History 2000 Keith’s Rescue Dogs was formed on a wing and a prayer in January 2000, our goal to rescue and re-home as many dogs as possible. Our first challenge was to survive the first twelve months and in doing so make a reputation second to none in the hope that volunteers would come forward and help build on this fragile base. Six months on and it became apparent that unless volunteers & fund raisers came on board the operation would not survive another 6 months. Towards the end of the first year helpers came forward and some fundraising helped ease the financial pressure. A very difficult year but we had survived! 2001 Another tough year lay ahead but regular fundraising was now taking place and helpers where continuing to come forward these volunteers became the “Friends of Keith’s Rescue Dogs”. The organization became more structured with regular financial meetings, fundraising and events. As funds increased we were able to take in and help more and more dogs. In late summer it was decided to apply to the Charity Commission for full charity status. 2002 Nearly a year later and thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the public a major milestone was reached, the Charity Commission Of England & Wales granted the trustees of “Keith’s Rescue Dogs” charitable status under section 3 of the charities act 1993! 2003 Now as a registered charity members of the public started holding various fundraising events, including participation in the London Marathon, all of which raised much needed funds. The trustees next goal was to double the amount of dogs it could take at one time to 30, this target proved difficult to reach and in September we took the decision to open a charity shop in Spilsby, Lincolnshire. The shop proved to be a very successful venture allowed us to reach our target of 30 dogs, all the items we sell are donated by the general public and the shop is staffed by a willing band of volunteers. Our loyal customers call it a “proper old fashioned charity shop”. The plan for the next 3 years was to build on our outstanding reputation and to improve our fundraising so we could continue to give our rescue dogs first class care. 2007 The charity celebrated its first seven years and what a roller coaster ride it has been! The key to success has been without doubt the support and generosity of the general public coupled with the drive and determination of the trustees and volunteers. Today the charity is run in a professional manner by 9 trustees and a number of dedicated helpers, everybody involved is a volunteer and receives no form of payment. The charity has an outstanding reputation for it’s high standards and commitment to the welfare of dogs. The costs involved in the rescuing and the rehoming of dogs is astronomical, it cost more than £52,000 in the period 2006/2007 to keep afloat and this figure is bound to continue to rise, we rely entirely on sponsorship and donations for survival and the more the charity receives the more dogs we can help.