Daisy Clarke

A Sad Christmas, 24 December 2021

Daisy’s Mum said, ” A sad Christmas for me as I said goodbye to my last IRR baby yesterday. Daisy at the good old age of 14 is now rolling on the grass in heaven with Douglas. Until we are together again sweet girl run and play with your best friend. Truly heartbroken but thankful for your love.”

History

Jan (now Daisy) and her mate Doug came from a home with a very elderly owner who was was going into a nursing home and, of course, couldn’t take them with him. 

IRR was contacted to see if we could help. They have been together all their lives and have a strong bond with each other.

After receiving the necessary inoculations to travel to the UK they were kept in owner foster for a month before being fostered for a few days by Cathleen, one of our very experienced Irish IRR fosters.

They are being fostered by David and Alison in the UK.

FUN AND GAMES IN IRELAND

They had no collars or leads so some had to be quickly purchased before travelling. Poor  Doug tried to get out of the car when being put in it initially as he didn’t want to be separated from his owner but they both made the 4 hour journey back to Dublin with Kathryn and their fosterer, Cathleen who was going to be making them feel very welcome in her home. 

They needed a serious groom as they stank and were matted so, the following day, Jan and Doug were both treated to a feast of suds and cologne to bring back their coats to their former glory, as both Cathleen and Kathryn went to work on grooming them.

After being thoroughly washed and dried Doug decided that he wanted to get into the bathtub again and repeat the experience as he had enjoyed it so much. When being washed, Cathleen noticed his eyes rolled back in pleasure as the warm water washed the smell and dirt from his coat. He then decided to lie on Kathryn’s legs as if to say ‘dry me, I am ready to be pampered.’ It made both Cathleen and Kathryn roar with laughter.

Jan was less relaxed and was stressed by the dryer so she had to be towel dried. Shortly after her groom and after putting her in the car Jan’s new collar snapped and she took off running. Only with the help of friends were we able to get her back – what a scare!

Doug on the other hand, had no intention of going anywhere and just looked and flopped back on the soft bed in the car.

History

Jan is a spayed 9 year old cream coloured Golden Retriever with a very gentle personality. She is affectionate but this sweet girl can be rather wary. She is house-trained but is sensitive to shouting and can get a little worried. When she arrived at Cathleen’s she went for a short walk and, on their return, a large pink fluffy rug awaited them so she could relax. Initially, she sat bolt upright, afraid to relax, but after a little while, she stretched out sleeping for a while then, realizing that she was safe, she started to snore.

Although, she is nine, she is in great health and loves nothing better than playing and rolling in the sunshine with Doug, her knight in shining armour. She mixes extremely well with other dogs as she was with both dogs and bitches at Cathleen’s where there is a menagerie of dogs with differing personalities but, of course, she is best suited as half of a pair with her best friend, Doug. 

David says “This sweet little girl appeared lost for the first 24 hours. She was probably very tired and stressed from the upheaval in her life. She stayed close to Doug and she was not keen to approach humans. She was very cautious when she first came. She showed no defensive behaviour but was just not trusting.

WOW! What a difference a week makes, Jan has come out of her shell. She likes being stroked and brushed. She likes to be with other dogs and going for a walk. She likes her food but is a slow eater. She is a super little girl who is no trouble around the house and who continues to grow in confidence.

She has improved each day and now comes in and out of the house without a lead and will accept a titbit and a little fuss. She will wag her tail occasionally when we are speaking to her. She also settles in the same room now.

Every day has brought a bit more happiness and trust and new confidence. She will now happily approach us for a fuss and instigate games with the other dogs. We are beginning to see a cheeky side  but she is definitely not as outgoing as Doug. She likes hunting in the garden for birds”

SOCIAL LEARNING

TRAVEL: Jan is happy and content travelling in a vehicle

HOUSETRAINED: Jan is housetrained

RESOURCE GUARDING: There is absolutely no evidence of resource guarding

SEPARATION ANXIETY: As long as Doug is around, she shows no signs of separation anxiety

GROOMING and HEALTH:  Her ears were quite dirty but are now fine with no itching or inflammation. Her health is otherwise good apart from her legs with her having a  slight limp on her front leg.

Jan is overweight for such a tiny dog and under exercised with poor muscle tone. Initially, she would scurry after a ball but spent a lot of time lying down. We were unsure if there was some underlying  joint pain but we think she is just unfit and overweight. After just a few days, Jan is becoming more active and is already losing a little weight. She is now willing to play and will even chase a ball.

LEADWALKING and RECALL:  We started off with a short walk. She was very unfit so didn’t bother to pull. She walks `loose lead’ with a slip lead.

Jan liked being off lead in the secure field. She didn’t wander far but has no proper recall although she will willingly come into the house when called.

ADULTS and CHILDREN: Jan is friendly with adults but untested with children. DOGS:Today, her 4th day with us, she has played with Daisy for a short while for the first time.

CATS: She is untested with cats.

JAN and DOUG’S DREAM HOME

Jan and Doug need to be rehomed together as, although Doug is outgoing and full of joie de vivre, the much shyer Jan gains her confidence from having her best friend close by. Although Jan and Doug have been with an elderly person, there is no reason why a family with older teenagers wouldn’t suit them provided they have plenty of interaction with people and they feel reassured that life is good.

We at IRR are determined that only kindness and lots of love will be showered on them for the rest of their lives and that a magical ending is in store for this wonderful pair.

September 2017

Jan and Doug have gone to their Forever Home