Daragh Gibson

GOOD NEWS AND BAD (JANUARY 2017)

Two years on from his adoption, although doing really well in so many other ways, Daragh, unfortunately, had become an escape artist. This put him in danger of being accused of sheep worrying, causing a road traffic accident or even getting injured or killed himself .

His adopter appealed to us for help and the only answer was to rehome him. Leaving behind a totally distraught family, Daragh came back to IRR in January 2017. Fortunately, the story does have a happy ending as Daragh’s fosterers, Alan and Celia (not for the first time) fell in love with their charge and decided to adopt him themselves.

UPDATES FROM ALAN

22.1.2017 Our IRR boys Toby and Cody welcomed their IRR baby brother Daragh into the family today.

22.1.2018 It’s our gorgeous boy’s 1st Gotcha Day with us. Darragh was first adopted in 2015 but, unfortunately, things didn’t work out for him. He was an accomplished escape artist, the Houdini of IRR, so it was thought it would be better to rehome him as livestock worrying and his own safety had to be taken into consideration.

He originally came to us as a foster so we had to make sure garden security was top notch and he was never left alone in the garden unaccompanied.

Thankfully, our fears were unfounded and the expected escape attempts never materialised and still haven’t. I don’t know if he loves his life with us and his IRR brothers or he just can’t be bothered.

Happy Gotcha Day Darragh, our gorgeous boy.

22.1.2020 It’s our gorgeous, unassuming boy’s 3rd Gotcha Day today, full of bravado when on the lead, he’s a big softie off it and loves nothing more than a big cuddle and to be fussed over.

Happy, Happy 3rd Gotcha Day Darragh

HISTORY

In 2015, Daragh was a 1 year old male, purebred, cream coloured Golden Retriever. He saw a vet, was neutered and had all the necessary inoculations for him to obtain his EU Passport.

Daragh’s owner had to relinquish him as she moved to an apartment and could not take him with her. She was heartbroken but Kathryn assured her that IRR would look after him and he would get a wonderful home where he will be treasured for the rest of his life. 

PERSONALITY

Daragh has a mischievous personality. He is a typical, loving, full of beans, young, gorgeous Golden Retriever.

SOCIAL LEARNING

Travel: He didn’t travel well in the car on the journey from his home, probably due to nerves and the fact that he is not used to travelling in the car. However, when Daragh went with Barney to the vet, he was fine and was very well behaved, looking to Barney for reassurance which he got with lots of licks.

Barney lay on the back seat and Daragh was on the floor. He seemed to understand from Barney that everything was going to be all right and that he needn’t worry. 

Housetraining:   He is not house trained as he has lived outside but this is rarely a problem as Goldens, due to their biddable intelligent nature can overcome this hurdle quickly.

Grooming: He doesn’t like being groomed and is also afraid of the hair-dryer but this is being worked on. He may not have been used to a brush so short bursts of grooming with little treats will help him realise that this is an essential part of daily life.   Leadwalking and recall: Daragh’s recall is good but his lead work needs a little work.

Children :  He is used to children but can be a bit on the bouncy side so would be better with older rather than younger ones.  

Dogs: Daragh has made great friends with the other dogs, most especially Barney. He is great with them so a home with another dog or dogs is essential.

Cats: Cats are definitely not on his favourite animal list. His favourite game is barking and growling at them, which dosesn’t bother the cats but frustrates him, so a family without cats is essential.

DARAGH’S DREAM HOME

This bundle of joy can’t wait to get his forever family and realise that life is just about to begin. A home with older children who will play with him and help with his training would be perfect although an active retired couple would be just as good. The company of another dog or dogs would be wonderful for him but, unfortunately, it has to be a home without cats. We know adventures galore await this wonderful boy and IRR are glad to be part of his journey.

REHOMED TOGETHER (August 2015)

Daragh has been in foster with his best friend Barney and the good news is that their fosterer has fallen in love with both of them, so they will be staying there in their Forever Home together.