2008 Reunion

A MESSAGE FROM SANDIE

Once again, we had a very successful reunion which I think everyone enjoyed – especially the dogs and again that was due the brilliant organisational skills of our very special Pauline, without whom it wouldn’t happen.

I know Pauline has a great team of helpers, not least of all in her husband Stephen who worked tirelessly on the day. Lynne Jones & Ian and Terry & Belinda also deserve a special mention for all their hard work and help.

Jon Hubble did a great job as M.C. on the day – thanks Jon.

IRR would be nothing without all of our fosterers and transporters who often drive through the night to meet our dogs off transport and welcome them into their homes only to give them up two or three weeks later – a BIG THANK YOU to you all. Andy deserves a very special mention here as he has, on several occasions, finished work on a Friday night, driven over to Ireland and back again on Saturday morning with dogs when we’ve been inundated and no transport going over. This is, in fact, happening this weekend and he’ll be taking four dogs back with him.

As you know, IRR never give up on a dog being the determined/stubborn lot we are and I would like to thank Aileen for all the hard work she’s put into Sam over the past several months. Hopefully, we’ll get there in the end and Sam will find his special forever home.

When my dog-mobile died a death in May I was well and truly stuck with no way of being able to transport the dogs. Jan stepped into the breech with her beloved Ford Focus Estate which she had especially kitted out into four cages by Barjo. This car has saved many, many lives since and is off again in an hour to save another.
A mere thank you to Jan just doesn’t seem to be enough, but thank you anyway.
Thank you also for making me laugh so much when I’m feeling down. Wakes are Jan’s speciality!!!

Thanks also to Jackie and Rosa for scanning the websites every day, searching for Goldies, which is a long and boring task.

I know there will be someone I’ve left out, but to all IRR helpers – thank you.

Last, but by no means least, a very special THANK YOU to Lorraine who is my lifeline. She’s my memory bank, as mine is definitely on the wane. She laughs and cries with me many an evening on the phone and just sits and nods her head when I say I’m giving it all up – knowing full well I never will. Lorraine is just so good at what she does, she never rushes into finding a dog a home and testament to this is that she’s never had a dog bounce back.

I could go on and on about her, but I don’t want to give her a big head!! Thanks for being you.

There were a few who were unable to make it this year due to other commitments; you were missed, please put 12 September 2009 in your diary now.
I look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Love
Sandie