THANK YOU - STILL OVERWHELMED

On 1 March (in US), Sue writes: Kirk & everyone on the lists, we are both absolutely stunned by this truly huge amount of Aire- & Cairn-dollars. In times such as these of very great hardship & financial stress in everyone's lives, we do feel that you have all stepped way beyond generous, and when so much is needed by Airedales & Cairns in distress. I really don't know what to say that comes anywhere near an adequate thank you. It's not only the money, it's the utterly selfless & unstinting flood of love & support & compassion that has accompanied the $$$$$$ - making them even more priceless. I'll try to write more soon - Tuesday is set to be another day from Hell. Northerly (the worst) winds of 140kph (borderline hurricane force) are forecast with high 30s temperatures, and there is massive concern about four fire fronts that are still not 'safe'. The Murrundindi complex is the one closest to us and has the potential to become very nasty with this wind pushing it. We've already done massive amounts of extra preparation but will be spending Monday finding even more to do. It's impossible to put one's mind onto anything else so we may as well just do it. I've spent today, Sunday, at Anne & Ron Sorraghans' place (Old Iron Park) at St. Andrews, helping with a working bee there. Dan Joyce, of course, was there, too. The entire region is decimated; it's just black black black for miles & miles & miles. Burnt out houses on every rise. How Anne & Ron survived is beyond my comprehension, not to mention the 10 adult Airedales (and yes, they were on lead, the first question I had to know!) and 11 five-week-old puppies (in a barrow). But they did, and the dogs are all fine. Photo courtesy Dan Joyce, OZ Sue, Ron & Bill Alice (now @RB, navy bandana), Ascha (green bandana) & Aemon (now @RB, red bandana), during the AIREDALE CLUB OF VICTORIA ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PICNIC at WOMBAT BEND - 2002 The Sorraghans are in great spirits, and are rebuilding immediately. They'll live temporarily in a big work shed which survived the fires, and part of it will be a neat little apartment that will be finished by the end of this week. Much of the day was devoted to fencing a safe area for the Airedales, so they can move back, too. And in another gesture typical of the Airedale world, the Airedale Terrier Club of Japan took the hat around and sent over $4000 to help the Sorraghans in their recovery program. I've got some photos which I'll send up, but not tonight, as I am totally wiped out. The strain of these three (now into fourth) weeks is beginning to affect us quite a lot. A thousand thanks, Kirk & everyone; you have no idea how completely overwhelmed we feel and the gratitude that is in our hearts. Thank you thank you thank you thank you - - - - - Sue & Bill (and the As who are still being CityDogs.)

CONTINUE WITH WOMBAT BEND TODAY HERE