Hector Spring

Sad news 6 October 2022

Hector’s mum, Laura, said, “Hector was rescued in 2015 with his new brother Alfie. Sadly, Hector had to say his goodbyes to us all 7yrs later but what a wonderful 7 years we have had with him.

Our Hector was such a character who just simply enjoyed life. As a family, he gave us all so much.

Hector’s vacant but kind and open face will always be missed. He certainly wasn’t the most intelligent of Retrievers !!! but his simplicity just made him so adorable. We rescued him with Alfie, who was younger, thinking that Hector would be able to lead the way, being older and wiser, so able to teach him!!! No chance at all!!!! It was Alfie who had to guide Hector every step of the way (and then the next day he forgot it all).

We very sadly had to say our goodbyes to our dear old Hector on Thursday 6th October 2022. He passed peacefully at home with Jon, myself and Alfie sitting by him. We all miss him so very much and his absence is felt in particular by his adopted brother Alfie.”

Fly high with all the other golden angels, Hector. For sure there will be many old IRR friends waiting to greet you at Rainbow Bridge.”

History

NEW NAME, NEW BROTHER, NEW HOME (JUNE 2015)

Pepe is now known as Hector and he lives with his new little brother Alfie in Surrey. Laura says “Hector and Alfie are an absolute joy.

Tina our cat doesn’t think so !! If only Tina would stand still then she could just give it to them with both barrels but, of course, she moves and they think it’s fun to chase ! No doubt, it will all sort itself out.

They have been really good at night and just follow me around all day long when I’m not hitting a tennis ball with the tennis racket for them .

We couldn’t wait for 2 weeks to let them off lead so we went for a lovely long walk over the fields and they loved it. They ran and ran but always came straight back to us. Afterwards, they were exhausted. The picture says it all!

They really aren’t any trouble at all , an easy pair, and we just can’t find any possible reason why they needed rescuing. All is good. They are lovely, lovely boys”.

A MESSAGE FROM HECTOR (JULY 2015)

Hello to all my special Aunties

We are having a lovely time here . Guess what I’ve got over my getting in the car phobia. At first, I had to be carried and I didn’t lke getting into it at all BUT ……. I worked it out that, every time we go in it, we go on a really, really long walk that involves chasing rabbits in the woods and going in the streams so now I can’t wait to go in it with my brother.

I’ll be honest, I don’t think I’m as intelligent as him. He really is smart because, every time my Mum blows a whistle or calls us, Alfie runs straight to them but I don’t !!! I like to do things in my own time and, if I’m running back to them and something else catches my eye, then I go off in another direction for a quick look see. But, I must say, I do generally just copy little Alfie. My Mum and Dad thought I would be the sensible one and be a good example to him but … no chance . !!!!!!!!! It is Alfie who keeps me in order.

Aunty Lyn, thank you for looking after me so well. I miss the other dogs but I have made lots of new friends of all shapes and sizes to make up for it so I am a very, very happy boy

lots of love HECTOR xxxxxx

STOP PRESS … we have been to the seaside!!!!!!!! Check out us on the beach and in the sea ………… how exciting was that? Alfie says we are VERY brave boys. I think we are clever cos we can run in water and retrieve our yellow balls xx

EARLY HISTORY

Pepe is a pure bred, intelligent, cream coloured, castrated, male Golden Retriever who was between 4yrs and 5yrs old in 2015.

He had a Jack Russell Terrier friend (Scout) who was rehomed to a wonderful family in Ireland. Both dogs were relinquished as their owner felt he no longer had the time to look after them properly.

He was microchipped and had been health checked by a vet and groomed, as are all the IRR dogs, whilst in Ireland.

FOSTER ASSESSMENT

He went into foster in Bristol with Lyn who said “Pepe is a happy, affectionate boy with an amazing personality and he is very eager to please. He is not possessive and grabs life by the shoulders as if to say “here I am”. He is an absolute treasure and will make a fabulous pet”.

SOCIAL LEARNING

Travel: Pepe doesn’t really like getting into the car and worries a bit in transit but a friend as company definitely helps to rectify this as does someone sitting with
him to comfort him.

Housetraining: He isn’t housetrained yet but, being such a bright boy, that should be resolved quickly.

Leadwalking: He is strong on the lead so a harness would be recommended but this is his only “bad habit”.

Children: Pepe is brilliant with children

Dogs: He is good with other dogs and has always lived with another one.

Cats: He doesn’t seem to be too bothered with cats

PEPE’S DREAM HOME

This boy is such a fabulous all rounder he could be rehomed almost anywhere and would fit in well in any situation but he would much prefer to live with another dog as that is what he has always been used to so that is one thing we are going to make sure of for him.

A PERFECT MATCH (June 2015)

Having paired them up successfully at Lyn’s, Hector went off to live in his Forever Home with Alfie (was Morgan).