forwarding this message:
Over the last 6 years, Greyhound Gap has evolved beyond expectations into something that we are extremely proud of. Thanks to a wonderful network of volunteers Gap has grown from a small co-ordination rescue point to a small rescue in its own right, and now into a larger rescue that is building a solid reputation and prides itself on offering rescue and sanctuary to death row greyhounds and lurchers who find themselves in a PTS situation in the UK pounds. At the moment Greyhound Gap should comfortably cope with around 35-40 dogs. However, over the last 2 years those comfortable numbers have constantly been pushed upwards. Where Gap once relied solely on foster homes, circumstances were such that we secured a small number of kennel spaces for 10 to 12 dogs. Now Gap is consistently housing between 15 to 20 in licensed boarding kennels, as well as those already in foster homes.
Our current kenneling bill can be anything from £2,000 to £2,500 per month. We now feel that to allow Gap to continue to grow and expand, and to continue to offer the best quality rehabilitation to hounds spending their time in our care in a kennel situation, we need to look for a property that will allow us to be on site 24/7 so that we can continue to meet the dogs' needs ourselves. Our ideal aim for the future is to look to purchase a property. However, at the moment that isn't appearing to be feasible as to secure a facility suitable for our needs we are looking in the region of £250,000 to £350,000. Although with hard work we know that we would possibly be able to secure a 10% deposit that leaves an awful lot of money to be found. Therefore we are asking our members to forward this e-mail far and wide to others who may be able to help or let us know of a property available to rent. Ideally the property would have around 20 kennels; at least an acre of land that could be used for paddocks to allow the dogs freedom to mix and excercise whilst undertaking rehabilitation and assessment; and a small house - 2 bedrooms would be ample. Location-wise we are open to consideration. In an ideal world the Midlands would be perfect as this would allow us to remain accessible to potential adopters and a greater range of volunteers, but would not automatically dismiss options further afield, although good transport links would be an asset.
It does need noting that we are not afraid of a bit of hard graft. If a property needs some renovation that we are able to undertake ourselves we would be willing to undertake this work, likewise with the kennels and any land available with the property. If anyone knows of a property that may be potentially suitable please let us know or likewise if you are in a position to forward this mail to other groups in the hope that someone on the list may be aware of a potentially suitable property please do so. We realise that this will not happen overnight and we have to give more than careful consideration regarding the right move for Greyhound Gap as a rescue but are hoping this will give us the potential to continue to grow and offer not only a better rehabilitation facility before rehoming but a more hands-on sanctuary for our long-stay hounds who need to be kept safe throughout their rehabilitation. It would also make it possible for us to be more flexible in welcoming volunteers to the kennels so allowing the hounds to get more regular exercise and socialisation walks. If you can help, please contact greyhoundgap@
yahoo.co.uk or call Lisa on 01782 544728
Over the last 6 years, Greyhound Gap has evolved beyond expectations into something that we are extremely proud of. Thanks to a wonderful network of volunteers Gap has grown from a small co-ordination rescue point to a small rescue in its own right, and now into a larger rescue that is building a solid reputation and prides itself on offering rescue and sanctuary to death row greyhounds and lurchers who find themselves in a PTS situation in the UK pounds. At the moment Greyhound Gap should comfortably cope with around 35-40 dogs. However, over the last 2 years those comfortable numbers have constantly been pushed upwards. Where Gap once relied solely on foster homes, circumstances were such that we secured a small number of kennel spaces for 10 to 12 dogs. Now Gap is consistently housing between 15 to 20 in licensed boarding kennels, as well as those already in foster homes.
Our current kenneling bill can be anything from £2,000 to £2,500 per month. We now feel that to allow Gap to continue to grow and expand, and to continue to offer the best quality rehabilitation to hounds spending their time in our care in a kennel situation, we need to look for a property that will allow us to be on site 24/7 so that we can continue to meet the dogs' needs ourselves. Our ideal aim for the future is to look to purchase a property. However, at the moment that isn't appearing to be feasible as to secure a facility suitable for our needs we are looking in the region of £250,000 to £350,000. Although with hard work we know that we would possibly be able to secure a 10% deposit that leaves an awful lot of money to be found. Therefore we are asking our members to forward this e-mail far and wide to others who may be able to help or let us know of a property available to rent. Ideally the property would have around 20 kennels; at least an acre of land that could be used for paddocks to allow the dogs freedom to mix and excercise whilst undertaking rehabilitation and assessment; and a small house - 2 bedrooms would be ample. Location-wise we are open to consideration. In an ideal world the Midlands would be perfect as this would allow us to remain accessible to potential adopters and a greater range of volunteers, but would not automatically dismiss options further afield, although good transport links would be an asset.
It does need noting that we are not afraid of a bit of hard graft. If a property needs some renovation that we are able to undertake ourselves we would be willing to undertake this work, likewise with the kennels and any land available with the property. If anyone knows of a property that may be potentially suitable please let us know or likewise if you are in a position to forward this mail to other groups in the hope that someone on the list may be aware of a potentially suitable property please do so. We realise that this will not happen overnight and we have to give more than careful consideration regarding the right move for Greyhound Gap as a rescue but are hoping this will give us the potential to continue to grow and offer not only a better rehabilitation facility before rehoming but a more hands-on sanctuary for our long-stay hounds who need to be kept safe throughout their rehabilitation. It would also make it possible for us to be more flexible in welcoming volunteers to the kennels so allowing the hounds to get more regular exercise and socialisation walks. If you can help, please contact greyhoundgap@
yahoo.co.uk or call Lisa on 01782 544728
