down's Syndrome Association and Southern FM's Help a Local Child.

You can help Janine make a difference by sponsoring her to take part in this great event.  It is her fifth year, and so far she have raised £4,000+. Your gift will be hugely appreciated and make a difference to those in need.  There are many ways to make a donation:

• Send a cheque made payable to Norwood – Capital to Coast (Norwood being the organising charity)
• Click on www.justgiving.com/janineharvey2007, click on Fundraising, then click on Sponsor a Rider to make a secure online donation.
• See Janine at Agility Shows between now and July and just 'throw' your money at her!

Why not join Janine on the ride?  You can find out more information and register by clicking on www.capitaltocoast.org.uk or by calling tel. 020-8420 6944. It's only £20 for the full 60 mile ride or £15 for the 30 mile ride, if you register before the event.

 Thanks for helping me help others – we'll let you know how she gets on!

Thank you so much for sponsoring me for my bike ride on 15 July.
I was dreading it as the weather forecast was typically rain and more rain!  But it was hot - and sticky! Found it quite hard this year as I wasn't able to do much training because of the weather, and vowed 'never again' when I got back to Hove, but I will probably do it just one more year.

I was whacking down the hills, freewheeling at 20mph and the lycra-clad lovelies still whizzed past me! Even so, I did it in 3.25 hours cycling time and will have raised over £800 with your fantastic support and sponsorship. Thank you so much.

If you have promised to send me some money, it would be great if you could send it to me - cheques made payable to Norwood - or via the website below as my page will remain open for a couple of months. (30/07/07)

Mary Ray Cabaret Night in Rugby in Aid of Wiccaweys

Mary Ray is coming home to her home town and will be performing one of her unique Canine Cabaret nights on Wednesday, 20 June at the Benn Hall, Rugby. The evening will commence at 7:30pm and finish at 10:30pm. As well as demonstrating how she trains her dogs to produce such fabulous results, Mary will be performing her 2007 Crufts Heelwork to Music James Bond routine. 

Wiccaweys Rescued Border Collies and Working Sheepdogs will benefit from this evening.

Tickets cost  £12.95 each. Please make cheques payable to Pauline Barr and enclose a SAE to: Pauline Barr,  18 Spencer Road, Long Buckby, Northampton NN6 7YP.

Enquiries please phone: tel. 01327-842900

Vicki Runs for Hearing Dogs for the Deaf

Vicki Blackshaw will be running the London Marathon for Hearing Dogs for Deaf people on 22 April. She started running for charity back in 2005 with a 5km Race for Life event. Before she knew it, she was running the Half Marathon at Silverstone last year when she raised over £570 (incl Gift Aid) for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Now she is going one step further and running the full London Marathon 2007. Unfortunately she didn't get accepted in the ballot, but was lucky enough to get accepted for a charity place with Hearing Dogs so I now her target is to raise a minimum of £1600.

To help reach this goal, Vicki is offering to make simple web sites in return for an agreed amount of sponsorship, so if anyone wants a personal web site about their agility dogs please go check it out! She will be offering this service until the start of July as that's when all the sponsorship money has to be in by. See www.giruffdesigns.co.uk for details.

People may have seen Vicki around with Pippa, her three year old Beagle X Parsons. Although they only started competing last year, they've already won out of Elementary.

Vicki  decided to raise money for  Hearing Dogs because many of the dogs they use come from rescue centres or are donated as unwanted pets. These dogs are then trained to alert their owners to every day sounds such as doorbells, alarm clocks, babies crying, smoke and fire alarms. Not only do they provide greater independence, they also provide them with much needed companionship. This charity benefits people and provides loving working homes for many unwanted animals.

If anyone would like to sponsor Vicki, her official page can be found at the following address: http://www.justgiving.com/vickiblackshaw, or you can send donations to the Wisbech Veterinary Clinic where she works. The postal address is 26 Nene Parade, Wisbech, PE13 3BY. Please make cheques payable to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Pete Clinch's Life Begins at 40 Marathon

As Pete Clinch turns 40 at the end of March, he decided to mark the occasion by running the London Marathon on the 22 April ! He and his wife Jill have rehomed four dogs from The Blue Cross so this was this charity he chose to raise money for.

Pete and Jill rehomed their first dog Bumble (Fumbly Bumbly Bee), a GSD X from The Blue Cross, in 1993 and then discovered agility. She was a wonderful dog, winning Jill out of Elementary and Starters and becoming a great Novice dog winning many trophies. She qualified for three ABC finals and won at Olympia in 2000.

Their second Blue Cross dog was Pepper (Pesky Pepper Pot), a black lab cross. She loves her agility and soon became Senior, as well as qualifying for five ABC finals. She regularly represents The Blue Cross in the Rescue Dog Agility team at Crufts, Discover Dogs and the Wag & Bone Show. At 11 years old, she's still fit and well, enjoying her agility just as much as ever.

Blue Cross dog number 3 is Murphy (Mighty Murphy Smurf). A large, handsome tan crossbreed, he is Pete's jogging partner and makes running look so effortless! He has the most wonderful temperament but doesn't quite see the point of agility, so Pete is going to run him in Grade 1 where hopefully the simple flowing courses will allow him to enjoy himself more.

Sonny (Honey Sonny Bun) arrived from The Blue Cross just after Christmas and has settled in fine. He's a real mixture of breeds and colours. He's doing well at Obedience club and Jill will start agility training with him in the Spring. He's a very happy chap and seems very keen.

If you would like to sponsor Pete, you can do so on-line on the charity website. www.justgiving.com/pclinch Or you can find him at the following shows with his sponsorship form and  collection tin. Letchworth (Good Friday) Easter Celebration, Ardingley (Sunday) and both days at Spring at Shuttleworth.

Footnote: Thank you to everybody who sponsored me or supported my stall at the Barking Mad show - thanks Den and Niki - in my fundraising efforts of my Marathon run for The Blue Cross. I completed it in four hours 56 minutes and, although my feet have suffered, I will never forget the atmosphere. It was a great day with brilliant weather for the spectators, but far to warm for the runners, especially when I chose to run dressed as a Dalmatian! I will let you know the amount raised when all the moneys been collected. Thank you again.
 

Yes, Wishes Do Come True! 

Margaret Goulden of Smugshots tells us that she listens to her local radio station Pirate FM. They have the Hairy Fairy who grants wishes. You send yours in and wait.

She had a call this week yesterday from Pirate to say her wish had been one of the ones chosen. Margaret did an interview with the station - we're sure it wasn't as bad as you say - but admits to waffling! She said that her wish was that the Hairy Fairy would go to the RSPCA at St. Columb, Cornwall  with a load of goodies and toys for the dogs in the rescue centre.

After her wish was read out on air, Sue the owner of Bonnie's Pet Shop in Callington, heard it. She decided to help and contacted her suppliers who donated goods. The shop gave things and their customers gave what they could so animals will have a better Christmas! It just goes to prove that there are still good people out there!

A merry Christmas to all.

Godmanchester DTC Raises Money for Children in Need

A total of £38.77 was collected at the Godmanchester Limit Show at the UK Arena on Saturday, 18 November. Many thanks to Val who went around with Pudsey and friend (a money box bear) and to all the competitors who contributed to the Children in Need collection.

Agility Clubs Help Children in Need

The Chiltern Inter-Club Agility Match took place on Saturday, 21 October at G&M Growers (Biggleswade, Beds.) to raise money for the forthcoming Children in Need Charity. BATS had previously hosted the event in 2003 and 2004 but after a gap in 2005, Letchworth decided to revive the event this year.

Participating Clubs were BATS, Letchworth, Redgates and Watford. On average there were 110 dogs competing from each Club that ran over the 12 classes - Nursery, Allsorts, Elementary, Starters, Novice and Open in both Jumping and Agility.

Everyone who had entered had been eagerly watching the weather forecast for days which at the start of the week had forecast a very wet day indeed. For the organisers, this was disappointing news after all of the lovely weather we had experienced in the previous three weeks of October.

The first classes were due to kick-off at 9.00am and wouldn't you know it, right on cue, at 9.00am sharp – it rained. It was wet enough to make the Judges change into their wet weather gear but thankfully it was fairly short lived. Following one more short shower, the good weather returned and everyone enjoyed a warm, sunny afternoon.

The work load was spread by each Club running a ring for half a day and the whole day was run in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.  And yes, it did remain friendly despite the undercurrent of Club competing against Club for points.

At then end of each class, the points were calculated and results placed on the bulletin board outside the Secretary's tent. Right from the start it was clear that it was going to be a 4-horse race.

Apologies to those who thought we had returned to the Dark Ages! By that, I mean the time before electronic timing when a good old fashioned stop watch was used. Yes, it would have been nice to have the luxury of electronic timing but, as the whole idea was to raise as much money for charity as possible, Letchworth felt that the cost was too high. And at least the stop watches didn't breakdown, fail to start or fail to stop.

We also managed to get through the day without the aid of a PA system.  Jill Acton kindly brought along a megaphone which sufficed and, if it didn't, we just shouted – and not one person missed their run due to not hearing us!

By the time the last two classes were due to start there were only 15 points between BATS, who were in the lead, and Letchworth chasing them. There were mutterings about Letchworth members seeking out the BATS members and knee-capping them in order to stop them from taking a greater lead but, as we thought this would be against KC Rules and Regulations, we decided against that course of action!

By 4.00pm the last class had finished and everyone gathered round for the final presentations and the all important Match result. BATS had won the trophy in the previous two matches. They kindly brought along the trophy on Saturday – and took it home again!

The final results were

• BATS – 263
• Letchworth – 227
• Watford – 198
• Redgates – 163

It would be really good if we could keep this match going each year, and we really wouldn't be offended if one of the other clubs want to host it next year – if only to see if we can get that trophy away from BATS!

Thank you to everyone that came along and supported the event.  At present we haven't counted the final pennies, but we raised approximately £900 for Children in Need.

Congratulations to everyone for whom the day was special in one way or another. There were a few 'first clear rounds' gained as well as a few 'first placings.' It was a pleasure to have provided a day that will remain memorable for all those people.

Teresa McAteer

Help for the Dogs in Tenerife

On Friday, 22 September Shelley Stevens is doing a sponsored tandem paraglide in Tenerife, where she now lives. She hopes to raise money for K9, her local animal refuge which is run solely by volunteers and funded by donations. They receive no official funding at all. Shelley will be taking off from over 800m for a 30 minute glide, down across the borough of Adeje, across the main motorway and down onto the beach - hopefully! She said, 'I know I'm mad. Why I didn't just suggest a sponsored walk or something beats me!' She continued, 'I know most of you are all already involved with giving money or time to animal charities back there in the UK, but if anyone is able to spare any sponsorship money for our four legged kiddies here in Tenerife, it would be most appreciated.' For more information on the work we do at K9, you can go to www.k9tenerife.com. The site does still need some serious updating. but Shelley & Co. are trying 'to drag it into the 21st Century!' There is also a membership part on there if anyone wants to join that. If anyone would like to sponsor Shelley, email her on Shelleystevens2005atyahoo.co.uk  (Replace the word at with @) with your pledges.)

K9 Animal Refuge Tenerife

Her sister Sammie has kindly agreed to collect the money from people at any shows where she is competing , but Shelley can let you know how you can pay it if you are not going to be at the same shows. Thank you all very much in advance.

Namibia Trek

Earlier this year Peter van Dongen  went on an expedition to Norway See, doing a week long 'Husky Trek' Arctic Dog Sledding Challenge! It was a great challenge, a great effort and a great success, raising over £7,000 for 'The Blue Cross' animal charity! After the trek he decided that it had been such a worthwhile thing to do that he shouldn't stop there and he started thinking about a new challenge. Well, now he has! He is doing an expedition in Namibia (Africa) in May 2007 to raise funds for the Dogs Trust animal charity.

It's a Desert Trek challenge and it requires him to walk about 130 km in one week through the oldest desert in the world. The Namib Desert is an unforgiving place, extremely dry and arid, and even in the late autumn /early winter time when he'll be going. The daytime temperatures will rise to +35*C, whilst the night time temperatures will drop to below 0*C!

He will be travelling through the desert and via canyons and finally walk towards the infamous Skeleton Coast. It will not be a holiday but a physical and mental challenge, for which he will be in training over the many months before the trip. During the trip, he hopes to see lots of beautiful landscapes, amongst which the highest (red) sand dunes in the world, but also amazing wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, klipspringers, baboons and with a bit of luck lion or even cheetah! One animal he hopes not to come across, however, is the Black Mamba, a poisonous snake which the locals call the 'one cigarette snake', as, when you're bitten, you'll have time only for one more cigarette! It promises to be an interesting and rewarding, but at the same time difficult challenge.

About Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust is the UK's largest dog welfare charity and last year cared for over 13,500 stray and abandoned dogs through its nationwide network of 15 Rehoming Centres. During 2006 they will be opening a further two rehoming centres, one in West London and one in Glasgow, which will hopefully enable them to care for many more dogs in the years to come. Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction. They believe no healthy dog should ever be destroyed and that every dog should have a chance to lead a happy and healthy life in a loving home. For further information about Dogs Trust please go to their website at www.dogstrust.org.uk

Pete says, 'As a vet I am is very much involved with the care and treatment of pets each and every day of my working life. I work closely with several animal charities on a daily basis and find raising money for them a worthwhile cause. I already support Dogs Trust, sponsoring one of their dogs called Ginger, but thought they could do with a bit of extra help.'

'As an animal lover I have always wanted to go to Africa and see some of the wildlife in person, so when this trip came up I just couldn't resist. The trip seems a real challenge, whilst being wonderful in every way.'

But... I would also like to raise a lot of money for Dogs Trust in the process. I have funded the entire trip myself, so every penny raised in sponsorship money goes completely to the charity! I would like to ask each and everyone of you to help, by sending me a cheque for as little or as much as you feel able to donate. Every little bit helps of course. Please send cheques, payable to Dogs Trust, to: Pete van Dongen, 25 Tolsey Mead, Borough Green, Kent TN15 8EQ, Great Britain.

Alternatively, you can donate money on-line, at www.justgiving.com/namibiatrek This has the added benefit that it's easy, quick and safe! On this web site you'll also find some photos of Namibia. You can also donate some money whenever you see me at an agility show in the next few months. Please dig deep and help me to help Dogs Trust!!!

 After the event Pete has promised to write a full report about his experience, with photos of course. Let's hope we can all help 'Dogs Trust' to continue to care for as many pets as possible for a long time to come!

Thames DTC Agility Show Charity Quiz

Thank you to everyone who entered the charity quiz at Thames and congratulations to the overall winner, Mark Douglas from Flying Circus Agility. The total amount raised for the TDTC charities was £110.

The quiz was devised by Andrew Dicker who promises to make it a bit easier next year.

1. Who were George Logan and Patrick Fyffe better known as?  Hinge & Brackett
2. What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backwards?  Niagara Falls (Because of erosion)
3. What famous horror novel was first published on 1 January 1818. Frankenstein
4. Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2. Nene, 3. Nini,  4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter?  Mary (NOT Nunu!!)
5. What was the name of the Duke of Wellington's horse at the Battle of Waterloo?  Copenhagen
6. What is 9'-0" diameter, 7'-6" high, and weighs 13,760 Kg?   Big Ben, the bell in the Clock Tower
7. Which creature has the world's longest sperm?  The fruit fly (Drosophila bifurca)
8. What were Nelson's last words? ' Drink, drink. Fan, fan. Rub, rub' or 'Thank God I have done my duty.' (Not 'Kiss me, Hardy.')
9. Which famous statue sits on a granite stone at Langelinie Pier?  The Little Mermaid (Copenhagen)
10. In Chemistry, what is Sodium Chloride better known as?  NaCl = Salt
11. What was the name of the first Satellite launched into space?  Sputnik
12. 1922 was the Chinese year of which animal?  Dog
13. In golf, an 'albatross' is how many shots under par?  3
14. What well known monument has 1665 steps?  Eiffel Tower
15. In which European country would you find the Spanish Steps?  Italy (Rome)
16. In what year was Reading Football Club formed?  1871
17. Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh.  Lettuce
18. What did Margo Uusorg of Estonia carry over a 234m obstacle course in 55.5secs to establish a new world record?  His wife
19. Which is the world's smallest ocean?  Arctic Ocean
20. Why is it unusual that Jose Luis Chilavert scored 62 goals in his professional career? 'Cos he's a goalkeeper
21. What did Gregory Riffi do, stretching 249.9m to 610m, to set a new world record in 1992?  Bungee jump
22. What is an 'Afollie?' It's an Afghan Hound X Rough/Smooth Collie
23. Which is the odd word?  DANGER, HIJACK, TRUTH, ATOMIC, TRUMPETER. Truth. All the other words have a mans name inside them where as truth has a women's name.
24. In the acronym I.O.U. what does the letter 'U' stand for?  Unto (Is Owed Unto)
25. In rowing, who or what are Isis and Goldie?  Oxford/Cambridge University reserve boats

Tiebreaker = 71,565

On 'Yer Bike... Again

On Sunday, 16 July 2006 Janine Harvey is cycling 30+ miles (again) from Handcross to Hove on the Capital to Capital Charity Bike Ride.

The beautiful English scenery, winding country lanes and the sea air - not to mention cycling up Devil's Dyke - aren't the only reasons that she's taking up the challenge. She  is raising money for four worthy charities to help children and adults with learning and physical disabilities including Norwood, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Down's Syndrome association and Southern FM's Help a Local Child.

Janine said, 'Whilst I know that this will be an incredible challenge for me, it will also be a great experience. I have so enjoyed completing this ride for the last three years, I just had to do it again! Please can you help me exceed the £1,245 I raised last year with your tremendous support and sponsorship.'

You can make a difference by sponsoring Janine. Your gift will be hugely appreciated. To make a donation send a cheque made payable to Norwood or ring tel. 020-8420 6944 and donate over the phone with a credit or debit card. Alternatively, visit Janine's web page on www.justgiving.com/janineharvey2006 to make a donation online. This was very successful last year - and thanks for all your comments! Also of course, you can see her at shows between now and July 16, and just throw your money at her!

Why not join Janine on the ride? You can find out more information and register by clicking on www.capitaltocoast.org.uk or by calling tel. 020-8420 6944. It's only £20 for the 60 mile ride from London to Hove or £15 for the 30 mile ride, if you register before the event.

60 Weave Challenge for Charity

Karen Stanbrook is raising money for the Meningitis Research Foundation by organising a Guinness World Record 60 Weave Challenge at the Wallingford Agility Show.

The format for Saturday, 22 April  is for handlers to have two timed attempts at the 60 weaves for a donation of, at least, £4 between 1.00 - 3.30pm.  The fastest three Small dogs and the fastest three Medium dogs will be invited back to try for the record attempt at 4.30pm.  You will have two goes at the record. The fastest Small and the fastest Medium times will be submitted to Guinness to establish new world records, so do have a go.

On Sunday, 23 April  the format will be similar. Between 9am and 12.00noon, handlers will be able to have two timed attempts at the weaves, again for a donation of at least £4 to the Meningitis Research Foundation. The fastest six dogs will be invited for the record attempt at 1.00pm.

Even if you haven't entered the show, you can try the 60 Weave challenge by entering your dog(s) NFC (not for Competition) in the show. Just email Wallingford Show Secretary Jacky Hutchinson on  jacian@ntlworld.com with your details.

Wallingford would like to thank First Contact for providing the weaves and Taryntimers for providing the timing as well as those who are judging the attempt. Thank you to everyone else who has donated items that will be used as small gifts for the top 'weavers' and for the raffle and tombola.

Contributions the tombola will be gratefully received. Please bring them to the tombola stand (near the trade stands) at the beginning of each day.

Reneé's Race for Life

Across the Arctic for Charity

Hi everybody!

To all of you who have sponsored me for my upcoming 'Husky Trek' in Norway in less than three weeks time now! Thank you.

I am very excited about doing this arctic dog sledding expedition, hopefully enjoying this 'cool' adventure, whilst at the same time raising money for The Blue Cross. I have raised about £5,500 at this moment in time and am planning to beat the 6k mark. I have got my thermals and wet wipes ready, together with lots of other stuff I need out there.

I will be travelling about 250 km in five days, in the very northern tip of Norway, at temperatures of -5 to -35 degrees Centigrade! I will be looking after my own team of four Siberian Husky Dogs for the whole week. We will be sleeping in very basic cabins and might get to see the Northern Lights!

I would like to ask those of you who haven't yet sponsored me if you can spare a small amount of money - anything will help - to help me raise further funds for this fantastic charity. The Blue Cross has 11 small animal adoption centres in the UK, caring for 6,000 pets a year, and four small animal hospitals, seeing 80,000 cases a year, as well as two equine adoption centres. Their costs amount to £11.5 million per year!

If you feel you can help, please send a cheque, made out to 'The Blue Cross', to the address below, or donate some money on-line, via the web site below!

Thank you very much.

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