Charity Dog Walk
Sunday, 4 July 2010

When the day dawned with lashing rain and howling gales predicted, we thought we would have to postpone our planned charity dog walk in aid of Eden Valley Hospice. At eleven a.m. we decided that if ten people were willing to walk, we would hold the event: a five mile walk starting at the surgery on London Road, to Cumwhinton and back again.

By quarter to one, we had ten dogs and almost twenty people, dressed in all weather gear, determined to walk and raise the sponsorship money they had been promised. The atmosphere was full of good cheer and the skies were beginning to clear.

By one o'clock twenty dogs and more than forty people, set off on the walk. The smallest dog was Pip, the Pekingese, weighing just 4 kg. The oldest dog was Bracken, a Golden Retriever aged 13. Bracken was walking in memory of 'Grandad' Jim, who had spent the last two months of his life being cared for in the Eden Valley Hospice.

The wind howled, but the rain stayed away. Colin, out local PCSO guided us safely over all the intersections. With a short drinks stop for dogs and owners at the Lowther Arms in Cumwhinton, we continued to walk. The day brightened up even more and everyone was in fine fettle. Over the M6 at Junction 42 and back up London Road, saw the walk being completed by everyone who had started.

Back at the surgery, refreshments and snacks fortified everyone before the big raffle prizes, generously donated by local businesses, were drawn. There was a tombola and many other games. Colin chose the deserving winner of the 'Picture your Pet' photo competition A fantastic day ended with a cake being presented to Edda Pohlandt, principal veterinary surgeon, celebrating one successful year in business.

The surgery managed to raise £304 for Eden Valley Hospice with the raffle and games on the day. We expect that figure to increase to £1000 once all the sponsorship money comes in.

Pet Photo Competition
In May and June, we hosted a PET PHOTO competition.

Mrs Dorothy Nicholson won first prize, which was a pet water drinker. Mrs Nicola Pattinson won 2nd prize (a £15 voucher for Falcon Vets) with Gypsy in a basket and 3rd prize went to Mrs Gemma Webber with Milo. They received a mystery pet box.

The competition was judged PCSO Colin Slack.

Halloween Trick or Treat Fun!

Lucky Dip
Come in any time in October and play our Trick or Treat Lucky Dip …. you may get a trick … but you may get a treat! You could win a chew, a vaccination voucher or a cuddly toy … the prizes are too numerous to mention!

On Halloween Night
On Sunday 31 October 2010, we will be open between 5 and 7 pm – for you and your dog to come trick or treating. And there will be a competition for the best dressed up dog!!

Dress the Dog
If you cannot make it on the day, pop your dog in the week before, in his Halloween outfit, and we will take a photo. This still gives you a chance of winning on the day!

Client Survey
We have a client survey running until the end of the year. Please pop in and fill in our questionnaire! It helps us improve our service and all completed forms will be entered into a raffle for a prize and a gift voucher!

Training Practice
We are becoming a nurse training practice! As of September 2010, we will be able guide and mentor staff through a professional nurse training course. We will be working in conjunction with Newcastle College. The practice’s objective is to provide excellence through hands-on training and support continued professional development for all staff.