Ossie Waygood

FAREWELL TO A TRULY AMAZING BOY (20.12.2019)

Very sadly we said goodbye to our kind and beautiful boy Ossie on 20^th December, he was about 13.5 years. Ossie was rescued by Sandie and Lorraine; he had been chained up and starved and then ended up in the pound. We had 8½ wonderful years with Ossie, after losing Kerry and Honey within 4½ months of each other.  Kerry was 15 years and Honey only 8 years, she had Lymphoma; she died within 2 weeks of being diagnosed.

Ossie had Laryngeal Paralysis for about 2 years, but he did so well, we just had to be careful if it was hot. At the beginning of November Ossie’s breathing started to get quite loud, the Vet gave Ossie some antibiotics as she thought he had an upper respiratory tract infection, this helped. Two weeks later we took Ossie back to the Vet as his breathing was loud again, the Vet prescribed steroids, which really helped. She said it was as if Ossie was breathing through a thin straw. Two weeks later he was back on antibiotics.

At the beginning of December Ossie had a Gastric Haemorrhage and was very poorly, he was on a drip for 2 days, but came home at night.  He lost a lot of weight and didn’t want to eat.  Then he started to have scrambled egg off a spoon and porridge, and then fish and pasta little and often.  He gradually recovered and wanted to go out, he was striding out, he was never slow. He was on supplements for his joints and CBD oil.  Ossie still tried to chase cats and squirrels. People have asked us in the past Ossie’s age, and didn’t believe how old he was, he was our Peter Pan.

Very sadly on the evening of 19^th December, Ossie’s breathing deteriorated overnight, Dave and I stayed up with him, a swelling came up on his neck. The next morning we went to the Vet again, and she said the kindest thing was to let him go peacefully; it broke our hearts. I really believe that Ossie stayed with us until I got over my last chemo treatment; he had always been with me while I was poorly after treatment.

Ossie was a dog in a million, so kind and gentle, and everyone that met him loved him, as did our Grandchildren, Lauren, Charlie, David and Gabriella.

Ossie was a Pets as Therapy Dog for 6 years and then a Canine Concern Care dog. We were at a Special Needs School for 3 years until he started to get tired, and then at a Junior School where he did the Read2dogs scheme.  The children all loved Ossie, even the children that were originally scared, they all stroked and brushed Ossie. He was the VIP Guest at the Christmas Concerts.

Ossie was also a Sponsor Dog for IRR for several years, to raise money for the poorly dogs.

GRATEFUL THANKS GO TO HIS MANY SPONSORS

Our last holiday with Ossie was in October at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight, we found a house in June where we stayed, and again in October. The house had a downstairs bedroom and bathroom and it was 3 minutes to the beach.  Ossie had always loved the sea.  We often took him to Lee on Solent, which he loved, and couldn’t wait to get on the beach.  

We picked up Ossie’s ashes on 2^nd January and we decided to go onto Lee on Solent, Ossie’s favourite beach.  Ossie’s ashes were in my shopping bag and he had his last walk with us.  We bought a large planter and a Choisya Sundance plant to go in it, we have placed Ossie’s ashes in it with his sword marker.  He is outside with Kerry and Honey’s planters now.

I saw an article on snowdrops in the paper and there was a new one out, which was called Wendy’s Gold, with a gold centre; I thought the name was very apt. Most nurseries had sold out but we managed to find one on Ebay.  The snowdrop arrived in flower, very pretty.

We have received so many cards, gifts and flowers from some lovely friends.

My Niece did a lovely portrait of Ossie, which is being framed at the moment, it is beautiful and looks exactly like him, we are so grateful.

Wendy said, “On Saturday, I received some lovely flowers and a card with Ossie’s picture on, In Loving Memory of Ossie. They were from Ravenscote School where Ossie was a Canine Concern Care Dog, some lovely comments from Members of Staff, so kind of them, they used the picture that my Niece Amy did of Ossie.”

The card said,

Dear Wendy,
We just wanted to send you a message to say how sorry we are to hear about Ossie. On the left are a few quotes from staff who worked with you both. He was very much loved at Ravenscote and has given many children and adults lovely memories that will be forever cherished.

We send you lots of love at this difficult time and wish you all the best.

From everyone at Ravenscote xx”

The following quotes were also included.

“I worked with Ossie and Wendy until he retired and they were both very loved in our school community. Ossie was such a gentle, patient soul who loved being read to and brushed. His lovely temperament belied his difficult past and that is a testament to the charity and Wendy’s care.

Please pass my love and condolences on to Wendy. We still have a framed photo of Ossie in the Tiger Room, he is still spoken about by those who knew him and asked about by some that didn’t. And I still have Ossie magnets on my fridge. He was very much loved.”

“My thoughts go out to Wendy at this sad time… I know too well how she’s feeling since losing both our dogs in the past 18 months… such a hard time and a huge loss. I hope she has many happy memories of Ossie to help her remember all the good times they shared together xx”

“Ossie was such a lovely dog – we remember him very well. Hope Wendy is ok.”

Ossie

You were such a beautiful boy, always so loving and true,
we have so many happy memories when we think about you.

Rescued from the pound by IRR, frightened and scared,
you never thought that anyone cared.

You have given us so much love and pleasure,
and the beautiful memories are there for us to treasure.

You will meet up with Kerry and Honey and run again,
your body restored and you will feel no pain.

Good times we had together, we shared all life could throw,
but years have passed all too quickly, your time had come to go.

There’s an empty space where you used to lay,
and a pain our hearts that won’t go away.

We couldn’t have asked for a better friend,
you were our faithful companion until the end.

You were far more than just a pet,
you were a family member, that we will never forget.

It will take time to heal, for the silence to go away,
we still listen for you and miss you every day.

Now your roaming endless fields, forever free to run,
listening to the song of the wind, beneath the golden sun.

A beautiful Rainbow appeared in the sky,
we knew that you were safe and saying goodbye.

Run free, fly high our Beautiful Boy,
you brought us so much happiness and so much joy.

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS xxxx

WHEN OSSIE WAS HANS

When Hans entered IRR care in 2011, he was a fully vaccinated five year old neutered Golden Retriever. He was fostered by Simon and his family in the West Midlands.

Hans’ owners in Ireland lost interest in him and just left him in the garden. Sometimes he would escape and take himself off for a walk, but after this he was chained up outside to a kennel. He did eventually escape, but when he was caught he was very thin so he was taken to the pound to be put to sleep. Sandie rescued him and put him into a foster home where he managed to gain some weight.

FOSTER REPORT

Simon said. “Hans travelled superbly in car and slept for most of the 60 mile journey to his new foster home. Once we arrived home he met our pack of three dogs, two GR’s and a Shih Tzu and I’m pleased to report he immediately made friends with all three of them. They have all got on famously and we have not had a single problem with Hans around our dogs or any others we’ve met on walks. However, Candy our Shih Tzu is a tease and enjoys winding Hans up so we have discovered that he has a voice.

Around our three children he has been excellent with no real problems. The only issue is that he is food oriented so when Thomas is having something to eat Hans thinks it’s fair game and will try and take the food. However, he is very gentle and I feel this is no cause for concern; I’m sure with some training this bad habit can be stopped. Also, it is worth bearing in mind that Hans is large GR and so could accidentally knock a small child over.

Taking Hans for a walk is a challenge not because he’s unruly but because he is so strong. When he decides he wants to go then you know about it!!! In fairness I am slightly handicapped by our GR, Freddie who is quite happy to dawdle along sniffing every bush or tree we come across. I quite often end up being pulled in two directions… lol! He’s been fabulous around every dog and person we’ve met and is quite happy to receive fuss from people we meet on our walks. I’ve yet to find out what his recall is like but the indications are that it could be quite good. He also seems to have had some training and will sit on command.

Around the house he has very well behaved and is fully house trained. He has discovered the comforts of the sofa and we quite often find him sprawled out with his paws in the air. He loves his affection and tries to be a lap dog. I say must having a large dog plonk itself on you is not one of the most comfortable ways of spending an evening in front of the telly. However, you can’t tell him off as he is so adorable!!! He absolutely adores soft toys and has had all our dog toys out of the basket. He then proceeds to take each one outside and even if I sneak them back into the house within 10 minutes they’ll all be back outside.

In summary, Hans is handsome, friendly and loveable dog who would make a fabulous family pet.

HANS LEFT FOR HIS FOREVER HOME

“Today our handsome chap, Hans has left us to start a new life in Farnborough with Wendy and Dave. We wish them every success and hope that Hans brings them as much joy as he has done whilst he’s been with us.

I think he’s a very lucky dog because I know he is going to a loving and caring home and will have his every wish fulfilled…. Thinking about it is making me quite jealous…. lol.

Again I wish them every success and do hope they keep in touch”

HANS (NOW OSSIE) IN HIS FOREVER HOME

Wendy said. “We left at 12.30 to pick up Ossie, Simon and his family and dogs are so nice. We arrived back at 7.45 but stopped at a service station to give Ossie a walk, I think it was about 350 miles.

It is very uncanny as Ossie looks so much like Kerry. He is beautiful and so loving, it is if he has always been here.

Had a lovely walk early this morning before it got too hot over the golf course, fields and woods, met several dogs, he said hello to all of them. At lunchtime I took him over the balancing pond, just outside my front door, just for a wander as it is cool and shady. Will take him out late tonight if it is still hot.

I am feeding 3 small meals a day, bought a new stand yesterday as the metal one nearly went flying with his tail when he went passed it, this is a raised solid plastic one with two dishes. Also bought an ‘eat slowly’ bowl with the lumps in as he ate so quickly and gulped it, this has slowed him down. He is taking his flower remedies, and have also given him Cortaflex (for healthy joints) which I gave Honey.

He lays down in the same places as Kerry did. Hasn’t come upstairs yet, but there is a bed waiting for him if he wants to sleep in our bedroom. He has two memory foam beds downstairs, one in the lounge and one in the dining room. He has met my Grandchildren and was so gentle with them, he hasn’t barked yet.

I took him up to meet my Mum this morning, as she had a soft toy for Ossie. He has found the toy box and chews and takes them outside. Put his paddling pool out but is not sure yet.

We love him to bits already, he has given us back our life.”

FOREVER HOME UPDATE (4 July 2011)

“Ossie is doing so well, we love him to bits and it is as if he has always been here, he is so much like Kerry. Dave takes him round the golf course early morning, has his breakfast and is ready for his sleep as I am going out the door. He has another walk at lunchtime and is ready for his next sleep, then we do a long walk when we get in.

My Grandchildren came round yesterday and he loved them, he loves everyone, he is just so laid back. He loves his soft toys and chews which end up in the garden.”

FOREVER HOME UPDATE (13 August 2011)

Wendy says “Ossie is doing so well and has been off the lead for over a week now. We practiced recall on a long lead, and he now comes straight back when called and sits in front. He loves his ball on a rope and chuck-it. He plays well with all the dogs, the only thing is because he is so fast he beats all the dogs to the ball, even a collie. He seems to only have one speed – Fast, he doesn’t believe in walking anywhere when he can run. Someone was saying to me how happy Ossie looks, he is always smiling on his walks.

Last week we were off for a few days, and took Ossie to Lee on Solent on the Monday and Wednesday, he watched a dog running in and out of the water on Monday, but only paddled and laid down in it. On Wednesday he was watching other dogs and a springer spaniel suddenly leapt in and Ossie followed, jumping over the waves, he looked very pleased with himself.

Ossie jumped in a thick muddy ditch on Saturday night, so we had to bath him, but he seemed frightened of the bucket and ran round the side and lay by the gate, he was fine once we encouraged him round. Yesterday he lay in a thick muddy puddle, so had to bath him again, and he did the same, he doesn’t like the hosepipe either.

Last night we did the golf course and woodland walk, and let him off the lead in the woods, just watched for ditches. I am teaching him to walk to heel, and walked him back on his collar, he is brilliant on his Dogmatic walking to heel, and I have been doing this on the walk back home (about 20 minutes) and he was very good.

Ossie still loves his food, but is eating slower than he was. I will take him back to the Vets to weigh him soon as he is still very thin. He is so loving and sometimes just gazes at you with those big eyes, and talks to us very quietly, he is so happy.

Tonight we took Ossie up to the woods, he doesn’t stop running in and out of the bushes. I wonder whether he has ever been out for a walk as he is just so excited. He started to limp a little tonight so will just watch him. Just waiting to hear back from Jonathan, our McTimoney Chiropractor.”

FOREVER HOME UPDATE (March 2012)

Ossie is doing so well and loves his cuddles. He now sleeps upstairs in our room and has his memory foam mattress there, he does like to jump up on the bed for a cuddle and then gets back down. He brings all his soft toys and chews up with him.

We took him on holiday at the end of October. He was so well behaved and enjoyed lots of lovely walks along the beach.

He has now put on 5 kilos, and his coat is lovely. He will always be on the lean side as he never stops running, and he is a large dog. He is still infatuated with squirrels; he has only one speed still – very fast. He has an excellent recall and does a lovely sit in front.

Ossie has now passed his assessment tests for a `Pets as Therapy’ dog and we are so proud of him. For one of the tests the Assessor dropped a walking stick on the wooden floor, he didn’t move, he also had to walk to heel on a loose lead, which was a challenge, but he has been doing this for a couple of months. If he had given a paw or jumped up at the Assessor during the assessment he would have failed.

I attach some photos, where he is looking for squirrels, and at Lee on Solent a couple of weeks ago, when he decided to go for a swim and then looked very pleased with himself when he came out.

ANOTHER UPDATE FROM HIS FOREVER HOME (30th March 2012)

Ossie and I attended a Special Needs School yesterday. He was brilliant with the children. There are ten children in the class, with the teacher and four assistants and they came out one by one. One little boy was terrified of dogs, but he came up and stroked Ossie.

They were going to talk about Ossie after we had gone. We have been invited back after the Easter holidays and will go once a week. It was really rewarding seeing the children’s faces when they stroked Ossie, I was so proud of him, he was a star.