The Hitchin Comet 2/1/2009
Greyhound charity's van appeal
01 January 2009
A DOG rescue charity is appealing for help as it is struggling to cope after its van was written off a few weeks ago.
Kelli Windebank, of Hardy Close in Hitchin, has been finding homes for retired greyhounds and greyhound crosses since 2005.
She is a volunteer for the charity Greyhound Rescue West of England and works as a rehoming officer covering Hertfordshire.
She said: "We came into this area in April this year and had a successful time rehoming dogs.
"A lot of these dogs have come to us from death row or very unfortunate circumstances and we have managed to turn their lives around and place them in loving homes.
"Unfortunately we have suffered a major setback in our work.
"A few weeks ago our parked van was driven into, causing severe damage to the rear doors, side panel and chassis."
The van, a Mercedes Vito, was written off and the charity is now struggling to buy a replacement van that meets their requirements and that is within their budget.
Kelli said: "We rely on the van for picking up dogs from the pounds and taking them to and from vets.
"Without the van life has been very difficult. It has meant we have had to say no to dogs in circumstances where we have no safe way of transporting them."
If you think you can help the charity with a van, call Kelli on 07876763516 or visit www.grwe.com
Greyhound Rescue Needs You
Equine Canine & Country Life Magazine - December 08
http://www.equestrianlifemagazine.com
Follow link and turn to page 32
Credit Crunch Affecting Pets - Express & Echo
November 26, 2008
SHOPPERS in Exmouth will be greeted by greyhounds in Christmas gear as part of a charity fundraiser.
Greyhound West of England will be greeting visitors of the newly-opened Pets at Home store, at Liverton Business Park, with their dogs wearing red jingle-bell harnesses and reindeer antlers on Saturday, December 6.
The rescue charity rehabilitates and re-homes about 500 abused and abandoned greyhounds every year.
One of the rescue dogs which will be at the shop is Heather, who was found collapsed in a field and bleeding profusely. She now regularly attends Crufts, the world's largest dog show.
Jan Lake, chairwoman of trustees, said: "The number of dogs needing our help has never been greater.
"There are always huge numbers of greyhounds and lurchers in need of rescue spaces.
"But the situation at the moment is being made worse by the credit crunch and the fact that some people simply cannot afford to keep their family pet."
For more information about the charity, visit the website www.grwe.com.
Canine Christmas - Express & Echo
December 09, 2008
Dogs dressed in Santa outfits helped to boost festive spirits and raise awareness of a dog rescue charity in Wells at the weekend.
Members of Greyhound Rescue West of England (GWRE) were out in force with their dogs in Wells city centre on Saturday to help raise awareness about the breed, and to spread the message that the dogs can make ideal family pets.
The team raised many smiles on a sunny day, and the dogs created a lot of interest and received lots of pats as people could not pass without stopping to say hello.
The whole event raised £985 for the cause.
"This money will go towards kennelling over the Christmas period at a time when rescues are always full, and emergency space is needed," said GWRE volunteer Jackie Hilton.
As a charity we rely solely on public donations and that was what the collection day was all about.
"We are extremely grateful to everyone for their generosity and kindness."
If anyone is interested in adopting or sponsoring a greyhound or lurcher, contact 07000 785092 or go online to www.grwe.com.