Parade of Rescue Dogs – Irish Retriever Rescue

2005 Parade
2006 Parade
2007 Parade
2008 Parade
Sponsor Dogs
Foster Dogs

2005 Parade

Darcy Cannon has traditionally led the Parade of rescues as he was the very first rescue dog to be rehomed by Irish Retriever Rescue UK, although Sandie had been single handedly re-homing dogs for 10yrs before that. Darcy was a stray taken by Sandie from the pound. He was, undoubtedly, like many other older dogs, dumped in favour of a younger model, as it was very near Christmas. He was lucky enough to be adopted by Lorraine and lived happily with her and Gareth and his Labrador girlfriend, Martha in Hertfordshire.

He had a few ups and downs but with his dogged determination and Lorraine’s TLC and heaps of love, he kept bouncing back. Sadly, in July 2008, Darcy went peacefully to Rainbow Bridge at the grand old age of 16yrs.

We then took a moment to remember all the lovely IRR dogs Carrie, Duke, Ellis, George, Jimmy, and, of course, Darcy, as well as other dogs belonging to our adopters, fosterers and sponsors, who have sadly gone to Rainbow Bridge in the past year.

For sure, they may be gone but none of them will ever be forgotten.

Much to our delight JIM and RITA led our Parade of Rescues from 2005.

Jim is a 5 or 6yr old Labrador who Sandie brought over with Darcy, Perry and a little black terrier on the first boat to Holyhead on 27th December 2004 (the first of many IRR journeys across the water) and went to live with Rita and Fred in Southampton. He was given the name Jim as he was destined to live with Rosie, a black Labrador, so it was quite fitting that he arrived on a boat, having been named after a puppet character that lived on a barge. This year we were delighted that they could make the Reunion and lead the Parade.

DANNY JEFFEREY

Danny is about 10 or 11yrs old and is owned by Pauline and Steve who failed as his fosterers and adopted him themselves. Danny was a stray who ended up in the pound and, unbelievably, this lovely, gentle well bred golden retriever was never claimed. He was clearly once well loved and knew many commands when he arrived but he was very, very sad. We suspect his owner may have died and the other family members did not want him, which is a very common story. He is absolutely brilliant with all the foster dogs they have passing through as he understands doggy body language very well and helps to settle the more nervous ones. He is a wonderful dog. He was taken into the Parade by Sandie.

SANDIE BISSETT is our founder and Irish Co-ordinator

Sandie has rescued golden retrievers from Ireland for well over 12 years now. She fosters many dogs in her home and has never been known to refuse help to a golden retriever in trouble. She regularly drives the length and breadth of Eire to save one.

In January 2005 a small group of us got together to try to help Sandie with what we thought would be a few dogs in distress and that is how Irish Retriever Rescue was born. Although predominantly intending to help distressed golden retrievers, we also often find ourselves helping labradors and the first crosses of both breeds too.

Apart from the three Golden Retrievers girls that have been hers since they were puppies, Sandie has 3 rescue dogs who have all stolen her heart over the years.

They are Barkley, Isabelle and Jessica. Sandie was hoping to bring them all with her this year but, in the end, the logistics became far too complicated and she decided they would be a lot happier being spoilt rotten by her house-sitter instead

SAMMY JONES

Sammy is a GSD cross who Sandie couldn’t resist and she went out on a limb to help him. He was adopted by Ian & Lynne shortly afterwards. Sam had a lot of behavioural problems because of his abusive past but, with the help of flower essences and modern gentle training methods, he has now become a model citizen.

HONEY COOK

Honey, now about 11yrs old and was in a terrible mess when she came over from Ireland, with her coat badly hacked at so she more closely resembled a Labrador than a golden retriever. She was supposed not to have got on with another dog but she now lives with 4 or more rescue greyhounds. Again, her fosterer, Ali, totally fell in love with her and decided to adopt her. We found a large malignant mammary tumour on her, which was immediately operated on, and she was only given six months to live but, three years on, she is still doing really well with the help of Nick Thompson, a wonderful homeopathic vet and Ali’s devotion to her. She was taken into the parade by Lynne as Ali had to work in the kennels she runs for Greyhound Rescue

ALICE HOUGHTON

Alice gave birth, prematurely, to the 3 pups the day after she arrived in England. Alice, Lisa and Carrie were 3 golden retrievers, liberated by the ISPCA from a puppy farm. They were all absolutely terrified so much so that they all huddled under the table in Sandra’s kitchen and would back several feet away from their food bowls.

Poor Alice’s lovely face was covered in cigarette burns and she could barely walk. She is now a lovely, bouncy retriever with only just a few lasting bad memories.

Carrie was fostered, then adopted, by Carol Carbin, who also has Molly, the chocolate Labrador, and Travis, the GSD. Sandra, in London, fostered Alice and Lisa and was a wonderful grandmother to Teddy Jumble, Rupert and Rory. Alice now lives very happily with Brenda and Sammy, the Springer Spaniel, in Southampton whilst Lisa remained in London and was adopted by Carol Connolly.

Alice is another of the Sponsor Dogs who help us to raise funds to help others.

JUMBLE JONES

Jumble, is almost 3yrs old and is a golden retriever X, and lives in Abingdon with his family Anne, Alan and Alistair. Originally called Teddy, Jumble was the first born of our first litter of surprise puppies. Anne says he is a very special dog with his one blue and one brown eye. He has a special friend, Finn, a 2yr old Jack Russell cross, who came from Many Tears and they spend many hours playing together. Both Jumble and Finn are very much loved members of the family and they wouldn’t be without them.

Jumble and Finn are kept busy with the ever increasing livestock in the garden, which includes 6 chickens and guinea pigs. Jumble, like Topsy, grew and grew and, sadly, at 5 mths was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia. Hopefully, Jumble has finally stopped growing. Unfortunately he suffers from hip and elbow dysplasia and his knees are crumbling, and should really not be able to walk but he, clearly, doesn’t realise that. When you see him running round the garden with Finn (who has a bad heart) or when he is leaping up at exciting things (please don’t tell ‘Aunty Sandra’) you find it hard to believe about his bad joints.

Jumble had been doing a lot of hydrotherapy, which tremendously helped his joints, but, due to problems with the insurance company, who are refusing to pay now as “they believe hydrotherapy is only good before and after surgery” he, unfortunately, is unable to go as much and we are hoping to raise some special funds to HELP JUMBLE SWIM.

JAKE & ELMO KOSSAKOWSKI

Jake and Elmo are 7yr old golden retrievers who have lived together all their lives. They were surrendered to Sandie by their devastated owner when a change of family circumstances meant she was no longer able to keep them. They live happily in the countryside with Bridget and a very large selection of animals. Everybody seems to know and love them and they are huge favourites of the local baker who had to be persuaded that giving them loaves of bread and even doughnuts wasn’t a great idea!!!!!!!!!!

KIMBA MORRIS

Kimba is a 6yr old golden retriever who came over at the same time as Ricky and Molly on a cold and snowy day in 2005. She was fostered by Pam Morris, in Somerset, who fell in love with her and adopted her. She was used as a brood bitch from a very young age and was handed over to Sandie with her 10mth old son, Toby, when she stopped having seasons. Her male owner had accidentally run over one of his other bitches and said he wished it had been her instead. She used to be terrified of men but is absolutely fine now. She obviously beaten with leads and brushes and still gets slightly anxious but she has a real enthusiasm for life and for anything new. Pam says “When we first had her she would pitch into a male dog if they came to close. Now she is a happy, sociable little golden who is the apple of my husbands eye (and mine), she has the biggest wrinkly faced smile you ever did see.”

SILVER MORRIS

Silver, a 12yr old golden retriever is also owned by Pam Morris. He was a stray in Ireland and was taken in for approximately a year by someone over there. However, he had a lot of health problems and the owner couldn’t afford to keep paying high vet bills so was persuaded to hand him to rescue who patched him up and turned him into the handsome dog he once was. He was fostered with a view to adopt by a family but one day, when he went off his legs, they wanted him gone. Pam says “He was in a sorry state when he came to me (just to be nursed back to good health). He was given lots of TLC and healing and, unsurprisingly, I fell in love with him so he stayed. He is the loveliest natured boy you could ever wish to have, good with children, other dogs, cats, you name it. He is just lovely.”

BEN FOWLER

Ben is another lovely older dog. Nobody could understand how or why he ended up in rescue. He has a wonderful temperament and has totally restored Pauline’s confidence in the breed (she had been very badly savaged by a golden retriever from another Rescue organisation who, unlike us, don’t assess the dogs in foster homes before re-homing). Ben is extremely popular in the village where he lives.

2006 Parade

LOLA JONES

Lola is a 3yr old golden retriever owned by Lynne. We are fairly sure she is undersized due to having puppies at her first litter. Apparently, problems with her puppies meant she was no longer required. Lynne first fostered and then adopted Lola and, with love, natural remedies and determination, has now almost completely overcome Lola’s phobias. This was also achieved with the help of Jilly May (the Bernese Mountain Dog) and Sammy (the GSD X who was also rescued by Sandie). Lynne provides all the flower essences and lots of good training advice for our adopters and fosterers.

Lola, who is very pretty, is one of the most popular of our Sponsor Dogs

GIZMO JEFFEREY

Gizmo is nearly 3yrs and is, supposedly, a retriever X hound owned by Steve. He was found scavenging on a rubbish heap when aged about 3mths. He is a lovely dog but he has a few strange behaviours that would make him difficult to rehome successfully to “normal” people. So, Pauline and Steve failed again as fosterers and Steve adopted him. Gizmo proved to be his soul mate when a ruptured Achille’s tendon put Steve out of action for months, 2 years ago. Gizmo lives happily with 3 rescued Golden Retrievers and 2 other IRR crossbreeds and loves to play with all the young foster dogs who come to stay. He is another dog in the Sponsor a Dog scheme.

ELLIE DAGGER

Ellie is a 3yr old German Shepherd who went to live with Val in Somerset after her drug-using owners were persuaded to part with her. She was then about 6mths old and her favourite food was, apparently, pink wafers. Apart from being undernourished, she was quite spaced out and very nervous, because of a total lack of socialisation. She now lives with Connie, a whippet cross, and plays happily with a variety of different dogs every day. Val still has to be careful with her diet as her tummy can still be easily upset but, generally, she is now an extremely fit and healthy dog who adores her walks and doing agility for fun.

NUGGET HYDE

Sadly, Nugget wasn’t well enough to attend the Reunion this year.

CHANCE ELLIS (missing from the group pics but very much at the show).

Chance is a 3yr old Retriever/Collie. He was fostered by Gemma in Suffolk and then adopted by Sue Ellis who says “He has made a total change to our lives. He is so full of life and energy. His obedience work is coming on but still has tendencies to do a runner in the ring when there is so much open space but at least now he doesn’t go far. Given time, as he gets older, I’m sure this will sort itself out. He is such a character and a pleasure to live with.”
Chance was certainly not an easy dog but Sue has done brilliantly with him so he was, unanimously, awarded the IRR OBEDIENCE DOG 2007. Well done Sue and Chance.

TWINKLE ASTOR

Twinkle is an 9yr old golden retriever, owned by Christine Astor. She was originally a successful brood bitch for one of the top breeders in Ireland but she was rehomed after spaying. She, immediately, had to have several lumps removed but, fortunately, she now enjoys good health again. Twinkle was fostered, amongst many others, by Denise and Phil in the Midlands.

CASEY FLYNN

Casey is a 7yr old golden retriever owned by Gwen Flynn. He was originally called Sam and came to us with his brother, Ben. They had lived in a small yard all their lives and were left tied up in the yard when their owners moved house. Sam was bullied by his brother Ben so we decided to separate them. He was fostered by Andy who said he found a corner in the bedroom and had to be enticed to come out. Andy never managed to walk him outside the house. Casey went to another fosterer where there was another dog to try to give him a bit of confidence but they, too, only managed to walk him twice. He didn’t like going in and out of doors, wouldn’t go near a lead and grumbled if you tried to cuddle him. However, 6 months after his rescue, Andy was amazed to see him at the first reunion and two years on, although he still has a few worries, he now loves his walks and cuddles and gives Gwen a big smile every morning.

CALLAN GRIST

Callan is about 2 yrs old now and is a retriever possibly crossed with a Staffie. He came over as a tiny pup with his brother Connor. Steve says “Callan is starting to show signs of calming down now, he loves other dogs although still submits to them at first, is great with kids and can be off the lead in a pub garden and left to play with them (once over the initial excitement), we live in the country so he is rarely on the lead, although that means he pulls at first when he is.”

FLYNN HARTLEY

Flynn is a 6yr old retriever cross. He was fostered by Pauline for several months as he was in an appalling state when he came over from Ireland. We believe, because of his injuries, that he was used by gypsies as the gentle bait to tease the aggressive fighting dogs. He was covered in bites when found and he was very thin and had no hair on his tummy when he was adopted. He is now very large and is a very loving boy who is adored by Christine and family. He is absolutely wonderful with the grandchildren despite his appalling beginnings and they all think he is a lovely boy.

EDDIE REGULA

Eddie is 2yr old and was supposed to be a Labrador cross. He came over from Ireland with his sister Gracie as a tiny puppy. We all expected them to be Labrador sized but they have stayed small. However, what he lacks in stature, Eddie more than makes up for in personality. He is one of the 7 dogs owned and loved by Denise and Phil.

2007 Parade

CARLY HARRIS

Carly, now 2yrs, is a beautiful Golden Retriever who was still less than one yr old when she was found, in a dreadful condition, as a stray with her mum, Crystal, in Ireland. She was quite naughty with cats to begin with but now lives very happily with 2. She also has an older golden retriever friend to play with at Sue and family’s home in Somerset.

Carly has been doing well in her training classes and has both her Bronze and Silver certificates but Sue says “she still has a deaf ear when off lead!!!”

BERTIE & ZACH WORSLEY

Jan met Zach (aged 5) and Bertie ( aged 4) from the Irish transport 23rd March 2007 at 6 A.M., both dogs weighed 102 KGs jointly. Her role was to provide transport and a foster home for the night as people were visiting the next day to consider them both for adoption. Both dogs were grossly obese and had severe movement difficulties. She had enormous trouble hauling them into her 3 door hatchback, due to their size and inability to move and thought we had become IRISH ELEPHANT RESCUE. These dogs were being surrendered by their loving Irish owners who could no longer care for them, with the stipulation that both dogs must be rehomed together.

After both dogs were bathed and de-matted, the prospective visiting adopters decided they were unable to adopt both dogs, in due course eventually offering a home only to Zach. As there was difficulty finding a foster home for both male dogs together, Jan offered to care for them for a few more days until arrangements could be made by IRR for fostering and, to cut a long story short fell in love with and adopted them.

In less than 6 months these dogs jointly lost 34 KGs, the weight of one large male golden retriever, thanks to being exercised twice daily on Salisbury Plain for 3-5 hours off-lead in all weathers. Everyone who meets Jan’s 2 IRR angels falls completely in love with them and she has had numerous homes offered to both of them over the months. She says “These 2 IRR angels are truly all that anyone could ever hope for and everything a traditional golden retriever should be, perfect in every way: they really are true ambassadors for their breed.”

CASSIE MARSHALL

Cassie was originally known as Maeve and is a Labrador, now aged about 6yrs. She was found with terrible skin problems and had definitely had babies. She was absolutely terrified of men when she first arrived with Maisie, Merlin and Minstrel but she is improving all the time. She lives with Anne in Somerset and has a greyhound friend called Mick, for company. Her skin is so much better now, thanks to Ann’s TLC.

LOLA HAMILL

Lola was an ex breeding bitch who, apparently, wasn’t happy living with her daughter and another dog. She went straight from her breeder to Anna and Kevin who immediately fell in love with her and mostly call her Lolly. Anna says” We could not ask for a more happy, well behaved (when she wants to and most of the time she does) loveable girl. She is so trusting and very good with other dogs, so no social problems. She is a bit pushy with us but never with any of the kids………they all think she is wonderful (which she is)”

KENZIE WILKINS

Kenzie is a 2yr old Golden Retriever who came from Wales. Since being with Caroline, he has successfully passed his Bronze and Silver award with his Gold just around the corner. He has also been registered and accepted as a Pets As Therapy dog, visiting local nursing homes. Caroline says “He continues to delight us and is best of friends with our other very special boy, Turner.”

TOBY LEGGETT

Toby is a 3yr old Golden Retriever. He was very badly treated in Ireland, being chained up for most of his life, and the chain left a deep indentation in his neck which needed stitches. He landed on his feet when he was adopted by Bill and Anita, who live in Somerset, and he instantly fell in love with his Golden Retriever girlfriend, Chelsea. Poor Chelsea was very poorly but Toby, who she loves to bits, helped her to re-cooperate and make a full recovery. Anita says “He is now very happy and totally spoilt and living with his new partner Chelsea with their pets Bill and Anita”

EDDIE TURNER

Eddie is a 3yr old Labrador. He went to live with Emma and family in Hampshire in April 2007 after being fostered by Nicola in Somerset. He is now well and truly part of the family! He was surrendered by his previous family in Ireland after being caught chasing sheep. He still loves to chase, but now it is normally just the children around the garden! He was in foster with Nicola before going to his forever home in Basingstoke. Alan says “He is our first dog and has settled in very well. We would be lost without him.”

RHANI JEFFEREY

Rhani is now about 18mths old and arrived shortly before Christmas 2007, She was supposed to be a Labrador cross but, see her run, and you realise she is almost entirely Whippet. She became the 3rd Jefferey “failed foster” on Boxing Day and was a Christmas present from Pauline to Steve. She is very affectionate and sweet natured but is definitely boss over the boys in the house.

MILLIE McAVOY

Millie is aged about 5yrs and now lives in Somerset with Belinda & Terry. She was surrendered to a pound in Ireland and was rescued and fostered by Sandie who said “She is either a small Golden Retriever cross or a badly bred thoroughbred. She is an adorable little dog.”

Millie was, understandably, very nervous when she went home with Belinda, though greatly relieved to get out of the car! Initially she stuck to Belinda like glue and while she was friendly with Terry, she seemed to have a fear of men. It has taken a while, but gradually she has improved and is now beginning to come out of herself. When she went to training, the first few weeks were spent with Millie shaking at the side, but gradually, with the help of Crisis (flower essences mix) and lots of encouragement from everyone there, she now takes part in all the activities. She and Terry were even awarded a Certificate for being the Most Improved Partnership! All in all, a perfect match as far as B&T are concerned. For sure, Millie thinks so too!

Terry & Belinda felt she may be lonely and would benefit from doggy company so, soon after, they also adopted Connie.

CONNIE McAVOY

Connie, originally called Maisie, is a Golden Retriever who is probably only about 2yrs old now. She was surrendered to the pound, and possible death, in Ireland with her two lovely black, male crossbreed puppies, Merlin (now Brian) and Minstrel (now Drake). Since they were totally weaned and showed little interest in their mum, they went to different foster homes and were both also successfully rehomed.

Connie settled into her new forever home straight away with Belinda and Terry in Somerset. For the first couple of days she would rush up to the car and they thought that she wanted to go to her puppies, but this soon passed. She is teaching Millie how to play, which is lovely. Connie is incredibly loving, very waggy and absolutely beautiful. Terry and Belinda say “All in all, we consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have both Connie and Millie (all in the space of about 6 weeks!). We couldn’t have wished for two more wonderful, loving companions.”

Connie, who is loved to bits and thoroughly spoilt by Belinda and Terry, is very proud of her two clever sons. Terry and Belinda have become very involved with helping IRR and are responsible for this programme and most of the lovely merchandise we have to sell. They have also acted as transporters and, more recently, fosterers and homecheckers.

DAWN MORGAN

Dawn, who is now 8yrs old, came from a puppy farm in Wales and had led a sheltered life as a breeding bitch. She now lives with her adoptive brother Roger, a black Labrador, in Abbotsbury, Dorset where they are surrounded by the most wonderful countryside. They get on really well – you’d think they’d been together forever. Dawn has really come out of herself and is very happy. She has plenty of walks and family holidays. Kate says “We hope that we have made up for her bad experiences earlier on in her life.”

BRIAN HAMMOND

Little Merlin is now called Brian and he lives in Bedfordshire with Sandra and Owen and their 4 dogs. He is training to be an Agility dog and is in the best of hands. They say, “Brian is a lovely boy, very contented and intelligent. We have taught him to come to a whistle like the other dogs. He loves Casey, the spaniel, but the other dogs just wish he would “grow up” sometimes. He has fitted in nicely.”

DRAKE BOYD

Drake is a 1 yr old Golden Retriever cross who lives with Helen. Drake was initially called Minstrel and, when just a tiny puppy, he was surrendered to the pound and possible instant death. He was with his brother Brian (then called Merlin) and mum Connie, a purebred golden retriever, who was originally called Maisie. The owner obviously believed that by producing crossbreed puppies, Connie was “ruined” as a breeding bitch and the pups were of no value to him either. Fortunately, all three were rescued and were fostered in Ireland before coming to the UK.

Drake has already started competing in Heelwork to Music and is going to be trying his paw at CaniX which is a type of racing. He, unfortunately, recently had a problem with his tail and it has had to be partially amputated.

DAISY LONG

Daisy is a 3yr old Golden Retriever. She now lives happily with Maggie & Ray and is learning the joys of caravanning amongst other things.

She was found in a car park in Ireland begging for food. She was skin and bone and had just had puppies and yet was only a puppy herself at about one year old. The sad thing is that the puppies were never found. To this day, Daisy still carries her soft toys around in her mouth as if they were her puppies.

Maggie says “We have had Daisy for 18 months now. She started off as a poor frightened little dog but my Sadie soon showed her that it’s not all bad in this big wide world and Daisy came out of her shell and started been naughty and a happy little dog like dogs should be.

Then we lost Sadie very suddenly in July 2007 and Daisy went back to being the frightened little dog again. She was looking for Sadie for support and she couldn’t understand where her friend had gone. We knew that Daisy could not survive without another dog for company but we could not face getting another one straight away so we waited for a while and said to the IRR we would like another dog to help Daisy as she was getting so withdrawn again.

Finally, in November 2007, along came Charlie the clown as I call her. Charlie soon cheered us all up with her silly antics and Daisy was back to being her happy self again and they are partners in crime now and it’s so lovely to see. Daisy is looking so happy again and it’s great to see the lovely Daisy smile she has, along with her big brown eyes.

CHARLIE LONG

Charlie is a 4yr old Golden Retriever. She was found wandering the streets of Cork and was taken to the pound but she was never claimed. She was in a very sad state.

Maggie says “We have had Charlie for 10 months now. When we first got her, she was very sad looking, she had scars on her back, a very thin coat and broken teeth and her back legs were very splayed which meant she would fall over quite easily. She had to have 2 teeth out and she still has very worn down teeth where it looks as if she had been trying to escape.

Now, after hydrotherapy and chiropractic, she is a different dog. She can now jump up the wall in the garden and jump in the car which she could not do before. All the neighbours love her and they say she is such a character, which she is. She is just so naughty, she tried to eat through the fence to get to next door neighbour’s cat and managed to get the hole big enough to get her head through.

We think Charlie is ‘a picnic short of a sandwich’ and it’s like the light is on but no one is in but that could be because she has been either hit by a car or kicked very hard in the head.

Nevertheless, she is a delight to own, even when she is naughty I have never known such a happy dog with such a silly smile on her face. Charlie has done Daisy the world of good and, thanks to Charlie, Daisy is a happy little dog again. They get on really well together. They love their new life with us as we go caravanning for our holidays and they always come with us. People cannot believe they are rescue dogs because they are so good so thank you IRR for two lovely dogs.”

JACK GRANT

Jack is a 4yr old Golden Retriever. He was handed into the pound, and possible instant death, in Ireland with no reason given. He was adopted in October 2007. Initially, he very underweight, was scared of eating and was absolutely manic and desperate to run away on walks. He was, apparently, the worst case their trainer had ever seen but Shona says “We’re getting there. Jack is now well settled and greets each day with 110% enthusiasm!”

STEVIE PHIPPS

Stevie is 3yrs old and is blind. He was found by Fiona, an ISPCA inspector, in a dilapidated shed where he had spent much of his life alone. Despite this, he has a wonderful nature and is loved by all who come in contact with him. He is the happiest, friendliest and most loving dog you could ever wish to meet.

Alison and Tom adopted Stevie in March 2007 and are in complete awe of what he has achieved since. He has put on about 4 kilos in weight and regular hydrotherapy is still helping him increase his muscle tone after the problems caused by being locked up for so long as a pup (his muscles and ligaments have not developed properly and he was quite lame when he walked). At the 2007 Reunion, he won the ‘best condition class’ and went on to win ‘Best in Show’.

Sadly, Stevie started to suffer from seizures just before Christmas, but this is now completely under control with medication. This does make him more tired and a bit confused sometimes, but he does not let it hold him back. He is keen to do all the things that a sighted dog can do and more, because he is exceptionally bright. In fact, Stevie has even started agility training, which he loves. This amazing spirit and determination against the odds have led to him being featured in ‘Your Dog’ magazine, ‘Dogs Today’ and on agilitynet.

Despite the fact he is becoming a bit of a celebrity, he is first and foremost a greatly-loved family dog who adores cuddles, food and playing with his golden brother Sam. Alison and Tom just feel so privileged to have him as part of their family.

Stevie is another of the dogs who have offered themselves as Sponsor Dogs to help others.

DIGBY READER-HOER

Digby is a 3yr old Golden Retriever. Tracey, his forever mum says “ Digby is our beautiful IRR dog, who we’ve had since March 2007. He only has 3 legs (front leg amputee) but that doesn’t stop him enjoying lift to the full! He doesn’t know he is disabled and doesn’t let this stop him in any way.” He lives in the beautiful Devon countryside with his golden retriever girlfriend, Cleo, cats, horses etc, in total 19 other rescued animals. Apart from looking drop dead gorgeous, he is a great ambassador for his breed and he is one of our very popular Sponsor Dogs

PENNY JAMES

Penny is a 2yr old Golden Retriever. She was a stray who was initially fostered by Pauline. There she met her boyfriend Dazzle and they were rehomed together in Gloucester. Over one year on, they have settled in wonderfully but continue to be partners in crime thankfully in a slightly less destructive manner. They had a very exciting first year with floods to cope with (or, in their case, enjoy). Penny has a visiting boyfriend called Albert and tends to lead Dazzle astray. Her mum, Di, has recently become the editor of our website.

DAZZLE JAMES

Dazzle is a 3yr old Samoyed/Lab cross. He was a stray who was initially fostered by Pauline. There he met his girlfriend Penny and they were rehomed together in Gloucester. They were very destructive initially, each egging the other on, no doubt, but now they are less naughty but still full of fun. Dazzle is definitely the quieter one of the two.

KALEIGH WILLIAMSON

Kaleigh is a 2yr old golden retriever who was rescued in June 2007 and had her surprise puppies in August so was rather tied up during last year’s Reunion as was Joy who helped her to look after her puppies. The boys were named after trees and the girls after flowers.

Kaleigh eventually went to her forever home with Kerry & Graham in Surrey in Oct 07. Kaleigh is now enjoying life with them, having lots of walks and holidays 🙂 She is a happy dog and brings them a lot of happiness too!

BAILEY LITTLE (was CEDAR)

Bailey was called Cedar and was the biggest of Kaleigh’s babies and the one who was most like a Golden Retriever. The pups have now celebrated their first birthday. Bailey passed his Puppy Foundation Course on 14th February and is now going for his Bronze Kennel Club Good Citizen Award. He is very much loved by his mum, Gemma.

DIESEL BARRELL (was ASH)

Diesel once called Ash was another of Kaleigh’s babies. He lives in Kent with Jo and family, who have recently become fosterers for us. He is another gorgeous looking boy with a wonderful temperament thanks to Joy’s TLC when they were babies and to the wonderful owners who have carried on the good work. His best friend is Poppy, the Golden Retriever.

JASMINE McEVENEY

Jasmine is another of Kaleigh’s babies who lives with Joanne and family in Warwickshire. She also lives with her best doggy friend, Oscar, and 2 cats. Jasmine is a very clever girl and already has her Bronze and Silver KCGC awards, having already passed her Kennel Club Puppy Foundation Course when she was only 6mths old.

Not in parade but at the show were:-

BONNIE NICHOLLS

Bonnie is a 2yr old Labrador who had been handed into the Pound by her owner. She had been kept in a yard for a year, due to an accident, with no training or socialising. She went into foster care with Jackie and was re-homed for 3 months but was handed back to us because she became too lively for the other dog in the household. She then went back into foster with Tammy, who is very experienced, and, with careful training, Bonnie’s behaviour has improved immensely and, at last year’s Reunion,
Bonnie won many prizes.

She then went to live with Linda and family in Basingstoke where she was able to benefit from Linda’s experience. Linda said “ Bonnie was certainly a handful when I first got her – very frantic about life and never able to relax at all. She is still lively and loves everyone, but she is not so out of control, and will just lie around all day if need be.
We are lucky in having 6 acres here, that is all fenced, so she can explore to her hearts content and go bunnying and play with my other two labs, and let off steam. I also train with her 3 or 4 times a week as well as taking her to obedience and agility classes. This has paid off as she was awarded her Silver Good Citizen in April 2008.
I cannot believe how much calmer she is around other dogs and people after going to agility! She is a really intelligent dog and as long as you keep her mind engaged she is fine, she only gets destructive if she is bored. She hasn’t trashed her bed or stolen for ages now (although she will still sometimes pick up the tv remote and take it to her bed. She never chews it though. She is fantastic with our other animals. She doesn’t go near the chickens and she lets the cockatiel fly around and land near her without even looking up. Bless her.

We all love her so much – she really is a very loving dog!”

IVAN WARWICK

Ivan is a 3yr old Retriever/Collie Cross. He was found as a stray with a chocolate Labrador called Isaac. Ivan was fostered with Pauline and went to live with Bob after the
very sad passing of dear little Jake who, tragically, Bob only had for a few short but very happy months. Ivan had a few problems to start with but, in Bob’s capable hands,
soon became a lovely dog and good companion to his Golden Retriever, Bonney

PUDSEY REGULA

Pudsey is a 2yr old Labrador who was no longer wanted because of his Hip Dysplasia he needed a complete hip replacement and has had several major operations now. Despite this, he is a very happy boy and he is in forever foster with Denise and Phil, who fell instantly in love him, even after a tried escape on the M6 motorway when he was being picked up!!! He has been through so much but still has a wonderful out look on life, his passion is swimming and he adores going away in their caravan with all the other dogs.

BAILEY BROADFOOT

Patrick, now Bailey, is a Golden Retriever who is about 2 yrs old who was a dishevelled, nervous wreck when he first arrived at Sandie’s .He is now doing really well, has settled brilliantly and has put on weight.

Tracey says “He loves the park and especially muddy ditches which he loves to lie down in. He’s very good at recall although he can get a little spooked if a dog doesn’t particularly want to be sociable but he always runs to me for protection! He’s very cuddly and never pulls away when we all have a hug. His favourite place is lounging on the armchair looking out of the front window, watching the world go by.”

2008 Parade

ANGEL SMITH

Angel is a very well bred 8yr old Golden Retriever who was adopted with her half-sister Allie in January 2008 after Aileen, their foster mum “failed” when she fell in love with them. Angel was the more timid one of the two and had a few problems with her skin when she first arrived but she is doing very well now thanks to Aileen’s TLC.

ALLIE SMITH

Allie is the 6yr old half-sister of Angel. Aileen describes her as “a bit of a scamp”. Not long after her arrival, Allie chewed up 2 flip-flops (sadly from different pairs!!!), a book on marathon training, a box that was to go to the recycling centre, several toys and she probably holds the world record for demolishing a tennis ball in about 3.5 seconds! If her sister gets any attention Allie has to head-butt her out of the way.

ABIGAIL ANDERSON

Abigail is a 4yr old Golden Retriever. She was rescued from a puppy farm where she was used as a breeding bitch. Her fears of the big wide world were overcome with the help of 2 Labradors but, sadly, recently, the older one went to Rainbow Bridge. She also lives happily with a cat and her special mum, Judy, in Wiltshire.

MOLLI FIEVEZ

Molli is a 3yr old, very tiny Golden Retriever who now lives in London. Molli or “Tonks” as she was called, is a rescue from Dublin. Unfortunately, the family had split up and the husband had to sell the family home so he found he could no longer keep her. She is settling well and has undergone some extensive lead training etc, as she seemed to just be familiar with running from the house and the back of the car. Unfortunately, she had a few health problems but is now a very happy, healthy, well behaved dog now.

LOUIS PHILLIPS

Louis is a 2yr old Labrador who is now living happily with Joan and her little crossbreed rescue dog, Sophie, in Devon. His relationship with the cat is still a work in progress as is his mistrust of men. Louis came as a stray, half starved and totally terrified of men in 2007 so he has come a long way since then. He has worked his way through a succession of homes, always managing to blot his copybook in some way and usually through no real fault of his own. He is a very intelligent dog and he has taken to training like a duck to water in Joan’s capable hands. There is still a long way to go but it is definitely 2 steps forward and only one back now. Louis totally adores Joan and is finally beginning to realise that she is prepared to work through his difficulties with him and isn’t going to abandon him, like everyone else has.

DAISY TUCK

Daisy is a 2yr old Golden Retriever who was put up for re-homing after her owner went to university and the parents were no longer prepared to look after her, this already having been her second home in her short life! She went to Anne and family in Somerset to be fostered with a view to adopting if she fitted in with the rest of the pets but, once Anne saw her there was no way she was leaving again.

Anne says ”Daisy was only 18 months old and terrified of everything, you lifted your arm to take something off a shelf and she cowered. She had not been trained at all, didn’t know the meaning of no, sit or stay. As she had come from Wales I wondered if she had been trained in Welsh, but a Welsh friend tested that theory and we came to the conclusion she just wasn’t trained at all and she didn’t even have a name when she was brought to us.”

”The first thing we did was take her to our local field, which is totally enclosed and safe, and let her off the lead to run, she couldn’t believe it, the look on her face was pure pleasure and she ran and ran. She came back by the time we had reached the gate. We have attended dog training classes and we are winning, though we still have a long way to go. Daisy loves to play with our son’s Flatcoat Retriever, Bella, and our younger son’s cocker spaniel, Denzil.”

A new male Golden retriever puppy has since joined the family so fun and games will be had by all.

McKENZIE SEAL

Mac is a Labrador who is about 18mths old. He was re-homed to an older couple in Wiltshire in 2007 but they found him to be too lively so he was unsuccessfully tested as a sniffer dog. Eventually he found Richard who loves him to bits and he is now very happy living in Hertfordshire. He was quite poorly recently and has us all very worried but, thankfully, the cause was found to be a bite from some type of spider and nothing more sinister.

Georgia says “ McKenzie was adopted by my Brother in Law, Richard, in Feb 2008 and this boy has been fantastic. He is such a sweet loving boy and we are proud to have him in our family. He has so much love to give and we are all looking forward to giving it to him too. Thank you for finding McKenzie for us”

SAMSON SANSOM

Sam is a 3yr old Golden Retriever who was labelled as a child biter because of one incident with a very nasty, vicious child. This was despite him having lived happily with a lady who was a child minder. The whole family were devastated when they were forced by the child’s family to re-home him. He appeared to be very depressed at first but he was actually also very poorly and needed some veterinary treatment. Sam is a different dog now and is very happy in Somerset. Pauline and Chris say “We have had no problems with Sam and our grandchildren or children outside and everybody adores him.”

JOSHI CORNALLY

Joshi is about 2yrs old and is probably a Retriever x Collie. He is very intelligent and has a nicetemperament but he can be wilful sometimes. Unfortunately, poor Joshi was extremely ill due to the adverse effects of a conventional wormer and he still suffers the occasional fit because of it. Fortunately, Kay, who “failed” as his fosterer absolutely adores him and is doing everything possible to get him well again.

ABIGAIL McAVOY (was SANDY)

Abigail is a 4 yr old Golden Retriever who lives with Belinda and Terry in Somerset. Abi (was Samdy) and her sister Heidi (was Creamy) are both ex-breeding bitches.
They were inseparable when they first arrived and went to foster with Belinda and Terry. After some TLC, and some help from Connie and Millie (both IRR rescues
themselves) they developed their individual personalities and have both found their separate forever homes.

At first Abi refused food and water and was so timid she just wanted to stay in her crate. But after just a few weeks, a shampoo and a brush, the flower essences seem to be doing their work. She now has a bed of her own and sleeps happily with Connie and Millie who behave as if she has been here all the time. Abi is very good with children and has even met the cat without incident!

Belinda says “Going for a walk was impossible at first because she would just lie down at the slightest noise, but, gradually, she has become happier about wearing a collar and getting in the car so we can all take a walk together.”

She is the most beautiful and gentle little girl and is already very happy in her perfect forever home.

SCAMP

Scamp is 5yrs and was the stud dog who fathered Creamy and Sandy’s babies. He was surplus to requirements when a younger, fitter stud dog came on the scene. Unlike many of the dogs who have been used at stud, Scamp is a lovely friendly boy, getting on well with male and female dogs alike. In fact, we don’t think there is anything that Scamp can’t get on with… he has a wonderful temperament. He was fostered by Joanne and family in the Midlands and, unsurprisingly, the curse of the failed fosterer struck again and they have recently adopted him.

BOB

Bob is about 3 years old and was in quite a mess before Sandie cleaned and tidied him up. He was also painfully thin. He was also fostered in the Midlands, his fosterer being Jane. Helped by Jane’s Labrador, Tess, he soon came out of his shell and, in the end, became quite cheeky. Apparently, Bob likes all the attention (he probably had very little before) and, if Tess got fussed, he would muscle in and push her out but not in an aggressive way. He went on a few walks with Scamp and they learned
the delight of mucky puddles together. At Jane’s he lived with cats and was no problem at all which meant he was just the right dog to go and live with Mike and his daughter Serena. Bob has really fallen on his feet as he now has several acres in Oxfordshire in which to run and play. He is a very lucky boy but it is no more than he deserves.

FERDIE (was FREDDIE)

Ferdie is a 14mth old Labrador cross who came over from Ireland as a puppy last year with his sisters, Maya and Melody. They were found under a shed where their mum had given birth to them. Freddie, as he was then, went to live with a family but he grew too big for them to handle so they asked us to take him back for re-homing. He was fostered by Pauline and Steve and became their 4th “foster failure” after 2 weeks. His name was changed slightly to Ferdie as Freddie was the name of their beloved GSD who went to Rainbow Bridge 2 years ago. He is very intelligent and quick to learn although he does have a bit of a stubborn streak.

ISSY BOWLER

Issy is an 11mths old collie x retriever who was originally thought to be a Leonberger cross but “in real life” she was a lot smaller. She is an extremely pretty girl and created a lot of interest amongst potential adopters. After an overnight stop in Somerset, she was fostered in the Midlands with Simon and family and their two dogs where she was very popular.

She has now gone to her forever home in Wiltshire with Diane and is already settling in very well. Needless to say, she is loved to bits by her new mum.

SAM CANNON

Sam is an 11 year old golden retriever, and although a tiny bit shaky on his back legs occasionally, he’s generally in good health. He was handed in to the rescue by a family who were emigrating and who decided it was better for Sam if they didn’t take him with them. He was a great hit with all Sandie’s visitors (but especially Lorraine) when he was staying with her before making his trip across the water.
Having spent some time in foster with Andy and Val, he eventually moved to Lorraine who promptly “failed” as his fosterer after 24hrs. Martha was really pleased to see him and took to him straight away. He can be a stubborn old chap sometimes and, apparently, he particularly enjoys pulling the legs off his nice new toys.

Lorraine is our UK co-ordinator and works tirelessly finding just the right homes for all the Golden Retrievers who come into our care. Apart from spending hours on the phone doing this, she also often helps with the transportation of dogs, picked up at silly times in the morning, and this will sometimes involving hours of driving to get them to their destinations. As her passion is the older dogs, she will often do homechecks and help transport for the Oldies Club too.

REILLY MORGAN

Reilly is a 3yr old Golden Retriever who came from Ireland after living with an elderly person who went into care. Maureen says “He had several foster carers before coming to us. Reilly is a lovely dog who is brilliant in every way except he is not good with other dogs. He has settled well with us and we love him to bits. We hope in time he will be able to run free with other dogs but, unfortunately, until he has been socialised more, he will have to remain on a lead and muzzled when out walking.

Eight of our lovely Sponsor Dogs were available to meet and greet their sponsors at the Reunion.

ALICE

Alice came from a puppy farm where she was used extensively as a breeding bitch. Her story is a horrendous but not an uncommon one. She was so terrified that she just crawled on her belly. Alice gave birth to puppies the day after she landed on UK soil and was gradually nursed back to almost normality by Sandra, her foster.

Alice is now in a wonderful forever home where she has learnt not only to walk like a normal dog again but to run and run free.

ALLIE & ANGEL

Allie and Angel are two middle aged sisters who have always lived together but, due to changed circumstances, their owner could no longer cope with them. It is always very difficult to rehome two dogs together, even well behaved, adorable girls like them, but these girls were inseparable so we were extremely lucky to find someone who could foster them together. Life got even better for the girls when their foster mum couldn’t bear to part with them and decided to become their forever mum instead.

DIGBY

Digby is a beautiful dog, in both looks and temperament, who unfortunately has simply lost a leg. He has never let his disability bother him although it was clearly the reason why he was abandoned. Digby is now in a wonderful forever home together with lots of other lucky rescued animals and he is totally adored by everyone.

DRAKE

Drake was initially called Minstrel and, when just a tiny puppy, he was surrendered to the pound and possible instant death. He was with his brother Brian (then called Merlin) and mum Connie, a purebred golden retriever, who was originally called Maisie. The owner obviously believed that by producing crossbreed puppies, Connie was “ruined” as a breeding bitch and the pups were of no value to him either. Fortunately, all three were rescued and fostered in Ireland before coming to the UK.

GIZMO

Gizmo was found scavenging on a rubbish tip as a very young puppy. He is a very loving dog but certain behavioural issues made him unable to be rehomed so he has been adopted by Pauline.

LOLA

Lola is a young ex-breeding bitch. She was mated at her very first season. When she arrived in foster she was extremely nervous and needed a lot of work and several flower essence combinations before she could be rehomed. Her fosterer, Lynne, fell in love with her and adopted her and Lola is now very happy, playful and well adjusted.

STEVIE

Stevie is blind. He was found by an ISPCA inspector in a dilapidated shed where he had spent much of his life alone. Despite this, he has a wonderful nature and is loved by all who come in contact with him. He is an inspiring ambassador for disabled dogs and is a real credit to his amazing forever mum, Alison, who is teaching him, using the clicker method, to do all the things that a sighted dog can do and more, because he is exceptionally bright.

BOUNCER, MOLLY, NUGGET and ZENA were unable to attend this year’s Reunion and RICKY arrived very late due to traffic hold-ups on his way home from holiday but in time to take 4th for the waggiest tail.

Foster Dogs

Left to Right: CHARLIE, BRUCE, BUDDY, JEZ, SAM

Charlie now Harley has been adopted by Allison (pictured) and lives in Scotland.

Bruce has since been adopted by a lovely family in Scotland.

Buddy has now gone to his forever home in Cornwall.

Jez has now gone to live in Somerset with a couple who fell in love with him at the Reunion.

Sam is still looking for his forever folks but is undergoing further behavioural training.

Return to 2008 Reunion