News
Sunday 23rd February – CYDRA’s 3rd Annual General Meeting
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. All reports have been circulated either before the meeting or immediately afterwards to members and the full set of audited accounts is available for inspection. Barbara highlighted the difficult year it has been throughout Cyprus and how that has affected everyone. Shelters had to fight hard to survive and CyDRA has continued to provide what financial support they can, but with everyone suffering financially the knock on effect to charities is obvious. Barbara thanked Lesley Hey for her amazing fundraising efforts throughout the year, gave details of the dogs re-homed and emphasised that the biggest positive step forward by CyDRA last year was the introduction of the training and education programmes, lead by Carole Husein. The Treasurer highlighted the highs and lows financially and that it is fully apparent that 2014 is going to be a very difficult year for us, with a need to raise an additional 10,000 euros on top of the previous year’s fundraising if we are to continue rehoming dogs at the 2013 rate. Several plans are in place to work towards raising this additional amount. There were updates from the shelters we support and a report about the Training and Education programmes. This was followed by the re-election of the Committee, with all members from the previous committee being unanimously re-elected. So your Committee members are: Chair: Barbara Bahlburg Vice Chair: Eamonn Quinn Secretary: Julie Quinn Treasurer: Maggie Dolan Committee member: Carole Husein Our thanks go to everyone for standing for re-election. There being no other business relevant to the business of the AGM, the meeting was closed by the Vice Chair who encouraged everyone to continue working together to ensure another successful year for the dogs of Cyprus. Full Minutes will be circulated to all paid up members prior to the next AGM. Related...
Read MoreArrival Wednesday 5th March 2014 of Thomas in Frankfurt
Yesterday Thomas is arrived in Frankfurt. He has already found his forever home. He was eagerly awaited at the airport. His story makes us speechless. Thomas was found as he was tied to a tree. It´s not known how long he was tied there. He had injuries to the body, indicating that he was bitten by another dog when he hung on this tree. How can people tie their dog to a tree and just leave it be as his fate? What an ordeal. Dear Thomas, now you can start a better life, full of love. You’re safe now. Your story will not repeat itself. All the best for you! Related...
Read MoreUschi and Marie – have found together a forever home
Uschi and Marie have found together a home in Germany. First the family has fallen in love with Uschi (formerly Ursula) and then they have adopted Marie 3 weeks ago. They say that it´s very interesting how different the dogs are. Uschi was on the first night very quiet, Marie went right over the table and benches and is a real whirlwind. If the two don´t sleep they actually play most of the time with each other. There are nothing more exciting than watching dogs, just when they form a new pack and treat each other! Uschi and Marie feel comfortable in her new home very well and all family members are very happy to have them. Related...
Read MoreForce Free and Fun – Clicker training workshop 2nd March 2014
Presented by CyDRA Education Team in conjunction with the PPG Virtual Event for Force free training and pet care. Venue: The Fatsa Cafe and Museum, Skarinou, Cyprus The morning started well – plenty of cloud and no sun! Every participant was given a sheet to make a shade between cars but they were not needed and it only started to warm up shortly before we finished the workshop. 12 dogs and their owners, many observers and most of Julia’s training team were there. We started with some theory and then conditioned the dogs to the clicker. We had many short breaks throughout the morning and also worked the dog for very short sessions and in turn to avoid saturation or over kill! Carole H took the workshop and each group of four had their own trainer as well. The dogs were of mixed ages and mixed breeds and almost all were from rescue facilities here in Cyprus. Clicker training is new in Cyprus but judging by the response of those attending it was much enjoyed and provisions are being made to form a clicker training group. Also those who were unable to attend this workshop have asked for another workshop in the future. During the workshop we conditioned the dogs to the clicker and began to learn some theory and take part in some practical training in the areas of luring, capturing and shaping etc. There were many ‘Ah Ha’ moments during the day! No rest for the humans at break time when it was their turn to work at the training game. Kirsty and Lesley were our dog and trainer and both agreed after how hard it must be for the dogs to understand if we don’t make it very clear what we are asking them to do. Another mix was the ages of the humans! I will not divulge except to say that our two children Joseph and Ellie (and their Dad), did very well today. They have only had their little rescue terrier, Smudge, for 3 weeks and they had to share him – which they managed without squabbles or tears. Smudge was quite distracted but the children, with the help of Andrea (their trainer) who took them to a quiet area, both coped brilliantly. These children helped with our Tales to Tails therapy dog training earlier in the year so they are very valued members of our volunteer helpers. Venues where dogs are allowed are few and far between in Cyprus so we much appreciate being given free use of the car park of the Fatsa Cafe and Museum at Skarinou. Their food and beverages always make a visit worthwhile too. Also donated were clickers from friends in Australia so everyone went off with their own clickers and handouts. We did raise more funds for the Association, which means more dogs get re-homed, and the beauty of it is that we can do more in the future. Personally I enjoyed the day immensely and I know the other trainers did too. They were Carol A, Sara, Andrea, who were also helped by trainee trainers Greg and Pauline. Julie and Eamonn were hosts who sorted the car parking, general administration and photography out , with the help of their friend Janey who only arrived the day before from UK. Some holiday! I am away for my dog fix at Crufts and on my return I will send everyone dates for the next workshop. Thanks to all those who attended and special thanks to the dogs who also enjoyed themselves! Carole Husein https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf8n3VJkmVk&feature=em-upload_owner Related...
Read MorePoppy – she hit the jackpot
Poppy has found her forver home. She arrived this morning in England. She hit the jackpot with a wonderful family. Two children, a german pointer and a cat. We were so worried Poppy will be completely scared and hide in a corner somewhere. She did fantastic. By now she is sleeping on the sofa, and sniffing around the English country side. Lucky little girl. I wish all dogs from here could have the same fortune. At the airport, she was the calmest one. All the other dogs were crying and howling, she just sat in her crate and then finally laid down and just relaxed. It was amazing to see. Thank you so much for letting us borrow the crate, I think that is what made all the difference for her to be crate trained. Poppy and her former foster family https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcR8S0FuvX0&feature=youtu.be Related...
Read MoreMarco – four paws in search of his great happiness
Today we would like to entrust Marco to your heart. It is incomprehensible to us that Marco hasn´t been adopted yet. He is only 6 months old of which he lives now already 4 months in the shelter. Nobody interested in the pretty Marco? He’s a great guy. He loves people and cuddles. He is willing to learn, attentive and gets along well with other dogs. Please open your heart for our Marco and give him the chance to start a better life without bars. Marco would thank you with infinite love. Related...
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