Harper Grimshaw Baker

HISTORY

Harper is a stunning, light cream coloured, spayed female Golden Retriever who was 20 months old in 2016.  She has received all the vaccinations necessary for travel and has already been groomed and has been in foster in Ireland.     

Harper came from a loving  home and never suffered any form of abuse but the family could not give her the time that she needed. She has been brought up with young children but one of them had asthma and it got decidedly worse.

Harper’s mum wanted us to know that she had been very much loved but they knewit was the right thing to do for Harper to get her a new home where she would be the centre of attention.         

HEALTH

Initially, Harper had a wee bit of a cough which was worse at night and first thing in the morning but this is now better. Otherwise, she is very healthy.

PERSONALITY

She is very, very affectionate.  Harper can be giddy at times and she can be boisterous and full of energy but it is no more than to be expected of such a young girl. Harper is a complete sweetie and is a friendly, confident teenager although she does become timid if she thinks she is in trouble for things like stealing the loo roll, shoes, a tea towel and a rug!!!! She also does jump up so this is being worked on. She also thinks it’s her right to climb up and sit or lie on furniture etc. She is a typical 20 month old Retriever and loves nothing more than cuddles and a good tummy rub. She is a joy to have around.       

SOCIAL LEARNING

Harper had received little to no training. Keren, her fosterer, says “Harper is a gorgeous girl who is learning from my own Retrievers. She can be a bit like a bull in a china shop but it is still early days. Already she can “sit”, “give a paw” and “lie down” on command although we haven’t managed a stay yet. She was a little nervous to start with, especially going through doorways, and became my shadow but she soon started to settle into a nice routine with my 2 dogs and 2 cats”.

Travel: She travels well in the car and is able to settle easily. Housetraining: She was an outside dog and so was not house-trained at all. She now only has the odd accident whereas, initially, there were lots of wees probably because of the stress of settling in and her nervousness.

Separation anxiety: Harper seems to have no problems and, on our return, she greets us with a happy face and a waggy tail.

Resource guarding: Harper isn’t food or toy possessive.

Leadwalking and recall: She pulled on the lead but this has improved since using a halti. She has an adequate recall.

Children: Although not tested in her foster home, this wonderful sweet girl has lived with  children and was, apparently, very gentle with them. Cats: She was nervous at first especially after the cats put Harper in her place but, now, they rub up against her face affectionately. 

Dogs: She is very friendly with other dogs and really loves to play with them. She sleeps well at night in the Orvis bed with Bentley

HARPER’S DREAM HOME

Harper just needs a home where she will get all the attention and love she deserves with good food, lovely walks and lots of play. She would love to live with another dog  or dogs and would also be fine with cats. Although gentle, she can be boisterous so older children would be better than little ones. She is such a lovely girl she could probably fit in almost anywhere.