Second time lucky...

Valgrays Dog of the Year

Another year has come and gone and Valgrays Dog of the Year presentation is upon us once again. During the past year, Valgrays has re-homed many many collies and other breeds. Some have gone to pet homes. Others have gone to agility, obedience and/or flyball homes. Three have gone to farm homes. Four have gone into Police duty, passive drugs/explosives. All have passed with flying colours.

The dog of the Year Awards are traditionally presented at the Wallingford show. The results this year were:-

No Junior wins nor Grade 1 or 2 were submitted.

The Valgrays DOTY presentation is always a good time to look back at the year and say thank you to all the people who have supported Valgrays BC Rescue. For example, last November was the big launch of the new Valgrays web site which is being handled by Shirley Budgen, so a big thank you to Shirley for all the hard work she puts into this site.

Valgrays is always trying to raise funds and this year they have raffle tickets available at a £1 each in books of 20, There is only one prize which is a £200.00 oil painting of your pet. Details are on the web site. if you feel you would like to sell some books, please contact Shirley or Val.  Perhaps your Club would like a couple of books, friends at work, etc. The prize draw will be later in the year so you have plenty of time.

Thank you from Val
Running a rescue centre is always hard work. You have your ups and downs and you see some wonderful dogs go out to new homes and spend the rest of their happy days in a loving family. Val Philipps would like to say thank you very much to all the people who help - the drivers, the fosters and even the poo picker uppers! Also the walkers, all the folk who donate collars, leads and beds etc.

Eukanuba (Iams) has been a wonderful support, proving a constant supply of dog food. And finally thank you to Agility Eye for the results of Valgrays Dog of the Year.  To Ellen Rocco of Agilitynet who must love me so much with my phone calls about putting dogs on her Rescue Page. Not forgetting Agility Voice for putting adverts in the magazine.  Last but not least thank you to Wallingford for letting Valgrays do the presentation of this event. But the biggest thank you goes to all the adoptive owners for taking on a Valgray dog.

Happy April Fool's Day

Keith needs a new home.
Comes with own bed. Clean indoors. Loves the bitches.
Ogles the TV. Can be protective over his channel changer. Te he.
Photo: Val Philips

Keith no longer needs a new home. Val Philips has informed Agilitynet that she's had lots of offers from 'desperate' women out there wanting to give the poor soul a home, but she has decided to keep him!

Seriously though, it was done as as April Fool's Day but it turned out so funny that Val wanted to share some of the emails that she received.

• Does he come back when called?

• Will he be good if he meets other males?

• Is he a fussy eater?

• Does he eventually give back the channel changer?

• Is he good in car?

• Does he mind being left alone?

• Is he faithful?

• Do the PJs come with him?

• As he is after the bitches, would it not be best to castrate...

• many more

Keith laughed so much. He did not know they were going to submit the photo. The bed was given to Val and Keith was showing his old dog Reg how to get in it. After al that Reg said, ' you can stuff it. He prefers the carpet.

John Burns Steps Up to Rescue Many Tears

As from 1 January 2008 one of Britain’s leading animal charities withdrew its supplement of spay and neuter funding to all small rescues in Wales. This meant that in Wales, where there are a huge amount of unwanted dogs, the small rescues were in trouble. Some will close this coming year others will not be able to fund the amount of dogs they use to.

Many Tears Animal Rescue, one organisation which is well known for rehoming dogs to agility handlers, took the initiative to fight for the dog's lives. Sylvia Van Atta, owner of Many Tears, says 'Believe to achieve.'  And she did. The only way she could see to keep open was to be able to reduce her vet bills by equipping her own veterinary surgery to enable her rescue to have low cost spays and neuters.

John Burns of Burns Pet Nutrition stepped forwards. He had already been providing food for the rescue and now has pledged out of the Burns Trust Fund an enormous £16,000.00  to enable staff to be paid so that the home can use their resources to continue to run. Doctor’s vets and nurses all over the UK have sent no longer used equipment for the surgery, and what’s still needed is being found and bought with funds raised by the Friends of Many Tears,

With more and more strays and unwanted dogs each year in Wales at least one small rescue, which take in and rehome over 1000 dogs a year can keep saving dogs.

Many Tears is run by Sylvia Van Atta (formerly Wragg) who is the founder of Last Chance Animal Rescue in Kent. For more information, contact Many Tears Animal Rescue, Cwmlogin House, Cefneithin, Llanelli SA14 7HB. Tel. 01269 843084. Email: sw.vanatta@virgin.net Web site: www.manytears.co.uk

Valgrays Goes On-Line

Valgrays Border Collie Rescue are now in the real world. Yes, they have a web site created by Shirley Budgen.

All the Valgrays Border Collie owners and, of course, the other breeds which have come via Valgrays are invited to send in their stories etc. to the Valgrays Club now. If you are a proud owner of a Valgrays why not add your picture, too. 

Valgrays Border Collie Rescue, based in Warlingham (Surrey)  is run by Val Phillips. It was established in 1978 and is a registered charity (number 1088503). For more information, ring tel. 01883 624513 or email valgrays@hotmail.co.uk  And, oh yes, visit the new web site http://www.freewebs.com/valgraysbcrescue/index.htm

Valgrays News and Results

Another year and Valgrays have even more Valgrays collies competing successfully. Since last years presentation in April 2006, they have rehomed 71 collies, most of which have gone to agility homes.

This year Valgrays has gone from strength to strength. March saw Val Win the Ladies Rescue Award at Crufts 2007, a recognition of all the dedication and hard work she has put in over the many years for our faithful friends the dogs.

This year Valgrays had a donation left by Pat Pleasants who sadly died. This has enabled them to update the charity van and renew kennels etc. a bonus for all the dogs including the residents which will stay there forever. As always, however, Valgrays needs foster homes, leads, collars, beds, food and funds so please just give a little to help.

Valgrays would like to take this opportunity to thank you to all for helping, supporting and homing the beautiful collies which come in all the time. You are providing wonderful loving homes for these dogs.  It is obvious that many folk are not bothered if the dog is a registered Border Collie or not nor do they worry if they cannot take them aboard to compete. It is the dog and not the pedigree which is important.

Valgrays Dog of the Year
Val Philips said, 'Last year we saw many more working sheepdogs chasing these awards. Well done to all the worthy winners of the Valgrays Dog of the Year Awards. You have all done Valgrays proud.'

The 2007 presentation will take place at the Wallingford DTC Agility Show on 22 April 2007.

Winners

Thank you to the Wallingford Committee for allowing Valgrays to make the presentation at the show

For the new season awards, it has been decided that a Valgrays dog can only enter into one category, so handlers must choose which one they wish to send in their points in for.

For moe for information contact Val Philips at The Horseshoes, 33 Crewes Lane, Warlingham, Surrey. Tel. 01883-624513 or  email; valgrays@hotmail.co.uk

 First ‘Ladies Who Rescue’ Award Presented at Crufts

Trover ® Enterprises Ltd and Animal Friends Insurance (AFI) were delighted to have presented their first ‘Ladies That Rescue’ award at Crufts,, celebrating and recognising the positive work achieved by women in rescue. The presentation took place on Trover® Coat’s UK distributor’s stand  Country Mun on  Friday, 9 March. AFI Founder  MD, Elaine Fairfax,  and  Obedience and Freestyle expert, Donelda Guy, presented the £500.00 prize to the winner Val Philips of Valgrays Border Collie Rescue. She was accompanied by Red, one of her rescue dogs who was proudly wearing his bespoke Trover® Coat in style.

The runner up Jacquie Neilson of Rain Rescue received a Bootsuit, presented by Tim Valentine, MD of Bootsuit.

The Award was set up in response to staggering figures that reveal that 101, 586 stray dogs were found in the UK last year and that 7, 743 dogs were destroyed for want of a home, Trover ® and Animal Friends Insurance were keen to acknowledge the valuable rescue work achieved by women volunteers – without which these figures would be higher.

Inundated with entries all of which were extremely worthy, it is the aim to make this an annual competition, which will heighten awareness for women in rescue and the on-going recognition that they deserve.

Winner Val Philips said, 'I am deeply moved to have received such an honourable award. It is a great thing that people have at last begun to acknowledge the work done by so many women who give up their lives rescuing and caring for abused and abandoned dogs. The prize money will go back into Valgrays to help provide for more border collies in the future.'

Elaine Fairfax commented, 'It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Jane Aireton and Toni Cherrett of Trover®. Together we hope to make others aware that literally hundreds of women, often single handed, contribute to helping animals in need, through their generosity of spirit and genuine love of creatures who don’t have a voice.'

Jane Aireton of Trover ® Enterprises Ltd added, 'We have been deeply moved by the women who have entered the ‘Ladies That Rescue’ competition. Their heartbreaking stories, which tell of 150% commitment, compassion and care for animals, whilst fighting for funds and working against incredible odds, are inspiring and deserve to be told.'

Products from Trover and Country Mun can be found on Agility Warehouse

Wiccaweys Good News Update

Trover & Animal Friends Insurance Present First ‘Ladies That Rescue’ Award at Crufts

Trover ® Enterprises Ltd and Animal Friends Insurance are delighted to be presenting their first ‘Ladies That Rescue’ award at Crufts to Val Philips of  Valgrays Border Collie Rescue. Animal Friends Insurance Founder  MD, Elaine Fairfax and Agility and Obedience expert Donelda Guy will present the £500.00 prize to the winner. Val will be accompanied by Red, one of her rescue dogs who will be proudly wearing his bespoke Trover® Coat in style. The runner up, Jacquie Neilson of Rain Rescue, will receive a Bootsuit, presented by Tim Valentine, MD of Bootsuit.

Celebrating and recognising the positive work achieved by women in rescue, this Award was conceived in response to staggering figures that reveal that 101, 586 stray dogs were found in the UK last year and that  7, 743 dogs were destroyed for want of a home. Trover ® and Animal Friends Insurance are keen to acknowledge the valuable rescue work achieved by women volunteers without whom these figures would be higher.

Inundated with entries all of which were extremely worthy, it is the aim to make this an annual competition, which will heighten awareness for women in rescue and the on-going recognition that they deserve.

The presentation will take place on Trover® Coat’s UK distributor’s stand Country Mun, Stand no: 142 - Hall 2 , on Friday, 9 March at 2.15 pm.

Elaine Fairfax commented. 'It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Jane Aireton and Toni Cherrett of Trover®. Together we hope to make others aware that literally hundreds of women, often single handed, contribute to helping animals in need, through their generosity of spirit and genuine love of creatures who don’t have a voice.'

Jane Aireton of Trover ® Enterprises Ltd added, 'We have been deeply moved by the women who have entered the ‘Ladies That Rescue’ competition. Their heartbreaking stories, which tell of 150% commitment, compassion and care for animals, whilst fighting for funds and working against incredible odds, are inspiring and deserve to be told.'

We’re delighted to be staging the ‘Ladies That Rescue’ award on our stand. It is important to support and contribute positively to the canine world. Trover’s  approach is refreshing and we’re only too pleased to help raise awareness of the valuable rescue work both Val Philips and Jacquie Neilson have achieved,' enthused Country Mun’s MD, Irvin Werrett.

Wiccaweys Needs Rehoming

Once again Wiccaweys, the rescue organisation that rehomed more than 300 collies last year, is under threat . 18 months ago they were faced with closure when their landlord wanted to redevelop the property they were in. Happily, they were able to find new accommodation in Warwickshire where they were told that they did not need planning permission to move in.

Wiccaweys has since heard that they have been refused a change of use planning permission at their present location, despite having the complete support of their landlords, supporters and volunteers as well as various rescue organisations across the country including the Blue Cross. The Council's Planning Enforcement Officer was supposed to come around on the 9 February to issue Wiccaweys with an enforcement notice but cancelled at the last minute due to illness. 

After they do issue the Enforcement Notice, no rescue dogs will be allowed on the premises. Nor will anyone be allowed to come to adopt  a dog. Even foster carers will not be able to meet their foster dogs. Wiccaweys will not be allowed to rescue, rehabilitate or rehome any dogs whatsoever. While Sarah and Paul at Wiccaweys are appealing this decision in order to 'buy themselves time' but they have been told that they won't win it. They have to find another property. And soon.

What can you do?
Most importantly you can look out for suitable properties.

You can also help raise funds by joining the Friends of Wiccaweys donation scheme. This can be done via standing order - please email, phone or write for a form  - or on-line via PayPal, See the Wiccaweys website for details. Donations are gratefully accepted.

If you would like to volunteer for fostering one of the dogs, please contact Alexa Gordon, the Wiccaweys Fosterers Co-ordinator on alexa_gordon@yahoo.co.uk

For more information contact Sarah Carey and Paul GIll at CLifton Cottage, Dunsmore Stud Farm, A5 Watling Street, Clifton upon Dunsmore, Warks CV23 0AQ. Tel. 07905 203254 or email wiccaweys@aol.com

Wiccaweys Autumn Show Scheduled for September

The Wiccaweys Autumn Show will take place on Sunday, 10 September near the village of Welton, Northamptonshire, with a Fun Agility or Jumping competition for Wiccaweys Agility Dogs, judged by Pauline Barr.  Any Wiccaweys dog currently competing, or attending agility classes can have a go. It will not be open to dogs who have never done agility before. There will also be a 'Have A Go' Agility course s well as a 'Have A Go' Flyball for beginners, depending on trainers available, open to any dogs, not just Wiccaweys dogs.

'It is just a bit of fun, but with a little trophy for the winner,' said Sarah from Wiccaweys.

There will be a displays of Border Collie activities. Confirmed already is an Obedience display, Flyball display/competition by two teams, Fire Service Search & Rescue display and an agility display as well as a demo by the Northants DTC Demonstration Team, consisting of up to 20 dogs of various breeds, including rescued dogs, collies, greyhounds. In addition, the organisers hope to have a Heelwork to Music display, herding display (possibly ducks?).

In addition there will be a raffle, doggy games, sausage eating competition and musical mats and a Fun Dog Show with classes like Waggiest Tail, ) Best Pair, Cutest Puppy, Best Veteran (over 8 years), Special Dogs (dogs with disabilities), Owner Most Like It’s Dog, Snoggiest Dog (lickiest kissiest dog), Best Rescue Dog (any variety), Best Rescue Bitch (any variety), Best Child / Dog Combo, Most Appealing Eyes, Best Wiccaweys Dog (boys rehomed by Wiccaweys only), Best Wiccaweys Bitch (girls rehomed by Wiccaweys only), Fancy Dress and Best In Show.

The Wiccaweys Stall will be there, selling there wares and they hope to have other rescues from across the country and stalls attending, with lots of goodies - handmade collars, posh beds etc, TT stand, Reiki, Clicker Training, Arden Grange Stand, Dog Lost, The Oldies Club. Refreshments and a BBQ will be available. Camping is available on the Saturday night for those travelling a distance. If we have a few folks overnighting, there will be a BBQ-shin-dig on Saturday evening.

A reporter from Our Dogs will be present.

The show venue is just off the A361, about 15mins from Wiccs HQ and about 20 minutes from the M1, M6, A14 meeting point. Show will open at 10.00am and finish at around 4.00pm. If anyone can help out with, or knows anyone who can help out with, the below, we would be very grateful. If you have an enquiries about the show, please ring Sarah or Paul on tel. 07905 203254

Wiccaweys Agility Dogs

Wiccaweys Rescued Border Collies & Working Sheepdogs is updating its web site and has created a section especially for the Wiccs dogs who compete at agility. If you would like to have your Wiccaweys dog featured in the section, please send a photo of your dog, with details of their KC name, your name, what level they are competing at, what club you belong too and any other achievements/wins you are particularly proud of to Sarah and Paul at Wiccaweys@aol.com

Calling All Career Canines!
Take Your Dog to Work

With Britons working the longest hours in Europe, Take Your Dog to Work Day, taking place on 19 September, gives the country’s workforce an opportunity to experience what dog owners have always known - that pets can have positive effect on the mental and physical wellbeing of people around them.

Over the past 11 years of Take Your Dog To Work Day, tens of thousands of career canines and their owners have gone to work in offices, shops, hospitals and schools across the UK. Such are the health benefits of having pets in the work place that workers in the health and well-being industries been some of the most likely to take part in the national charity event.

Take Your Dog To Work Day helps The Blue Cross encourage responsible dog ownership and raise funds for the charity’s work with needy animals. By highlighting the social nature of dogs, The Blue Cross hopes that Take Your Dog to Work Day will encourage people not to leave their dogs alone at home for prolonged periods.

Take Your Dog To Work Day 2006 is sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition Ltd. For more information or to take part in Take Your Dog To Work Day visit The Blue Cross website at www.bluecross.org.uk . Visitors will also find information on health and safety advice on taking dogs into the work place and to how to make the day enjoyable to dogs and colleagues alike.

Valgrays Rescue Dogs of the Year 2006

The presentation for the Valgrays Dog of the Year took place once gain at the Wallingford DTC open agility show at Newbury.  As you all know Valgrays Border Collie Rescue play a very big part in homing the many collies we have in rescue to you agility folk..

Val Philips said, 'Here we are again, another year gone. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Wallingford DTC for having us at this lovely show and venue and for making time for our presentation again and the biggest thanks to all of you who have so kindly taken on a Valgrays Rescue Dog. My last thanks is to Chris Park and Agility Eye for Complying the results for this competition.'

And so onto the results:-

2006 Results

Unfortunately Diane could not attend so no pic.

Sunday was a very special day for George and Phydeaux of Valgray, lovingly known as Basil. Val Philipps presented them with a Special award as Basil is retiring from agility.  For many years he has graced our agility rings and many times has won the Valgrays Dog of the Year. 

'Basil has had a fab life with the Hildersley family, said Val 'and I had much pride in awarding both George and Basil a lovely memento.  I can assure you their was no dry eyes. Next season we have many new collies who will be chasing these trophies so watch out.'

Good News for Wiccaweys

Wiccaweys has a new home. With less than a month to go, they've found somewhere suitable where the new landlords are really excited about the rescue work they do.

Their new place in Warwickshire has 4.5 acres, so there are stacks of space for the dogs to learn to enjoy life again. The landlords are also really happy for Sarah and Paul to run events, workshops, training etc. It is about only 30 minutes from their old place which means they can stay with their wonderful vet, 'Auntie' Jackie!

The new Wiccaweys HQ is based at Clifton upon Dunsmore, close to Rugby, so great transport links  (M1, M6 & A14) for both the rescue and visitors. The new address is:-

Valgray’s Dog of the Year 2005

The presentation of algray’s Dog of the Year 2005 took place at the Wallingford Agility Show on Sunday, 24 April in the most lovely sunshine. The trophies were presented at 1:00pm by Val Phillips, founder of Valgray’s Border Collie & Animal Rescue.

Val was, once again, delighted to present the Valgray’s awards and was so pleased to see the winners there as well as many supporters and friends who all have 'Valgray’s' rescues.

She gave the winners a heartfelt thank you and well done as well as a warning to each one of them. 'There are a lot of Valgray’s owners out there, she said, 'and they are looking to take those trophies away from you so keep up the good work !

Valgray’s Border Collie and Animal Rescue started in 1978 and has, over the years, become respected as one of the most successful rescue charities which caters for the very unique nature of the Border Collie and its close relatives. You just have to look around the Agility circuit to see just how many dogs with a Valgray’s name are competing with their new found families.

Val decided over the years to give something back to the new owners of the Valgray’s Rescue Dogs and so the Valgray’s Dog of the Year was born and is now a very coveted award to be won.

Congratulations to the winners

Thank you from Val
I would like to say thank you, from myself and also on behalf of Valgrays’ to Carol Hughes. She has worked so hard over the years to help us with our rescues and has taken so many herself. We will all miss her a great deal and hope that Carol, Michael and all of the dogs will enjoy their new adventure and that they will all be extremely happy (We will all have to pay a visit soon and you never know there may even be a Spanish Valgray’s Rescue soon!)

I would also like to extend my thanks to Wallingford Dog Training Club for, again, allowing the Valgray’s presentations to take part at their annual show and a special thank you to Carolyn for giving Bonnie a lovely home and becoming the owner of the latest Valgray’s Rescue.

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