Flynn Juffkins

TWO VERY HAPPY BOYS NOW LIVE IN THE LAP OF LUXURY

What more could they want? Each other and a very special Mum who loves them to bits.

UPDATE (28th April 2017)

Jackie explains”Flynn decided today was the day to achieve his 1/2 mile swimming certificate. Now I know they can both swim (like the time Murphy stepped off the canal bank and had no choice!) but normally they just paddle. So, when after a play with a Lab, they wandered down to the water I wasn’t concerned.

That is until Flynn swam after a duck who kept swimming away, flying a bit, swimming again and then going in circles! He was 10 metres from the other side and it was 15 mins later when the duck, obviously entertained enough, flew off and Flynn thought he’d come back.

Thankfully, at 8.00am, there weren’t many people who could hear me shouting like a fish wife and I didn’t have to swim after him but I did begin to wonder”

UPDATE (5.7.2019)

On the recommendation of a certain Bev and Pen Bethell, I thought I’d try swimming with my dog!

Let me paint the picture…….I don’t like salt water, I have no wet suit and I’m not overly great being out of my depth. But, thinking Flynn would love it, as he can swim for England, I clambered down rocks to a beautiful secluded beach and, bravely, went into the water only to find Flynn wouldn’t swim with me…..I’m sure he was worried I’d steal his ball!!

Murphy on the other hand thought I needed rescuing and went in further than he ever has even though he didn’t swim.

All I can say, Bev, is I think I was mislead but, once I was in, it was quite nice on a hot day!

UPDATE (6^th March 2020)

Jackie says “Happy 4th Gotcha Day to my gorgeous boys Murphy & Flynn.

You’ve come a long way from the dogs we picked up who were scared of anything & everything.

Although still not keen on being left, it’s ok because they just join us on our adventures.

Last year was a tough one for me but the boys were there by my side…..always my rocks”.

HISTORY

Del Boy and Rodney, as they were called back in 2016, were both 4 year old cream coloured, castrated male Golden Retrievers who were difficult to tell one from the other. Neither of them have any medical issues so it is unbelievable to understand why these two fabulous boys were totally abandoned:(((

It was thought, initially, they wouldn’t travel well but there was no need to worry as they were as good as gold. They behaved perfectly well during their 3.5 hour’s journey although, coming out of the car, each was as terrified as the other.

They have a very close bond with each other so great, in fact, we believe, if they were split, they would probably not survive. The agreement with DAWG is that this will not happen.

Their general health is good but both were extremely thin (28kg) under their humongous coats

FOSTER ASSESSMENT

PERSONALITY: They are both frightened of everything and are really scared of being hurt, hit or abandoned. Del Boy seems to be the leader of the two and Rodney is the follower who looks for guidance in all things.

They wanted to trust but were afraid to. They seem to love being with people so much that they are never far away. They love human interactions like being brushed, cuddled, stroked and receiving any sort of attention but they are very sensitive to shouting and will run at the sight of the yard brush or similar.

Del Boy and Rodney are very friendly, happy, outgoing, smiling, busy dogs who are taking new experiences well. Amusingly, they have very big feet!

Their fosterers love these 2 superb beautiful boys whose temperaments are just as Goldies should be. They find it amazing that they are so well-mannered despite their lack of training. Sadly, for sure, they have a few unhappy associations with shouting and large sticks which still provoke bad memories and there may be other situations where this will happen but, on the whole, they are extremely well balanced.

SOCIAL LEARNING

From their first assessment it was clear it would be starting from scratch with names, basic commands and house training. However, they soon became 2 boys growing in confidence by the day, taking new experiences in their stride. Soon they were very settled and they quickly learnt their new routines.

Basic training: They didn’t know their names and understood no basic commands whatsoever.

Housetraining: They were not house trained and, initially, made a number of mistakes in the house, mainly overnight, but, after a few days, the house training was going very well.

Travel: Both are excellent in the car and are happy and content to settle.

Leadwalking: They walk well on lead despite having little experience in the past. Although going for a walk is alien to them, they really enjoy going out. They are walked on harnesses and, although they still have a bit to learn, they are really very good on the whole.

Separation anxiety: There are no signs of separation anxiety as the boys are content as long as they are together. They have been left alone (together, of course) for one and half hours with no problem. They settle down in the house quickly and are very good at night.

Grooming: Brushing daily is enhancing their coats and they both love it.

Food and toys: There is very little difference between the boys and they are happy to share food bowls and toys. There is absolutely no evidence of resource guarding.

They appeared dehydrated on arrival with strong smelling urine and they drank for England over the first 2 days. Del Boy and Rodney did not eat for the first 2 days in foster but then started eating dried food with the addition of sardines or canned meat. The tasty bits were continued to ensure they kept eating well in order to gain weight which they have both done.

Children: They are untested with children

Dogs: Probably due to a lack of socialisation, they didn’t play with the fosterer’s girls initially but enjoyed playing chase with each other and went everywhere together. After a few days, they were playing all day with the girls and were interested in meeting other dogs with no defensive behaviour seen. They are very friendly boys.

Cats: They are untested with cats

THEIR DREAM HOME

As they are both so afraid, they will need plenty of patience and love in an adult only home. Because of their special needs, these boys can only be placed with seasoned owners who have a good track record of rehabilitating rescued Goldens. It will be like taking on 2 large 4 year old puppies

David and Anne (their fosterers) said ” These two boys are special and need to be found someone active who is also very patient and very kind because, although the boys are boisterous and energetic, they are also very gentle and mild-mannered. They are SUPER DOGS and we love them to bits but they need a lot more time than we can give them. We will be very jealous of potential adopters and please be warned we will be very picky!”

THE BEST POSSIBLE FOREVER HOME (March 2016)

Del Boy and Rodney have really fallen on all four paws and, together, have found the most perfect forever home possible with Jackie. They are now called Murphy and Flynn.