An Update

An Update

When we saw the headline in the Press and Journal saying “Charity to sell off animal sanctuary” we were a bit shocked and saddened that our efforts to keep Tia going into our second quarter century had been summarised in this way. Then we thought that the best way to respond was to give you more background, which we hope you will appreciate.

The first thing we have to say is that we are not closing down the charity! In fact, we are strengthening our ability to keep going into the future. The only reason we do what we do is that we love our animals and want to keep helping them as much as we can. Selling our current location is just one part of the story, and here is the rest…..

Like many animal charities, for decades we have run a model where we have a fixed rescue centre staffed by paid staff with the assistance of volunteers. This, for us and many similar charities, was funded for years by a mix of charity shops; donations; bequests; and “tin-rattling” fund raising. Post Covid, the world was quite different. Our income halved whilst our expenses began to creep up. To add to this, we had less volunteer time and staff costs have continued to rise above inflation.

In the last few years, and especially since Covid, difficulties in recruiting staff and in getting volunteers has meant that we have struggled to house as many greyhounds as we had hoped, resulting in our rescue centre being under-utilised and a new way of working has emerged, rehoming directly from the trainers.

Fast-forward to 2026 and we have decided to sell our present site and use the proceeds to secure a smaller property better suited to our rehoming work. We will also be collaborating with partner locations across Britain where we can assist animals across the country to be housed, assessed and then re-homed with a new forever family. Hand in hand with this, we intend to continue operating our current site under a lease arrangement, enabling us to provide sanctuary for animals which, through illness or age, cannot be re-homed. The funds released through the sale will be put back 100% into supporting our work.

Are we sad about these changes? Of course we are; we had made long-term plans and done much to make them work but, as President Clinton was quoted: “It’s the economy, stupid!” All charities rely on getting the balance between income and outgoings right. It is never easy. Income can fluctuate significantly from month to month and bills can do the same (although they rarely seem to go down!). We could have tried to go on with our present model and slowly slipped into a financial position from which we could not recover, or taken positive action to ensure the survival of Tia Rescue and, more importantly, our work in rescuing, caring for and re-homing our wonderful animals.

So how to summarise? Tia is alive and well and is preparing to keep going. Although it is sad that we are having to change how we operate our site in Nairn, it is going to help us, and especially all the animals that we love, to have a safe and happy future.

If you or any of your friends and family want to help us further, please donate to our emergency appeal here.

Recent News (29th May – 4th June)

Recent News (29th May – 4th June)

Happy Hounds Auction

Thank you to everyone who donated prizes and to all those who joined in and supported the event.

Together, the auction raised £396 for the greyhounds in our care, once all payments have been received. Every pound raised helps us continue to provide the care, support and rehabilitation that rescued greyhounds need while they wait for their forever homes.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the auction such a success.

Dogs looking for homes…

Jack

Jack is a gorgeous lad who is approaching his sixth birthday. He is described by his trainer as “one of those special dogs whose personality instantly wins people over”.

Affectionate and gentle, Jack is happiest when he is close to his humans and enjoys spending time in good company. He is more than ready to experience the comforts of home and begin the next chapter of his life.

Jack is looking for a home with plenty of walks, time to snooze and, most importantly, lots of cuddles.

Logan

A striking and handsome boy, Logan is an absolute pleasure to be around. He has perfect manners, is comfortable with both men and women, and has always behaved sensibly around children.

Logan has an affectionate and easy-going nature and is expected to transition easily into his new life. Turning five in June, he is looking forward to finding a family to make a fuss of him and, of course, provide the occasional pig’s ear.

A wonderful all-round hound, Logan is ready to find a family to call his own.

Rodney

Rodney is a strapping four-year-old lad who has spent the past five months in foster, so he is well used to being part of a family and living in a home. House-trained and responsive to his name, Rodney is an inquisitive boy who likes to be involved in everything and is always keen to see what is going on around him.

He enjoys having a good sniff on his walks, snoozing on his bed and, like many greyhounds, loves his food. Rodney also travels well in the car, happily jumping in by himself and settling down for the journey.

Rodney has so much potential and would thrive with experienced adopters who are around most of the time, ideally as an only dog with a secure garden to explore.

Dude

Wow, wow, wow! This is one seriously good-looking Dude. Gorgeous, bubbly and full of beans, he is certain to turn a few heads wherever he goes.

Dude is not just a pretty face either, with 15 wins under his belt showing that he has plenty of talent to match his looks. Exuberant and energetic, he is not quite ready for a quiet retirement and would love an active home filled with adventure.

With places to go, people to see and things to do, Dude is looking for humans who can match his energy and zest for life.

Slick

Three-year-old Slick is a stunning blue boy who is described as “a true gentleman both on and off the track”. With his calm and affectionate nature, Slick loves human interaction and thrives on love and attention.

Slick is expected to adapt quickly to the routine and comforts of a home environment. His easy-going temperament and affectionate personality will make him a wonderful companion and a great family pet.

A handsome and lovable boy, Slick is ready to find a home of his own.

May

May is an absolute sweetheart. Gentle and affectionate, she is a joy to be around and forms strong bonds with those who care for her.

Turning four this month, May is as elegant as she is graceful. With patience, comfort and a consistent routine, she should settle easily into her new home and family.

May would love to find a family to give her all the love and pampering she deserves.


If you think you can offer a Tia dog a home – permanent or foster – please get in touch at rehoming@tia-rescue.org. Please remember to leave your phone number in the email!

We request a minimum donation of £350 to adopt a Tia hound.

Container for sale

A beautiful converted container is currently for sale at the farm. Fully insulated and water-tight, it has recently been fitted with new electrics and offers a versatile, ready-to-use space.

The container is equipped with a hot water boiler, shower pod, toilet and kitchen facilities. Measuring 32ft long, 10ft wide and 8ft high, it provides generous internal space for a variety of uses.

The asking price is £7,000 ono. Contact Deb on 07974 960 684.

Happy Birthday to sponsor dog Lana

And finally this week… our lovely Lana celebrated her 14th birthday this week. Known by her racing name, Force of nature, Lana was born on 3rd June 2012 and came to Tia when she was just over two years old, after her trainer became sick of trying to catch her at the end of races.

Back then, she was a very, very nervous girl, but she has never looked back since. We’ve lost track of how many husbands she has outlived over the years, with Jones, Harper, Terence, Woody, Uriah and Tarzan just a few that we can remember.

Although she has been struggling for a while, Lana still does zoomies in the garden every day and has never been any bother.

Recent News (22nd – 28th May)

Recent News (22nd – 28th May)

“Happy Hounds Flash Mini Auction” – starts today!

The Happy Hounds Flash Mini Auction begins at 7pm today, 29th May, on the main Tia Facebook page. The auction will run through until Sunday 31st May at 7.00pm, with plenty of fantastic goodies for everyone who adores all things hound.

Funds raised through the auction will help provide dogs in our care with the love, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, good food and safe surroundings they need. Every bid placed helps support the ongoing care and recovery of rescued hounds.

We hope supporters will join us over the weekend, have a browse and place a bid to help the dogs in Tia’s care.

Upcoming shows

Thank you to everyone who came to the Tia Stall at Carlton Towers last Sunday. It was a scorcher!

Preparations are well underway for our two ‘30 Years of Tia Rescue’ Fun Dog Shows taking place in Nairn on 2nd August and Halifax on 30th August.

We are seeking volunteers to assist with areas such as the tombolas, raffle and other stall activities throughout the events. Stalls are also still available for a minimum donation of £25, and while food, cakes and dog treats are not required for the Halifax show, crafts, honey, jams and other items would be very welcome and do not need to be dog-related.

If you would like to help or book a stall at either event, please get in touch by email at info@tia-rescue.org

Lola

Lola has now been reunited with her man, Rami, one of the canal dogs, after spending the past eight weeks at Tia. Following paralysis, Lola received lots of TLC, care and rehabilitation during her time with us.

Her progress has been wonderful to see, and everyone has been so proud of how far she has come. Lola has shown great strength throughout her recovery and has been a very good girl every step of the way.

We are going to miss you very much, Lola.

Dogs for Rehoming – Cian

Cian is another black boy who has been waiting a very long time for a home. He last raced over three years ago, in October 2022, and has been waiting ever since without even a smidgen of interest.

These black boys have so much to offer, and it is such a shame to see them overlooked time and time again. Cian is a beautiful five-year-old boy with the softest fur and a very happy, waggy tail.

He walks well on his lead, is an affectionate lad who loves to lean against you, and would desperately love to find a family and home to call his own.

Dogs for Rehoming – Romeo

Gorgeous Romeo is long overdue a home, and his foster family describe him as “such a lovely lad” with a calm, laid back nature that would fit into most families. Romeo is a confident and happy four-year-old who loves a fuss and is always excited to meet new people.

He walks beautifully on his lead, settles well into home life and sleeps through the night downstairs until 7am. Romeo enjoys his squeaky toys, is clean in the house, can be left happily for a few hours and lives well alongside another male hound.

A fabulous boy with so much love to give, Romeo would make a wonderful addition to someone’s family.

Dogs for Rehoming – Damaine

Isn’t she lovely? Damaine is a bright, cheerful greyhound who greets the world with a wagging tail and beaming smile. She is gentle, affectionate and absolutely adores attention.

In the words of the kennel staff who look after her, “Damaine is a happy, loving girl with a heart full of joy.”

A truly special girl, Damaine is ready to find a home of her own.

Damaine is one of six beautiful new hounds, alongside Jack, Herbert, Slick, Sydney, and May. Over the coming weeks, we look forward to sharing more about their personalities and beginning their journeys towards loving forever homes.

Dogs for Rehoming – Driller

Gorgeous Driller will be five next month and would love nothing more than to be in a home for his birthday. He is an easy-going, laid back boy with excellent manners who is an absolute joy to walk.

Driller enjoys attention and is very comfortable around people, including children. The kennel staff who care for him describe him as “a gentle soul with a calm heart and easy nature”.

A lovely boy with so much to offer, Driller is ready to find a family to call his own.

If you think you could offer a home to a Tia dog – permanent or foster – please get in touch at rehoming@tia-rescue.org. Please remember to leave your phone number in the email!

We request a minimum donation of £350 to adopt a Tia dog.

Hoopers

Hoopers is a dog sport with several different organisations across the UK, Europe and America. It differs from agility as it is kinder on both dogs and people, with handlers sending dogs around a course of hoops and obstacles rather than running alongside them.

The sport focuses on control and accuracy through the hoops and equipment rather than speed, and this particular competition was run under BK9 rules. Beginners start at K1 level with 30 points and lose 10 points for each error, progressing through the levels all the way up to Super Champ.

This weekend competitors gathered at Tia with their caravans and motorhomes, and we would like to say a huge thank you for the amazing raffle prizes they donated.

Read more about Hoopers here

Yard Staff Needed

We are currently looking for a new member of staff to work on the yard. The role will involve general yard duties and helping with the day-to-day running of the rescue.

The position is available from Tuesday to Saturday, with hours negotiable, although the successful applicant must be able to start at 8am each day. Previous experience and own transport are essential for this role.

If you are interested in the position, please get in touch for more information.

And finally…

Our Norman…

Recent News (15th – 21st May)

Recent News (15th – 21st May)

Carlton Towers Outdoor Market – this weekend!

This Sunday we will be fundraising at Carlton Towers Outdoor Market (DN14 9LZ) from 10am to 4pm, alongside a variety of craft and local produce stalls.

There will also be a bar, BBQ, tearoom and woodfired pizzas, or you can bring a picnic. Dogs on leads are welcome and entry is £2.50 per person, with free entry for under 12s.

Please note that this is a 2 day event, but we will be there on the Sunday only.

Kennel staff needed

Part time member of staff needed to work in the kennels. The hours are 8am to 11am, Monday to Friday, and minimum wage applies.

Own transport is essential. We currently have 12 old dogs here and duties include cleaning the kennels, paddock maintenance such as poo picking and filling in holes, preparing feeds, and most importantly, lots of cuddles.

Please contact deb@tia-rescue.org for more information.

Dogs for rehoming – Dreamer

Dreamer will be 4 next month and is a quiet, thoughtful boy. He walks nicely on his lead and likes to lean against you.

He’s a reserved sort who keeps himself to himself, with no drama or fuss. He came across a forklift on his walk and he remained calm and unfazed.

Dreamer’s racing name is Maybe Dreaming, but there’s no “maybe” about it – this boy is most definitely dreaming about his new home and family, and he just needs someone to give him a shot.

Recently rehomed – Nigel

When their beloved Melvyn passed away a few months ago, there was no doubt that when the time was right, his Mum and Dad would open their hearts to another big, black boy. The right time has now come and Foxrock Brew, now Nigel, is one very lucky boy.

He is already much loved and has marshalled at his first running event, taking all the clapping and cheering at the finish line in his stride. And yes, obviously all the clapping and cheering was for you Nigel, for being such a brilliant boy!

These black boys wait such a long time to be adopted, so it’s lovely to see another finally home.

We still have lots of beautiful boys waiting for their chance. Please visit our rehoming page and email rehoming@tia-rescue.org if you can help. Please leave your phone number in the email!

We request a minimum donation of £350 to adopt a Tia hound.

 

Lola

And finally this week, Lola… just over 7 weeks ago she was paralysed.

But now, after lots of TLC (the short version) she is going home this weekend.

Recent News (8th – 14th May)

Recent News (8th – 14th May)

Emergency Appeal

This year is our charity’s 30th anniversary, but instead of celebrating, we are facing one of the hardest times we’ve ever known.

Despite numerous pleas, we are now at crisis point.

At the moment we have no dogs here for rehoming. We have 14 dogs on site, as well as the horses, 4 goats, 2 sheep and 2 cats, and we will do our very best to look after them all. In recent weeks, our bills have spiralled to over £100,000.

The charity is NOT giving up. But we urgently need help to keep going.

To mark our 30th anniversary, we are launching this Emergency Appeal to help secure the future of the charity and the animals in our care. Please help in any way you can – whether donating, sharing this appeal, volunteering, sponsoring, or supporting us however you are able. Every bit makes a difference.

Click here to donate to the appeal via JustGiving

As always, thank you.

Tia Dog Shows in August

The 4th Dog Show in Nairn will take place on Sunday 2nd August, celebrating Tia’s 30th year, and another show will be held in Halifax on Sunday 30th August.

Stall bookings are open, and tombola donations – including dog-related items – are welcome. Get int touch at info@tia-rescue.org to book a stall or donate.

Fundraising Page

Are you following our fundraising page here?

We will be updating this page with items for sale in the shop and via our online shop soon. Keep your eyes peeled!

Maple

Dear Deb,

Twelve years ago, a small emaciated ten month old lurcher arrived at Tia with two other dogs. That day was Pancake Day, and for this reason, your team named the pups Maple, Syrup and Pancake.

Me and my bf at the time came to the kennel a month after, and as soon as we met Maple, I thought she would be the perfect first dog for us: young, happy, sociable, small enough. Apart from the size (who knew that puppies grew?), I was completely right. Maple has been a wonderful companion. Loyal, delicate, sensitive , cuddly and overall amazing. Maple followed me across various house moves and even across countries, when we relocated to Italy almost six years ago. Maple really was special, not just to me but many other people, friends and family alike who were touched by her beautiful and gentle personality.

I took her on various trips, went on beautiful hikes, we swam together in lakes and seas, and in her last year, we learned together to slow down and appreciate the quiet moments just the two of us. Maple crossed the rainbow last week, almost 12 years to the day from when we first met. She was in her 13th year. She taught me discipline and responsibility, and she made my life overall more meaningful.

Thank you Deb and to your team for giving me the opportunity to have those amazing times with Maple. I know that it must be disheartening to see so many dogs without a home, but for those who came to you and found a family, know that they are much loved.

Best,
Marion

What a truly wonderful life Maple had.

If you are touched by her story and can offer one of our beautiful hounds a home, please get in touch at rehoming@tia-rescue.org. Please remember to leave your phone number in the email.

And finally…

Tea time at Tia Rescue this week…

and, Joey and Tom, loving life

Just gorgeous.

Recent News (1st – 7th May)

Recent News (1st – 7th May)

Knaresborough Show

A few photos from Knaresborough Pets Day on Monday.

Thank you to everyone that came; it was a lovely day. Our next stall will be at Carlton Towers Market on Sunday 24th May.

Rehoming

Dogs looking for a home – Blackout

Blackout is a super friendly boy who loves attention and walks nicely and calmly on his lead.

He thoroughly enjoys his walks, constantly wagging his tail, and settled quietly in the van whilst waiting for his turn, and was unfazed when he saw a forklift truck (!)

A happy, sunny, straightforward boy with his whole life ahead of him, as he’s not yet turned 3.

Dogs looking for a home – Drill

A super white and brindle boy, Drill, as he is affectionately known, is very friendly and people orientated.

He’s a lovely boy to walk, has the loveliest long and pointy face, and, in the words of our volunteer, is just adorable.

He’ll soon be 5 and is very much in need of his forever home.

These are just two of the Tia dogs who are looking for a home – you can learn about the others here. If you are interested in offering one a home – permanent or foster – please get in touch at rehoming@tia-rescue.org. Please remember to leave your phone number in the email!

We request a minimum donation of £350 to adopt a Tia hound.

Dogs looking for a home – Maddie

Lovely Maddie (Matilda) is an 11-month-old Lurcher pup, originally from Cyprus and currently in foster in Elgin. She will be 1 in June and is looking for her forever home.

Maddie loves people and is super cuddly. She is great with other dogs and, if anything, can be quite submissive. She could happily live with another dog or as an only dog with plenty of human company.

Maddie is cat friendly, having spent the first 7 months of her life growing up with them. She hasn’t lived with children but has been fine with everyone she has met on walks. A home with sensible, older children would be considered.

Maddie has been as good as gold when left for a few hours in the company of another hound, but as a young pup she wouldn’t want to be left for long periods on her own.

She has so much love to give and just needs to find her special people. Maddie is not a Tia dog but is under the care of Paws 4 Home Foundation.

If you are interested in offering this stunning girl a home, please get in touch at rehoming@tia-rescue.org and the team will arrange to pass your details on. Please remember to leave your phone number in the email!

Recently rehomed – Elunico

Beautiful Elunico headed off to her new home on Bank Holiday Monday.

This very lucky lady has gone to live with one of our long-term supporters and volunteers and has Tia hounds, Cedric and Danu, for company.

From what we hear, she’s already settling in like a dream – be happy, gorgeous girl!

Nairn Show

We are having our 4th Dog Show at the farm on Sunday 2nd August, celebrating Tia’s 30th year.

If anyone has anything we can use for a tombola, please pop it in – absolutely anything will do, including dog stuff.

Stall holders, please get in touch @ info@tia-rescue.org.

And finally…

A busy morning on the yard earlier this week: Tom had new shoes fitted, as did his mom RoseMary.

Annabelle, Sydney, and RoseMary also had dentals, and Annabelle and Sydney were clipped out; all have their health issues but are spoilt and loved.

Thanks to Joke the vet, Jay the farrier, and Charlotte, freelance groom – a job well done.