It seem's Batman's Robin, Burt Ward has continued saving lives away from the Bat Cave.
Boy Wonder received the 'President's Lifetime Award' from Joe Biden for saving thousands of dogs. Ward and wife began by taking in an abandoned Great Dane in 1990. Within two years they were caring for 102 Great Danes and 61 puppies. Since then they have launched their Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions site - caring for thousands of large breed dogs.
After finishing Reading dog earlier today and saying our goodbyes as we made our way to reception where I sign out, I was advised next years incoming children along with parents were filling the reception area.
As reached the last secure doors I could see 50/60 people of all ages filling the reception areas and spilling outside into the car park. Staff and children are fully used to seeing our dogs moving about the school but I never assume everyone visiting likes or is not allergic or even fearful of dogs and treat them with the respect they deserve. As I open the doors I called out to alert everyone we were coming through, Valli must have felt like a little celebrity as parents and children alike said hello as we walked through, staff advising children/parents not to crowd her and you are welcome to say hi and everyone taking those words on board. I’ll always be proud of our dogs achievements but I’ll admit today give an old man a little spring in his step.
After finishing Reading dog earlier today and saying our goodbyes as we made our way to reception where I sign out, I was advised next years incoming children along with parents were filling the reception area.
As reached the last secure doors I could see 50/60 people of all ages filling the reception areas and spilling outside into the car park. Staff and children are fully used to seeing our dogs moving about the school but I never assume everyone visiting likes or is not allergic or even fearful of dogs and treat them with the respect they deserve. As I open the doors I called out to alert everyone we were coming through, Valli must have felt like a little celebrity as parents and children alike said hello as we walked through, staff advising children/parents not to crowd her and you are welcome to say hi and everyone taking those words on board. I’ll always be proud of our dogs achievements but I’ll admit today give an old man a little spring in his step.
At ten weeks old Bowyer made his first appearance at St George’s school, since then we’ve had had two lockdowns in between which we managed to qualify him as a Therapy dog.
Yes, he’s loud on a road walk saying hello to both those with two legs as well as four.
But as a fixture in the school since the return to normality his behaviour in school has been exemplary and that’s what matters, impressing children, staff, parents and even visitors to the school.
Today he hits his fifth birthday, what a journey, what a dog. Tramella Valley aka “Bowyer” 26/11/19
There’s a little story behind that photo, I’d been chatting moments before pitchside to Mick Everett and one other (it may have been @Ollywozere) when a certain Keohane walked towards us to join the conversation, obviously detecting my intense dislike to the guy Bow promptly told him to £*** off and to this day keohane remains the only one human or canine that Bow has aggressively told to stay.
There’s a little story behind that photo, I’d been chatting moments before pitchside to Mick Everett and one other (it may have been @Ollywozere) when a certain Keohane walked towards us to join the conversation, obviously detecting my intense dislike to the guy Bow promptly told him to £*** off and to this day keohane remains the only one human or canine that Bow has aggressively told to stay.
Not a bad judge of character is Bow 😂
Should have let Bow bite the prick.
Then you and Mick Everett could have said Keohane ran across the pitch and attacked Bow for no reason and he was only defending himself 😁
There’s a little story behind that photo, I’d been chatting moments before pitchside to Mick Everett and one other (it may have been @Ollywozere) when a certain Keohane walked towards us to join the conversation, obviously detecting my intense dislike to the guy Bow promptly told him to £*** off and to this day keohane remains the only one human or canine that Bow has aggressively told to stay.
Not a bad judge of character is Bow 😂
Should have let Bow bite the prick.
Then you and Mick Everett could have said Keohane ran across the pitch and attacked Bow for no reason and he was only defending himself 😁
We are very selective about what goes in Bow’s mouth we don’t feed him any old 5#/7 😂
Spookily we chose today as Boots birthday. He was approximately 4mths when we rescued him in February, so we decided he could share the same birthday as his hooman Dad. Happy 1st Birthday Boots! Happy 5the Birthday Bowyer!
At ten weeks old Bowyer made his first appearance at St George’s school, since then we’ve had had two lockdowns in between which we managed to qualify him as a Therapy dog.
Yes, he’s loud on a road walk saying hello to both those with two legs as well as four.
But as a fixture in the school since the return to normality his behaviour in school has been exemplary and that’s what matters, impressing children, staff, parents and even visitors to the school.
Today he hits his fifth birthday, what a journey, what a dog. Tramella Valley aka “Bowyer” 26/11/19
At ten weeks old Bowyer made his first appearance at St George’s school, since then we’ve had had two lockdowns in between which we managed to qualify him as a Therapy dog.
Yes, he’s loud on a road walk saying hello to both those with two legs as well as four.
But as a fixture in the school since the return to normality his behaviour in school has been exemplary and that’s what matters, impressing children, staff, parents and even visitors to the school.
Today he hits his fifth birthday, what a journey, what a dog. Tramella Valley aka “Bowyer” 26/11/19
You are a good man, Ray. Love reading your posts.
Thank you so much, the privilege is all mine. I get to witness my dogs working with so many people of all ages and abilities.
I just wanted to share some news with you. Mrs RM and I, as some of you know, breed GSD's and have done for 20+ yrs. We breed for all 'disciplines', from pets, to show dogs, agility, search and rescue, trail hunt, and man work. One of the dogs we bred, 2 yrs ago, was taken to Holland over the weekend to try her luck at international 'showing'. Her new owners asked Mrs RM if she would travel with them and 'handle' her in the show ring, however they also said that 'Lillie' had not had any training, but they wanted to give it a try. To cut a long story short, Mrs RM agreed and left here last Wednesday and travelled with them. 'Anchaz Lillibet' (kennel name) was entered into 3 shows, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. She was up against International Champions in all 3 shows, and this was her 1st time in a 'ring'. Well, she WON, all 3 shows, became a Champion in her own right and qualified for Crufts 2025! To say we were stunned is an understatement, especially as all 3 shows had different judges!! Lillie is now a Dutch Champion, and will be competing in other international competitions during 2025. Below are just 2 photos of 'Lillie' with Mrs RM on the winners podium.
Thank you, all Angies work to be honest, she is a natural 'dog whisperer' in my opinion! We've not seen Lillie since she left us 2 yrs ago! It's remarkable really.
I've kept this quiet as I've had to for certain reasons. However please allow me to introduce 'Ford' to you all. He is the new addition to our Anchaz Kennel. His Dad is a Belgium Champion with multiple international qualifications. We have very high hopes for him moving forward. He's just 9 weeks old and we picked him up today.
Our 13th year with our Therapy dogs and 11th with Reading dogs in St Georges school here Minster on sea comes to an end. So many stories I could tell, so many emotions and tears shed over the course of the 12 months and our thoughts in particular are with those families who lost loved ones to Dementia, every visit I notice a familiar face is missing, the words from relatives saying thanks for making a difference although gratefully received but the sadness in their eyes wishing it hadn't been neccesary. Losing JJ back in january wasn't personally the best of starts and although not a Therapy dog was a very much loved part of the family and a huge miss and surprising by the neighbours who despite admiring his good looks would always give him a cheery good morning as was loaded in the car albeit from a distance. The Reading dogs has just been more and more successful with every year and while the school doesn't share data on individuals I witness first hand improvements in the children whether it be in behaviour in school or around our dogs, social skills or reading. This year one particular child I've mentioned before who 4 years ago was non verbal, non eye contact has come so far and although rarely comes out to read I make a point of dropping in the school after Bowyers exercise in the morning just to say hello to him. I'm often met with a "Goodbye Ray" after our little fist pump, which I now know is my cue to leave him, but also I'm met with a greeting where he calls "Bow" and moves from his chair to the floor for a cuddle. This years Christmas raffle for the children which is free and the prizes are always well received by the little ones of beach towels emblazoned with pictures of the dogs, and I would like personally say thanks to our sponsors in particular our friendly spanners it was a cost made easier to achieve and Winston sports for supplying said prizes. Our achievement award went to the child mentioned above, his improvement with his social skills are a credit to him, his mum who embarrassed me last week with huge hug in the playground as I waited for Millie and of course the staff at school.
Something the lad has always done is read out my polo shirts embroidered lettering, so we had a replica shirt made up for him and although he is not up to recieving it front of the whole school we met privately with staff and he loved it and laughed as he unwrapped his gift, quickly glanced at it before throwing it on the floor. Finally, this year a decision was made that Bowyer will be our last dog, when he can no longer work nor will I, hopefully we would have achieved 20 ish years of Therapy work and I'm hurting now so another 5 or so years I'll be in trouble and in my 70s. So thank you again to all those who have supported us over the years, spent time with our dogs or just sent messages with kind words, I always remember where it all really started and that was with CharltonLife and while my relationship with the club is a little indifferent you the fans are what its all about. Thank you all and have a great Christmas xx
I've kept this quiet as I've had to for certain reasons. However please allow me to introduce 'Ford' to you all. He is the new addition to our Anchaz Kennel. His Dad is a Belgium Champion with multiple international qualifications. We have very high hopes for him moving forward. He's just 9 weeks old and we picked him up today.
And here is a photo of his Dad.
Only 9 weeks, blimey. He's a beautiful little thing.
The work you do with your dogs is amazing and your stories and especially your successes always bring a tear to my eye!
Merry Christmas to you!
Absolutely. @T_C_E you're beyond words the joy you bring to people in the name of 'thinking about others before yourself'. You're a top geezer with a massive heart. Happy Christmas.
Dogs are quite simply the best - no side to a dog - total love - no matter what has happened in your life, your dog(s) are there and love you no matter what
Comments
What a man.
Proud to know him .
x
It seem's Batman's Robin, Burt Ward has continued saving lives away from the Bat Cave.
Boy Wonder received the 'President's Lifetime Award' from Joe Biden for saving thousands of dogs. Ward and wife began by taking in an abandoned Great Dane in 1990. Within two years they were caring for 102 Great Danes and 61 puppies. Since then they have launched their Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions site - caring for thousands of large breed dogs.
https://gentlegiantsrescue.com/
Burt is about to launch his Gentle Giants dog food in the UK.
Staff and children are fully used to seeing our dogs moving about the school but I never assume everyone visiting likes or is not allergic or even fearful of dogs and treat them with the respect they deserve.
As I open the doors I called out to alert everyone we were coming through, Valli must have felt like a little celebrity as parents and children alike said hello as we walked through, staff advising children/parents not to crowd her and you are welcome to say hi and everyone taking those words on board.
I’ll always be proud of our dogs achievements but I’ll admit today give an old man a little spring in his step.
Heal well Millie ❤️
Tramella Valley aka “Bowyer”
26/11/19
Then you and Mick Everett could have said Keohane ran across the pitch and attacked Bow for no reason and he was only defending himself 😁
He was approximately 4mths when we rescued him in February, so we decided he could share the same birthday as his hooman Dad.
Happy 1st Birthday Boots!
Happy 5the Birthday Bowyer!
Mrs RM and I, as some of you know, breed GSD's and have done for 20+ yrs. We breed for all 'disciplines', from pets, to show dogs, agility, search and rescue, trail hunt, and man work.
One of the dogs we bred, 2 yrs ago, was taken to Holland over the weekend to try her luck at international 'showing'. Her new owners asked Mrs RM if she would travel with them and 'handle' her in the show ring, however they also said that 'Lillie' had not had any training, but they wanted to give it a try.
To cut a long story short, Mrs RM agreed and left here last Wednesday and travelled with them.
'Anchaz Lillibet' (kennel name) was entered into 3 shows, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
She was up against International Champions in all 3 shows, and this was her 1st time in a 'ring'.
Well, she WON, all 3 shows, became a Champion in her own right and qualified for Crufts 2025!
To say we were stunned is an understatement, especially as all 3 shows had different judges!!
Lillie is now a Dutch Champion, and will be competing in other international competitions during 2025.
Below are just 2 photos of 'Lillie' with Mrs RM on the winners podium.
Huge congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤩♥️
We've not seen Lillie since she left us 2 yrs ago! It's remarkable really.
However please allow me to introduce 'Ford' to you all. He is the new addition to our Anchaz Kennel. His Dad is a Belgium Champion with multiple international qualifications.
We have very high hopes for him moving forward. He's just 9 weeks old and we picked him up today.
And here is a photo of his Dad.
So many stories I could tell, so many emotions and tears shed over the course of the 12 months and our thoughts in particular are with those families who lost loved ones to Dementia, every visit I notice a familiar face is missing, the words from relatives saying thanks for making a difference although gratefully received but the sadness in their eyes wishing it hadn't been neccesary.
Losing JJ back in january wasn't personally the best of starts and although not a Therapy dog was a very much loved part of the family and a huge miss and surprising by the neighbours who despite admiring his good looks would always give him a cheery good morning as was loaded in the car albeit from a distance.
The Reading dogs has just been more and more successful with every year and while the school doesn't share data on individuals I witness first hand improvements in the children whether it be in behaviour in school or around our dogs, social skills or reading.
This year one particular child I've mentioned before who 4 years ago was non verbal, non eye contact has come so far and although rarely comes out to read I make a point of dropping in the school after Bowyers exercise in the morning just to say hello to him.
I'm often met with a "Goodbye Ray" after our little fist pump, which I now know is my cue to leave him, but also I'm met with a greeting where he calls "Bow" and moves from his chair to the floor for a cuddle.
This years Christmas raffle for the children which is free and the prizes are always well received by the little ones of beach towels emblazoned with pictures of the dogs, and I would like personally say thanks to our sponsors in particular our friendly spanners it was a cost made easier to achieve and Winston sports for supplying said prizes.
Our achievement award went to the child mentioned above, his improvement with his social skills are a credit to him, his mum who embarrassed me last week with huge hug in the playground as I waited for Millie and of course the staff at school.
Finally, this year a decision was made that Bowyer will be our last dog, when he can no longer work nor will I, hopefully we would have achieved 20 ish years of Therapy work and I'm hurting now so another 5 or so years I'll be in trouble and in my 70s.
So thank you again to all those who have supported us over the years, spent time with our dogs or just sent messages with kind words, I always remember where it all really started and that was with CharltonLife and while my relationship with the club is a little indifferent you the fans are what its all about.
Thank you all and have a great Christmas xx
Ray
@T_C_E you're beyond words
You're a top geezer with a massive heart.
Happy Christmas.
Our bundle of fun and love will fetch her toys but will not give them back
She's getting better, slowly.