Ben Copley

TAKEN TOO SOON (26.10.2018)

Peter wrote, “It is with great sadness that we advise you of the demise of our beloved Ben.

Sadly, Ben had to be put to sleep on Friday 26th October. He had a large tumour in his throat which was inoperable. He was just 11 years old and he was the second dog that we have had from IRR, the first being Pudsey.

Ben was a true gentleman, so well mannered, and a loving member of the family.

Forever in our thoughts and now at peace.

Thank you to all at IRR for your kindness and sympathy. Kind regards .Peter and Susan”

His fosterers, Alison and David said of him, “Ben left us for his perfect forever home in May 2016. We also remember him as a lovely affectionate, well mannered gentleman who had a very waggy tail and always liked a cuddle”.

Fly high with the other golden Angels, Ben.

BEN’S HISTORY

Ben is a wonderful, cream almost white, male Golden Retriever who was going to be 9yrs in December 2016. He had been neutered and received his inoculations to travel to the UK and, as is normal, his superb coat was thoroughly groomed.

This beautiful boy has always been loved and has never known anything but kindness in his life. Unfortunately, circumstances decreed that Ben needed to be found a new home. He wasn’t getting the attention he needed and his owners work commitments meant he would be left alone for very long periods of time. Rehoming Ben was nothing to do with him or his behaviour and the decision was made only after much deliberation.

Martina from Babydog Rescue in Ennis, Co. Clare contacted IRR and asked for our help then he went into foster in Ennis with Niki who, when asked, replied “Definitely. My beautiful Ruby, will get on wonderfully with him. Mind you, she sleeps in the bed with the children”. As this had been the case his whole life “a match made in heaven” was the answer.

HEALTH

Although generally healthy, Ben does have some problems with his legs. There is no arthritis but the back legs appear out of control. (he doesn’t know where his back feet are) and he sometimes drags the toes on his back feet.

The vet believes he will get worse eventually but cannot put a time on it. Ben is quite happy jumping in the car and climbing stairs. It needs to be a fine balance between keeping him at the correct weight, maintaining muscle tone and not over tiring him.

Ben gets around well and manages to play and run with Daisy. His legs don’t seem to hinder him in any way. After nearly 3 months in foster, there is no sign of it getting worse.

PERSONALITY

He has a wonderful personality, absolutely typical of what people expect of a member of his breed. His UK fosterers, Alison and David, describe him as a beautiful big old boy and say he would be an asset to anyone. He is very stoic and not phased by anything except thunder which he doesn’t like.

He fitted in straight away as he is so well behaved and good mannered. Ben is always very pleased to see you but he is not bouncy and is brilliant around the house. He is very happy and content. He has a very waggy tail and likes a cuddle but he does not beg. He is very gentle and likes being brushed.

SOCIAL LEARNING

He is house-trained. There have been no accidents in the house.

Ben doesn’t know many commands but he is generally well behaved and good mannered and isn’t food or toy possessive. He loves his food but takes it gently. Ben likes to be involved in everything and to be with you so he will bark but, after a few woofs, he settles down well. He loves to greet you first thing in the morning.

He likes to guard the house against tractors, motorbikes and horses, but fine outside the house and learning to ignore the horses.

He travels wonderfully in the car.

Leadwalking etc: David confirmed he loves his walks but he hasn’t been lead trained so he does pull on a slip lead and on a body harness. David says “he can pull like a train on walks (showing little back leg weakness). He is better on the lead on his own rather than with our other dogs”.

Children: He has been great with children in both his original and Irish foster home but he would benefit from a quieter life now so will be best with visiting rather than resident children.

Dogs: Ben would benefit from a like-minded female, just like his Irish foster sister, Ruby. In his UK foster home, he has also shown himself to be friendly towards the other dogs and he likes to play with Daisy and Bonny. He is extremely patient with Daisy ragging and chasing him. He has a tendency to lunge at other dogs when on the lead and needs time to get accustomed to other dogs so doesn’t feel threatened. Cats: His behaviour with cats is unknown

BEN’S DREAM HOME

A truly loving home is a must for dear Ben as he loves his cuddles. A family with visiting grandchildren, who will be kind and gentle with him, could be good but, equally, he would happily fit in with an older couple where there are no children visiting.

Ben has a wise head and would fit in anywhere straight away. He is a great dog about the house and garden and settles well at night. He is a wonderful boy who would make a fantastic addition to almost any family.

THE BEST NEWS (August 2016)

Ben has gone to live in his Forever Home