Barney Wilson

Latest Update April 2024

Betty told us, “I have to tell you, Barney is nearing 13 years old, his hind legs are failing him but he remains such a loving, gentle, kind, loved by all the neighbourhood, loves everyone and everything. If only they could live forever! I thank God and IRR every day that we became his family. Vets, everyone is amazed at his good nature, he even holds his paw out for them to take blood tests, remove stitches etc.

A few years ago he made history when our local vet finally found and liased with a top Vet in California to talk him through an innovative operation on his throat for Pharangeal Dysphagia, first time attempted in UK.

Goldies are the most wonderful, gentle loving dogs ever- they get into your very soul! I am 78 years old now and dread when he goes.

A couple of streets away is another Barney from IRR! He is now 13 and is nearly blind and really struggling to walk, people don’t believe me when I say my Barney is nearly 13, many estimate several years younger.”

BARNEY’S HISTORY

Barney is 10 months old. He was picked up as a stray and served his time in the Pound.

FOSTERER’S REPORT – IRELAND: MARCH 2012

Barney is probably THE most handsome GR we’ve ever had. He is a lovely dog who needs some training and an experienced owner who will be able to put the time and effort into helping him to reach his potential.

FOSTERER’S INITIAL REPORT – UK: MARCH 2012

I collected Barney early on Saturday morning and he continued his journey very well, happy to get into the car and settled to sleep whilst we travelled home. Since arriving here Barney has spent time playing with our dog Tia, exploring the garden and saying hello to passers-by.

Barney has barked at horses riding past and gets rather excited by the neighbour’s cats but he is just a big bouncy baby. Barney has a heart of gold and, albeit a little large, he tries to be gentle and is a very loving dog who buries his head in your arm for hugs and cuddles.

Barney spent his first Sunday basking in the sun, playing ‘fetch the ball’ and going for a walk around the village. Barney is a happy-go-lucky boy with beautiful lead manners; however as with any young boy he is bouncy. That coupled with his bigger size, I would suggest he would suit a home without very small children.

FOSTERER’S 2ND REPORT – UK: MARCH 2012

Barney is a beautiful bouncy puppy. Naturally for a very young dog he is full of the joys of spring and is looking for a family who will love him, play with him, go for lots of walks and spend lots of time doing things together. He loves being with people, is very affectionate and will be by your side always.Barney is happy to be in the company of all ages of humans and happy with other dogs; especially playful dogs.

As he is only a young dog, Barney does tend to bark at things, cats, horses, cows, just because they are interesting and he doesn’t know what they are. I think for this reason i would advise he may be better in a home without cats and pereferably with another dog so they can play together.

Barney is fine to be left for short periods of time (up to 4 hours) as he has Tia for company. However, if he was an only dog I feel leaving him along for long periods of time would be unfair to him and he would need plenty of toys to play with to keep him entertained.

Barney is house trained and understands basic commands. He travels very well in the car and has very good lead manners.

For any family looking for a loving dog, Barney would be perfect; he has some basic training and he is clever and keen enough to want to learn more.

Barney has 2 meals a day and is more of a grazer, preferring to eat when he’s hungry. He doesn’t steal and he doesn’t have any toy or food possessiveness.

As Barney is NOT a small dog he needs plenty of room and exercise. Also due to his size and his age I would advise a forever home with older children.

BARNEY: REPORT FROM HIS FOREVER HOME – APRIL 2012

We are so thrilled with our wonderful Barney! He has settled in so very well – right from the start (apart from the first night when we had a couple of tears from him for 5 mins) He walks to heel, comes back every time on the extended lead when called, is so well behaved with people & children & loves other dogs (all done for us before he came to us, I have to say). He wants to chase cats & birds!!! He is also a telly addict (when it’s on) and when horses, dogs, birds & other animals are on, his nose is up against the screen!!! When Len has a lie out on the couch after work Barney is there – wanting cuddles & petting – when we read a paper – Barney is there, trying to flick it out of the way! He sits when people approach for petting but if they forget to stroke him for a second he tends to try to climb up them – which we are addressing, but as you say he is so quick to learn. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we would get another dog like our last Goldies – but Barney has excelled himself in our admiration & affections. We love him to bits. The Vet too, praised his calmness & friendliness & gave him 100 % health appraisal. What more could we want. He is at the slobbering stage and our house has lots of little “snail trails (slobber)” which keeps us going!!! He settles fine in the kitchen at night & patiently waits when he hears us stirring – he is trying to figure out how to open the safety gate by fair means or foul. He is so well adjusted that we have booked for the end of May a Pet-friendly bungalow at Milford on Sea near Lymington – two minutes from the beach & we are really looking forward to going with him. We took him into Pet Smart for some toys etc. & he was excellent- didn’t try to grab toys etc.

Many, many thanks for allowing us to love such a wonderful little? (Big) boy. We will always be grateful to you all and the wonderful work you all do. Len & Betty

Update from Barney’s Forever Home: February 2013

Barney has settled so well, he is loved by all and he loves everyone and everything (except cats!). He has just so much love for everyone and he touches everyone who meets him with his lovely ways. He is HUGE now – long & lean & tall – 35 kilos but not fat. But despite his size he has only ever knocked over one photo frame with his ever waggy tail!!!

Bless you all & thank you.
Len & Betty