Miley Johnston

FLY HIGH SWEET ANGEL

Gone to Rainbow Bridge

THE HEARTBREAK NEVER ENDS (MAY 2023) 

Miley’s mum, Lorraine, told us “Andy and I have had to say the saddest “goodbye” to our lovely girl.  She is now forever reunited with her darling brother and our miracle boy, Brynnie.

All Aunty Kathryn’s angels will have been waiting for her as well as the many, many friends she made through Irish Retriever Rescue. 

Pauline says “When will all this sadness end? Relentlessly, they cross the Bridge one by one but, of course, it is that dreaded time of the year again!

It’s a time of heartbreak but is also one for reflection and memories, both good and bad”.

In Memory – Irish Retriever Rescue 

The Rolls of Honour  make for very sad reading but they also bring back the most wonderful memories of nearly 20 years of IRR. The majority of the 2005 adopters still support IRR to this day with many still playing a very active role.

As we look back, we remember the tears and heartbreak and often anger but also the joy and happiness and, above all else, our shared love of dogs.

 IRR History – Irish Retriever Rescue

Darcy was the very first rescue dog to be rehomed by the newly formed Irish Retriever Rescue UK so he was very special to all of us.

He enjoyed the companionship of his much younger, yellow Labrador girlfriend, Monster Martha, for three and a half happy years. Poor Darcy had, originally, been dumped in the Pound at Christmas time (no doubt in favour of a younger model) but, once rescued and rehomed, he enjoyed a wonderful “retirement” until, sadly, he crossed Rainbow Bridge on 4.7.2008 at the grand old age of 16yrs.

A few months after his passing, Angel Darcy made sure that his Mum had a new boy in her life to love and care for and that Martha would have a brand new brother to boss. The lucky dog destined to enter Lorraine’s life was “Old Sam” who very quickly established himself as Monster Martha’s beloved, adored and inseparable companion.

Sam was both lovable and stunning and he was greatly missed when, sadly, he was called to cross Rainbow Bridge in 2011.

Then along came the wonderful, amazing, Brynnie. Unbelievably, because of his markings, which people regarded as facial disfigurement, nobody showed any interest in him but, of course, that turned out to be very much to his advantage as he was, clearly, destined to be adopted by Lorraine. Monster Martha, her, by now, 12yr old Lab, who had, most definitely, always ruled the roost, was there to greet him with open paws.

Buster who became Bryn, or Brynnie to his friends, went off happily to his forever home with Lorraine and Monster Martha, her, by now, 12yr old yellow Labrador, who definitely still ruled the roost until her passing in 2016.

Bryn and Martha had 5 very happy years together until Monster Martha fell peacefully asleep and a new and rather gorgeous female entered Brynnie’s life.

Needless to say, they got on like a “house on fire” so it was devastating for everyone when on 8.6.2021 Lorraine and Andy had to say “goodbye” to their precious, gentle miracle boy and poor Miley was left as an only dog

My Dad says that’s just how women are and he should know!!!!!!!”

Brynny says “Hmmm it seems my batchelor days are over!  A few days ago, Mammy came home with a guest… it turns out I’m the victim of an arranged marriage!! I suppose it could be worse, at least, she’s a looker but she is sooooooooo bossy!!!!!!

Pauline said “On 31.5.2023, my dearest friend, Lorraine, told me the desperately sad news about Miley.

THE NEWS OF MILEY’S PASSING WAS A TERRIBLE SHOCK

Her beautiful girl had gained her wings on 28th April. At 16yrs old, she was tired and, simply, ready to go to sleep. Lorraine said “I had no problem with anyone knowing about Miley but I just wasn’t up to telling anyone last month. I’m not so tearful now although it still hurts like hell every time I walk through the door to the emptiness.

We have all been there, many many times, but words of comfort never seem to be enough. Hugs do help but no-one can take away the pain. Very few people knew of Lorraine’s heartache simply because she has been way too upset to share the news on Facebook or in any other way. Of course, Kathryn, her soul-mate sister, did know and they were able to give each other mutual support when they both hit rock bottom at the same time.  

 I have just looked, once more, at Miley’s beautiful face and, before bursting into absolute floods of tears, I said out loud “You are now a beautiful Dog Angel instead, darling girl. Fly high and fly free” .

HISTORY

Miley is a spayed, eight year old, female, golden coloured Golden Retriever who has been with the same owners from the time she was a young puppy. She has been inoculated in readiness for traveling to the UK.

Her owners loved her dearly but could not take her with them as they were due to leave the country so they advertised her on Done Deal and a supporter alerted IRR of her plight.

PERSONALITY

Miley is a sweet girl with a mischievous streak to her personality. She is very affectionate and was adored by her Irish fosterers. 

SOCIAL LEARNING

TRAVEL: Miley travels well in the car. 

HOUSETRAINING: She is fully house trained.

DOGS: She enjoys the company of another dog.

MILEY’S DREAM HOME

Miley would fit in nearly anywhere but she would be best suited to a home where there is a male dog to help her settle in.  This wonderful girl will be a fantastic addition to any family when given the time to settle in and when she knows that she is loved and treasured.

This gorgeous lady fell on all four paws when she was adopted by “The Boss Lady” (Lorraine) and Andy and gained a lovely new brother, Brynny