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| Our trip to Ireland | |
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| Topic Started: 4 Nov 2009, 03:21 PM (395 Views) | |
| gsdlover | 4 Nov 2009, 03:21 PM Post #1 |
Madly in love with Nigel
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I think that Janet will be along with a proper report on our trip to Ireland but I’ll just outline it and attach a few pictures. We flew into Knock airport on Friday afternoon, picked up our hire car  and stopped en-route to our accommodation at Pat & Ed’s at Briarfields. I had heard so much about them from Janet who has visited them several times now as a result of her and her family rehoming Barney from them around 3 years ago.I wasn’t disappointed when I got there – I found the lovely couple that had been described to me, 100% devoted to the many animals in their care, with limited support and funds. We stayed there until early evening and then made our way to Rose and Joe’s some 15 minutes away. Janet had met them last time she was over there and they had very kindly offered us somewhere to stay while we were there this time. Most of Saturday was spent with Pat & Ed – helping where we could, feeding, worming the new arrivals, exercising and tidying up. The phone was going at regular intervals, normally to say that another stray had been found and could they go and pick it up – which mean reshuffling the existing dogs to make a space….i don’t know how they do it day in and day out! We finally got back to Rose and Joes around 7.30 where we had been invited to a Halloween party they were holding…..what a great evening and we were made to feel exceptionally welcome. Their living room is a fully stocked bar which was fab and suited me down to the gound (Janet got some pictures) – I’ve come home wondering how to redesign my house to incorporate a bar like theirs!!!! The Irish definitely know how to party. After a substantial amount of alcohol we staggered back to “The Shed” at 2.30am to get our heads down.  We were up bright and early on Sunday (feeling somewhat jaded!), said our thank yous and goodbyes to Rose and Joe and went to spend our last remaining couple of hours with Pat & Ed before making our way back to the airport. It was sad to leave them and the dogs that we’d got to know over the previous couple of days – they are amazing people who seem to work all the hours god sends….they didn’t complain once about anything while we were there.  Some of the permanent residents:- Sam & Floyd the two collies, Dudley & Coco the spaniel (& Ed)  Pat & Dudley  Chloe, Daisy Mae & Judy  Shep  & Judy Christian (with janet)  Shep again (can you tell that i have a soft spot for him  ) The two donkeys 
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| http://www.vigilgsdrescue.co.uk | |
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| gsdlover | 4 Nov 2009, 03:29 PM Post #2 |
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Madly in love with Nigel
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Little Bonnie the sprollie pup - she left on the transport on the Sunday morning destined for the UK so is now residing in a rescue somewhere over here - a real cuddle bunny Another one of Bonnie  Leroy - another one who made his way over here on the transport - a really friendly boy  Rosie and her three pups - Rosie was another one on the transport - her pups are over 8 weeks now so will be coming over in a couple of weeks when they've been vaccinated.  One of Rosie's pups   These four springer x pups came in on the Saturday when we were there - so cute Very nervous initially but when we were there on the Sunday they were full of beans and so much more settled - again, these will be coming over here in a few weeks time too  Jake the lurcher who "may" be looking for a home - they are just waiting for the go ahead from his owners - what a lovely, chilled boy - would make someone a fantastic companion  |
| http://www.vigilgsdrescue.co.uk | |
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| gsdlover | 4 Nov 2009, 03:38 PM Post #3 |
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Madly in love with Nigel
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Lily the collie pup who will also be coming over here shortly with Gemma who came over on Sunday and Dudley This is Shep - his owner had parted with him on Friday as he had just found out that his son had been involved in a dreadful road accident in the UK  Shep is adorable, friendly and again, would make someone a fantastic companion - i think he was only around a year old so still very puppyish This is Sonny - again, he's looking for a home....his face is covered in scars but he was so friendly   This is Ebony - she was brought in late Saturday afternoon as she'd been found in the mountain - beautiful girl and big but a real darling - there was a bit of a debate as to what she had in her - she had palled up with Shep by Sunday so they were having a great game together   And lastly, Janet doing some DIY in the kennels   |
| http://www.vigilgsdrescue.co.uk | |
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| shannon111 | 4 Nov 2009, 04:56 PM Post #4 |
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Dogmatic Poster
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thanks zoe, pics. are smashing. await to hear from janet. 
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| Kent Elsa & Zorro | 5 Nov 2009, 07:48 AM Post #5 |
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GSD Lover
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Thank you both so much for going over there and sharing these fab pictures. What a wonderful couple they are! It must have been quite an emotional roller coaster. Bev |
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| Pamela | 5 Nov 2009, 10:23 AM Post #6 |
GSD Addict
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Ive heard so much about Pat & Ed , I know they do a fantastic job , opening their home to help lots of dogs . I guess it was a working holiday , but glad you enjoyed yourselves . Nice to put see a picture of Janet , at long last .  Thanks for sharing this with us . Great pictures |
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Sheba ,Rocky & Lucas's Mum http://sussexgermanshepherdrescue.co.uk/ | |
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| Kelly's Heroes | 7 Nov 2009, 10:52 AM Post #7 |
GSD Annointed Member
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Thanks Zoe for starting off this thread and for the lovely pics of me ! Sorry i have taken a while to add my contribution but it's been a busy week at school so trying to do it now before I set off for the Sussex walk this morning. As Zoe said, we flew to Knock from Gatwick, really easy journey and one I know will encourage me to go even more frequently to Ireland when the bank account allows ! We hired a car, interesting model and set off to Ballina. Instantly in rural Ireland, stunning countryside and dare devil drivers to share the road with ! I had so been looking forward to introducing Zoe to Pat and Ed. You see the connection with the three of them is due to my own lovely Barney, he was taken in by Pat and Ed , Zoe was my homechecker. Now I could unite three people who are very special friends to me. The welcome was warm and noisey... all the normal gang were there to greet us plus the current happy band of waifs and strays.   We spent a couple of hours with Pat and Ed, introducing Zoe to all my doggie pals, who now know me Then we drove to Rose and Joe's, more friends I met on my August visit who very kindly offered us a a place to stay, the caravan at Pats is a little chilly this time of year ! We had a well drawn map- back of envelope from Pat  and set off. To say their place is rural is an understatement ...we thought if we made a wrong turn we would be lost forever ! We eventually got there and were soon sat at the bar - yes, Rose and Joe have their very own bar, they live in a beautifully converted cowshed.  We met their own dogs and cats and the 4 rescue greyhounds they have in foster with them at the moment. Also a mummy with her pups , she was a little mixed breed doglet who was very sweet.  After a few drinks we were off to our very own "shed" - another converted cowshed, great weekend place for us 2 ! Open log fire and resident mouse included at no extra cost ! Next morning back off to Pat and Eds after breakfast, eaten whilst watching the chickens roam around the garden. They are rescue battery hens from UK and have a perfect life  ...meant to get some pics but forgot  On the journey we stopped off here, Kilala Bay   So back at Briarfields we helped with cleaning , feeding exercising etc . The day was hectic, dogs to pick up, dogs to move around , to swap over so everyone got a turn outside and transport run to prepare for on the Sunday. Bluebell & Dobbin  Titi  Hamlet  Bonnie  Zoe and pupster  Hamlet and cheeky Lily - Hamlet is not afraid of ANY dog !  Zoe being "loved" by Bonnie x   Coco, no longer wanted, very poor sight but such a sweetie x And Bonnie again !  Biscuit time ...  Jake, met him in the summer didn't think he would still be here. His owner has not decided yet if she needs to rehome him. Such a perfect boy. x  My dear friend Christian, deaf but utterly gorgeousxx  Part 2 to follow shortly... Edited by Kelly's Heroes, 7 Nov 2009, 10:56 AM.
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| shannon111 | 7 Nov 2009, 03:27 PM Post #8 |
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Dogmatic Poster
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thanks janet, looking forward to part 2
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| Pamela | 7 Nov 2009, 05:16 PM Post #9 |
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GSD Addict
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Lovely Janet , thanks for sharing it with us . Roll on part 2 , 3 & 4 
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Sheba ,Rocky & Lucas's Mum http://sussexgermanshepherdrescue.co.uk/ | |
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| Sheba'sMum | 7 Nov 2009, 06:43 PM Post #10 |
Coral wots gonna keeeel Pat
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Sounds like you both had a great time. I'm a little concerned about these gorgeous babies: Had you been talking about Aunty Pat wot bites puppies? 
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   My short-term memory is not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my short-term memory's not as sharp as it used to be. | |
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| flukespad | 7 Nov 2009, 07:43 PM Post #11 |
GSD Addict
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Glad you both had a fab trip so good to see the pics of you all and all the fab dogs.Have known Pat & Eddie for a few years now and had many a dog from them but never had the chance to go see them. Hmmm perhaps thats why when I have tried to go I end up with a house full of their dogs.Do you think they are trying to tell me something lol |
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Stevie & the Madhouse Gang 4pawz&More rescue @www.futuresfordogs.co.uk Saving just one will not change the world, but surely will change the world for that dog~ Take the lead give a rescue dog a home | |
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| Kelly's Heroes | 7 Nov 2009, 09:47 PM Post #12 |
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GSD Annointed Member
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Hi Stevie, they would love to meet you I am sure. Were your ears burning last weekend ? Pat was telling us how she imagined you looked by your voice ...she had it totally wrong but we gave her the full description ! Part 2 coming later this evening .... Edited by Kelly's Heroes, 7 Nov 2009, 09:48 PM.
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| Skye's Mum | 7 Nov 2009, 10:37 PM Post #13 |
Madly in love with Nigel
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What wonderful pictures!!!!! and a lovely update I fink Jake is rather I wonder if I go and harrass the OH.............
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Helen http://www.bordercolliesinneed.co.uk/ Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome | |
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| Kelly's Heroes | 12 Nov 2009, 05:49 PM Post #14 |
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GSD Annointed Member
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So long awaited next part...sorry guys ! The Saturday afternoon was a real education much juggling around of dogs into suitable overnight accomodation. Lots of phone calls to take then news of a new intake- dog the size of a small horse !, unknown temprement, apparently been wandering for 5 days in the mountains. We sorted out a St. Bernard size crate and off went Ed to collect the small horse sized dog.... while we continued to feed pups and settle them into pens etc. with Pat. Ed returned accompanied by huge black dog sat beside him in the van ! She was a real dote ! Indeed of the huge variety, poss Newfoundland in her ? def. some Lab, now called Ebony     She does gallop rather than run, is very affectionate and will make some lucky person a very happy owner. She is as tall as Pat when up on her hind legs, but she loves all the other dogs and is no bother with any of them. Once all was sorted for the evening Pat and Ed got ready to accompany us to THE party at Rose and Joes ! And what a great time we all had ! It was so good to see Pat and Ed having a bit of time to themselves and enjoying themselves so much! The food was amazing and the drink, needless to say was flowing ! Joe's bar !  Ed, Rose, Pat & me.  Ed, Pat , Zoe and me.  Pat and some old witch !  More bar activities !  Some blurry dance pics...such a great atmosphere....   Now , I know the next 2 pics are a little dark but there is a lovely story that goes with them ... Ed does have a certain simularity to Father Christmas....I think you would agree? Well , little Rory here in the pic talking to him , had noticed this and was convinced that Ed was indeed Father Christmas ! He told Ed that he had seen him on a calender with Mrs Claus [ Pat !] , this was a fundraiser done the previous year where Pat and Ed had dressed up in the needed red outfits... Rory said that Ed had got him a Lego train set last Christmas , he knew Ed was really Father Christmas and that his code name was Edward ! Shhhhhhh ! It really was a magical moment for all of us watching, Rory was in total adoration of Ed and it was so touching to witness. Ed , being the lovely human being he is played along with Rory, who knows ....Ed is certainly the most likely human I know who could actually be Father Christmas !   Zoe and I had a fantastic evening with everyone, Pat and Ed headed off in a taxi at midnight and us 2 finally got to bed at about 2.30am.... Next morning, not so bright eyed and bushy tailed !, we said our goodbyes and huge thank you's to Rose and Joe. We then headed back to Ballina to drop in and say our goodbyes to the gang...... |
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| pennywoods | 12 Nov 2009, 05:53 PM Post #15 |
GSD Addict
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Thank you for sharing your adventure in Ireland with us Janet and Zoe. Lovely to hear your news Penny |
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7:10 PM Nov 25
