Morgan Shimwell

SAD NEWS (October 2013)

My beautiful old boy Morgan passed away in September.

He arrived from yourselves on 8th March 2008 aged about 8 years and was my constant companion from then on. I had recently been diagnosed with osteo-arthritis in my neck and was off work for a few months shortly after Morgan arrived, while the orthopaedic consultant worked out what treatment I required.

Consequently, Morgan and I went out for long walks every day and from then on, he never left my side. He followed me everywhere.

As the years went by, he got arthritis too and our walks became shorter. We still went every day, but although he was always excited at the prospect of a walk, it became harder and harder for him.

Morgan was also a great family dog. He loved everyone, especially if they gave him a fuss, or better still a treat. He was great with other dogs, other animals and children and we could take him anywhere. In fact we did; he became quite a well- travelled dog, going on holiday with us and visiting friends and family.

He is sorely missed and I hope he has gone to a happy, better place. He deserves it for all the unconditional love he gave to me and my family.

Bob & Andrea Shimwell

Morgan’s Story

MORGAN is a neutered, microchipped 8 year old golden retriever.

He is a lovely, big, strong and cuddly boy, with lots of curls on his back and a big, square head .

He has excellent hips and joints and is very, very fit especially for his age but his mother lived until she was almost 14, even though she was kept as a breeding machine :((

His family had rescued both mother and her son, Morgan. He is in very good general health, having recently been checked over by vet.

He gets excited when his lead is put on but, once he is out, he is good on his walks and he loves going to the park and comes back when off the lead.

He is confident with people and good with other dogs, cats, chinchillas and children. In other words, he is a typical golden retriever boy. He is not keen on fireworks but he does loves the car.

A change in family circumstances has meant that he needs to be rehomed. His previous owner says that she is happy to do whatever is best for Morgan. She feels he isn’t happy having little human company and few walks and so the sooner he can go to a nice home the better for him. Morgan and the rottie girl, Shelby, have been living in an outside covered sideway but come in when the family are home. They have two older dogs who just sleep all the time so they are keeping them.

NOW IN FOSTER IN OXFORDSHIRE

Morgan is now in foster with Ken and Julie in Oxfordshire. Judy loved him at first sight and seemed to be happy with him as soon as he arrived. He was very excited and happy to meet everyone and enjoyed exploring Julie and Ken’s house and garden and playing with his new friend, Judy.

MORGAN DAY TWO

UPDATE ON MORGAN

You wouldn’t believe the change in Morgan. Last weekend, despite being told he was fit, he could only walk round the field once and was panting heavily. Now he comes running in with Judy and chases around having a wonderful time.

He is very friendly with all the dogs and loves going to the fields as much as Judy. He is gorgeous. He is really curly, like a woolly bear and has a perfect temperament. He loves a good run and doesn’t act like an old dog (not that he’s that old!) It’s so lovely to see him and Judy enjoying life. Judy has really come out of her shell again, too.

SETTLING IN

Morgan travelled well to his new home in Leicestershire and everyone thinks he’s great including Andrea’s parents who called to see him and have fallen for him too.

When Andrea rang Julie to let her know how he was, he was rolling on his back on the carpet. It sounds as if he won’t have any problems settling in at all:)

ALREADY SETTLED IN

Morgan ia already totally settled in, as though he had been with Andrea all his life. He is in charge of all loose hands ie he makes it his mission in life to be underneath any hand not being used so that he gets all the pats and attention. He is such a happy boy and is smiling all the time. He is desperate to give affection to all and sundry and ear licking is a speciality.

Andrea and Bob are totally relaxed with him and he has already become something of a local celebrity with his new Mom and Dad having to give regular reports and updates to friends, family and colleagues.

He gets on really well with his ‘cousin’ Jake who was there on holiday for a week. They already seem to be bonded together and make a formidable pair to welcome visitors.

Apparently Morgan’s recall needs some work, due to his selective hearing, but there are good foundations to build on. His weight is being carefully monitored.

Andrea had not heard Morgan bark until Zack (our homechecker’s dog) entered the garden. He soon found his bark as both dogs vied for fuss. In fact, for an older and supposedly unfit dog, Morgan did a pretty good job of quickly getting around the garden to deny Zack any fusses from the humans. However, they did get on really well and raced around the garden like a couple of lunatics, which was really great to see.

The whole family are over the moon with how well Morgan is settling in. Bob says it is unbelievable how great it feels coming home at night to find Morgan there looking for fuss. We think it is a match made in heaven for all concerned!