George Jefferey

OUR BELOVED GEORGE HAS GONE

(7.8.2007 – 4.6.2021)

A heartbroken Pauline told us “We are in total shock at the sudden loss of our very special boy. He was one of our “bad lads” but he was always angelic with us and now Georgie is, truly, flying with the angels and is at Rainbow Bridge with his brothers, Danny, Gizmo, Sprocket, Mossie and Freddie.

Poor old George had a bit of a chequered history before he came to us which meant he never completely trusted strangers, especially men, but he had been through too much to expect him to totally reform. That having been said, he did mellow a lot and, from day one, he was perfect with Steve and I. He was also really great with all other dogs which was very important to us. 

Of course, our field was a Godsend and perfect for all our “difficult” dogs. Sadly, they have all now passed over leaving our one beautiful 14yr old girl, Rhani, alone and as shell shocked as us.

In recent times, age had caught up with George and he slowed down quite a lot. He preferred to potter rather than run with Freddie and Rhani and his damaged back leg finally gave up on him but he was never in any pain which was what mattered most. He loved his food, being groomed and being close by although he was never an overly cuddly boy. He really loved being part of the pack.

His last day, thankfully, was a very good one and he was really content with life. He was eating well and showed absolutely no signs of any underlying illness which made his passing so much more of a shocker for us. That having been said, we would rather suffer all the pain than think our boy did.

He did his last pees and pooh at 12.30am and settled down to sleep. Rhani woke me at 1.30am for, apparently, no reason so I sent her back to her bed and that is when George had an enormous fit which left him virtually unconscious. I lay beside him for an hour but he was unresponsive so I settled down close by. In the morning, he was still the same and it was clear there was no way back.

Having said our “goodbyes” to him, our kind vet, Roger, saw him quickly and gently off. It couldn’t have been any more peaceful or perfect for George. We, then, took him to Companions Haven in Bristol and, as always, they were kindness itself. He will be back with us on Tuesday and, eventually, when we feel ready, he will go under our memorial bench at the top of our field.

On our way home, we stopped at the field for Rhani to stretch her legs and then we came home to the horrible emptiness that is loss. The pain we suffer never gets any easier but it is the price we pay for the happiness that comes from loving and being loved unconditionally.

Rest in peace sweet boy. Until we meet again xxx”.

THOUGHTS FROM WENDY

Wendy wrote to say, “Pauline and Steve really did give George his best life.

We initially adopted George and he was an absolute darling. However, his fear of strangers meant he would react to them coming into the house and he would try to bite.

We had planned a holiday that Summer and intended to put both our dogs in kennels but we couldn’t as George was too reactive. Pauline and Steve kindly took both dogs whilst we were away. On our return, our water tank had overfilled and done damage to several rooms, so Pauline and Steve kept the dogs much longer than we anticipated.

We had George for 15 months and employed behaviourists etc. We were making progress but it was quite stressful with teenage children. Nevertheless, he loved us and we loved him.

It all came to a head when a neighbour came into our garden (we didn’t know she was doing this) and George went for her, leaving her needing stitches in her arm. It wasn’t George’s fault but we felt we couldn’t keep him and risk him biting someone else and being put down. Even though she was unwell at the time, Pauline called us to tell us to take him to her. We took him that day.

Initially, Pauline was going to foster but then they decided to keep him. George had the best life with them, loved to bits and exercised in their own field so able to run off-lead. It was so right for George and he couldn’t have wished for a better home but I’ve always felt we let him down.

We really feel for Pauline and Steve – the loss is hard to take”.

OUR GEORGE WAS HOME

Pauline said, “After an agonizing few days apart, our lovely boy came home to us. He will, eventually, join the others under the bench at our field but we weren’t ready to totally let him go at that point. Rhani was uncharacteristically quiet and did her best to comfort me but the empty space in our house seemed enormous as we all went through the motions.

George was an old boy and, of course, couldn’t live forever but he had been doing so well that his sudden passing had really shaken us to the core.”

People were very kind, sending flowers, gifts and lovely messages of support but, still, there remained this emptiness and it was still too soon to say that final “goodbye” to our lovable rogue.

Then, everything changed.

We had been trying to weigh up whether Rhani was lonely and we started to consider a friend for her …. not a young dog but one who would inject some happiness back into all our lives.

That came in the form of Ollie (was Max) who was, apparently, an 8yr old yellow Labrador x Retriever and, as is the norm for us, a “bad boy” who had nowhere else to go. We were his one and only chance. He, supposedly, hated men and had serious behavioural issues.

We are, however, delighted to report, he has settled in well, loves us all and we love him too. He is actually very obedient and was, clearly, loved to bits by his original owners who had looked after him very well for seven years and had had to very reluctantly give him up. To them, we say he is safe with us and we promise we will take good care of him and will love him forever.

We know Ollie was definitely sent to us by George and, for that, we thank him very very much. Rest in peace, darling boy”.

History

A NEW AND DIFFERENT FOREVER HOME FOR GEORGE

When George was coming up to 3yrs old and, despite their very best efforts, his adoptive family, very reluctantly, decided that their busy household was not the type of home that was best suited to nervous George.

He had also manage to suffer injuries in a freak road traffic accident which resulted in permanent pins in his back leg. This was very likely to deteriorate over time and could cause problems in the future for him.

Although George adores children, we all felt he would be more relaxed in a calmer environment so we decided to seek an adult home with few visitors and especially no visiting children. He also needed a home where he would have the company of another confident dog or dogs.

To prepare him for this, George went into foster with Steve and Pauline and their 6 dogs near Bath in the West Country. He already knew them all as he and Shadow had stayed with them when his family had to go away to Canada and they feared George would react badly in Kennels.

Needless to say, it was to nobody’s surprisewhen George became a permanent part of their pack.

FIRST REPORT 24.5.2010

Pauline says ” It was a very tearful Wendy and Phil who brought George to us last night but they loved him enough to do the brave thing and put him up for rehoming. George had spent several weeks with us last year, together with Shadow the GSD, when his family had gone to Canada so he greeted us both like old friends. He has also fitted back in with all his doggy friends here as if he had never been away.”

UPDATE ON GEORGE 24.6.2010

The inevitable has happened. Those sad, appealing eyes of George’s have done the trick and, once again, Steve and Pauline have failed as fosterers.

George gets on well with all the dogs but is especially close to Rhani who is about the same size as him. Amazingly, despite his leg injuries, he is able to run and run with her when in the field and then they cuddle up and chill together at home.

GEORGE’S HISTORY

George was fostered with Woody by Andy and Val in the West Midlands.

INITIAL REPORT

He said “George is about 18 months old and was picked up as a stray, in a very poor condition. He arrived here one Friday morning after Sandie had managed to get him groomed, as his coat was in a terrible state”.

“As you will see from the pictures he’s terribly thin and needs building up. He’s enjoying lots of small nutritious meals, which he makes disappear in seconds.

George is a very loving dog, with a tail that never seems to stop wagging. He enjoys his walks, playing with Woody, and is no trouble at all. As you can see, he has the saddest face that can melt the hardest of hearts”.

“After a few weeks in foster, George is building up nicely now but has become inseparable from Woody and gains confidence from him so we are desperately trying to re-home them together”.

LATEST UPDATE ON GEORGE

George and Woody have been with us just over 3 weeks now, and although they’d never met before, they’ve become great mates. Wherever one is, his partner in crime is never far away.

George has been putting on weight steadily, and growing in confidence as well as stature. He’s still a little timid about new things and people but soon settles down to his normal mischievous self. He loves a fuss, food, playing with Woody, and more food.

They’re both house trained and OK to be left. Woody’s great on the lead, but George can pull a little.

GREAT NEWS FOR GEORGE

George has gone to his forever home in Kent. We decided to split him and Woody because we felt that as long as George had a doggy friend, he would be fine.

FIRST REPORT FROM HIS NEW HOME 18/2/2009

Wendy said,“George is absolutely adorable!! He was a little nervous when we got home yesterday, but soon made himself comfy on the sofa!! He and Shadow are getting on pretty well – little bit of jealousy from Shadow, who is trying to make sure George knows she is top dog, but they seem to be getting on pretty well.

They both slept downstairs last night (put George’s bed next to Shadow’s). Heard a little bit of barking from both of them for about 5 minutes and then they both settled fine for the night and we didn’t hear anymore from either of them. Phil got up and walked them this morning (no accidents overnight) – he let George off the lead just for a little while and both dogs walked well together and played well.

I took the children and the dogs for a walk at lunchtime – we kept George on the lead but he seemed pretty content. Both dogs have settled well this afternoon. He obviously is a little out of sorts still, does wander around a bit, but will lay near us on the floor, or on the sofa, so I am quietly confident that things will work out fine.

I must say I felt really guilty taking George from him and his mum (and Woody) – they all looked pretty upset and I ended up in tears as well!! They truly are a lovely couple and George has obviously picked up greatly since being with them – Andy took him to the vet’s to have him weighed and he had put on about 1 stone since they have had him, and George’s coat is so soft and well-groomed.

A big thank you for letting us have George; we feel really lucky to have been given such a beautiful boy.”

FURTHER UPDATE ON GEORGE 21/02/2009

Wendy said, “George has settled in really well here and he and Shadow are getting on really well together now. He is a cheeky boy – after a perfect first night and making himself at home the next day, he didn’t appreciate being shut in the dining-room and kitchen the following night. After a great deal of barking and scratching at the door, we decided to let the dogs have the run of the lounge and made sure the blankets were on the furniture. Not another peep from him!! We have today been out visiting relatives and they all fell in love with George and thought he was extremely settled, especially as we have only had him a few days.

He was happy as he had three long walks and a couple of short walks during the day. George has met a few of the local dogs that Shadow knows, over the past few days and is confident with them all. I am out with my friend and her labs tomorrow – I promise I will try to get some photos (I have taken one or two but they haven’t been brilliant). Will send a further update soon, along with some pics but we feel that George has made himself very much at home here, much to our delight.”

GEORGE WITH HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Wendy said, “George is an absolutely gorgeous dog and has settled in with us really well. He is great with the children and with Shadow, our German Shepherd and loves being out with us on walks. Whilst Shadow tends to stay very close to us when out, George tends to follow a scent but is now very good at coming when called.

He has a couple of issues that we are working on; when any adult comes into the house, he growls and needs to be watched so that he doesn’t try to nip. Also, he is very interested in the cats and can be a bit overbearing, although he doesn’t seem to be mean, I think he just wants to play!! Finally, when out walking, he doesn’t like strangers and isn’t overly fond of small dogs. We are working on all the issues and are confident that, with time and patience, they can be overcome.

The first photo is of George making himself comfortable at home, the second photo is of George and my friend’s dog Katie, the third is of George and Shadow with Katie and Bella and the last photo is of George and my youngest child Lauren.”

UPDATE ON GEORGE 8.12.2009

Wendy says “George has been behaving pretty well. We haven’t been able to find any Rally-O classes that are close enough or fit at the moment but, hopefully, things might change in the New Year. He is getting better with people coming into the house – we still keep him on the lead whilst people come in but he now settles very quickly and is usually quite friendly (he has the odd lapse, which serves to remind us not to be too trusting). When out walking with George in very public places, he is now fine walking round the lake on the lead and usually ignores other people totally. He still loves going up to the fields near us where he can have a good run about and play with Shadow (GSD).”

A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT

“After all this progress I do have some sad news. A couple of weeks ago Shadow was bitten by another dog and had to have stitches. Consequently, she is wearing a “light-shade” round her neck at the moment. Yesterday, when Phil was walking both dogs, she got a bit caught up. Phil was trying to sort her out and inadvertently let go of George, who then ran off.

Phil spent about 30 minutes trying to call him and get him back, at which point he decided to walk back to the car. In the field nearest our car, George was laying waiting. Unfortunately, he had crossed four lanes of a dual carriageway to get back.

I took him straight to the vet yesterday morning and they gave him pain relief, put him on a drip and took Xrays of one of his rear legs (which had cuts on it and was dragging). They could see that he had torn the ligaments, and possibly fractured the joint. Today, I had to take him to a specialist. They don’t think he has fractured the bone but they will be operating later this week, once the swelling has settled down a bit, to fix his ligaments and sort the leg out.

I was also concerned about his other back leg, and they weren’t 100% happy when he was walking, so are going to keep an eye on it and see whether it needs an Xray. Poor George will be confined for about 4-6 weeks (only allowed out for toilet runs), but at least he should regain most of the strength/movement in his leg.”

“We are all sad and missing him at home, but he should be back with us by the weekend and will be receiving lots of TLC. He was very good with all the vets and nurses yesterday, but was nervous of the male vet he saw today. However he did let him examine his legs, whilst I held his head and made a fuss of him, and George went off with the vet.”

Please can we all pray for George to make a full and speedy recovery, bless him.

UPDATE ON GEORGE 4.1.2010

George goes back to the vet tomorrow – it is his last dressing change. Next week he will have all the dressings removed and then the following week we will go back to the specialist.

My vet is quite happy with how he is doing; he removed the stitches last week and it has healed nicely. We will wait to see how George is once he has no support on his leg. It must be very frustrating for him not being able to go for a walk. Also, with the snow we have had on and off, Shadow goes absolutely mad and I think George would like to go and have a good run around with her.

On a different note, we have a new plan with people coming into the house. On Boxing Day we had a couple of friends round for lunch. The lady is a vet, so is fine but her husband is nervous of dogs at the best of times and, even though he knows Shadow is friendly, he is not totally relaxed. As Shadow’s barking seems to be a trigger for George, we put him in Danielle’s bedroom with her when our friends arrived.

Once Shadow had got her barking and bouncing out of the way, we brought George into the room. We advised him not to even look at George. We had no problems with him at all. When we sat down to lunch we let go of the lead and after lunch George even sat on the sofa between our friends. We repeated this last week when my brother came down and it really does seem to help George.

Hopefully, this tale might help other prospective / new adopters. Obviously, we were used to having a dog before George, but it has taken time and patience to learn what works best.

LATEST UPDATE 20.04.2010

Wendy says “George does seem to be recovering well after his leg injury. He still has a bit of a limp, particularly in the evening if he has had a good long walk during the day. I need to get him checked over again by the vet in the next couple of weeks but he certainly seems happy in himself.

We have had people round here more and more and we now find it works best if we shut George away when people first come in and then let him into the room when Shadow has already said “Hello” and calmed down a bit. We keep George on a lead for a while, but he soon relaxes and settles down. I have been taking him down to nursery occasionally (and put a muzzle on whilst waiting outside the nursery) and he is getting more confident there – never seems to bark, just hides between my legs. Also we have been trying to walk the dogs in more populated areas and George is now much better at just walking past people. So, although George is still a “work in progress” he certainly is doing well.

These are a couple of photos I took on my phone today. The children and I walk the dogs up into some fields near us and, when we know it is clear, we can let George off for a game and run about.”