Monty Bissett

MONTY WAS DESTINED TO STAY AS A FOREVER FOSTER DOG

In the words of Sandie Bissett (the Founder & Ireland Co-ordinator of Irish Retriever Rescue). “I was alerted to a stray Golden Retriever the day before I was to leave Dublin for our Annual Reunion so I had to arrange foster care for him whilst I was away. At 8pm that evening when Alison picked him up, I learned that he had Demodex Mange. When I returned from the Reunion on the Monday evening Alison brought him over to me and I got the shock of my life”.

The pictures below were taken that night.

It was obvious that Monty and I were in for a long hard slog as I was determined that he was going to be treated naturally.

Monty had to be bathed every three days in Neem Shampoo and be massaged with Neem Oil. When I took him to my vet for a check up, they recommended Acupuncture with which they’d had some success for Demodex Mange. Jan also came across with something called Fightback, actually a horse supplement, but he gets a much reduced amount every day, of course, and this has really helped his immune system considerably.

As you can see from the photos below, Monty’s skin is much improved and his hair is growing back

Monty is a larger than life character, not unlike my darling Barkley, and, of course, it wasn’t too long before I realised that I was head over heels in love with him and that he had found his Forever Home. He gets on really well with my other six dogs and he’s now like part of the furniture. He still gets his bi-weekly baths and will continue to do so for a while yet. Acupuncture will be reduced to about once a month and he’ll have his Fightback for the rest of his life.

UPDATE MAY 2009

Sandie said. “Monty has now really settled in and is a much loved part of my family. With the aid of Zara’s herbal tea from Gramma’s, Lactosym and Tissue Salts, approx 95% of his coat has returned. This is a really great improvement and would not have been possible without the generous contributions of so many kind people.

Monty continues to receive acupuncture every 3 weeks – special thanks to Gary Creegan for his ongoing help.

Monty has a huge sense of mischief and loves to pinch things – like my mobile phone for example but the list is endless. Barkley did the same for many years and just when I thought he had finally matured and I was assured of a quieter life, along came this young interloper who assumed the mantle of resident thief! He manages to be naughty and loveable all at the same time. He certainly took a shine to Andy and Val when they visited recently for a short holiday.

Monty has without a doubt rejuvenated some of my oldies. He and Barkley love to play together and now and again, and only when it suits him he might generously allow Molly and Anouska to join in as well. He and Jessica will run for miles around the garden and eventually tire each other out. Monty really knows how to have fun and the photos show just what a happy and contented boy he is.”

MONTY AT SIMON’S – AUG 2009

Monty is currently in foster with Simon whilst Freddie recovers from his operation at Sandie’s.

DI’S VISIT TO SANDIE NOV 2009

Di stayed with Sandie for a couple of days earlier this month and was delighted to meet all 8 of her resident dogs. Monty and Molly’s stories have been well documented so it seems like a good time to let our readers and supporters know how they are progressing. This is what Di said:

“Monty is like a whirlwind! He never stops, he’s into anything and everything and nothing is sacred. Barkley was wearing a red buster collar following an operation to remove a lump from his neck and Monty believed it to be both his duty and mission in life to remove the collar presumably on the grounds that this somehow would cause an unwelcome and inconvenient interruption to their ‘partners in crime’ activities (mostly stealing). Fortunately, I managed to preserve my camera from his jaws (only just) and the only item Monty did manage to steal was the top of my pen which no doubt helped supplement his diet.

To be fair, there were periods of peace and quiet. In the evening, all the dogs would settle down in their favourite spots either on the floor or in Monty’s case, sprawled across my legs! During the day though, he has boundless energy and certainly keeps the older ones on their toes (or paws??).

I accompanied Molly and Monty to the local veterinary practice for their regular acupuncture treatment administered by the wonderful Gary Cregan. This man must surely be a saint amongst vets for his patience and determination to conquer their conditions using homeopathic techniques. Monty however, was not quite the patient patient that Molly had been and his resistance to the treatment was vocally demonstrated by some very loud growling and moaning (he has an interesting range of noises!) not to mention his determination to get down from that table at all costs.

It took all Sandie’s strength to restrain him and allow Gary to administer the treatment though I am told this behaviour is not an unusual occurrence. Gary, fortunately, has a sense of humour and was able to laugh at Monty’s antics.

Looking at Monty now, you would not believe this was the same dog that Sandie rescued over a year ago. His coat is now amazing and although there are still patches where the hair has not completely grown back properly, in time it will. Monty is certainly one very handsome dog and a real character.

It was really satisfying to see how much progress Monty and Molly have made and a real joy to spend time with them both and their adopted brother and sisters. Thanks again Sandie for welcoming me into your home.”

UPDATE OCT 2011

Monty has matured considerably over the last year but can still act the clown when the fancy takes him. He still thinks he’s the leader of the pack but is enjoying his new role as mentor to baby Monty immensely. Monty’s coat grew back really well considering the condition he was in when he first arrived at Sandie’s, although he still has thin patches on his hips and chest. He no longer receives any treatment, as his hair growth will never improve. Both he and Molly are a delight to live with and Sandie blesses the day she found them both.

THANKS FROM MONTY

Monty himself would like to say a big THANK YOU to a few people for their help and support:-

Alison, Scott and Ava who looked after me for four days when I was first found.

Neem Genie for producing such a fantastic product as Mite Shampoo – wow you should see the fleas die off with this!!! www.neemgenie.co.uk

Zara’s herbal tea (Grammas), Multigerm Lactosym (Lactosym) and Sara Brown (Hope Brown Crystals) for their amazing products.

Malcolm Green at Equifeast for taking such great interest in me www.equifeast.com

Gary Cregan at Lissenhall Veterinary Hospital for sticking all those needles into me. I’m only playing when I bite your arm – honestly!!

And especially to Anouska, Tina, Jordan, Isabelle, Barkley and Jessica for welcoming me into your home, as I know you do with all IRR foster dogs, but I realise I’m now part of your pack and it feels GREAT!

Most of all a mega huge thank you to Sandie for going that extra mile for me and becoming my Forever Mum. I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist my charms!! (These words were written on Monty’s behalf by Pauline Jefferey).