Gemini Jones

REMEMBERING GEMINI

Lynne says “As this year draws to a close we must find the strength to say…………….. 

For the Memory of Sweet Gemini

2009 – March 2021

Run Joyfully precious Gemini,
Run Safely in Trust

For close around you crowd the hearts
that love because they must
And as we close you round about,
guarding you with our tears
reunited with your lovely Lola
Through all our lonely years.

Gemini was the sweetest, kindest little Golden Retriever who came to us by a quirk of fate we thought, but as soon as she stepped through the door Gemini knew she was home. 

They say to grieve is to have loved and we will always love Gemini with every bone in our bodies. 

Thank you for giving us six amazing years Gemini, your memories will be kept safe in a special corner of our hearts until the end of time”.

History

THE BAD NEWS AND THE GOOD (JUNE 2015)

Gem is a pure bred, intelligent, golden coloured, spayed female Golden Retriever who was 5yrs old when rescued by IRR. She is microchipped and has been health checked by a vet and properly groomed, as are all the IRR dogs. Gem arrived in the UK on the 16th May and what a lot has happened to her since then.

FOSTERER’S REPORT

She was found to be a lovely girl …. in fact, a slight change in the spelling of her name really seemed to fit her sparkling personality but there was an awful lot of her ……. too much … so a diet would be in order.

Her fosterer, Lynne suspected there may be more to it than met the eye and, sure enough, she was found to have a thyroid problem which would need lifelong medication but, from past experience, we know the meds work well and, unusually for conventional medicine, there seem to be no undesirable side effects so it wasn’t a major cause for concern.

At first, Lynne was thinking it was just Gem’s weight that was the cause of her awkward gait but there was no sign of it lessening and it needed checking out. Unfortunately, despite continuing veterinary investigation, it has still been impossible to get to the bottom of it so more bad news for this sweetheart.

Then to cap it all, Lynne found a small lump on Gem’s beautiful face that turned out to be a mast cell tumour which called for an immediate operation. Fortunately, upon analysis, it was found to have been caught in time so her prognosis looks good.

The thyroid meds are working well and the weight is dropping off her so all much better news.

Gem’s luck had begun to change and, with so many conditions to keep an eye on, who would be better than Lynne to deal with them?

We are all absolutely delighted to say, Gem has managed to get her paws well and truly under the table so the very best news of all for her is that Lynne and Ian have decided to adopt her themselves and she has happily joined Sam and Lola. How brilliant is that?

EARLY HISTORY

Her owners got her at 10 weeks old for their son who was seriously ill and she has been a companion in a million for him. She would lie in bed beside him with her head on his pillow and would stay with him until he felt better.

The owners are truly devastated at having to let her go after her being such an integral and much loved member of their family for so long but a change in their circumstances decreed it and they had no choice. Knowing IRR would get her a wonderful home has softened the blow for them and has made their decision a little easier.

ASSESSMENT IN IRELAND

She is absolutely stunning and has a wonderful personality. She is very sweet tempered and is super affectionate. She doesn’t like the door being closed if she is outside. This lassie is a country girl at heart and is used to large open spaces with cows She loves to bark at them but, if they approach her, she runs for the hills!!

Don’t let her hear this but she does need to shed a few pounds. We are sure a little more exercise than she has been able to have recently and a few less treats should solve this easily.

She always has to have a teddy to carry around so, at Christmas, a new teddy has always been bought and wrapped up for her so she gets to unwrap her presents like everyone else. However, her teddy has to have a soft nose and eyes or she will destroy it!!

She is so funny and such a lady that, when she first meets you, she will have a conversation with you. “gruuull” “gruuull” as if introducing herself to you like the well mannered girl she is. Then, once you acknowledge her, she will go off and fetch her teddy and bring it to show you.

She will also make the same contented noise when she rolls happily on her back. It is in no way growling but is the Golden Retriever version of being a consummate talker.

SOCIAL LEARNING

Housetraining: Gem is fully housetrained

Fears: She has a fear of sticks and sweeping brushes so it is possible she was pushed around by something like that when just a little pup.

Leadwalking: She walks well on a lead

Recall: Her recall needs work

Feeding: Chicken, a normal favourite with Goldens makes her ill but she is fine with tripe and with dentastix and jumbones as treats.

Children: Needless to say, she is brilliant with children

Dogs: She is now good with other dogs. Gem started off a little scared of dogs but has warmed to Bob and he to her. She loves the company and they share a kennel.

Kathryn says “Even when I was grooming him in the back of the car (rather than stand) Gem had to be with us. She lay inside the car snoozing awaiting her knight in shinning armour to appear. It was really sweet. She has formed a nice bond with this fellow.

Cats: She is not good with cats.

GEM’S DREAM HOME

Gem just needs a fabulous home where she will be treasured and loved as she has been all her life which is, of course, exactly what she got.