You may remember the story of Max and Noakes and will know that he is a rescue dog. Tracey and Nick have now moved to live further south and Noakes is with them. We wish them all the best in their new life and thank them for the support they have given Grande Daze. Tracey made the lovely cake for our 10th Anniversary and Nick took the beautiful photographs of our Dog Walk.
Noakes will be a wonderful ambassador for the rescues as he travels with Nick and Tracey around the area of his new home. Noakes – a very special companion.
Give a Rescue dog a chance! There are rescue centres all over France, many have the most wonderful dogs just waiting for kind humans that will understand them.
A huge thank you for a MAGNIFICENT ten year celebration to all who helped make the day so special!
We had a wonderful day and the Birthday Cake was enjoyed by us all.
To all of you from near and far – SO WONDERFUL TO SEE ALL OUR RESCUES.
Keep the photographs coming in as work will continue on the Memory Board.
The board will be added to the shop wall for all our visitors to see.
Anita and Peter Edwards
Thank you to those who have given us the thumbs up. Our guess on attendance has been assisted. Please note that everyone is welcome to join Peter and I for the Celebrations and we would love to see you even without giving us the thumbs up.
See some of the wonderful prizes we have for the activities on the day:
An unmounted A4 graphite head and shoulder portrait of your companion ( 1 subject) by Tracey Catling.
A pet photography shoot by Nick Catling who will take a portfolio of images and the winner can choose 1 image they would like professionally edited and this will be sent to them as a High Res image they can print off.
The adoption of an older dog is perfect for “us oldies”
When earlier this year I lost my beloved little dog of many years, I felt my world had ended and the void she left was almost unbearable.
At nearly 78, a widow, no family and not as mobile as I would like I tried hard to accept that another little dog was just not a realistic possibility.
The day’s turned into weeks but the awful solitude did not improve. I knew I could still look after a little dog but the question of what would happen to it should I be no more kept rearing its ugly head.
After much soul searching I looked into the possibility of adopting an older dog. I contacted several Associations whose reaction was not over enthusiastic, a little dismissive and thus did not inspire confidence.
I then spoke to Anita at Grande Daze and within minutes my spirits soared. This remarkable lady seemed to understand perfectly my situation and concerns. She quickly pointed out that should I adopt a dog from her Rescue Centre she stipulated that in the event of me not being able to care for the animal it would be returned to her and instructions to this effect must be made.
Anita then mentioned she had a little elderly lady in her care who needed a home after her previous owner became ill. And so a week later I met Mrs Potter, my nickname for her, as she loves just pottering about. She is the most adorable 12 year old Jack Russell cross goodness knows what, an absolute sweetie, who settled incredibly quickly thanks in part to Anita “packing her things” bed, blankets, food treats and even her favourite flower pot drinking bowl which can only emphasize the compassion and understanding she has for the animals.
Where else should Mrs. Potter be?
Mrs P made herself at home almost at once and 10 days later she is my shadow, my friend – my world and I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to share my life with her.
Perhaps after reading this, whatever your circumstances a dog (or cat) is a wonderful addition to ones life and the adoption of an older dog is perfect for “us oldies”(not compulsory!) as well; they ask for so very little but give oh SO much in return.
Much is made of caring for the elderly but dogs get old as well and deserve the very best and lots of love in their golden years.
With many years of experience in the canine world and good judge of humans, Anita ensures the best possible match. Mrs P and I are testament to that.
Its been quite a week, not only really getting to know Mrs.Potter but coping with “the curious” who have all agreed Mrs P, as I have nicknamed her, ( well you did say she liked pottering ,) is an absolute poppet.
She has met the Springer who will be here just for 24 hours next weekend – no problem.
I honestly cannot think of a single thing I don’t love about my new companion. What more can I say? She is eating well, loves her trips round the back garden and, of course, “Pottering” about – fence reinforced…! It’s like Fort Knox !
When he was very young Luke was rejected as a hunting dog and left to live in a concrete bunker. He was fed but never exercised or handled and therefore didn’t know how to behave. A kind young man came along and brought Luke to Grande Daze Rescue Centre where he was bathed, fed and made comfortable.
Luke was re-homed and now lives with Poppy, a black Labrador, several cats and a very kind lady who loves him. The two dogs attend agility training and lead a very active, happy life together.
Luke has also grown in confidence from a scared, shaking dog when he arrived at Grande Daze to attending his first agility shows in 2019 and happily socialising with strangers there.
We are thrilled to see Billie looking so happy. Thank you for giving him a loving home, it gives our hearts a lift so we can carry on and help the next dog that comes along. May Billie and all his new mates go from strength to strength.
Thanks so very much for our lad. He’s a delight! The dogs are being great with him. He was a dream in the car; the 3 amigos all together in the back and not a peep.
He’s settling in fine and keeps checking in for a cuddle. We feel very lucky.
Thank you for what you do. We wouldn’t have our lad without you.
Dear little Mr Tom, at last it looks like you’ve found your forever home! Big big thanks to Francois and Colin for adopting you and huge thanks for the donation which we will put to very good use to help all your friends at Grande Daze.
We are delighted with Mr Tom. We call him little Tom, he does not care either way ? 3 weeks and he is part of our life?
After losing our dear Picatchou life was very gloomy. Now all is well again and it is reassuring to know we can always go to Anita and Peter for help and advice??
We were heartbroken to hear of Max’s death, having got to know him and Keith & Margaret through their attendance at agility training. We knew the gaping hole that would be left by the loss of such an energetic and loving dog all too well. We are so glad that Meg was able to ease their pain and that they were able to give Meg the loving home that she deserves.
Meg arrived with us just the day after our beloved dog Max was killed in a road accident. We had just buried him in the garden and we did not know what to do with ourselves in our sadness and shock. Just then Anita arrived with Meg and her favourite collie dog in her van and, bless her, saved our lives that day.
Anita said “just keep Meg to help with your grief,” and of course she did and now lives with us.
We understand that Meg’s history was that her previous owners had worked and left her as a puppy all day and, of course, she hated it and destroyed furniture etc. and eventually arrived at SPA in Laval and was just on the point of being euthanised when Anita rescued her and brought her to Grand Daze!
Meg was with Anita and Peter for years and they vowed that she would not be adopted by anyone who worked full-time, etc. We can only imagine how difficult it must have been to settle Meg after her sad life but, due to the love and affection given at Grand Daze, she is the most wonderful dog.
We have adopted her since March and she comes everywhere with us and its not a problem, we are retired and have always enjoyed walks in the forest and it is possible to leave her in the car whilst we go shopping etc. She is very affectionate and so anxious to please.
We can never thank Anita and Grand Daze for letting us have her!
Jeanne has helped these delightful little dogs to feel calm and secure in their home as they sit on the sofa having their photograph taken. The photograph was used as the basis for the portraits, painted by Jenny, and would not have been possible without the devotion of Jeanne and the trust the dogs have in her. The portraits are possible only because of the love and devotion between dogs and humans and are a testament to the special relationship and bond shared by Jeanne, Frodo, Bo Bo and Bert. It is a privilege to know such dogs and people.
Frodo, Bo Bo and Bert are real chums living happily together. All 3 had a bad start in life. Frodo, a young and boisterous Jack Russell, found himself homeless and then in the Rescue kennels, his previous life is a mystery.
Bo Bo’s story is tragic as he was ill treated by his previous owners and was found with various injuries, including having had something poked in his eye. Fortunately, help was at hand and he was given veterinary care and I nursed him back to health. Bo Bo has been brought back to physical health but is timid and afraid except when being given loving care on the sofa with Frodo and Bert.
It is thought that Bert was a hunting dog who got lost and no-one bothered to look for him. He was found under a car, starving and covered in scratches as though he’d been running through brambles. I had asked Anita and Peter to call me if another Jack Russell arrived at the Centre and thus Bert entered my life. He had so many scratches on his face that the name Scarface was considered, however, Bert became Bert because it suits him. As you can see from the portrait he’s now quite a handsome chap.
These 3 terriers were found at different times in different places and all were malnourished and in poor condition. With the assistance and expertise of Anita and Peter and, of course, the kindness and patience at home, there is a happy outcome for these lovely dogs.
Bo Bo is the cheeky Yorkshire Terrier and Frodo is the serious chappy on the left of the painting, whilst Bert reclines on the right, leaning on the arm of the sofa.
I have been extremely lucky knowing Anita and Peter who helped me form a special bond with my rescue dog Max. I attended agility for just under a year and thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
On one visit I spotted a few kitties and thankfully Anita let me adopt two; Mouse and Flea. They fitted right into the gang I already have and Max got a new BFF. Best kitties ever. Can’t imagine my home without them now.