It’s finally going ahead again – our new estate agents have visited, the farm is back on the market and we’re looking for new premises. We’re asking everyone to share this as far and wide as possible – you can view the estate agent’s brochure by clicking here and I’m sure you’ll agree the farm is looking stunning.
We’re ready to move on to the next phase of Tia’s journey.
DAY ELEVEN
Today started so well. Why a bit of dry newspaper on the kitchen floor causes the dragon to be so giddy and in such a good mood, I doubt I’ll ever understand. But hey – who’s complaining! As long as the newspaper is spread on the floor and not rolled up in her hand…
I did have a little blip this evening, but it was not really my fault as they did go out for a few hours and left us. I just couldn’t resist the rest of the packet of dates I found yesterday plus most of a packet of figs that was with them.
Dragon not happy when she came home to find the empty packets on the floor – I just wish I could remember to put incriminating evidence in the bin. It was her fault anyway, for not keeping comestibles in a Pim-proof cupboard. I suspect I might regret indulging in the morn. I hope the dragon has lost the rolled up newspaper.
Both Pim’s books are available directly from Tia via eBay, with all proceeds helping us rescue and support retired and abandoned greyhounds.
We are running out of things to pack, sell, store and reduce and the dogs are looking worried they may be next. Having drastically reduced the numbers, we have had to change the way we work and our rehoming page has been taken down for now.
We do have dogs for rehoming of course but please could potential adopters email the rehoming page with all your requirements and a contact number. Please do not ring/email the office or message on Facebook.
It is really hard to keep tabs on everything….
Thanks Deb
It’s a year since Stilton and Babybelle, 2 of the Sheffield 13, were rehomed. Sam has sent us an update on how they’re doing:
Stilly: no sign of his gum problem returning. His corn is easily managed by home rasping (hard skin foot file) and occasional vet paring. Same foot and toe as Bella! He is starting to get a bit doddery on his back legs, but it doesn’t seem to stop him running around the field full-pelt – a sight to behold. His digging gene is prominent with several sun-bathing holes now in the lawn.
Bella: has had significant corn problems and we (me and the vet) have tried lots of different approaches to solve the problem. She is now at a point where she isn’t getting any relief from paring and surgery has failed to make any difference. She is now constantly limping. She’s had one op to remove masses around her teats and needs another now to remove the teat and more mass development. I’ve asked the vet to look at taking off the toe with the corn at the same time.
Apart from their little niggles they are thoroughly enjoying the freedom they have and are absolutely treasured. They are well trained at getting me up from my desk for a break at pre-set times i.e. ‘tweety’ time! Which does seem to get earlier every day – nice try! They have both developed lots of fans ‘zoom bombing’ my frequent on-line meetings too.
Thanks Sam, it’s great to hear how they’re enjoying their new lives!
PIM: DAY TEN
I am certainly having a few bad days. I don’t know what’s so wrong with me standing on the table, or the cooker (to get to the grill) or eating half a block of dates for that matter. It’s not my fault Tom stepped in a big steaming pressie I left in his bedroom for him.
I do hope that rolled up newspaper is not on the menu tomorrow!
Both Pim’s books are available directly from Tia via eBay, with all proceeds helping us rescue and support retired and abandoned greyhounds.
Tia have been involved in the rescue business for almost 25 years, but cases still come along that completely surprise us. We had one today when Bronia called the office:
Bronia: Hi Christy, can you come and let me out?
Christy: Yeah sure, on my way
Presuming Bronia meant ‘let me out of the main gate’, Christy trundled off with the keys to be greeted by the following:
Lunatic…
PIM: DAY NINE
Today i got the pound of butter to go with the two loaves I had on Monday and the Christmas cake I had yesterday. I must be very special because of the three dogs here I’m the only one to be called a bloody ***king thing!
Wonder what’s on the menu tomorrow?
Both Pim’s books are available directly from Tia via eBay, with all proceeds helping us rescue and support retired and abandoned greyhounds.
It was over 18 months ago that we decided that the site in Doncaster was not the right place for the Charity. Lots of reasons, the main one being that our focus was taken away from the very heart of Tia. The greyhounds. The farm was put on the market but with everything that has been going on we decided to take it off and we are relaunching it in a few weeks.
We thought we had found the perfect place in Pickering, but we went over after all the rain and it was under water. So at least we didn’t buy that farm. We would have been in a terrible mess.
We have just managed to scrape through the pandemic, financially. But another few months and we would have started to worry, a lot. We are seriously looking forward to getting the shops open on the 12th April, they account for 60% of our income. It has been a ridiculously hard twelve months but we are still here. We have downsized the amount of dogs and horses that we have by about two thirds, so when we move it will be so much easier.
The new kennel internals are made and we are ready to go. ‘Where’ i have no idea, but it isn’t really that important. The important thing is that it is Tia’s forever home, so when me and Bob are totally knackered, Tia can carry on.
Will everyone please keep an eye out for a new farm. We need minimum of 40 acres for the Shires. Lots of outbuildings, house not important. An old dairy farm would be ideal…price range? Around a million.
And of course thank you to everyone who keeps us going…without your support we wouldn’t be here.
25 years and counting….Deb
Sadly not us for the moment, but a bunch of our greys are crossing over to the wrong side of the Pennines. They are going to try their luck in new rehoming centres where there is a bit of a shortage. As a fair number raced at Belle Vue, it will be like going home. Perhaps they will have better chance understanding the accents, nowt, summat and mardy fell on deaf tattooed ears.
Tia is not in the habit of transferring dogs randomly, we have been friends with these rescues for years. Also reducing our numbers will help when our luck changes with a sale.
We have longstanding links with Northern Greyhounds, Manda and Nat will pander to their every whim until their families show up. Naomi, from Cheshire Sighthound rescue works closely with Manda & Nat and I’ve been told her place is amazing…
Fraser, a beautiful big daft 18 month old pup who only came in Friday has also found a home and will be going soon and Macdui, yes i know you are going to change his name…is going to live with my old friend Rita…the one that has links in Ireland…
So off you go Fraser, Macdui, Kilda, Lorkan, Mayve, Fionn and the two drop dead gorgeous blue girls who arrived earlier this week. Don’t let your old rescue down and send us a card when you get settled. My eyes are on you, especially you Mayve!
Deb