Last Chance Hotel Animal Rescue & Rehome

Easter holidays are just around the corner, and Cornwall will play host to many visitors during April. Whether the sun shines for them is another matter, but there is always something to enjoy in this beautiful county of ours, not least the colourful gardens, many of them dog friendly, and the wonderful assortment of beaches, providing the Cornish sand, sea and surf experience. Most dogs love to run and play on the beach, a wide open space to really stretch their legs and feel the wind in their hair! Many Last Chancers have been doing just that lately, making the most of the late March sunshine, and it’s fabulous to see them enjoying themselves.
Anyone who loves and understands the sea, knows that the incoming tide stops for no one (not even King Canute!); the sandcastle that the children built will soon be washed away, as the water continues on relentlessly. Last Chance Hotel is at the mercy of a different tide.... still they come, council pound dogs given up by owners or dumped on the street, dogs surrendered for one reason or another. All shapes, sizes and ages.
If you have picked up one of our information leaflets, or looked in on our website you will see these words: "Our mission is to rescue, our dream is that one day we won't have to". Wouldn't it be wonderful if Last Chance Hotel didn't need to exist? If there was no necessity at all for animal rescue? But sadly that is a dream that will never come true. Dog Rescues up and down the country are bursting at the seams, and hundreds of poor souls are put to sleep in the pounds each month because there is no place for them to go. This is the harsh reality of today's throwaway society, the consequence of overbreeding and the desire of most people to buy a puppy, rather than adopt from their local rescue. True dog lovers are kind and responsible, and thankfully in the majority, but greedy puppy farmers and peddlers, and selfish uncaring owners create a disproportionately large impact, which is getting harder and harder to fight. But we will carry on fighting, because this is what we do, and maybe, just maybe, one day the tide will turn.....

New Arrivals

The March winds brought an assortment of dogs into rescue from the pounds; tri-paw Winnie, a beautiful Saluki, Lexy bulldog, Poppy, a sweet elderly Collie cross, and so many more, there is not enough space to showcase them all. Milo, a dear little JRT pup who has suffered trauma to the head, was transported down to the safety of LCH. Winnie, Sid, Honey and lurcher Doodles (now Alfie) have already been adopted, and foster homes found for most of the others. Alfie SBT and Roxy are still waiting for a foster sofa. Loki the JRT cross is a private rehome. These dogs are now safe, their tails are wagging instead of tucked under their bellies, and they have a great life ahead of them.

From Top Left, clockwise - Milo, Sophie, Poppy, Roxy, Alfie SBT, and Lexy.

If you would like to follow the progress of all the incomers, check out our Facebook page and website lastchancehotel.org. We now have a news section on the Home page; dogs are constantly being assessed in their foster homes and information changes regularly.

Still Waiting

Some dogs find their forever home very quickly, and some take that bit longer for their special someone to come along and give them the chance of happiness and forever cuddles. Coco is approximately 8 years old and is still waiting for her special someone. She is a dinky Staffie cross, and came in from the pound, having had a harsh life from breeding. These photos don't really do her justice. Her foster mum says she is a little bundle of love, full of energy and loves to run. Coco can live with a confident cat and a steady male dog with careful introductions. She would prefer a home with older, dog savvy children. Do you have a space in your heart and home for this sweet girl?

If you think you, or someone you know, could be that special someone for Coco, please go to our website lastchancehotel.org or contact one of the team by email info@lastchancehotel.org

Did You Know?

Last Chance Hotel works with The Animal Team which is a charity dedicated to helping Rescues all over the country in many different ways. The Animal Team provides an essential link between Rescues, Rescue People and Volunteers. The Animal Team homecheck and transport groups not only provide Rescues with the ability to expand their rehoming areas, but fast checking and transport run organisation results in a quicker turnover of Rescue spaces, which in turn enables more animals to be saved. When you see "transport run" or "road trip" mentioned on the LCH Facebook page or website, this is what it means, - nearly always it will be Sam and Jo off up country to meet other transporters at designated places to pick up dogs (usually) to bring back to Cornwall, and sometimes to take them to other Rescues, or help with transport between pounds or pound pullers and other Rescues. The transport jalopy is an essential part of Last Chance Hotel, as are the drivers and co-ordinators of the runs, who will drop everything to concentrate their efforts into getting dogs to safety. Helen Morrison is such a person, a valued member of both teams, and she also transports a great deal for LCH, - we like to keep her busy! Although the volunteers give their time freely, there are obvious costs involved in transportation and keeping the jalopy on the road, and donations to Last Chance Hotel and The Animal Team are warmly welcomed to help keep the wheels turning.

Happy Departures to New Homes

Those March winds helped blow some wonderful peeps our way, fosterers and adopters alike. Just a few of the lucky pooches can be shown here, but there were over a dozen rehomes, a truly heartwarming number. Pippin, Marley (renamed Riley), Doodles (now Fergal), Bungle (aka Loki), are amongst those looking forward to a great summer with their new families. Damon (now Alfie) needed a special foster home due to being deaf, and he has really landed on his paws because his fosterers fell in love with him and have now adopted him. Ralph and Honey are also ‘failed fosters’, and fast ones at that…..happy days now for them all.

Far top: Pippin. From top left, clockwise - Riley, Honey, Loki, Alfie, Fergal, and Ralph

March Fundraisers

A sunny, if a bit breezy, day ensured a brilliant turnout for the first Fun Dog Show of the year, organised by our amazing supporter Andrew Russell, and his family. It was lovely to see so many dogs and their owners at the Pool venue, and Theresa had a hard job choosing the class winners. The Best in Show cup went to Harry, pictured here, - not an LCH dog, but a handsome chap nevertheless!

Andrew is raising more funds for us through a 'Sponsored Silence'. This will be quite a feat because it will be for a whole day on Saturday 8th April whilst he is on his number 304 bus run between Porthtowan and Truro. Click this link to go to his JustGiving page.

Another horse show was held at Knightswood Stud and Equestrian Centre on the 19th March. A fantastic turnout of riders, over 70 entries and a lovely friendly atmosphere. Grateful thanks to Becca Sampson for organising the show, and to Lisa Guy who owns Knightswood, for their continued support and for raising vital funds for LCH.

Sadly, the success of the show has been overshadowed by news of the sudden death of one of the equine participants. A few days later, Teddy, who was just 5 years old, was found in his enclosure with what appeared to be a gunshot wound in his side. He deteriorated rapidly, and the specialist vets could do no more for him. This pony had made his debut at Becca's show, and he and his owner Laura (pictured right) took fourth place in their class. The family are understandably devastated by their loss, and are now faced with a large vet bill. They have set up a crowdfunding page on JustGiving asking for help, and are also desperate to inform and make other horse owners aware of this tragedy, in the hope that it may prevent another one, through extra vigilance of their horses. Anyone wishing to donate or fundraise for the family, please click the link above or contact Becca on 07496 808397.

If you would like to help LCH with a fundraising event, please contact the team with your idea on 01209 281159 or email Louisa on louisa@lastchancehotel.org.

Thank You!

Special Delivery

A massive thank you from the team to "Give a Dog A Gift” for this fab parcel of goodies. This isn't the first time they have stepped in to help when we've put out a plea.

Pets at Home

Pets at Home and Support Adoption for Pets have come up trumps again, - toys, beds, leads, chews, bowls and loads of other fab stuff. Thank you so much!

Winnie gets Ruff(wear)

A massive thank you goes to Ruffwear for donating a fab harness for Winnie tri-paw, also thank you to Andria Hughes for contacting them on our behalf. Here is Winnie, recently adopted by her lovely fosterers, modelling her new harness.

The Sale of Goods Act of kindness

Grateful thanks to Jean Salter who has had a sale of various goods and has sent a cheque to our vets at Lamorna House to go towards our vet bill. Your support is very much appreciated.

Under the Hammer for LCH

All the team would like to say a massive thank you to Hils Mackay for running an auction in aid of LCH. Also thank you to Tamar Valley Holidays for matching the amount raised from the auction.

Launceston College Collection

Look what the fab kids and staff of Launceston College collected for us in their Interact Club. A ‘Can Drive’. Some very very happy cats and dogs will enjoy this lot! Thank you so much Emma Thompson and friends!

Hannah's Top Up

All the team would like to say a massive thank you to Hannah Du Plessis, of Pengelly Canine Hydrotherapy, for topping up a donation from Callington’s local fundraisers to £100 for LCH. Thank you Hannah!

Rainbow Bridge

Many of you will remember Mouse, a gorgeous scrap of a lurcher, who came in to the rescue from the pound in June last year. She already had cancer. She was a beautiful soul, adopted by a lovely family, who showed her that not all humans are cruel and selfish. Mouse has now made her journey to Rainbow Bridge, not even 7 years old, but now free of pain, and having known so much love in the final months of her life.

Monty came into Last Chance in a real mess, he had severe skin problems, which took time and patience to clear. Monty was adopted last year by a loving family. He was loved so much and will be missed every day. On the outside Monty looked great, unfortunately on the inside he had an enlarged heart and no lung capacity, plus spondylitis in his spine. All this due to bad breeding. Monty didn't make it through a routine neutering operation, because of this.

Our hearts go out to both these families, who gave so much love to these dogs. Run free at the Bridge, Mouse and Monty, you are missed so much.

The Last Chance Hotel Hub Shop

The Hub Shop goes from strength to strength, with lots of new and preloved goods on sale and hot drinks in exchange for a donation. Pop in for advice about animal related issues, and a browse around. The Hub Shop is situated at 83 Fore Street, Redruth, almost opposite Wilko’s, and open 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday.

Volunteers to help man (or woman!) the shop are warmly welcomed, - just a couple of hours a week will help enormously. Please contact the shop on 01209 315547, or drop in for a chat.

Donations for the Hub are always needed, - how about a clear-out of your wardrobe, or the spare room that isn't spare any more?

Rescues Revisited 

This is what Last Chance Hotel is all about....... 

Nearly 2 years on since I adopted the adorable Cleo from LCH. She has come on in leaps and bounds and happily living with all her mates.
Thank you LCH for bringing her to me. LM

 I've had April for just over 10 months now. When I first started fostering her, I didn't see a light at the end of the tunnel with her training. However, after falling madly in love with this dippy lurcher, having the patience of a saint, April no longer chases cats, she no longer sees them as prey! I have been waiting for the day this would happen, both of them on the sofa with me, - Paulie back where he belongs and April not bothered. Blood, sweat and tears all worth it. If April sees a cat out, she doesn't try to chase it or pull me over to get to it anymore, she walks straight on by! Words cannot explain how happy and proud I am of this dippy, smart, loving, caring, Miss Attitude lurcher. Thank you LCH from myself and April. KLJ

It's safe to say Lola's enjoying her first sunny beach walk of the year. AR

Ziggy running free at the beach with his pal. HW

Great ideas for days out with your pooch, dog friendly beaches, cafes, pubs, places to stay, and some fabulous walks can be found on dogfriendlycornwall.net. Take a look and make the most of your summer!

Happy Gotcha Day!

“Gotcha Day” is the name given to the day a lucky hound first came into his or her forever home. Here are a few tributes from March of that celebration of love.

Seth
Two years ago the most slobbery, farty, cuddly, cheeky monster of a dog joined our family. I’ve shared my life with all sizes and personalities of dogs over the years, but never ever has any one of them been quite like Seth. Happy 2nd Gotcha Day Seth, here's to many more happy years filled with farts and slobber. xx JG

Jasper

Happy Gotcha day to Mr Jasper! 12 whole months of this special boy in my life. TW

Abbie meets an old friend.....

Mummy took me to the Fun Dog Show at Pool. We were late of course, Mummy is always late for everything, so I didn't enter any of the classes, - I’m sure I would have won the prettiest female prize, but never mind. She was very pleased to meet Tina and her mum. Tina, like me, was one of the five spaniels that were taken in by LCH ages ago. We all came from a puppy farm in Wales, but Tina and I didn't recognise each other, those memories are too painful for us anyway. I am the fluffy brown one on the right, and Tina is the pretty blonde on the left.

I’m not so fluffy now. Mummy said it was time I was shorn, so I had a date with a lovely ‘hairdresser’ called Jo who was really nice and gentle and kind, just how I like it. Love, licks and bum wiggles, Abbie x

Dates for your Diary

Sunday 14th May 2017 11am - 5pm
Meet the Team and Dog Show at Enys Gardens Craft Fair, St Gluvias, Penryn TR10 9LB. Please check LCH website nearer the days for confirmation of times and classes.

Sunday 4th June 2017 10am - 4pm
LCH Spring Fayre and Dog Show at Crofthandy Village Hall , Nr St Day. Please check LCH website nearer the day for confirmation of times and classes.

All animals are somebody - someone with a life of their own. Behind those eyes is a story, the story of their life in their world as they experience it.
Tom Regan