Marley Slaney

Sad News 11 August 2024

Marley’s mum let us know, “My beautiful boy Marley went to Rainbow Bridge last evening, 11th August 2024.
He was adopted by me in 2015 and I can remember the day we collected him from David & Alyson as if it was yesterday.
He was loved by all who knew him and always had a special twinkle in his eyes…….
He gave such love and special happy years and wonderful memories.
He will never be forgotten…….rest in peace Marley …..love you.

Thank you IRR for allowing me adopt such a beautiful dog”

History

Marley is a neutered male, pure bred Golden Retriever, aged between 3 and 4 years.

HAPPY IN HIS NEW HOME (JULY 2015)

Marley is living the life of Riley according to his mum, Marina, with one holiday after another. He is such a good boy they feel they can take him anywhere now. He is, clearly, a very happy boy and in no way spoilt, bless him!

WHERE THE FUN STARTED (MAY 2015)

The fun started for Marley in his foster home with David, Alison and the girls and he has never looked back since.

HISTORY

He was brought up by a family with two children but they no longer had time for him. A lovely family took him in but, unfortunately, he managed to get out and was found chasing sheep which, of course, was not at all acceptable even though he meant no harm.

Also the new family’s Whippet/Greyhound refused to accept him and attacked him twice. Poor Marley was very upset by this as he is very friendly to all dogs. It was such a shame as he got on really well with their Golden Retriever, three cats & Yorkshire Terrier. The Retrievers had indulged in a lot of fun racing round the garden and Marley had really enjoyed being in the company of another playful dog.

His new owner was very apprehensive about saying “goodbye” to their already treasured dog but, really, he was also a little too boisterous for the lady. She was told by Kathryn that Marley would get a special home full of love and understanding, as is always the case when dogs are entrusted to IRR. This made her realise that her unselfish decision to relinquish him to IRR care was definitely the right one for Marley.

PERSONALITY

Marley is bright and sociable but he is also a boisterous boy. He is very friendly and affectionate to people and, in many ways, he is a perfect dog who definitely deserves to live. He shuffles along the ground on his bottom inching closer and closer to his humans as he tries to get you to rub him which is very endearing.

Despite a long walk, he will still have energy to spare so although you might expect him to doze, he wants to be right beside or on top of you. He seeks constant love and attention which he deserves after what he’s been through. He just needs someone to take a special interest in him.

When first rescued his new family got him a purple rubber bone which went to the boarding kennels with him. He seems very attached to it so maybe, to him, it marks the end of his horrible life with his previous family.

On the down side, he is full of energy but has never been taught any good behaviours or social skills. He doesn’t understand his own strength and has knocked over adult as he launches himself at people in excitement.

SOCIAL LEARNING

Housetraining: He is fully housetrained

Grooming: Marley is golden but his coat is short as his owner’s groomer decided to clip his body completely for some reason rather than slowly working on it as Kathryn, our own IRR groomer, has done for many dogs needing serious attention. Unfortunately, this does mean it will take quite a while for his coat to recover it’s former glory.

Lead walking and recall: Whilst out walking he enjoys meeting other dogs but he may walk off with a different human and he’s not great at coming back when called. He is very strong and will pull a lot at the beginning of a walk but Marley’s leadwork can be quite good once he has settled. His recall definitely needs attention and obedience classes would most certainly help him to reach his full potential.

Children: Marley is good with children and teenagers but he can be a bit too boisterous if overstimulated.

Dogs: He is wonderful with other dogs and quickly made friends with Ali in the kennels but his new best friend is Finnegan, who is even nuttier than he is. They seem to enjoy each other’s company immensely.

Cats: He has not exhibited any interest in cats and has lived happily with three of them. Marley needs an active home with another friendly dog for company and, preferably, with someone at home most of the day. He needs to go with people who will walk him regularly and will play with him frequently as well as loving him to bits, of course. He might be best in an adult only home only because of his strength.

He would be best suited to a coastal or urban environment well away from sheep. Marley’s energies just need to be focussed in a positive way so he can look forward to the many, many years of true happiness and wonderful adventures which will, for sure, be laying ahead of him.

May 2015

Marley has gone to his Forever Home