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General Articles of Interest
BOOK LAUNCH Sandie, Lorraine, Andy and Val attended the launch of Kathryn Crofton's first novel, Circles in the Sand - A Dog's Tale at the Mansion House in Dublin on Thursday 12th May 2011 in the presence of the Lord Mayor. Kathryn is donating 25% of the royalties from her book between 7 charities of which IRR is one. Fiona Squibb of Louth SPCA can be seen in the group photo on the right.
MESSAGE FROM SANDIE A SAD DAY FOR IRR - THE END OF AN ERA "One of our Founder Members, Pauline, unfortunately has to step down from IRR for health reasons. Pauline was always a trojan and used to get up in the middle of the night to travel across the UK to meet dogs arriving from Ireland. She once drove up to Holyhead during the night to meet me getting off the boat in the morning with 4 dogs and then drove them to their respective foster homes. On another occasion, when Aer Lingus stopped dogs travelling but were eventually persuaded to let the ones I had at the airport go, she drove down to Heathrow to meet them, again delivering them to their foster homes en-route home. She has also had the responsibility of organising the Reunion every year, which she has done with such precision and pride – every year getting better and better. She is the type of person that if she cannot give 100% of herself, then it's just not good enough. Pauline's 100% is worth someone else's 1000%. I, for one, am very sad at Pauline's departure but think we can pay no greater tribute to her than to continue saving dogs and finding them great homes. I'm sure you all join with me in wishing Pauline a very healthy future and hopefully we'll continue to see her at our annual Reunion where we can catch up. It just won't be the same without you Pauline, you're going to be missed that's for sure." PAULINE'S REPLY "Many thanks to Sandie for her kind words about me and to everyone who has written or telephoned me over the last few days with good wishes. I am fine really, just feeling tired and a bit woolly headed on occasions, but there is no need for anyone to worry too much about me, honestly. Sandie is quite right in saying that I have to give 100% or nothing and I simply don't feel able to do that. I have to admit that not being in good health annoys the hell out of me but I just have to be sensible. I do need to slow down. I might still think I am 21 but my body knows better and is making me listen eg it has taken quite a while to get over the Reunion this year despite doing far less and having so much wonderful help. I feel the time is right to hand over responsibility as there are several people now who are committed to the IRR cause and I am slowly becoming more of a hindrance than a help so it is much better that other people take over my various jobs. I would be letting IRR down more by staying than going. I'm not planning to actually depart this mortal coil just yet but, of course, one never knows for sure what is around the corner and I feel it is much better to stand back now rather than possibly leaving IRR in a mess at a later date if circumstances beyond my control dictate it. I simply can't guarantee feeling well enough to be checking in every day on the PC and possibly needing to jump into action to sort out an urgent situation as it arises. I would be mortified if a dog missed out on being helped because of me not being around when needed so it is better that people who are more able fully take over that responsibility. I will never lose touch with my friends, of course, and, if people need a friendly ear, I am happy to lend one of mine. They are one of the bits of my body that are still in good working order:)))))))) I will also still be looking forward to updates from my ex foster dogs who are all very special to me. Gizmo will still be remaining as a Sponsor Dog too and there is no shutting him up once he sets paw to paper so I am sure he will keep me in touch with any exciting goings on. I won't be completely disappearing but I will no longer be at the sharp end as it were. I am hoping that, if I spend a lot less time on the computer, I will be less tired and will feel more able again. So please stay in touch but bear with me if I take a little longer than normal to reply. Your good wishes are very much appreciated much love Pauline xxx
PET PORTRAITS Deb Jones produces pet portraits. She has generously agreed to give IRR a 20% cut for each commissioned pastel - A4 costs £100. She will then make greetings cards from the pastel and IRR will get 10% for each card sold .
Deb's website address is www.topdogillustration.co.uk
Irish Dog Pounds WARNING: This video clip contains scenes which may be distressing and upsetting to watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6xI7xt99zA&
Just a Dog
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