I'm sure Ash has been with you constantly throughout the last few days. :) Such a super lad. Xxx

Every time I think of you a tear still escapes.

Always loved and never forgotten, my brave beautiful boy xxx

Every time we see a robin in the park we think it's you.
Happy Christmas, lovely, lovely Ash.
We still miss you every day. You would have loved Star.
Love you and will never forget you, love Melysa and Sam x

Happy Christmas, beautiful Ash, up in heaven.
You were with us last Christmas, still miss you so much x

So sorry to hear about Ash Melysa & Sam. I did email you but thought I'd put a message on today as we have heard the sad news about Louis. Ash was a lovely boy when we met him at daybreaks and he was lucky to have you and Sam as you were to have him. Rest in peace Ash xx

Hoping you are ok. Xx

We still miss you so, so much, our beautiful brave boy x

So sorry to hear this bad news

What a lovely way to remember your gorgeous Ash. Xxx

What a lovely idea. The tree must look brilliant and will be a perfect memory of your brave boy. Xx

What a great idea ash will never be forgotten he was such a beautiful boy bless him big hugs to you and of course to Charlie mouse big licks from tinker and nana xxx

Just lovely x I went into the chapel in the caves at Pradis this morning and lit a candle for all we have lost but will always be remembered. Very emotional.... X

Melysa and Sam...that sounds fabulous! What a lovely idea Ash will never be forgotten Your Soldier made a big imprint on all of our hearts Hugs to you all x x

Thank you to everyone for all the lovely things you have said about Ash x

We have now planted the Ash tree in our garden & have hung lots of silver fish (pilchards!) all over it & on each hang of a fish we said a memory we had of Ash. It really helped us (& also looks pretty damn cool!)

Ash, we will always love you & will never forget you, our lovely, brave boy x

We just haven't stopped crying, we miss you so much x

Melysa, Sam and Charlie, so very sorry to hear about Ash. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but it is obvious he meant the world to you and you to him. You gave him the home and love he needed when he needed it most. I know the heartbreak you are feeling so be kind to yourselves and remember you couldn't have done any more for him. Love and hugs from me, Andy, Champ, Surprise, Daisy and Roxy xx

Hi Melysa, Sam & Charlie Mouse... we are all sending you BIG thought cuddles on learning of the sad passing of Ash. Such a beautiful brave boy who received the most amazing care, love and scrumptious food during his far too short time with you. Run free forever Adorable Ash. T,J,R & B xxxx

Dear Melysa & Sam, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. What you did was truly extraordinary.....the love and care you gave him kept him going, but his poor old body had just had enough.
(To see him trotting about at the Party was just amazing!)

I know how heartbroken you both must be.....BIG hug for you (((xXx)))

Melysa I did not have the pleasure of knowing Ash or meeting you but I do know that the love we have for our hounds is a special and unique gift. I firmly believe that it is the dog who finds the owner - and clearly you and Sam were just the right people to care for Ash - how wonderful he found you. Xx

I am so very sorry, Ash was so lucky to have found you and it's just wonderful that he had all your support and love, be strong x

So very sad to read the news. You gave him so much and he goes to the bridge knowing he was much loved and will never be forgotten. Sending hugs to you all xxx

Melysa & Sam we were so very sorry to read the news today about your precious Ash. You gave him everything you possibly could to enhance his life over the time you had together. We know you will miss him so very much but once the pain of his passing eases, we hope you will be able to look back over these last months and feel incredibly proud to have had him in your lives, as it was a very special thing you did in his time of need.
Hugs to all of you. Lola and Lena send special wags and sniffs for Charlie Mouse. xx

We were so very sorry to hear about your lovely Ash. After reading so much about him, we finally had the pleasure of meeting him at the Daybreaks Birthday Party in June. Such a lovely boy and he has done so very well in the time he has been with you. Your love and care for him has been inspirational. Sending you all much love. Run free Ash. Xx

So sorry Melysa ,Sam and Charlie mouse for the loss of beautiful Ash so glad you got to love him run free at the bridge mate xxx

So sorry to hear about Ash. You gave him lots of love in his last months, and I'm glad I met him. He was lovely, but is whole again running free at the bridge xxx

We were so sorry to hear about Ash at the kennels today. He had 9 precious months living with the three of you, being looked after and loved and by all accounts having his own chef on hand! You did all that could be done and more. I think you all have done amazingly well to get Ash this much further on. I'm glad he got to see Kylie and Louis again earlier in the year. The most you can ever give is love and sometimes it also brings the hardest decision. I think the idea of the rowan ash tree is lovely. He'll always be with you running pain free and comfortable. Thinking of you all and I'm sure his little sister Kylie sends you all cuddles and nose-bumps. Take care all of you xx J

Oh Melysa, Sam and Mouse I'm sorry to hear your news. Ash was given so much love and TLC in his short time with you, he was a very lucky boy. Run free over rainbow bridge. You are all in our thoughts. Sending love and hugs. Xx

Melysa, Sam and Charlie - so sorry to hear the sad news about Ash. You gave this beautiful boy all your love and care; he couldn't have wanted for more. Our thoughts are with you. xx

Such a special Boy,Part of a very special family. Much love to you all. Xxx

So sorry to hear about Ash.... he had a good life and sure hes looking down at us all with happy memories.... john/mary xxxx

Sam and Melysa..we were so upset to hear of your special soldier Ash Your post for him on here was so full of love Your care and dedication to him was second to none and was clear for all to see Yet the kindness but hardest thing...is letting them go You are an inspiration A soldier so special will NEVER be forgotten With love x x

Ash was such a character and inspite of his ailing health still had a spring in his step especially when it came to the ladies.Sometimes do the right thing is the hardest thing to do.Love to you all cherish your memories and take pride in what you have done for this special boy love Debbie and Milly xxx

Melysa and Sam no one could have done more for this lad you are both inspirational. I am in pieces reading your post. Ash was so lucky to have had you in his final months, you gave him love, care and comfort, he is free to run now. Hugs to you all.

Hi both. I am so sorry to hear about Ash. The care you both
gave him was second to none. You both loved and cherished
him the short time that he was with you. RIP Ash xxx

Melysa - what can I say, but thank you so much for everything you did, you are ALL angels. Thinking of you all. hugs to Charlie Mouse. xxxxxx

Dear Melysa and Sam,we are so very sad to hear that your beloved Ash has gone to rainbow bridge.We know how you feel as we had to make the same painful decision almost a year ago.Just be comforted in the knowledge that he had the best home he could have wished for and a family who loved him dearly and gave him the best TLC in the world.Its amazing how these wonderful greyhounds take over our very soul and its so very hard to lose them.Tonight there will be another bright star shining down from the heavens.Take care xx

Oh Melysa & Sam I am heartbroken to read your sad news. He was a very special boy and you both gave him an amazing life, no one could have done more to make him feel loved and cared for, I know you and Charlie Mouse will miss him terribly but take comfort from the lovely memories you have of your time with him. Thinking of you all, Angie xxxx

Sorry to hear of the loss of Ash, but you gave him a load of love and care. You are in our thoughts Love from The New Icemaid Clan xxxxxx

So very sorry to read about Ash, he had such a caring loving family to spend his last months with and he was obviously very happy with you and Charlie Mouse. RIP sweet boy.

Dear Melysa, Sam and Charlie Mouse, so very sad you have lost your beautiful Ash. He was as you say such a brave lad and I can picture him now meeting and greeting everyone at the Daybreaks party just a few weeks ago...such a superstar, everyone loved him. God has gained a very, very special angel. Lots of love to you all Kate, Twiggy and Skip. Xxx

Yesterday we lost the bravest little man in the whole wide world. Our lovely, gentle boy went to rainbow bridge. He had had severe diarrhoea for 2 days & had lost so much more weight, his falls were becoming more & more frequent & his poor little body had become so frail, he was so very tired. We knew we had to let him go.

The vet came over & he died in our arms yesterday afternoon. We are heartbroken & just sat together where his bed used to be & cried all last night. Who would have thought one so quiet could leave such an empty, empty space. Charlie Mouse lay with us, giving us both a paw.

We love & miss him so very, very much & feel honoured to have called him our friend. He is free of all pain now, running, laughing & tumbling amongst the clouds. We will forever love you, Ash x

Today we are going out to buy an Rowen Ash tree to plant in the garden just for him.

Lovely to read an update on Ash. His little 'sister' Kylie will be 10 in a few weeks. I'm sure she'd send him lots of licks and snuggles. Ash is definitely a trooper! Well done to you all and good to know he's so cared for. All the best to all of you from all of us x

Oh Ash you have a marvellous family, they love you dearly.
We send our love to you all from The New Icemaid Clan xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Great to hear lovely Ash is doing well...he is a lucky boy to have such a fab family! Especially Charlie Mouse of course! :)) Xxx

So pleased to see the update on Ash. What a truly extraordinary,loving family he has. And what a strong, brave boy he is. sending everyone loads of hugs. xx

Ahh, thank you for saying that, but all the credit should really go to Sam. Although I pushed to have Ash, it's Sam who cooks all his steak & pork chops (I can't cook!) & now takes him out on walks & holds him up (he had become too heavy for me to take his weight) & it's Sam who gets up to him in the night. The two have formed quite the bond (although, I love it when Ash runs to me & wipes his snotty face all over me when I come in from work!)
Actually, on here I would like to send Sam lots of love & thanks for letting us have Ash & for taking care of him. You are a star & he loves you so much x

Melysa and Sam,..if ever there was a cup/medal given to one of the most dedicated people to a grey...its got to be yours Ash is so very very lucky to have you Such a soldier ! Hugs to you all x x x

Hello! Not posted for a while, but wanted to let everyone know how Ash is.
Well, he's eating well (4 steaks the other day!) but unfortunately he is always going to look thin the vet says! He is a beautiful boy, but his back legs are shot & are never going to get any better - he can only manage little walks & his back legs will often go from under him when out for a walk or trying to get up or down. He is unable to poo by himself, so we are always there to hold him up. He yips 3 times a night for us to get up & let him out for a wee too! It is a beautiful thing though when he struggles to get up to greet you & bats his lovely snowflake eyelashes!
We are hoping to bring him to the Daybreaks Birthday Party &/or The Dogs Day Out In The Country - he won't be able to get around much, so we will bring his bed for him to lie on in a shady spot!
We feel lucky to still have him with us after all he has been through x

A somewhat belated Happy Birthday to Ash. I imagine you had a lovely day Ash and were truly indulged. Xx

Belated 12th birthday wishes Ash i bet you was spoiled rotten xxx

Happy Birthday Ash.Hope you've had a lovely day with your family xxx

Wishing Ash a very Happy Birthday...sure he has been spoilt rotton today! Lots of love to Ash and of course Charlie Mouse. Xxx

Happy Birthday Ash! X

Paddy and Ele wish you a very happy birthday Ash.We hope you had lots of treats on your very special day xx

Happy birthday Ash you lovely boy. Lots of love and best wishes from myself and Andy, Ben and Lucy and lots of slurps from your little sis Kylie. You keep going lad and enjoy yourself xx All the best to your new family Melysa, Sam and Charlie Mouse too x J

Happy Birthday Ash. Hope you have had a lovely day and lots of treats. xx

Happy birthday Ash. Enjoy your pressies, love Becky, Angel, Archie and Floyd xxxx

Happy Birthday, lots of love don't forget to share your birthday goodies with Charlie Mouse. Xxx

Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You... hope you're having a wonderful day Ash and enjoy your pigs ears etc... big hugs & licks from Rosie Po, Brae, Tash & John xxxx

Happy birthday to Ash. You are so special. Enjoy your day. Love to you all.xxxx

Happy birthday Ash.
xx Enjoy your goodies.

Happy 12th Ash you lovely boy, have a lovely birthday.
Love from the 4 girls of The New Icemaid Clan xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Love also to his family.

Happy Birthday Ash! He is 12 today!
Still so thin, with the weakest back legs going, but still here!
He got pigs ears, a bone, chomp bars & some gourmet dog food!

Great to read that Ash is coming on. Good too that he's starting to realise what DOG food is for - makes it cheaper! The dog food may help him bulk out a bit too. He must be feeling happy enough in himself if he's interested in his walks even if he can't get that far at the moment. He probably just needs to slowly build up a bit of muscle condition but that will come I'm sure. He's a spirited old boy your Ash is. Just keep doing what you're doing and you'll help him manage as much as he can. Hopefully the weather will warm up a bit soon and that will probably help him along. All the best to you all, a lick from Kylie to Ash and a cuddle to Ash from us x

Sorry, I hadn't posted any new posts on Ash as he's still the same, so no news really! He's still thin and wobbly on his back legs & needs to be held up to poo - I don't think this will change much as he'll be 12 in a few weeks!! But he is all healed & one thing that is brilliant is that after his operation he is now eating normal tinned dog food and fish!! So there's no more cooking sirloin steak 24/7!! He's back at training & will join in when he can & he's doing 3 little walks a day. He was so happy when he got to training, but seemed to tire very quickly this time. So he's eating really well and exercising but we are still praying for him to gain more weight & he get stronger. We love him, he is such a lovely boy, that has been through so, so much, but still shows us love & such interest on walks & new things. He has started to get up now to greet each student that has come for a guitar lesson & when he's really happy he laughs & wipes his face all over his bed, over & over again! x

Well sounds hell of a lot better & well with Ash, love to his family for the love, care and attention.
Sylv, and The New Icemaid Clan xxxxxx

Ash came to doggie training yesterday with Charlie. He joined in when he could and seems to be doing well. Mylessa and Sam tell us he has been discharged from the vets and is managing little walks. Ash has a great zest for life and is such a happy fella.

How is Ash doing nothing in the last month???? The New Icemaid Clan x

How is Ash doing Melysa?

Please any more on the lovely Ash ??? Sylv x

Ash same as last post - still chipper & getting better, eating a bit more though!
Mouse says thx! x

Just wondering how Ash is doing Melysa and Sam? Also a big hug to Mr Mouse!

Wonderful news! Well done Ash....lots of love to you all and big cuddles to Ash and Charlie Mouse. Xxx

So pleased to hear Ash is improving. Sending him loads of hugs. Xxxx

So pleased to read the update on Ash. I can tell little Kylie her brother's getting stronger again. I'm sure you'll soon sort the weight issue once Ash has some time to get over everything. Feeling more comfortable is bound to help once all the smarting stops. Ash obviously knows he's onto a good thing and intends to take advantage for as long as is possible. Must have been a few difficult days but he is a lovely lad so well done to you all for getting him - and yourselves - through it. All the best from all of us x

Best news ever! I am sure with Sam's cooking Ash will make a good recovery, who knows Sam could even be writing his own Greyhound recipe book before too long! Seriously though really relieved to hear he is through the worse bit, you both know you can get the weight back on him because you have done that before. Hugs to you all you are stars.

I also want to say a massive thank you to Daybreaks for all the funding & the people who made donations for Ash's vet bills. Many people would have just put him down as he will be 12 yrs in March & with all his health problems. We are so grateful we were able to have him & nobody gave up on him. He truly wants to live & is bright as a button & so inquisitive. We just know he is so happy & wants to be with us & see as much as he can see for as long as he can. Thank you x

That's brilliant news, so pleased for you all. Big hugs :-) :-) :-) xxxxxx

Wonderful news Melysa. Love to you all. X

We are so pleased to hear that Ash is getting better.You are all miracle workers! Just shows what TLC can do and we know Ash is receiving loads from you.Hopefully his eating will improve now he's feeling better.He's been through a lot,brave boy. Well done Ash xx

Melysa, What do we all say but he is a miracle boy as you said. Love to you all from Sylv, John & The New Icemaid Clan xxx. Things sound good, hope the weight goes on & the pressure is taken of you both.

Ash News!!
We are through those woods!!! All Ash's redness from his burns have gone down & he's started getting up & down by himself. His scrotum from the operation is still very sore though, but is healing well, as is his operation wound. We got a call from the vet today to say the adenoma was benign too - YAY!

He is even back to boxing us when we say we are going to fight him!! He also popped up to go for a walk with Charlie Mouse - we took him to the corner of the road! However, he really does look like Night of the Living Dead!!

We now have the battle of getting that weight on him! He has started eating again though, but only very small amounts, but it's early days. We are so happy re his progress - the vet left us last week saying only love & care now will get him through - & we did it!! Thank you to everyone for all their support - he is a miracle boy! We love you Ash! x

Just wondering how Ash is doing now? Best wishes to you all x

All our love to Ash. Your doing such an amazing job, lots of love and devotion to such a poor old boy you both deserve a medal. Xx

Hope Ash is doing ok tonight; so pleased he is back at home. Sending lots of love to you all...Xxx

Melysa you are doing amazing looking after Ash so well give him a big kiss from me and i hope he starts getting better real soon xxx

Can only add what everyone else has put really glad to hear Ash is home I am sure he will recover better in his home environment. Will be thinking of you all give him a hug from me and one to Charlie Mouse as well.

Happy to hear that Ash is home, but sad to hear how bad he is. Hope he will pick up now he is back with you all. He has been through a lot so must be feeling very rough at the moment. Hopefully he will soon start to improve. Everything crossed for him. Sending you all hugs. Xx

Its good your back home with your family who love you very much. We hope this will help you to recover.Everyone is desperately wishing there was something we could all do to help you.Keep on fighting brave boy xx

Glad he is home. Maybe side affects of drugs he has been given making him feel rough. At least he has his furry brother to snuggly with. Xxx

It's good to see Ash been released back home. Having you around to love him will be a help I'm sure and should give him some stability too. I imagine he's probably still feeling a bit out of sorts after the past few days with operations and everything but I'm sure being home with you all and having his brother around again will help. Sending you all best wishes for Ash's continued recovery and a cuddle from all of us x

Ash, we're all behind you. Keep fighting and help your mom and dad xxxx

He is home, but in such a bad way, the burns are very bad & we have the vet coming over tomorrow to redress his legs. He has lost all the weight he's put on & is refusing food so far. We have been given many tablets & creams for him, so will just continue to care for him. He is glad to be with us again though x

Any news on Ash today?

My comment disappeared!! The vets can make sure Ash gets some food inside him too which can only help his initial recovery. I don't blame your for going to see him. I would have done too. Kylie sends her big bro a big sloppy lick and a nuzzle and we send him (and you) a cuddle. Small steps will hopefully lead to a good recovery. He's a trooper - obviously knows he has a nice home and family to go back to. All the best x

Glad that Ash is fighting on. I've been hoping all day at work that he'd be making it through. He's a lovely lad and most definitely in the best place being looked after at the vets for now. They can make sure he's f

Such a fighter, that old boy is. So glad he was pleased to see you. Much love to you all ,Hopes for his recovery now. Xxx

Ash, what a brilliant strong greyhound you are. I am sure it is because you know you are so much loved by your family. Keep fighting sweetheart. Hopefully you will be back on your own sofa tomorrow. Loads of hugs. Xxxxx

Fantastic, the bandages on his legs might be to help support him? They do this with horses to spread the weight. He's in the best place at the moment :-) :-) :-) xxxxxxx

Ash you are amazing keep strong sending my love to all xxx

Get well soon Ash,brave boy. Charlie Mouse will be so pleased to see you when you come home. Keep on fighting your mommy and daddy love you so much and so look forward to having you back. Melysa and Sam you are stars xx

We could not help ourselves & went to visit Ash at the vets! The poor boy has all his legs & his tail bandaged up & looks sooo sore from the diarrhoea burns, his adenoma operation & his castration. BUT he was bright & so pleased to see us, he even pawed at me to carry on stroking him & then struggled to stand up for us! He jerked his head up twice too, when we mentioned Charlie Mouse's name! The vet said we could even have brought Charlie Mouse in to see him! We are so happy!

We know we have a long road ahead of us when we collect him tomorrow though, with bathing him, treating his sores, getting him to eat & trying to put the weight on, but we are prepared! Thank you so much to everyone for all their prayers & good wishes xxx

Good boy Ash. Hope you are well enough to go home tomorrow. Thinking of you :-) :-) xxx. Love to Melysa and Sam, Becky xxxx

Melysa & Sam... stay strong and stay positive as he really is in the best place. I'm sure the vets will let him come home as soon as he is properly stable though you must all be missing him desperately.
I've sent my cuddle for Ash again today. Fight on fella and you'll be home soon.
xxxx

Lots of love to Ash xxxxxxxxx

Ash is to stay in again at the vets, still on a drip, being fed food via a syringe & being monitored. He now has diarrhoea burns/blisters on his legs, which is very sad, but we will deal with these also. So fingers crossed he will be home tomorrow where we will carry on caring for him & loving him x

Ash, you must be the most blogged about greyhound Daybreaks have ever known... and such a brave little soldier deserves nothing less! Stay strong beautiful boy; your Mom, Dad and gorgeous brother Charlie Mouse want their special lad back home ASAP so you can recover in the comfort of familiar surroundings with their unconditional, unwavering and unquestionable love. Our two little girls have asked me to send you the biggest electronic cuddle possible. Much love, Tash, John, Rosie & Brae xxxx

Such a brave boy, just home from work, still got coat on but had to know how he was doing. Xxx

Love and cuddles to Ash xxxx

Keep fighting lovely. We are all thinking of you. Xx

Love and best wishes to Ash. We said a little prayer for him last night. Hope everything will be ok, thinking of you xx

We had the phone call at 7 30am this morn to say Ash was alive & had lifted his head up! They say he is not up yet though or out of the woods, so they are ringing us at lunchtime. We asked for help & luck last night & the strangest thing - we opened our back door this morning & there was a tiny pure white feather lying there - we would like to think it was a guardian angel looking out for Ash last night x

Wonderful news,he's a super little fighter. Here's hoping for a full recovery,love to you all from us xx

Was going to post a comment overnight. Then this morning did not know what to say. But here it comes now GREAT GREAT NEWS he's a fantastic boy. Love to all from The New Icemaid Clan xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Another cuddle for him & the family.

Fantastic news...what a little fighter he is! Xxx

Wonderful news.xxxx

Fantastic news Ash is one very tough greyhound. All the best wishes for a continued recovery. Keep us posted.

good news lots of love Ash..Xxxxxx

Great news. Keep going Ash :-) :-) xxxxx

So happy :-)

Fantastic news. I as many of us were, very worried all night..... So glad Ruth put comment up before I went to work. Melysa and Sam.... Thinking of you all. Hugs and cuddles to Ash and of course Charlie Mouse. Xxxxxxxx

Scream - I was so happy to have a phone call about an hour ago from Sam to say Ash has made it through the night :-) Couldn't wait to put on a comment as I am sure everyone will be wanting to know too.... xxxxxxxx He is one amazing little fighter :-)

Wes gots ebaryfing crosseded. Cum on Ash yous can do its!!!!
Jentul LUBS n snugguls
Goldie n Ruby Roo oh n dere Muvva tooz
Mwah mwah mwah xxxx

How is Ash? I've been thinking of him and you all. X

Melysa, Sam and Charlie - we have six sets of fingers, toes and paws crossed for you and Ash tonight. All our thoughts and prayers for the best outcome xxx

He is in the safest place now, thinking of you all. XXXX

Sorry to hear about Ash's bleed, lucky he was still at the vets! Keep fighting Ash, we're all rooting for you xxxxxx

Really hope Ash holds on. It will feel like a very long night. Thinking of you xx

Thinking of you Ash, Mel and Sam. You have my cuddle today Ash you gorgeous boy. Keep fighting brave lad, you are loved so much and we are all praying for you. A VERY VERY big kiss from Louis X.

If there is a god up there he will help make Ash pull through this. Come on boy, you have a family you deserve to spend so much more time with that love and care for you so much. Fight baby boy, fight. Love to you all. Praying for you. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hang in there he is a fighter and in the best place at the moment. Lots of love Wendy.

Sending lots of love to you all....please don't give up Ash. Xxx

So sorry to read the latest news Melysa & Sam. Sending much love & strength for you xxx

Come on Ash...keep fighting precious boy xxx

ash u r so much loved lots of to yr mom and dad and u love john/Mary xxx great barr

Desperately hoping he pulls through, thinking of you all tonight.

Thinking positive thoughts for you all Melysa. Lots and lots of love to Ash. Xx

So sorry to read the latest update. It must be so worrying for you. I really do sympathise. On the plus side, Ash came through the op and is somewhere he can be monitored and helped. Hope tomorrow will bring better news. You're all in our thoughts xx

Thanks for your email Melysa. We are so very sorry to hear about Ash, it has upset us so can''t imagine how you and Sam are feeling. We are thinking of you both at this worrying time. Please pull through brave lad xx

Sending all my love to Ash & his family! X

Oh Mel & Sam...l am so sorry, but please don't give up hope...we are all rooting for him...and we will say a prayer tonight...stay strong. X.

So hope that dear Ash has a comfortable night and that he is there to greet you tomorrow morning.

Thanks Melysa for your text - I am SO sorry for the latest news...... sending all my love and strength xxxx

So sad to read latest message,hang on in there and fight we are all rooting for you(not a dry eye in here!) xx

Fantastic news !!! So happy for you all...and such a relief. l hope he is going to feel a lot more comfortable now. What a fighter he is...
he really deserves to be able to enjoy his twilight years. XXXX.

It is with tears in my eyes that I right this, we went to collect Ash today from the vets but were told we couldn't, as 40 mins prior he suffered major bleeding from his rectum & the vet had to fit him with drip & put him on morphine. We were taken in to see him & told he has a 50/50 chance of surviving the night. We will know tomorrow morning. Fight little soldier x

Please to hear Ash has made it through the operation. X

So pleased he has made it through, Fingers crossed for his full and fast recovery. Xxx

Glad to read that Ash made it through the operation ok. Here's to the next few days going well for you all and Ash making a good recovery so you can all properly settle down together. Keep us posted. Best wishes from all of us x

So, so pleased the lovely Ash has come through his op (such a fighter). He will be in our thoughts for the next few days. Extra cuddle tonight for him and to his lovely family.Love all around The New Icemaid Clan xxxxxxxxxx

Great news that Ash has come through the op and I am sure with the love and care you will give him he will make it, he is one very tough greyhound and a true fighter. All the very best to you all and an electronic cuddles to Ash and of course Charlie Mouse.

So pleased Ash has come through ok. We can relax a bit now,just hope you put your weight back on nowand we hope to see you soon. Bestest wishes from A,P,Paddy and Ele xx

So happy Ash has come through OK. Fingers crossed for the next few days that he will start to eat and get that weight back on. Sending you all hugs. Xx

Ash is awake!!!!! He got through the op & we are picking him up at 6 30pm today. The next few days are crucial though as he's hardly been eating anything & had lost some of the weight he had put on. So fingers crossed. OMG! Was worried there! Thank you all so much for all your kind words & good wishes x

Sending my cuddle to Ash today. Keeping everything crossed for him as well... we'll be thinking of you all.
Love from Linda, Paul, Lola & Lena xxxx

Thinking of you all, Hugs all round. Xxx

Hi Sam - thanks so much for your call this morning - keeping absolutely everything crossed for Ash and thinking of you, Melysa and Ash - today will be agonising for you..... but stay positive xxxx

Best wishes for lovely Ash for your op today. Thinking of you Melysa and Sam xx

Thinking of Ash and you all today. Xx

Lots of love to Ash...do hope all goes well tomorrow. Xxx

We will be thinking of you tomorrow Ash. Everyone is keeping everything crossed you will be ok. Paddy and Ele send nose snuffles xx

Hope all goes well tomorrow Ash. Thinking positive thoughts for you :-) :-) xxx

I can see from the comments that it must be Ash's op day tomorrow all the very best wishes to you all, will be thinking of you give Ash a cuddle from me and one for Charlie Mouse because he is such a star.

good luck tomorrow Ash...... thinking of you all Melysa, Sam, Ash and Charlie Mouse. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Love Lisa. x

Hope all goes well for Ash tomorrow and over the next few days. Come through for everyone lad - you've got a lovely family to be there for you. Sending best wishes from myself and Andy, your little sis Kylie and her new brother and sister Ben and Lucy. Best wishes to your mom and dad too - and your new brother Charlie Mouse. You can have our cuddle today too xx J

Ash, I have everything crossed for you tomorrow. Hope all goes well and you are soon back on your sofa being spoiled rotten. Sending you my cuddle today. xxxxxxx

You will be in all our thoughts tomorrow. hope all is well for all. I go with muddypaws and give Ash a cuddle today & tomorrow.
Love Sylv & The New Icemaid Clan xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Melysa & Terry we will be thinking of you and take care.

Sending you hugs and positive thoughts for tomorrow sweet boy. (((X))) We will be thinking about you and your mom & dad.
Now, you be a good fella and make a speedy recovery !!! Giving you my cuddle today...and tomorrow. Melysa...please give him a big kiss from me and Terry. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It has been so lovely to read about the famous five !! I agree with muddy paws , we had a similar situation with Blade, sadly blade and Harry were brought back as older dogs who had lived together a long time when their owner passed away, Both Harry and blade were fostered straight away ( we fostered blade) and some weeks later we organised for them both to be reunited, I think that I was expecting them to be over the moon at seeing each other, but they just exchanged a hello with hardly a wag of the tail between them, both Harry and blade had moved on to their new lives with their new grey hound families, which is wonderful to see that they are both happy in their new lives but part of me was sad , they are just amazing animals , I thank my lucky stars everyday for Bertie and blade,and thank goodness for charities like Daybreaks xx

It was lovely to meet Ash and his family on Sunday and to see the love and care that he is being given. I believe that Louis did recognise both Ash and Kylie and as Muddypaws said, he went into protective mode when the german shepherd approached Ash and Kylie. We were both so surprised. There is also a lovely bond between 'Mouse' and Ash. You are a gorgeous boy Ash and so very lucky to have found such a caring home. Good luck lad for your operation next week - I will be thinking of you and sending you all my love. You have my cuddle today. XXXXXXX

So lovely to hear most of the Famous Five got to meet up again yesterday. I am sure their previous owner would have been very happy to see they are all loved so much. Xxx

It was lovely to all meet up yesterday - and I finally had the opportunity to have a photo with me AND Andy and all three hounds that we've never had up til now (even when it was just the four of us before we had Kylie). The photo is now on our front room wall - thank you to the photographer for that - sorry, I didn't get your name. It was great to have a dry sunny morning too. I think Kylie was happy to see her brothers again and she did give both of them little kisses and nuzzles - our Lucy also got in on the act wherever possible. It was good that Deb and Rich also had chance to see Louis again. I thought that Ash was a lot stronger than I expected. Ok, he's got his issues but he was trotting along with some pace, not stiff and slow, enjoying the fuss and the human and doggy company and didn't seem introverted as I thought he may have been. I really hope he will have the strength to keep going and make a decent recovery. Whatever happens, at least he's being loved, not given up on and being given the chance to make it through. Ultimately, what will be, will be but I hope he has a fair chance, and maybe they can all see each other again when Ash is feeling stronger? Let us know how he goes. He's a beauty- as is Louis and all the other houndies that were with us yesterday. I'm proud to be a Famous Five FFP!!

l think that maybe there was some recognition. When Louis met Ash, and he licked his ear...Louis has never shown any affection to our other dogs whatsoever. Also, on the walk, when the German Shepherd ran over to us,Louis was fine until he went by Ash & Kylie, then he started growling and barking....something he has never done before.So, l think that he did remember, but dogs do move on and re-adapt very quickly, but there was something there, because he did surprise us with his protective attitude. Who knows what goes on in their little heads,
they really are a wonderful and unique breed.

Thank you Muddy Paws for your lovely words. x
Thank you also to everyone who came to Ash's reunion yesterday, it was so lovely that you made the effort to come. It was so nice to meet you all & Kylie & Louie. It was funny, but none of them seemed that excited to see each other & just carried on wanting to be fussed by the humans! But I'm glad we did it & it was actually nice to realise & confirm that they might not miss their old home & housemates & are now readjusted & are loving their new lives & new owners!

Muddypaws your thoughts and words are so uplifting and caring, we all need them at this time with Ash in our thoughts, love to Melysa & Sam. Sylv & The New Icemaid Clan xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It was lovely to meet Ash yesterday. l must admit, l didn't realise how many health issues this gorgeous boy actually has, and l take my hat off to Melysa & Sam for all their love and hard work...l can appreciate how incredibly difficult it must be caring for him.
My one wish is that Ash improves and his op goes well...and thank you to everyone involved for not giving up on him. Whatever his future may hold, he couldn't have had any more love and care. You get my cuddle today fella...because you broke my heart yesterday.
Lets all stay positive that he can, and will, enjoy his twilight years. Charlie Mouse, you are a diamond...the bond between you and Ash has to be seen to be believed !!! XXX.

So sorry to hear Ash has to have an operation. Sending you all lots of love. Xxx

Sending cuddles for Ash. Will be thinking of you all and keeping everything crossed things go well when he has his op. Xx

Cuddle for Ash. Let's hope he's strong enough for his op. Positive thoughts for him xxx

Sorry to hear Ash will need to have operation. Sending love and hugs to you all and keeping everything crossed for Ash. X

The name Snitterfield comes from the bird Snipe, so it seemed like a good name at the time!! Thanks for the jump Archie is snuggled up under his fleece ha ha. Love to Ash xxxx

Sorry Beckie, I forgot to say they will also castrate him at the same time as removing the adenoma, as not being castrated is 1 of the causes (or things that don't help) adenomas. They say the op will be about an hour & that now there is no way they will take his teeth out at any stage in his life as this would be a 4 hour op & he definitely wouldn't survive that x

Sorry, that was this Sunday 11th Jan at 10 30am - 11 ooam
(not the 10th!)

Hi beautiful Ash, I've gotta be quick as me Mom doesn't know I've mastered this laptoppythingymajig, but when I read your Mom's note about your forthcoming op I just had to let you know that I'm sending you the biggest electronic 'thought hug' possible. Big licks, Rosie Po xxx

So sorry to hear this about Ash wishing him all the luck in world xxx

Hi Beckie, I think Sam has mentioned this & she said it would be too traumatic for him & she wouldn't put him through it.

A hug & jump to Archie! & why are u called Snipe?! x

Oh Melysa and Sam what a roller coaster, take heart that your vet now knows Ash very well and I am sure will be as quick with the procedure as possible limiting the anaestetic time. These hounds always surprise us and Ash is one hell of a fighter. Will be keeping everything crossed for you.

Hi Melysa. Sorry about Ash, have you asked the vet about removing the adenoma just using sedation? This is what our vet did with Floyds as he cant have general anaesthetic owing to grade 5 heart murmur. He was absolutely fine after. Are you on facebook? Love Becky (Archie, Floyd and Angel) xxx

Ash went to the vets this morning & his 1 large adenoma that has been bleeding hasn't got any better, so the vet says unfortunately he will now have to be operated on in 2 wks. We are obviously very concerned as they have said he is at a high risk of dying during the operation & also in the few days after when he won't be eating. So we are crossing our fingers & just really making the next few weeks with him count.

The good news is it has now been sorted so that he will be meeting up with his old housemates, Louie with Muddy Paws & Kylie with Justine & Andy on this Sunday morning ( 10th Jan) between 10 30 - 11 00am!

Can Bob's garden be secured for us then please? Th u x

& I was also wondering if anyone at Daybreaks could please contact Ann with Emmy & the Bartley Green Crew with Isla to see if they could possibly make it? I just really want to do this for Ash.

Hartstone, I don't know if you want to take some photos?!

All, You can use the Cat room for a bit if you want next Sunday, we can just lock cats out for a short time. I can get some pics of them all together then for Ruth. xxxxxx

Hi Melysa. We are happy to meet at the kennels next Sunday, as long as we can find a quiet corner, no probs. I don't think that we will ever get all 5 together, but it would be nice if Ruth could do a feature on them in Grapevine. If you, or Justine & Andy need to contact me, my E- Mail address is charleysbetty@gmail.com. Speak to you soon. X.

Hi J&A & MuddyPaws, as pre said I am happy to meet up wherever, whenever - u guys decide if certain places aren't right for u x

Hi Melysa. All being well we are planning to come to kennels next weekend. Due to distance, it's not something we can do more than a couple of weekends a month unfortunately. We are also a little concerned that when we took Kylie last weekend to sort her adoption paperwork, she was crying more on the way there, presumably at being separated from Ben and Lucy than the previous time so we would prefer that all three came along. It may also be worth baring in mind where would be best to meet as we've got three greys ourselves so we may end up in the way in the main part of the kennels? It would be good if something could be sorted out though.I'd like to see how Ash is myself and it would be especially lovely if Louis could make it as he is actually Kylie's brother. We hope Ash is doing ok x

Hi Ruth, I could make it, but I know Justine & Andy are coming up next wk (J&A - I will email back! - I can bring Ash next Sat or Sun to Daybreaks if good for you, or to Cannon Hill or Kings Heath park) not sure about Muddy Paws & have never heard from Ann or Bartley Green crew x

How about the 'Famous Five' meeting at the kennels this Sunday afternoon? It would be fabulous to get a photo of them all together and a great idea for a Grapevine article? xxx

Th u, Justine & Andy!
You can email me on - melysafay@hotmail.co.uk

l wasn't very keen on meeting at the kennels because l think it may stress them out too much....especially if it's busy, it can be a bit manic. Louis still gets stressed when we take him anywhere in the car...l think he gets worried that he's not coming home, but maybe if we did meet at Daybreaks, we could sit in Bobs garden ( if it's dry ) so we are away from the hustle and bustle. That way Ruth or Kate could provide a waitress service with the hot drinks :-) Yeah...l know...l saw that pig just fly over as well !!! l know what you mean about Ash, with his health, and you know him best Melysa, but you need to stay positive....he sounds a tough little guy, so he may surprise everyone...l really hope he does.
X.

Hi Melysa... We appreciate the situation with Ash - we are thinking of making it up to the kennels to help out with some walking soon so maybe that could be an option? It won't be this weekend but Andy has said if you contact the kennels in the next few days and ask them to pass on his number, we can sort something out. (They can email him to check it's ok first if they want). Don't really want to put the info on here as anyone can see it x

Thank you Muddy Paws! Gosh he is an oldie at soon to be 12!

Thx Kate! Yes, it is a lovely photo of Sam & Ash, I was working at home x

Hi, I just wanted to say I don't mind about cafes or walks, I'd just love Ash to see the others at some point soon as he's obviously not the healthiest or the youngest! There would be no way Ash could manage Waseley. I could bring him to a dog friendly pub or a home if easier, or one of those parks, or Daybreaks. I don't mind when, where or how far x

What a lovely rehoming picture. X

Hi Melysa. Ash is 12 on March 3rd 2015.
The website automatically changes all the dogs ages on Jan 1st every year...irrespective of when their birthday falls that year. So he is still 11 at the moment. :-)

Lovely homing photo of Sam and Ash. Xxx

Hi muddypaws... Waseley Country Park could be an option - our Ben and Lucy are actually Hall Green dogs so we've been on their walks a few times... And Deb (who Andy knows from work) has mentioned heading that way with us in the past as apparently our Ben and her Cara are half-siblings. I think it's fairly near to them too.. I've discovered Emmy and Lucy have the same dad looking at the family trees. It would be good to go somewhere such as Waseley on a pleasant day. The only thing I would say is that it may be worth avoiding the actual Hall Green walk day as parking goes very very quickly as we've found out in the past - and on one occasion we effectively had to come away without going round. It would have to be a dry day too as the Waseley cafe isn't dog friendly from what we recall - so we'd probably need to be able to sit outside. I can't say about Cannon Hill or Kings Heath parks as I haven't been to either although my brother works Edgbaston way and he often says Cannon Hill Park is lovely. We need to make sure we come armed with cameras at such a point we can all catch up so we can get photos of them all together x

BTW I thought Ash was 11, it now says 12 on here!

Hi, there is a café at MAC in Cannon Hill Park & also one in Kings Heath park. Either of these places are fine by me & as mentioned, I am happy to drive whenever, to anywhere, to bring Ash (he isn't getting any younger, ha! ha!) x

Maybe Deb & Rich could make the reunion as well with their houndies ??? We would love to meet you both, and l know you were so disappointed that things didn't work out between Lou and your dogs....it would be lovely to meet you both, and l'm sure that you would love to meet Lou again for a cuddle. X.

Hi Melysa & Sam and Justine & Andy. Happy New Year to you all. We would be interested in meeting up sometime. We live close to B'ham City Centre, so are fairly central. Maybe when the weather is a bit warmer...and dryer, we could meet up somewhere where we could have a short walk, and where there is a dog friendly cafe....or pub.We would love to meet Ash & Kylie !!! l did think of maybe Cannon Hill Park, but l don't know if there is somewhere that we could sit down afterwards for a chat and a drink ?? Or Kings Heath Park, but again, don't know what is there. Any ideas welcome ???
Anyway, we can have a think and find somewhere to suit all. Also, Waseley Hills Country Park....maybe ?? We will keep in touch, and look forward to meeting up. Much love to all, and fingers crossed that Ash gets fitter and stronger. XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I do think it would be quite nice for the five to meet again - along with their new brothers and sisters. Maybe a good plug for an oldies article for Grapevine or something. Let's face it, we all stepped up in desperate circumstances for dogs who were to some extent traumatised And I am curious to see them all as only really saw them in passing when we went to collect Kylie initially - we'd not had long between deciding to respond and turning up at kennels. Perhaps there's somewhere inbetween we could all meet? I don't know where the others are. I'm sure Kylie would like it and our Ben and Lucy are a pair of daft brushes too- Ben cries at dogs on narrowboats passing us on the canal and Lucy keeps wanting to lick the dogs she meets (she used to be quite shy of them). Happy new year to you all from us and Kylie x

Hi Justine & Andy I would be happy to drive him to you in Wolverhampton (the same, wherever the others are) it's no problem, but whatever you want to do, or whenever you want to do it, is fine by be x

Melysa - We're over in deepest, darkest Wolverhampton but we'll have to see how things pan out as we have already planned to help out at kennels a few times in the New Year. We will also need to bring Kylie up to get her nails clipped from time to time as her front nails are a bit brittle and we don't want to use our grinder on them so she will be heading up to kennels for that anyway. I wouldn't want to commit to anything while we're going through all this icy weather but maybe when it gets it out of it's system and warms up a bit, we could sort something - all the better if we were able to bring our Ben and Lucy too; for one thing, Kylie will probably not panic so much (presumably thinking she's being returned) if Ben and Lucy are with her. I can't say I'm that familiar with your area but if we could sort somewhere when the weather's better where parking is ok and we can have a trundle round, perhaps some or all of the Five could be reunited - and also meet all the new brothers and sisters too. Greys love to see their own generally don't they?!

Muddy Paws, Justine & Andy, Ann & the Bartley Green Crew is there any chance we could meet up sometime - altogether or individually? I would so love Ash to see his old friends again. I am Bournville/Cotteridge way, but go to training & to most of the walks & Daybreaks events & would be happy to drive out somewhere x

Fabulous news, if you need more Neem Bark please let me know ... I've seen it heal some nasty bleeding and sore gums and even if it wasn't the Neem Bark it won't harm and might help as it's anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and doesn't taste of anything so shouldn't put him off food. Good luck,he's lovely :)

Ash - you can have a cuddle from Kyiie and her new family (us and Ben & Lucy) today. You keep doing well. You've got a new family who clearly love you so much so onwards and upwards lad. All the best to all of you xx

Good news for Ash. I. Glad they're not going to pull him about. He's such a sweet lad :-) :-) xxx

Sending my cuddle to Ash tonight too...brilliant news from the vet! Lots of love to you all. Xxx

Good news for Ash. He has had so much love and care from you all Melysa - such a loved boy. My cuddle for Ash tonight. X

You are such a brave boy Ash and we're so pleased to learn from your Mom that your glands & teeth don't need further treatment. Sending you a massive cuddle tonight beautiful... which you need to share with your fab 'little' brother Charlie Mouse and your lovely Mom & Dad. T, J & R xxx

Good news indeed !!! Lets hope that those nasty adenomas settle down a bit now. You must be so relieved that he wont be having a GA. He is far too precious to risk losing him now. You have both done a fantastic job caring for him...and protecting him !!! We know how difficult it is looking after a very poorly dog...it's 24/7...and you are constantly watching and worrying. We have so much respect and admiration for you both for taking him on, and doing such a superb job. We know that you will keep him safe, and hopefully, his twilight years will be filled with love and happiness. He really deserves it.
Much love to you all.XXXX. Paul & Terry.

What good news. So pleased to hear he has put weight on. Hopefully things are starting to look up for him, and of course for you, Sam and Charlie Mouse. Big hugs xxxxx

OK, Ash has returned!
He has put on .6 kilos which has now brought his weight up to 28 kilos!

He is still too weak & underweight to undergo surgery (as well as being 11!) so he has had a chemical castration to help his adenomas (he has 5!) unfortunately hydro has to be cancelled due to them though.

The vet says he now doesn't need the biopsy in his neck as his glands have gone down & that it's also best to leave his teeth as the infection in his mouth as now gone.

So all in all good news & he's just got to keep putting the weight on!

Cuddle for Ash from The New Icemaid Clan x Hope all goes well.

l hope everything goes well for Ash at the vets today...sending him love and positive thoughts....giving him my cuddle today too. X.

Hope Ash is better soon. Sending cuddles. Xxx

We use the puppy training pads all the time. They are great for muddy paws and accidents. We get ours from Home bargains or B&M

Ash you get The Icemaid Clans cuddle today, hope things improve on your next visit to the vet's. Get well soon, your lovely family love you.
xxxxxxxx

Poor Ash...sending him my cuddle tonight. Xxx

Poor Ash, is it worth getting some of those puppy absorbent training pads to save the bedding a bit, hope he feels better soon x

Poor, poor Ash, his one of three (the bigger one) of his adenomas (that's what the vet thinks they are) under his tail is continuing to bleed a lot & has done for a while now, so he is at the vet on Monday. Then also a date will be arranged for the biopsy on his neck to see if there is a growth there that could be stopping him putting on weight. His back legs are still so week too & I had to hold him up today so he could go for a poo - this is obs also not good for the adenomas, nor is his cleaning. We are going through duvets like nobodies business!

Does anyone have any experience or any advice with any of this? Thank you xxx

Oh Ash & Charlie Mouse, from the latest 'back to back' photo, it's clear to see how strong the bond is between you. Biggest electronic hugs to you both, T, J & R xxx

These are great photos how nice to be such mates and companions hope you had a great Christmass

Great photo for Christmas it looks so they have been best friends forever.

Oh gosh, another grey rehomed for Christmas. What super news. It's made my Christmas!!! xxx

Love the new photo - obviously such great mates, there was obviously never any question of separating them. Merry Christmas to you all. Mand x

Photo of the year! Bless them both. Xxx

Thx Ruth!
Big hugs & greyhound kisses to you on this Christmas day x

Hi Melysa - just got home - so just done x

I've emailed photo to put up!

Happy Christmas!

*Xmas photo from Charlie Mouse & his official new brother to follow! x

Amazing news!!!! X

How wonderful! what a great Christmas present for you all Way to go Ash! xxx

So pleased for little Ash, he could'nt have found a more caring home. You have done so much for him...bless you both and Charlie Mouse. Have a lovely Xmas. X.

So pleased for you all, Merry Christmas. Xxx

fantastic! Happy, happy Christmas to you all!! :))))) Lots of love Kate, Twiggy and Skip. Xxx

Lovely. X

Fabulous, for. Lucky boy Ash, what a smashing Christmas present for him xxxxx

This is just the best news. Melysa and Sam you are amazing, thank you so much for taking this boy into your hearts and lives. Sending huge Christmas hugs to you, the gorgeous Charlie Mouse and your beautiful new boy. Here's hoping all goes well for him in the new year. Xx

Hugs xxxxxxx

Well all our love to Melysa & Ash. Another member for the FFP Club.
All have a lovely Christmas & New Year. The New Icemaid Clan xxxxxx

AWESOME really AWESOME , fairplay to you both x x x Festive Greetings x

Yay!! Fantastic news!! Xx

So happy for Ash. Xx

What can I say?
We love him & are now proud to officially call him our very own.

Love & a Happy Christmas to all,

Melysa & Sam xxx

OMG. Thank you so much Melysa and Sam, Thank you Thank you SOOOOOO much, this has made my Xmas. xxxx Lisa

What fantastic news for this gorgeous boy. Has brought tears of joy to my eyes. Hope you all have a fabulous Christmas. Well deserved. xxx

WOW AMAZING! Thats fantastic news xxx

SCREEAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!! Ash has got a permanent home just in time for Christmas! <3

Such a lovely photo. Charlie and Ash look so happy together. X

What a gorgeous photo of Ash and Charlie Mouse! Xxx

Th u, Wendy!
Love to u & Jed at Xmas

& also to Tash, John & Rosie x

Thx Stormin x

Lovely photo of your two boys. Best wishes for 2015 and fingers crossed for a good result for Ash in the New Year. You and Sam are doing a fantastic job with him. Apologies to Charlie Mouse for not recognizing him immediately hope he has forgiven the insult!

Poor old Ash also has 3 adenomas under his tail. 1 quite big one & one that has been bleeding.
He is really chipper today though! x

Hi Charlie Mouse & Ash... what a great photo of you both; you were clearly meant to be together. Biggest Christmas hugs to you both and your Mom & Dad. Tash, John & Rosie Po xxx

what a lovely photo of both of you.

What a beautiful photo. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. xx

Just done it! Sorry for the delay - it has been manic with the Blood Bank here and we have had a visit from Lisa the Dog Warden with presents for all the kennel dogs :-)

I have emailed a photo of Ash with Charlie Mouse (Mouse is on the left) to both Ruth's & the 'info' email addresses on the contact page. Could you please put it up on Ash's page please. Thank you x

Thanks, Kate!
Yes, it will be our 1st Christmas with both Charlie Mouse & Ash & I'm really looking forward to that Christmas day walk!

Hi Melysa, sorry to hear Ash hasn't put any weight on recently...but so good to hear he is still a happy boy. I am sure Christmas Day will be a special day for all of you. Sending Ash and Charlie Mouse my cuddle tonight. Xxx

Sorry Hartstone, but Sam never writes on here!

Well, the sad news is, Ash recently went to the vets & they told us he hasn't put on any weight at all in 2 wks, even though he has been eating. They have mentioned about him having a biopsy in his neck in the new year to find out if anything else is going on. So it's been a bit disheartening for us. He is still so very thin and those back legs still so very weak. Sam is still cooking him all the things he likes (I do feel guilty as I am the one who pushed for Ash, although Sam couldn't resist when he saw his photo!) & I'm still
sitting on the floor with him holding his food bowl saying 'one more for the king'!!

I arranged for Paul to come over to give Ash a massage (he had his 2nd sess today!) & I really think it's helping & he's enjoying it. I've also booked him in for hydro at Wetpaws for in the new year, so hopefully that will help with the back legs.

He had a wonderful time at Julie's dog training party & even ate some pigs ears & took himself off to the top table to see what was up there! He is still so interested in everything & meeting new people - he was intrigued by Paul taking notes on him on his clipboard!

The nicest thing ever yesterday was when Sam & I had been out with Mick & Lyn & we came home, put the key in the door & there was Ash staggering over to us, his ox-tail swinging from side to side, just lovely! Him & Charlie Mouse are still the best of friends & Ash is always 1st up for their walk!

I just hope he is happy & the vet can get to the root of the problem & he can put some weight on & get some strength in those back legs!

PS - a new thing - I ruffle his neck & say I'm going to fight him & he hits be with his paw & rubs his face all over his duvet!! xxx

Sam , How is old Ash doing?

Hi Melysa, that is very kind of you, thank you. I am sure Ash loved his massage. Lots of love to him and Charlie Mouse. Kate Xxx

Hi Ruth, Kate, Lisa & all at Daybreaks! Paul from Canine Massage has just been over to give Ash a massage, which he seemed to love! & I've given him an Xmas card for you & 2 boxes of mince pies from Sam, myself, Ash & Charlie Mouse! He will be bringing them up to you on Wednesday, so 'Merry Christmas'!! PS Also given him a bit of food for the hounds! x

Ash is a fuss-bucket too then... Kylie offered her paw up to me when I stopped fussing her yesterday and I was sitting on the sofa while she was standing on the floor in front of me. They must have got plenty of cuddles from their previous owner that's all I can say - how that must have worked with 5 of them I'm not sure....

Thank you xxxxxxx
He is eating well, but still very thin & his back legs are still weak, so I am booking him in for some gentle massage & some hydro sessions.
I lay with him on the duvet tonight stroking his head & if I dared stop he gave me a claw paw to the face!

We have been given a very generous donation for Ash to buy food and treats and we also have been donated some Nature Diet by Nature Diet themselves. If anyone is passing the kennels and can either take the food and donation to Julie's Saturday training class or are local to Cotteridge where Ash is being fostered, please give me a call - it would be a great help. Many thanks. Ruth 07760617287 x

I bet Charlie loved all the attention when he helped turn on the Christmas lights! Lots of love to him and Ash. Xxx

Kylie also loves her walks. She was actually trying to get me to chase her tonight when I came in from work as she knew it was nearly walk time. Lucy who also loves her walk then came trotting in and let Kylie know she was more than happy to play with her if I wouldn't chase and barked to let her know and they both went off. I caught up just in time to see Ben also considering adding to the fun. At this point it was all calmed down with cuddles before all got our of hand! It's lIke having 3 puppies about - even if they are 7, 8 and 9!!

Hi Wendy, sadly, even with the extra weight he still looks pretty bad without his coat. It'll be a while yet until he's ready for some more pics, but I will do then! The ones on here actually look better than now cos of their angles!

He really loves his walks though & literally jumps up & runs to the door when he sees his lead! He trots really fast too. You've just got to watch him though as he's a bit of a wonky donkey & has a tendency to walk into you!

Kate - Mouse & Ash say thank u for their joint hug! Mouse helped switch the Bournville Xmas lights on yesterday & a shop gave him some sausages!

Hartstone & Wendy - Sam says he will cook you his best fried liver!

Melysa and Sam it would be really lovely to see some new photos of Ash now he's put all this weight on - you are both stars for how you have taken him on. Hugs to Charlie Mouse. I have a party at New Year you don't fancy doing the catering!!!!

I think i will come for tea at yours Sam lol, seriously you are both doing a grand job !

Don't worry....l'm sure he is working his way up to them !!! Could you let us have a copy of his Christmas Menu....l understand Lidl are doing a wonderful five bird roast...and their Belgium Duck & Pork Pate is just to die for !!!
Oh....and don't forget the Stilton with fresh cranberries !!! Me thinks that this lucky boy has already found his new forever home.........
he aint never leaving your gaff....besides....no one else could afford to keep him in the style to which he has become accustomed. Well done Ash....you have found your very own bit of paradise. You obviously love him very much....and l bet Charlie Mouse does as well !!!! X.

Seriously! Sam is cooking chicken breasts, sausages & liver every day!! The only other thing besides these he will eat is Ceaser puppy food & tripe, but I feel he will go off the tripe soon!
Charlie is loving it as he gets to eat all the many, many other foods we have bought/cooked/tried Ash with & he's refused!! If I took Mouse to his vet, he'd say he's put on weight too! We're gonna have to roll him out soon! Actually, sorry, I forgot, Ash does love battered sausage & fried chicken from the chip shop, so I think the oysters & caviar will be out of his class!

Melysa......are you sure that's a greyhound you have there.....or a food critic for the Sunday Times .....jeeeez !!
B & M are a chain of discount stores, but you will def get it in Aldi & Farmfoods. Good luck ...sounds as though you may need it !!!
P.S. Have you tried him with oysters and caviar....seems he likes fine dining. lol. X.

Great to hear Ash has put more weight on! It was lovely to see him at the party yesterday with his best mate Charlie Mouse....Sending them my cuddle to share tonight. Xxx

Th u, Muddy Paws!
What's B & M?!
He would hate the mash bit!

We're sending Ash a cuddle for doing so well x

Hi Melysa. I know they sell it in Farmfoods.....Aldi....and B & M.
Asda also sell it....and Morrisons also do it as well l think, but it's a more expensive in Asda.
Each store sells a different brand. Our dogs also love it with creamy mash. X.

Great to hear Ash is continuing to build his weight back up. Hope all continues to go well. We weren't able to make it with Kylie yesterday as it's been a busy couple of days. All the best to you all x

Hi Muddy Paws. What brand of stewing steak is it? We couldn't find anything without onions! He is currently eating chicken breasts, sausages, tripe & Ceaser puppy food. He hates all carbs & veg!

Thanks for a great day at the Xmas at Daybreaks event, we had a lovely time - can't believe all the jacket potatoes had gone by the time I went up for one! The hot chocolate was lovely though, especially in my Foxy Uppy mug!

Charlie Mouse had a great time & went mad when he saw his Auntie Lyn! Any kind of big social thing - he loves it! It was lovely to see all the familiar faces! We had to leave earlier than expected though as after a while of meeting & greeting it became a bit much for Ash & he had to go & lie down in the treatment room, so we thought it best to get him home. HOWEVER!!!! The little man went for his check up today & he has put on another 3 pounds!! Yay! The vet says he will be up for his op to have his teeth out in the new year for definite!

This is a bit for Pam - Sam says - 'Yes, he's up for doing Madness next year!' Also, Charlie Mouse & I are going to the Xmas lights switch on in Bournville tomorrow at 6pm if you are around, Pam.

Also just wanted to say again what a great night I had at Step into Xmas! Great show, great buffet & Deb & I got to dance to a bit of rock! x

After reading about Ash and his fussy eating habits, it reminded me of our old lurcher Lizzie. She was always a very fussy eater, and when she became old and unwell, we really struggled to get her to eat anything at all, but one thing that she did enjoy was tinned stewing steak in gravy. Our bunch still have it sometimes on special occasions, and they absolutely love it. l can't remember how much we pay for it (know it's not exactly cheap) but l think we pay about £1.40 for a 400 g tin. Just heat it gently in a saucepan for about 15 mins, and wait for it to cool, until it's lukewarm, mmmm, doggie heaven !!!!! You can bulk it up by mixing in dried kibble, or whatever you like. We bulk it up with Burns soaked in a little water, or pasta, or rice. lt's great for adding some weight onto skinny bones !!! If your dog doesn't leave you a sparkly clean bowl, then they really are incredibly picky eaters indeed !!! Just be careful that you don't buy anything containing onions, like tinned minced beef in onions. Also adding steamed veg is a big favourite with our gang. X.

Lovely to meet you today Ash at the Christmas party. You are clearly adored by Sam, Melysa & Charlie Mouse. Keep putting on weight little fella to get those legs a bit stronger. Sending you a BIG electronic cuddle gorgeous and we look forward to reading about your progress very soon. Tash, John & Rosie xxx

I'm just putting out another little plea again to any of the other people who have one of the 'Famous 5' dogs. Sam will be coming up to the Daybreaks Xmas event tomorrow (I will be up separately with Charlie Mouse after we've done the Sutton walk!) now between 12 30 - 1pm with Ash & it would be so lovely if the other dogs could be brought up, so Ash could be reunited with Kylie, Isla, Emmy or Louie. Th u.

Also just wanted to say thank you to Ted with Gordon who gave us a large pack of tinned fish for Ash. Th u!

Had a fantastic night last night at the Step into Christmas event! Th u! Ruth & Robbie, your hustle was brilliant, Claire, you were great & Lisa, you & your little ones were such fab mice! Really lovely just to see everyone there & well done for all your effort.

Ash will be with us at the Daybreaks Christmas this Sunday at around midday if any of the other famous 5 dogs want to catch up with him!

He couldn't manage the Sutton Walk so I might take Charlie. Sam will bring Ash up to Daybreaks & meet us there.

Thx Wendy x
I will try these things bluepeter! & also the suggestion of the burns soaked, then meat added to it!
BTW everyone, he hates pasta too! Tried it in the cheese guise & also in the chicken & gravy one as suggested, but he is disgusted by it!!! Sausage is still the 'never say no to'!

Do you give him white fish or oily fish (they tend not to put weight on with white fish)? How about trying him with a rice pudding perhaps adding some peanut butter to it. Do you think he would he eat Weetabix instead of porridge? Try him with a quiche. Glad to hear he's put some weight on and that his tummy has settled with the pain relief. Keep up your good work, he'll be an amazing dog thanks to you. Give him a hug from me and my Blue.

Great to hear Ash is doing so well and 7 kilos is an amazingly good gain in weight. Sending him an electronic cuddle and not forgetting the brilliant Charlie Mouse!

Thx Tash!
Kiss 4 Rosie x

Melysa that's just fantastic to read that Ash is perking up. You, Sam & Charlie Mouse are doing a wonderful job. Big hugs to you All. Tash, John & Rosie xxx

I was met at the door this morn, by a jumping thin thing!! Yep Ash is even brighter today & was jumping in the air & going underneath Mouuse this morn to greet me! A lovely sight!

This morn for breakfast he had - 1 chicken breast, 2 sausages & some corn beef! & last night I tried him with cheese again & he ate 3 fat slices! He seems to like you to constantly vary his food!

Oh & Mouse is brilliant with cats & squirrels - he cares not! However, old Jack Skellington would rather like to chase them & possibly eat them!

Well done Ash putting weight on sending you a cuddle mate xxx

Fantastic news to hear Ash has put weight on and his general health is improving, so very pleased for him :))) You are all doing a great job. Xxx

I agree, he wolfed down a battered sausage & some fried chicken from the chip shop! & he also is a bit funny about eating off a plate! I'll try what you've said, but he doesn't like egg but I could try the peanut butter on kibble, instead of bread as he doesn't like that either!

Blimey! & there's Mouse who would eat a dirty old boot with peanut butter if you put it in front of him!

PS We should all meet up so the 'Famous Five' can all see each other again! We are Bournville/Cotteridge way x

Great to read Ash is doing better. I really suspect they ate a lot of whatever their owner was eating. We wondered about giving Kylie porridge at one stage - seems it may be good we didn't bother. Kylie will eat tuna and pilchards but probably not really carby. What about some sort of rice? We add peanut butter to kibble rather than on bread for Kylie sometimes and Lucy has had phases for some months now where she's most disgusted if Mother has forgotten to add it to her own kibble. Not sure whether it's carbs or not but maybe some scrambled egg? Ours have some from time to time. Hope you make a breakthrough but you must be doing something right if he's gained 7 kilos. Well done for that anyway... Oh, and today, Kylie is donating her cuddle to Ash for being a brave and soppy soldier. Kylie also is fairly demanding of her fuss. How their owner managed to completely dote on all 5, I'm not quite sure! Maybe it was one on his lap and 2 each either side. They're definitely a cuddly lot it seems!

Rolo is also a fussy eater & needs lots of encouragement to eat. Hard to believe it when he eats half your hand for a treat at training but meals are a different story. You could try pasta or rice but cook it with the chicken. So put chicken in pot & then add the pasta for last 10 mins of cooking. That way the pasta or rice will taste like chicken. May just work.

I will try pasta in cheese sauce & pasta with chicken & gravy! I have already tried him with pasta & it was a no go, but I will try these variations! x

Great to see an improvement. How about pasta with chicken and gravy??

For carbs have you tried Pasta? My two love it and Tomato sauce, Racing greys are often fed cooked tomato just a tin of chopped in juice warmed slightly and poured over pasta. Xxx

Ours wolf down pasta in cheese sauce as a treat?

So good to read that Ash is feeling a bit better now and gaining some weight. It is a worry that he is such a picky eater, makes it difficult to get the required carbs/calories down him if he wont eat what's good for him!! Have you tried him with pasta yet? You are doing an amazing thing for him, thank you. xx

Sorry Pam, Charlie loves that & has it often but Ash no likey!! x

Try wholemeal bread and smooth peanut butter sandwiches good luck x

Sam just got back from the vets with Ash & great news - he's put on 7 kilos!!! His glands have gone down, his mouth infection is nearly gone & his breath is better! Yay!
We've got to carry on exercising him to strengthen his leg muscles & just keep getting the weight on! He needs more carbs though! He wasn't keen on creamy, cheesy mash & hates bread & porridge! Any other ideas?! x

Hi Everyone.

Re food - Snipe - tried Chappie - he eats it when the mood takes him, if he's in a dog food mood, the same with the Hills, this is what we call Critical I think! Justine & Andy he really likes Ceaser, but again when he's in the mood. He may refuse these things, but never refuses the chicken or sausages! Or also likes fish, but again when he's in the mood! Kibble or Burns is a no, no, soaked or not! But we will persevere! & porridge, well, he is simply disgusted by this!!! You name it, we've tried it! Thank you everyone though for your ideas x

He was so loving yesterday when I was lying on his duvet with him reading - he loves to wipe his face all over me & bang his head on me & he just won't stop pawing me until I resume stroking his head! He also loves to shove his head in your armpit or inside your coat!!

If it's any help, Kylie took to Caesar wet food when she was first with us. She wasn't actually interested in Chappie and Lucy ended up eating it instead. We also found we had to soak Kylie's kibble for a good hour or so in the early days and add the wet food to that. Kylie also was only interested in chicken breast to begin with and came running every time she heard us get a plate out of the cupboard - we suspect she was not fed kibble and may have been fed from a plate. May be worth trying the wet food/wet food with soaked kibble but obviously you know the state of Ash's teeth better than us as to whether it's worth a try. All the best to all of you x

Hi Melysa have you tried some Hills ID tin food your vet should have some highly palatable dogs love it and it's almost like a mousse so shouldn't cause Ash's teeth any more problems. Best wishes you are doing a fantastic job, hugs to Charlie Mouse as well.

Hi melysa, tinned Chappie is usually quite good for settling tummies, and most hounds seem to like it, but you may need to hand feed small amount? Failing that homemade sardine cake?? He looks a lively boy, I just saw you leaving training last week, perhaps I'll catch you next Saturday, love Becky and Angel :-) x

Ahh, thank you!

Thanks Jess, but he won't eat that. He ate critical & that at first but will now only eat prime chicken breast & sausages!!!

He's really bright today & can't wait to go on walks & we think his loose bowls yesterday may be to do with the painkillers he's been put on, but he seems ok now!

I have to say as skinny & weak as he is, he walks much faster than Charlie! My big wish for Xmas is that Ash just puts on lots of weight! x

Sounds like your doing a great job melysa give him a big kiss from me xxx

Hi melysa why don't you try liquified food? Xx

Thanks to Melysa and Deb for the updates on Ash...he is quite a character. Despite his problems it sounds as though he really enjoys his Saturday morning training and loves being with his new family. Lots of love to Ash and of course Charlie Mouse! Xxx

Ash is ok at the moment. He goes to the vet every Monday for a check up, but had to go again Wednesday as he had stopped eating & was in visible pain due to his rotten teeth & having swollen glands. He is now having painkillers every morning. The vet desperately wants to take his teeth out but as he is so thin & old he is at a very high risk of dying during the operation. It is a decision that will have to be made at some stage though.

However, he has now definitely perked up & is looking brighter & eating better. He actually got up & came into the kitchen for sausages today! Although as I write this it has now come out the other end all over our hall way. He is a picky eater, so Sam is now cooking chicken breasts & sausages for him & to be fair this is the first time he has been loose, so it's a bit of a worry.

He is still so thin & his back legs are so weak. His muscles are just wasted. The vet says we have to exercise him to build muscle but we have to be careful as it also burns calories & his legs have a tendency to go from under him!

He is a lovely old boy & is so loving. Today at training all he wanted to do was to nuzzle into everybody for fuss. He didn't sit down once! We are doing everything we can for him & he is much loved by Charlie Mouse, Sam & myself, we even bought him a little wooden reindeer with his name on to go on his stocking for Xmas! - so fingers crossed.

Melysa x

Ash cane to training again he has a long way to get his strength and health back but His foster family are giving all the care and attention he needs.Having said that this boy is a joy he is happy to see people adores as much attention and cuddles as is possible to give one dog.He is interesteed in everything going on around him clearly wants to join in and loves the company of people and houndies alike.I think we are all hoping and praying he will soon be on the mend, he is such a character.Sam,Mylesa and Charlie are giving a wonderful chance especially Sam who seems to be on 24 hour feeding duties.

Anyone know how Ash is? Think he was having lots of eating problems due to his teeth the other day. Hope he's OK. Xx

How is Ash getting on?

With all the love your getting from Charlie Mouse and Melysa and Sam your pull thought Ash lad much love and hugs Norah,Alberto,Sunny, and Jess and me xxxx

I think I did mean Fivelands!!

Good luck Ash, i hope the treatment help pal. Love and Kisses from the Hartstone Clan

Melysa, your post has brought tears to my eyes. The poor, poor boy - but how brilliant that he now has you & Sam to be there for him 24/7 and help him through each day. It sounds like the gorgeous Charlie Mouse has recognised that Ash needs some special care and is doing his bit too - well done mate. Sending you all very special hugs and thanks for all you are doing for this fella - love to all. xxxxxx

Sorry, I meant to say we are only 10 mins by car to the main Willows vet in Moseley (not Fivelands!!!)
Thx Sara! We love your Charlie! x

How lovely to hear that Ash is being so well loved and cared for by Melysa, Sam and Charlie. Hope that Ash will be feeling much much better very soon. X

Bless you Ash. I hope the antibiotics make you feel better. You are obviously very happy and settled in your foster home and very much loved. Take care. Xx

Poor baby. Lets hope the antibiotics and B12 injections help. I have to regularly have B12 jabs they make me feel a bit better. Please I hope they help Ash. He is in the right place, getting lots of love & TLC. Bless you looking after him. X

I'm so glad u got the opportunity to foster this lovely boy n i could see how much you'd fallen for him already on Saturday when u visited the kennels with him n Charlie. He is a lucky boy to have u all looking after him so well! Thank you for helping this poor old boy out n well done Charlie cuz i could tell how proud u were of him too. Sending lots of love from me, charlie n louis. X

Ash sadly is covered in sores & scabs from falling over so much, so I have been giving him soothing wipes with Aloe Vera wipes. I also give him a gentle brush which makes him swoon, all the time telling him how beautiful he is & he stands on his wobbly legs jutting his head out, looking up, all proud x
PS We are also only 10 mins by car from the main Fivelands vets in Moseley so we can take him to all his appointments with his vet & can get there quick in an emergency.

Hi, this is Melysa, with Sam who is fostering Ash aka Donkey/Ox-tail!! I haven't posted yet as we wanted to wait until Sam had taken Ash to the vets today. Ruth has already posted the results from his blood test from last week & today he had an injection of antibiotics, where Sam said he cried, but was very brave. He hasn't put on anymore weight as he has a very sore throat (the vet thinks this is due to his teeth being so bad) & it is hurting him to eat, so he is only managing tiny bits. Since we have had him he has never been without us, Sam is regularly hand feeding him different foods as he's become not keen on eating from a plate & we are there to pick him up (as he constantly falls over due to being so weak) & to help him down. He also needs to be held up to go to the toilet.
On the flip side - WE LOVE HIM! He is a little soldier & has the brightest spirit! He is like a little donkey, pushing in & head butting for attention! He desperately wants to be involved with his new little family & tries so hard to do what Charlie Mouse does. This morning when I opened the door they were both there to greet me tails wagging madly. I have never been so proud of Charlie Mouse, there has not been one bark or growl from him! They have formed such a bond & both come for fuss together. Charlie was visibly distraught when Sam took Ash away to the vets this morning & Ash is the same when Charlie is taken for his long walk without him (they have a tiny walk together!)
Everyone who has seen Ash without his coat has cried, as he really is a very sad sight, far worse than in the pictures. But please trust us, we are doing everything we can for him & he cannot be any more loved xxx
PS Wendy (Caro) we have no comment re the failed foster club & BTW Jed told me he quite liked Paddy!!

Fabulous news! So far so good for Ash. Sending him my cuddle today. Xxx

Arrrr, that's fantastic news for little Ash. Big hugs to you gorgeous. Tx

Yesterday I had the results of the blood tests for Ash which are hopefully quite good - his white cell count is low as is his B12 levels. He is going to the vets today to be started on a course of antibiotics and have a B12 injection and then his bloods will be repeated in a couple of weeks. Hopefully this will bring his levels up and he will be weighed today. He has been eating well and is gaining weight so it looks promising.

I am extremely thankful to the 4 very kind offers of a foster home but as you may have read he has settled well with Sam and Melysa and Charlie dog - a wonderful home where Sam is at home all day to keep an eye on him and give him much needed TLC and little and often food which is just what the vet ordered! :-) It seems as though Ash has found his new best friend with Charlie - I am over the moon for this fragile fella x

Ash visited the kennels yesterday with his new best friend Charlie Mouse. Those of you who have met Charlie know he is a very bouncy
boy but he is so gentle and affectionate around Ash; was lovely to see Ash resting his head on Charlie's neck. Lots of love to you all. Xxx

Ash, I am so happy you had a lovely time at training today. Melysa, Sam & Charlie Mouse - thank you so much for giving this boy a quiet place to be, with someone on constant call to look out for him. I really hope & pray he can regain some strength. Hugs to you all, xxxxxxx

Ash came to training with his foster mum and dad and of course the handsome Charlie Mouse.
Ash is weak and his legs tend to wobble a bit but there is life in the old dog and his legs were all of a tremble today for a very different reason! He took quite an interested in Milly -my small lurcher his tail did an impression of a helicopter when he saw her and he struggled accross the room to visit her! He loved his cuddles with Melysa this morning did a tiny recall and really enjoyed what was going on.He seems to want to be a part of what is going on and I hope the vet can help him as he is such a character if somewhat amorous. Many thanks to Melysa,Sam and Charlie -Mouse for fostering this boy.XXX

Hi Ruth, what's the latest update on beautiful little Ash? Hope he's getting stronger and gaining weight day by day. Please give him 3 BIG hugs from us; Tash, John & Rosie xxx

Hi Melysa, so sorry - I did email you but I got back from the vets for the third time late this evening and it took me a while to sort 'the kids'..... the news on Ash is that I took him to see Christian who was quite concerned about his lack of weight. Although we had had the history come through from the previous vets for Emmy, Kylie, Isla and Louis, unfortunately there were problems getting the history for Ash. After a long wait, it came through and there was nothing of note!!!!!!!! Christian has therefore taken bloods and wants to see him again on Friday and we should have the results then and hopefully we will know a bit more. On arrival Ash weighed 25.2kg but he is now 25.7kg - after a couple of days of not eating much, he is now enjoying sausage rolls, chicken, ham, creamy cheesy mash and everything else we can tempt him with! I am so grateful for your offer of foster - I will give you a call later xxxxx

Hi Melysa and Sam, so very sorry for the confusion today. :(( Lots of love to you and Charlie Mouse. Xxx

Hi Jill
Sorry, nobody told us about you fostering him, we have been talking to Kate & had messages left with Ruth, but she hasn't got back to us. We just thought she was deciding what to do after the vet visit today & I was told to wait for a phonecall from her. As long as he's in the best place for him, that's all that counts though!
Melysa x

He's with Ruth until tomorrow then coming to me, sorry for any confusion. Jill x

Hi Skinny Me. I thought Ash was staying with/being fostered by Ruth until they knew what was up with him at the vets, then if that goes ok he would be looking for a perm foster home?
Melysa

Hi Melysa, Ash is already fostered, speak to Ruth I'm sure there may be another looking for a foster home.

Ha! Ha! Charlie Mouse would lead the pope astray, Kate!
But Sam & I are here for Ash when & if he's ready to come home to us.
We may not have a big house, but we have big hearts x

Hi Melysa, It would be great to see Ash and Charlie Mouse together....Charlie I am sure would lead Ash astray! Keeping everything crossed he gets on ok at the vets. Xxx

nice to see Ash still smiling in his photo. xxx

Hi Ruth & Kate.
Sam & I will foster Ash, Sam works from home, so is home all day. We just have Charlie Mouse to sort out who isn't the best with other dogs & 3 cats (who live outside & upstairs though) Let us know the outcome at the vets & when he's ready, you could bring him over & see how he is at our house x

I know Becky, I honestly would if I could, this is so upsetting for everyone just your worst nightmare.
When I give up work and don't work such mad hours, I will fill the house with greys.......

hi ruth our sarah said u were lookimg after ash and just looking at his pic has made me cry but i know that at home with u and robbie is the best place for him- give him loads of kisses and hugs from the mad lloyd family and of course plenty of sausages xxxxxx

Heartbreaking! xxx

What a shock for them. Hope it's ok at the vets and they find new homes. Hey, Michelle you've got room .........!!! Xx

He couldn't be in better hands whatever the outcome he will get all the TLC he needs x

Hi Deb, it is the Boswell House....... until we know the state of his health and the reason why he is so underweight, he will stay with us xxxxxx

Who has taken this poor boy on foster? You are very special whoever you are as this boy is in dire nedd of as much TLC as possible.

My heart melted seeing Ash this morning - he is such a lovely character and gets on so well with his brothers and sisters. Hope he starts to put some weight on soon and if there is one place that will do everything that they can to help this old fella then it is Daybreaks. Our cuddle goes to the lovely Ash today. X

Ash gets my cuddle today too. Wish I could send them all a cuddle but only allowed one a day!!! xx

Such sad news. Love to all The New Icemaid Clan xx

What a dreadfully sad situation. The poor dogs must be so worried and confused. Sending them al hugs today, especially poor Ash. Hope he will be OK. Xx

Sending Ash and his Brothers and Sisters my cuddle today. So sad for them losing their owner and home so suddenly. They were understandably quite stressed when they arrived yesterday but are a very friendly gang. Just hope all is ok with Ash. Xxx

Poor lad , it is such a shame to see , cuddles and hugs from the hartstone clan xxx

If anyone is considering fostering or even better adopting, please don't let their ages put you off, we fostered blade ( you can look back at his thread) who sadly came back to Daybreaks because his owner very sadly passed away, he is an oldie, and was extremely thin and stressed, we fostered and ended up making it permanent, I can honestly say it was the best thing that I ever did, even a short term foster to help with the transition would be amazing, blade is an oldie but you would never know it he has the funniest personality and those eyes ......We'll they just melt my heart, ask Beril about her oldies I am she that she will agree that
there is something very special about them......... They will reward you ten fold with their love, good luck my beauties in finding your next forever homes.

Ruth this is absolutely heartbreaking for everyone, all five of them must be so bewildered and wonder what's going on, just your worst nightmare ever, what will happen when........ I pray they will all have forever homes soon, I know I have said it many times before BUT thank goodness for Daybreaks x

My heart is absolutely broken for this old boy. He was one of five greys to arrive all together yesterday afternoon after their owner passed away very unexpectedly yesterday morning. As you can imagine, he has been quite distressed but all he needs is some TLC and hopefully we will get weight back on him and he will stop stressing. We are having early morning cuddles and he is now fast asleep..... perhaps I can too now.... although a perfect opportunity to catch up with my emails!

He came in with his littermate sister Emmy. Louis, Kylie and Isla are also littermates. They have all lived in a house together and are used to sharing food so there is no food aggression.

I felt so sad leaving the four at the kennels but sadly there was no way I could take all of them home.

I am DESPERATE to find forever homes for these beautiful greys as soon as possible but if you are not able to offer a permanent home, please contact me if you think you could offer a foster home.....

We have so many dogs on our waiting list waiting for a space at Daybreaks and with our limit of only 16 dogs on site, this means we have to postpone some of our new arrivals. This is heartbreaking and frustrating but we could not turn our back on these five........... :-(

Ash is going to the vets on Monday to be checked over as he is extremely underweight and I will keep you posted as to how he gets on.