Parade of Rescue Dogs
2005 Parade
2006 Parade
2007 Parade
2008 Parade
2009 Parade
Sponsor Dogs
2005 Parade
| DANNY | ISABELLE | JIM | PERRY | KIMBA | KELLY | SAMMY | POPPY | JUMBLE |
| LORRAINE | SANDIE | RITA | VANESSA | PAM | ROSA | IAN | DAVID | ANNE |
Much to our delight Jim and Rita Turner were able to lead our Parade of Rescues from 2005 again but this year they were accompanied by Perry and Vanessa Leon. Both dogs, together with dear old Darcy and a small black dog, were the first dogs brought over by the newly formed Irish Retriever Rescue UK group at the end of 2004.
JIM TURNER
Jim is now about 6 or 7yrs old. This lovely Labrador came over with Darcy, Perry and a little black terrier on the boat to Holyhead on 27th December 2004 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.
PERRY LEON (winner of the 2009 Shannon Memorial Award)
PERRY was found roaming around Cork and he was absolutely petrified of everything and everyone. When he arrived at Sandie’s, he was a quivering wreck and had to be carried in through the door and, even with the help of her dogs, there was still a long way to go for him.
Vanessa says. “It has been a long but rewarding road. Perry now plays and loves life like any other normal dog, although when out of his comfort zone he can return to what I term as his RSPCA demeanour. It just shows that they never fully forget the trauma.
He has so much love to give and becomes beside himself with excitement. Joey has been a wonderful ‘older brother’ to him and shows him the way to conquer all fears. He has a lovely coat, bright eyes and a great zest for life and is a shining example that even the worst cases can be helped to lead a normal, happy life.”
SANDIE BISSETT is our founder and Co-ordinator
Sandie has rescued golden retrievers from Ireland for over 13 years and has never been known to refuse help to a retriever in trouble. She will drive the length and breadth of Eire to save one and she fosters many dogs in her own home before they make the long journey to the UK. Recently, many of those dogs have needed complicated operations and much veterinary treatment but she is always there with care and compassion and TLC in spades for all her charges.
A small group of us got together in January 2005 to try to help Sandie with what we thought would be a few dogs in distress(little did we knok the scale of the problem) and that is how Irish Retriever Rescue was born. Although we concentrate on distressed Golden Retrievers, we also often help Retriever Crosses and Labradors.
So many beautiful dogs have been saved. Ireland’s loss is definitely England’s gain.
Apart from the Golden Retriever girls that have been hers since they were puppies, Sandie also has 5 rescue dogs Barkley, Jessica, Monty, Molly and Isabelle, 4 of whom she was able to bring with her this time to the Reunion.
ISABELLE BISSETT
Isabelle, a Dachshund, was found roaming the streets with her pup and was taken to Ashton Pound. Her pup found a good home and Sandie put her name on Isabelle as soon as she saw her beautiful face. She’s a larger than life character and certainly knocks all the retrievers into shape, especially all the rescues who stay within Sandie’s home. Recently, Isabelle had to have an eye removed but she remains as jaunty as ever, bless her.
Sandie says “Isabelle and I have loved each other for 7 years.”
LORRAINE CANNON is our UK Co-ordinator
Lorraine heads the team on this side of the Irish Sea with calm efficiency and great compassion. She is responsible for finding the very best homes for the Golden Retrievers who come to us. This often involves lengthy conversations with prospective adopters but she is very thorough and takes her time to get it right which is why she has an excellent track record for perfect matches.
Despite being the youngest member of our team, she has a very wise head on her young shoulders (often keeping the over-enthusiastic oldies in check) and she always remains dedicated even whilst coping wither own personal problems.
DANNY JEFFEREY
Danny was taken into the Parade by Lorraine.
He is now about 11yrs old and is owned by Pauline and Steve who failed as his fosterers and adopted him themselves. He is a wonderful dog who was very, very sad when he first arrived but he is absolutely brilliant with all the foster dogs that they have passing through as he understands doggy body language so well and he is always there to help the more nervous ones to settle . He is always the first dog they introduce to any newbies when they arrive.
Danny was a stray who ended up in the pound and, unbelievably, this lovely, gentle, well bred golden retriever was never claimed. As he was clearly once well loved and knew many commands when he arrived, we suspect his owner may have died and the other family members did not want him, which is a very common story.
SAMMY JONES
Sammy is a GSD cross who Sandie couldn’t resist and she went out on a limb to help him. He came to the UK and 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. He was awarded his Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze Award at last year’s Reunion with Ian and regularly does obedience and agility for fun with him whilst Lynne teaches him a few heelwork to music moves.
He lives with Jilly May (a rescue Bernese Mountain Dog) and another IRR rescue Lola, a Golden Retriever.
KELLY ELLIS
Kelly, who was 4yrs in May, is owned and loved by Rosa who, following Kelly’s successful adoption, decided she would like to help others by fostering for us. Kelly was one of 8 dogs who we were asked to help at a moment’s notice following an ISPCA raid on a puppy farm.
Kelly (originally Kerry) was renamed after her mother Kelly who came to England in a dreadful state. They were both in foster together with little brother, Bouncer, at Joy’s house where they were carefully and gently socialised and were all were nursed back to good health
The other dogs were Aine, who needed tremendous amount of love and care from her fosterer, and her slightly older puppies, Ciara and Shannon, who were in a very poor state too. There was also another bitch called Lily and the stud dog, Rooney. Happily, all 8 dogs are healthy, happy and in wonderful forever homes now.
JUMBLE JONES
Jumble, is almost 4yrs old and is a golden retriever X who 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. Sadly, his brothers, Rory and Rupert, were unable to come this year as was his mum, Alice, who gave birth, prematurely, to the 3 pups the day after she arrived in England. His Aunty Lisa still lives happily in London but sadly, last year, Carrie, who we suspect was his grandma, went to Rainbow Bridge. Alice, Lisa and Carrie came into our care after an ISPCA raid was carried out on a puppy farm and Sandie was again asked to help.
Anne says he is a very special dog with his one blue and one brown eye. Sadly, Jumble has been diagnosed with Hip and Elbow Dysplasia and his knees are crumbling so, really, he should 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, it is hard to believe about his bad joints. Jumble has regular hydrotherapy, which tremendously helped his joints
He has a special friend, Finn, a 3yr 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 as are the ever increasing numbers of livestock in the garden, which include chickens and guinea pigs.
POPPY BROWN
We were really thrilled this year to meet up again with Poppy Brown and her dad, David. Poppy came over with Alice and co: and she was absolutely brilliant at reassuring them and she really helped us to coak the terrified dogs to come out of Colin’s van. She was fostered with Julie and Ken where she proved to be a sweetheart and she very quickly went to her forever home with David where she is very happy. She is clearly a very well behaved young lady as she went on to win class one of the obedience today.
KIMBA MORRIS
Kimba 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 came over at the same time as Ricky and Molly on a cold and snowy day in 2005 and was fostered by Pam Morris who fell in love with her and adopted her. She used to be terrified of men but she had a new friend, Casey, to help her to rehabilitate. Sadly, Casey has now gone to the Bridge as has Silver who always used to walk round with Kimba in the parade.
She is now 7yrs and has had a few health issues this year but with Pam’s healing skills and a great holistic vet (Nick Thompson) she is doing really well again. 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.”
A few old favourites were missing from the 2005 Parade this year:-
ALICE HOUGHTON. One of our favourite Sponsor Dogs was really missed but poor Brenda is recovering from a leg injury.
RUPERT and RORY HOPPITT. Hopefully, they will be able to make it again next year.
BOUNCER WARD. It was sad not to see dear Bouncer but it was his mum and dad’s Silver Wedding Anniversary (congratulations) which they spent in Germany.
JAKE & ELMO KOSSAKOWSKI. Two old favourites were missing due to their owners’ work commitments.
Some of the people who have fostered, transported dogs and done homechecks etc for us were unable to come to the Reunion this year for various reasons but we are extremely grateful to them and hope that they, and more of our doggy successes, will all be able to come to our 2010 Reunion which will be at the same venue. We then remembered all the dogs who are no longer with us.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF THESE VERY SPECIAL IRR DOGS
HONEYBEE, NUGGET, SILVER BOY, PUDSEY, JOSHIE
TOBY, CASSIE, CHLOE, CONAN, FREDDIE
AND NOT FORGETTING OUR NON IRR FRIENDS
DUKE, EMMA, GWINNIE
JENNY, LADY, OLLIE
His Journey’s Just Begun By Ellen Brenneman
Don’t think of him as gone away–his journey’s just begun
life holds so many facets this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.
And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost–and he was loved so much.
God Saw You
God saw you getting tired,
And a cure was not to be,
So He put his arms around you
and whispered ,”Come with Me”
With tearful eyes, we watched you suffer
and saw you fade away.
Although we could not bear to lose you,
We could not bid you to stay.
2006 Parade
| BEN | ELLIE | LOLA | EMMA | MAX | OLLIE | FLYNN | CASEY | TWINKLE | GIZMO |
| PAULINE | VAL | LYNNE | ALI | LIZ | PAUL | LIBBY | GWEN | CHRISTINE | DANIEL |
BEN FOWLER
Ben is a lovely older dog who should have been in the 2005 parade. Nobody could understand how or why he ended up in rescue. He has a wonderful temperament and has totally restored Pauline’s confidence in Golden Retrievers. She is a very brave lady as she had been very badly savaged by one from another Rescue organisation who, unlike us, didn’t assess their dogs in foster homes before re-homing. Ben is extremely popular in the small village in Somerset where he lives.
ELLIE DAGGER
Ellie is a 4yr old German Shepherd who went to live with Val in Somerset after her drug-using owners were persuaded to part with her by Pauline. 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 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 and obedience for fun. At last year’s reunion she was awarded her Kennel Club Good Citizen Award and had a special prize for having the highest marks.
Apart from brains, she is also in excellent condition and won her class today but, because her mum has to be very careful with how much she stands, they had to leave early and she was unable to compete for Best in Show.
LOLA JONES
Lola is a 4yr old GoldenRretriever owned by Lynne and Ian. We are fairly sure she was undersized because of having a litter of puppies at her very first season but, apparently, problems with her puppies meant she was no longer required for breeding. Lynne first fostered and then adopted Lola and, with love, natural remedies and determination, she has now almost completely overcome Lola’s phobias.
Lynne, with her great knowledge of the flower essences, is always there to help our rescue dogs when in foster and after they have gone to their forever homes.
Lola’s rehabilitation was also achieved with the help of Jilly May (the Bernese Mountain Dog) and Sammy (the GSD X who was also rescued by Sandie. She was awarded her Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze Award at last year’s reunion and she thoroughly enjoys doing obedience, agility and heelwork to music all achieved using the clicker method. Lola, who is very pretty, is one of the most popular of our Sponsor Dogs
EMMA GREEN
Emma is a 4yr old Golden Retriever owned and very much loved by Ali and Nick Green. She was handed into a pound in Ireland having possibly been mistreated. She went to Ali and Nick via super-fosterers Andy and his mum, Val. They have never been able to figure out why she was handed in as she is such a lovely dog but they think she probably just grew too big for someone who expected her to remain forever a fluffy ball. They expected to encounter the problems that would have caused her to be thrown out but, in fact, found very few other than the usual retriever selective deafness.
She now is very confident and is a bit of a stunner. She lives in her forever home with Faith the (also thrown out) rescue Lurcher, who likes to beat her up mercilessly, and who quickly trained her to dig and chew beautifully!
Ali and Nick, very kindly, purchased our brand new megaphone for us so thankyou very much to you both.
MAX PERKIN
Max is a 4yr old golden retriever who was placed in the pound by someone to spite their spouse during a divorce. This is particularly awful as, being a surrender, he could have been instantly put to sleep especially if the pound was full.
He lives happily with Liz and Paul in Devon with his very good friend Ollie.
OLLIE PERKIN
Ollie is also a 4yr old Golden Retriever who, sadly, had to be given up because the father of the family had died and poor mum couldn’t manage a young family and a puppy.
Ollie with his friend, Max, are quite a hit at their local obedience club as well as spending time running happily on the beach together. They so impressed one local lady with their good looks and excellent behaviour that she has now become a fosterer for us.
FLYNN HARTLEY
Flynn is a 4yr old Retriever Cross who was fostered by Pauline for several months because of the appalling state he was in 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 he was found and was very thin and he still had no hair on his tummy when he was adopted.
He is now very large but he is a very loving boy who is adored by Christine and family and he is absolutely wonderful with the grandchildren, one of whom, Megan, took him into the parade. Sadly, Barney, his very good doggy friend recently died but he now has a new friend, Ben, a rescue Labrador, who he has taken under his wing. They both share the same bed and Flynn is, apparently, very patient with him.
CASEY FLYNN
Casey is an 8yr 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.
Thanks to Gwen’s TLC and the help of her other dogs, just 6 months after his rescue, Andy was amazed to see him at the first reunion and three years on, although he still has a few worries, he now loves his walks and cuddles and gives Gwen a big smile every morning.
He has a very cheeky streak in him now and went on today to win the Darcy Memorial Award.
TWINKLE ASTOR
Twinkle is now about 10yrs and is a beautiful 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 she was spayed. We also had to have several lumps removed but, fortunately, she now enjoys good very good health again. Twinkle was fostered, amongst many others, by Denise and Phil in the Midlands.
GIZMO JEFFEREY
Gizmo is 4yrs and is, probably, a retriever X hound owned by Steve and Pauline. 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 have made 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.
Not in the parade but at the show were:-
CALLAN GRIST
Callan is about 3 yrs old now and is a retriever possibly crossed with a Staffie. He came over as a tiny pup with his brother Connor. His dad, Steve, missed the parade as he was helping to run the Fun & Games for us again this year.
Steve says that Callan is now calming down. He is great with kids and loves other dogs so he now has a new doggy friend to play with.
EDDIE REGULA
Eddie is 3yr olds 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 both stayed small although, what they lack in stature, Eddie and Gracie more than make up for in personality. Denise and Phil were running our Bottle Stall for us so didn’t make the parade.
GUY HARDY-KING
Guy was a 6-7yr old lab X who was surrendered to the pound by a priest after his owner died. He was suffering from severe entropion so his chances of being adopted were nil but, fortunately for him, Sandie happened to be there at the time and couldn’t bear the thought of his certain euthanasia.
He has had several operations for entropion and, through no fault of anybody’s, he also had several different foster homes including Lucy, Kay and Margaret but, throughout it all, little Guy maintained his wonderful nature. Luckily for him, his last fosterer, Maggie could not bear to let him go and adopted him herself. He still lives in the luxury he so much deserved with her and her husband, his Yorkshire terrier friend, Chico, and several cats.
2007 Parade
| BAILEY | JASMINE | MILLIE & CONNIE | ZENA | BRIAN | JESSICA | DAWN | PENNY & DAZZLE | STEVIE | DIGBY | RHANI | LOUIS |
| GEMMA | MEGAN & JO | TERRY | LORNA | OWEN | SANDIE | KATE | DI & ALAN | ALISON | TRACEY | DANIEL | JOAN |
BAILEY LITTLE
Bailey was originally called Cedar and was the biggest of Kaleigh’s babies and the one who was most like a Golden Retriever. Kaleigh came over from Ireland already pregnant although, unfortunately, this fact was not spotted by 3 different vets so it was a case of action stations and Joy to the rescue once we found out. The pups have now celebrated their second birthday.
Bailey passed his Bronze Kennel Club Good Citizen Award at last year’s Reunion having already taken his Puppy Foundation Course. He is very much loved by his mum, Gemma.
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. She has grown into a rather beautiful Labrador like pale golden lady.
Jasmine is a very clever girl and passed her Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze and Silver Awards in 2008. In August 2009 she went on to pass her Gold Award, having actually passed her Kennel Club Puppy Foundation Course when she was only 6months old.
She is very much adored by Megan who with mum Jo accompanied her into the parade.
MILLIE McAVOY
Millie is aged about 6yrs 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 decided she was either a small Golden Retriever Cross or a badly bred thoroughbred. Whichever the case, she was found to be 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 took a while, but gradually she improved and began to come out of herself. Terry & Belinda felt she may be lonely and would benefit from doggy company so, soon after, they also adopted Connie and the two were able to help each other, becoming firm friends.
When she went to training, the first few weeks were spent with Millie shaking at the side, but gradually, with the help of flower essences mixes and lots of encouragement from everyone there, she began to take part in all the activities. Going from a dog who feared men, she and Terry really bonded and were awarded a Certificate for being the Most Improved Partnership. At last year’s reunion everyone was delighted when Millie was awarded her Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze Award, as usual with Terry as her handler.
She has now acquired a further 2 sisters and has welcomed a few foster girls into her home.
CONNIE McAVOY
Connie, originally called Maisie, is a petite Golden Retriever who is probably still only about 3yrs 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 taught Millie how to play. 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 but she is a good girl too and, at last year’s reunion, she attained her Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze Award. She also does fun obedience and agility with Belinda.
Terry and Belinda have become very involved with helping IRR and are responsible for producing all the programmes, the posters and flyers and the ring and prize cards etc. They also make most of the lovely merchandise we have to sell and Belinda has now taken over responsibility of the Sponsor a Dog fundraiser. They have also acted as transporters, homecheckers and fosterers on numerous occasions.
ZENA COLDICOTT
Ben and Zena were a couple of inseparable Golden Retrievers, who needed to spend the twilight of their lives in comfort together. Ben was a lovely old boy of 12 years who despite needing an operation to remove a tumour, was still a happy boy with a constantly wagging tail. Zena was then a sprightly 11 year old cuddle monster who, despite being in good health and loving her walks, had the saddest eyes, which she put to good use begging treats and cuddles They went happily to their forever home in the Midlands with Lorna and Rachel but Ben’s happiness was short lived and he, sadly went to Rainbow Bridge leaving a devastated Zena.
Fortunately, it was not too long before she found a new friend in Merlin and they became inseparable. Sadly, Zena’s health has been up and down but the devotion of Lorna and Rachel and Zena’s determined spirit have always carried her through. She now also has a new rescue sister Della who has recently joined the family.
She is one of our Sponsor Dogs and is a great favourite. It was really special to see her at this year’s reunion.
BRIAN HAMMOND
Brian lives in Bedfordshire with Sandra and Owen and their 4 dogs. He is now 2yrs old and was called Merlin when he came over from Ireland with his mum, now Connie, and brother, now Drake, and another dog called Maeve, who is now Cassie. Both being black, he and his brother looked as though they should be Maeve’s puppies and neither looks remotely like their Golden Retriever mum.
Brian is an Agility dog and, again this year, demonstrated his skills as part of our Showtime. According to Sandra and Owen, Brian is a lovely boy who is very contented and intelligent. He recalls to a whistle like the other dogs and particularly loves Casey, the spaniel.
JESSICA BISSETT
Jessica is a Lab/Pointer Cross who was taken to the vet to be put to sleep as her elderly owner had died and his wife couldn’t cope with her. Sandie says “My vet phoned me and I went for her immediately. I nursed her for seven weeks after having her mammary glands stripped and she then had a home to go to in the UK. At the 11th hour the person changed her mind and her loss has been my gain. It transpires that Jessica lived in a shed for 8 years but now has the luxury of a sofa and loads of love and cuddles.”
DAWN MORGAN
Dawn, who is now 9yrs old, came from a puppy farm in Wales and had led a sheltered life as a breeding bitch before being taken in by Many Tears. She went to live with her adoptive brother Roger, a black Labrador, in Abbotsbury, Dorset where she found herself surrounded by the most wonderful countryside. The dogs got on really well and it was almost as if they had been together forever. Dawn really came out of herself and was very happy with plenty of walks and family holidays to make up for her bad experiences earlier on in her life.
Sadly, her best friend, Roger, has recently gone to Rainbow Bridge so Dawn and family are all very sad but they hope to have a new friend for Dawn very soon.
PENNY JAMES
Penny is a very pretty, fairly petite, 3yr old Golden Retriever. She was a stray who ended up in the pound and was initially fostered by Pauline. There she met her boyfriend Dazzle and they were rehomed together in Gloucester.
Two years on, they have settled in wonderfully but continue to be partners in crime although Penny is definitely the one who leads Dazzle astray. Penny has a visiting boyfriend called Albert and when he is around Dazzle is happy to take a back seat.
DAZZLE JAMES
Dazzle is a very handsome, 4yr old Samoyed/Lab cross who was a stray and ended up in the same pound as Penny. He was initially fostered by Pauline and it was there that he met and formed a strong bond with his girlfriend, Penny, so they were rehomed together in Gloucester with Di and family. Initially, they were very destructive, each egging the other on, no doubt, but, whilst still full of fun, they are much less naughty. Dazzle is definitely the quieter one of the two and has settled down into being an almost perfect dog.
Di has been undertaking the enormous task of editor of our website for a year now and she has been doing a brilliant job. More recently she has been actually putting many of the features on the website herself much to the relief of Dave who was often inundated with work from us.
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 which includes accepting a pair of rescue cats into his home to share his life.
The skinny Stevie that Alison adopted in March 2007 has put on weight and regular hydrotherapy has helped him to increase his muscle tone which he totally lacked after the problems caused by being locked up for so long as a pup (his muscles and ligaments had not developed properly and he was quite lame when he walked). At the 2007 Reunion, he won his best condition class and went on to win ‘Best in Show’. He, again, won the “best condition” class this year.
Sadly, Stevie also now suffers from seizures but these are 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. Stevie does agility training, which he loves and has demonstrated to an enthralled audience in the Showtime of our 2008 and 2009 reunions. He has recently also started to do Heelwork to Music. Last year at the reunion he passed his Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze Award along with his brother Sam.
Stevie’s amazing spirit and determination against the odds have led to him being featured in magazine articles and on agilitynet so he is a wonderful ambassador for disabled dogs but, despite becoming a bit of a celebrity, he is first and foremost a greatly-loved family dog who adores cuddles, food and playing with Sam. Alison and her son, Tom, say they feel very privileged to have him as part of their family.
Stevie is probably the most popular of our Sponsor Dogs.
DIGBY READER-HOER
Digby is a 4yr old, exceptionally handsome and probably very well bred, Golden Retriever. He was rescued at about the same time as Stevie and they were in foster together with Pauline. He only has 3 legs (front leg amputee) but that doesn’t stop him enjoying life to the full. He doesn’t know he is disabled and doesn’t let this stop him in any way. Tracey says that everyone who meets him falls in love with him and they rarely realise he is disabled until they have been in his company for some time.
He lives in the beautiful Devon countryside with his Golden Retriever girlfriend, Cleo and a menagerie of other rescued animals which include cats and horses. Apart from looking drop dead gorgeous, he is a great ambassador for his breed and he is one of our very popular Sponsor Dogs
RHANI JEFFEREY
Rhani is now nearly 3yrs old and arrived shortly before Christmas 2007. She was supposed to be a Labrador cross but, if you see her run, you realise she is almost entirely Whippet and almost impossible to keep any weight on despite the huge bowls of food she manages to demolish. She became the 3 rd Jefferey IRR “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 and is quite happy to play roughly with Ferdie.
She attained her Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze Award at last year’s Reunion.
LOUIS PHILLIPS
Louis is a 3yr old Labrador who came as a stray, half starved and totally terrified of men in 2007 so he has come a very long way since then and this year was chosen for the “Most Improved IRR Dog Award”..
He 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, always returning to his foster mum, Pauline, who would have adopted him had it not been for his great dislike of Steve.
Louis 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, but he is definitely making headway in both quarters. He is a very intelligent dog and he took to training like a duck to water in Joan’s capable hands. Last year he attained his Kennel Club Good Citizen Award Bronze Award at the reunion and then went on to win the “IRR Best Obedience Dog Award”. A title which he managed to hold on to again this year.
There is still a long way to go and Louis can still have his moments especially where noises like fireworks, gunfire and thunder are concerned but he totally adores Joan and seems to be finally realising that she is prepared to work through his difficulties with him and isn’t going to abandon him like everyone else has.
Not in the parade but at the show were:-
MILLIE BUTLER-SPICE
Millie was originally called Jordan and she was picked up by the dog warden after having been tied up all her life with a rope which had actually indented in her neck. She was also limping very badly so she was taken to the vet who x-rayed the leg, cleaned up her neck and spayed her. Despite her dreadful early beginnings, she was a very trusting soul and settled in well with Sandie, where she stayed until she was fit enough to travel.
She was rehomed in the UK next door to one of our 2006 rescue dogs, Emma and she used to enjoy playing daily with both Emma and Faith. She was loved to bits and was spoilt rotten. No work was done in the house as playing with Millie always came first . It was then decided that Millie needed a special friend of her own and so Holly (also IRR) joined the family which further increased Millie’s confidence, happiness and love of life.
Millie has overcome a lot of adversity and this was recognized when she was awarded Runner Up in the Shannon Memorial Award after a very close decision.
HOLLY BUTLER-SPICE
Holly is a 5 year old bitch who was surrendered to IRR as she was worrying sheep. She found her forever home in Hampshire with Millie as a playmate. At first, she was in the “Is this my new home or am I going to be moved again?” mode but a lot of TLC & Millie helped her to settle and she was soon walking nicely to heel on the lead. Thunder would unsettle her but she wasn’t bothered by the lawn mower or the hoover. As Holly was good at getting into the car it encouraged the nervous Millie to follow her. Apparently, Holly was very tolerant of Millie’s wild child antics and always wanting to play but it was actually very good to see them playing together especially given Millie’s terrible start in life.
DRAKE BOYD
Drake is a 2 yr old Golden Retriever Cross who lives with Helen in Lancashire. He was initially called Minstrel and, when just a tiny puppy, he was surrendered to the pound and possible instant death with his brother
Brian (then called Merlin) and his mum Connie, a purebred Golden Retriever, who was originally called Maisie. Fortunately, all three were rescued and were fostered in Ireland before coming to the UK.
Drake was awarded his Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze Award at last year’s reunion and competes in Heelwork to Music. He has also tried his paw at CaniX, which is a type of racing, and even went to Crufts to demonstrate it. He, unfortunately, had a problem with his tail and it has had to be partially amputated.
As in 2008, Drake and his mum, Helen, put on a display of Heelwork to Music in our Showtime section. This was followed by a basic clicker demonstration by his mum, Connie, and then Helen strutted her stuff with the much more experienced Teal, her lovely Bernese Mountain Dog.
CASSIE MARSHALL
Cassie was originally known as Maeve and is a Labrador, now aged about 8yrs, who came over from Ireland with Maisie, Merlin and Minstrel. She was found with terrible skin problems and had definitely had babies. Her skin is so much better now, thanks to Ann’s TLC and her coat is glossy and gleaming.
When she first arrived, she was absolutely terrified of men but she has gradually improved with time. She lives with Anne in Somerset and has a rescue greyhound friend called Mick, for company.
TOBY LEGGETT
Toby is a 4yr old Golden Retriever who was very badly treated in Ireland, being chained up for most of his life. The chain had actually left a deep indentation in his neck and this required stitches and careful management.
He definitely 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. Initially, poor Chelsea was very poorly but Toby, who she loves to bits, helped her to re-cuperate and make a full recovery. He is now very happy and totally spoilt and is an extremely handsome boy who is admired by all he meets.
BERTIE & ZACH WORSLEY
Zach and Bertie were both grossly obese and had severe movement difficulties when Jan met them from the transport. She had so much trouble hauling them into her 3 door hatchback that she commented we had become IRISH ELEPHANT RESCUE. These dogs were being surrendered by their owners who could no longer care for them, with the stipulation that both dogs must be rehomed together.
Jan offered to care for them for a few 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 they 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. Bertie continues to do really well but poor Zach is suffering with his joints due to the lack of exercise and inappropriate feeding in his original home.
Both boys passed their Bronze Kennel Club Good Citizen Award at last year’s reunion and are great ambassadors for their breed. Jan says that everyone who meets her 2 IRR angels falls completely in love with them and she has had numerous homes offered to both of them.
QUINN REASTON
Quinn was originally called Neilan and is approximately 5yr olds old. This lovely Golden Retriever was surrendered by his owner because he smelled and the man said “A bullet would have been too good for him”.
He proved to be a very friendly boy who loved other dogs and people alike. He was very patient about being groomed which he needed as his coat was very matted when he arrived at the home of his fosterers, Jackie and Ron. They could never understand why such a lovely boy was given up as he was a perfect dog and both were absolutely delighted to meet up again with him at the Reunion. Had it been possible, Jackie would have kept him forever herself.
Quinn seemed totally relaxed around wheelchairs and people with disabilities so that made him perfect for Alison and her elderly wheelchair bound Mum who has, sadly, since passed away.
Quinn is still the same wonderful boy and at this year’s reunion won a 3rd and a 4th in obedience as well as going away with an award for the Happiest Worker in Class 1.
MERLIN COLDICOTT
Merlin was originally called Perry and he was an unclaimed stray who arrived very confused and sad. He must have been someone’s pet at some time as he walked like a dream on the lead and was perfectly housetrained. We suspected the reason for him being dis-owned was because of the possible expense involved in treating the lump on his shoulder which, fortunately, was nothing sinister. We had this removed at the same time as he was castrated and he was given the “all clear”. We estimated that he was about 7yrs old. Merlin went to live with Lorna and Rachel and immediately became best pals with Zena and soon learned to live amicably with the cats. Most recently, Merlin and Zena welcomed a new dear old rescue girl, Della, who has also joined their loving family.
2008 Parade
| FERDIE | ISSY | MONTY | HEIDI | ABIGAIL | ABI | BUSTER | DAISY | SAM |
| STEVE | DIANE | SANDIE | BARBARA | BELINDA | JUDY | RICHARD | ANNE | LORRAINE |
FERDIE (was FREDDIE)
Ferdie is a 2 old Labrador cross who came over from Ireland as a puppy in 2007 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 4 th “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 in 2006.
Ferdie is very intelligent and quick to learn and managed to pass his Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze Award at last year’s Reunion. He does, however, have a bit of a stubborn streak and he is a big dog to move when he doesn’t want to go. He is thoroughly spoilt by Steve for whom he can do no wrong.
ISSY BOWLER
Issy is an 2yr old extremely attractive, collie x retriever who was originally thought to be a Leonberger cross from her pictures in the pound but “in real life” she was a lot smaller so was rejected by the Leonberger people. 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.
As she is so pretty, she created a lot of interest amongst potential adopters but we decided her perfect forever home was going to be in Wiltshire with Diane. After a few hiccups, Issy settled in very well and now does obedience and working trials for fun. She went on to win the IRR Obedience Bitch 2009 Award.
Needless to say, she is loved to bits by her mum.
MONTY BISSETT
Monty is a lovely young dog who arrived at Sandie’s just before last year’s Reunion. He was in a dreadful state due to Demodectic Mange. Sandie has had to work extremely hard to rid him of this horrible condition and turn into the handsome boy he is today. Despite his naughtiness (he makes Barkley seem positively angelic) and his love of stealing anything and everything, she realised she had fallen madly in love with him so she decided to keep him herself.
Recently, Freddie came into her care and needed a serious operation. Because he and Monty were playing ad nauseum and Freddie would need peace and quiet to rehabilitate, Sandie made the ultimate sacrifice and put Monty into foster care with Simon for a few weeks but she was absolutely delighted to be reunited with him on her way to the Reunion.
HEIDI HENSHAW (was CREAMY)
Heidi (was Creamy) and Abi (was Sandy) are sisters and both were ex-breeding Golden Retriever bitches who are now 5yrs old.They were inseparable when they first arrived and went to foster with Belinda and Terry. However, we decided it would be better to separate them if possible as long as they had another doggy friend for company.
Heidi went to live with Barbara in Somerset where she settled in very well thanks to Micha (the resident then 6 yr oldGolden Retriever). Heidi took to her very well and liked to be close by her, whether sleeping or exploring the house and garden.
She enjoys plenty of fuss and continues to gain confidence every day. Last year she wasn’t ready to come to the Reunion but this year we were all delighted to see her enjoying herself.
All Barbara’s patience and TLC has clearly paid off.
ABIGAIL McAVOY (was SANDY)
Abi is Heidi’s sister and she still lives with Belinda and Terry in Somerset. The sisters were inseparable when they first arrived and went to foster with Belinda and Terry but, after some TLC, and some help from Connie and Millie (both IRR rescues themselves) they developed their individual personalities and we felt would benefit from leading their own lives.
Although at first Abi refused food and water and was so timid she just wanted to stay in her crate, after just a few weeks and the help of the flower essences, she started sleeping happily with Connie and Millie. The dog who once would just lie down at the slightest noise on a walk now runs happily and freely with the others.
As she is the most beautiful and gentle little girl we can all understand how Terry & Belinda “failed” as fosterers.
ABIGAIL ANDERSON
Abigail is another 5yr old Golden Retriever who is very similar in looks to Heidi and Abi although unrelated. She was also rescued from a puppy farm where she was used as a breeding bitch. She too had terrible problems to overcome and needed a lot of patience, understanding and TLC. Her fears of the big wide world were overcome with the help of 2 Labradors but, sadly, last year, the older one went to Rainbow Bridge. She lives happily with a cat and her special mum, Judy, in Wiltshire.
BUSTER WARR
Buster came over as an 8mth old pup and, after a short period of foster with Pauline , went on to be fostered by Hayley where he loved the company of her other dogs and proved to be a wonderful natured boy.
Much to Hayley’s delight, Buster was adopted by someone living very close to her so she still gets to see a lot of him. He has grown into a very obedient and extremely handsome boy who managed to walk away with a pawful of prizes including the Sobenkel Award Winner’s prize and the Irish Eyes Runner-Up award.
DAISY TUCK
Daisy is a 3yr 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. Sadly, this was already the second home in her young 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. Something as simple as lifting your arm to take something off a shelf would make her cower.” She had not been trained at all and had no idea of the meaning of no, sit or stay and she hadn’t even been given a name.Her first taste of freedom came in Anne’s local field, which is totally enclosed and safe, where she had a run off the lead to run and, apparently, the look on her face was pure pleasure as she ran and ran.
She has now attended dog training classes and she continues to improve every day. Daisy still loves to play with Bella, a Flatcoat Retriever, and Denzil, a cocker spaniel and with Jasper, a Golden Retriever, joined the family as a puppy last year.
SAM CANNON
Sam is a 12 year old Golden Retriever who was handed in to the rescue by a family who were emigrating and decided it was better for Sam if they didn’t take him with them because of his age. Although a tiny bit shaky on his back legs occasionally, he was generally in good health and 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. It was, therefore no surprise after having spent some time in foster with Andy and Val, that he was adopted by Lorraine.
Martha was really pleased to see him and took to him straight away. He can be a stubborn old chap sometimes and he particularly enjoys pulling the legs off his nice new toys. Lorraine says he has a constant “bad hair day” and, no matter how much she grooms him, he can do one shake and he goes back to looking a bit of a shaggy dog again. Nevertheless, she still adores him and enjoys spoiling him rotten in his Autumn years.
Not in the parade but at the show were:-
JEZ
Jackie was delighted to meet up again with her very special ex foster dog, Jez. Unfortunately, they were unable to stay for the parade.
Jez was about 2-3 years old and had come from one of the pounds in Ireland when he was fostered by Jackie and Ron in Norfolk. When he first arrived, he was very quiet and, after a few days, he developed a cough and a runny nose as well as having slight limp probably to do with the cartilage in his right shoulder following an old wound. He got on well with both Bridie, who of course enjoyed playing with him, and Gizmo.
After several weeks, the perfect home for Jez was found in Somerset. The first week there he was very nervous but soon improved once he realsied he was there to stay. He is fabulous with the children and is fine with their son’s dog Sophie. June said “We all love him very much and I think he realises that he will now be staying with us for good. He seems very content and happy. We took him out for Sunday lunch last Sunday and he was quite happy to sit in the car for a while. He loves the car, going out and socialising. My daughter in law says that we couldn’t possibly have found a nicer dog and she also loves him to bits.”
HAYLEY
Hayley and Flora needed to be rehomed and both went to stay with Sandie, where they proved to be excellent with all her dogs. We had originally hoped to rehome them together but we had to split them into two nearby homes for fostering and they eventually were very successfully rehomed separately.
Hayley went into foster in Berkshire with Sally, who very quickly became smitten with her saying “Hayley is a beautiful dog in every way, she is very well behaved, well natured, and loving. She is very playful and loves us and our lovely dog, Cinders and also gets on well with the cats. Once we settle for the night we don’t hear from her until we go downstairs in the morning, when we are welcomed with her lovely happy face.”
Unsurprisingly, Sally and family were so smitten with Hayley that she stayed with them forever. She is such a happy girl that she was chosen for the Happiest Worker Award in this year’s Class 2 of obedience.
2009 Parade
| BERYL | MOLLY | GEORGE | HARLEY | OSCAR | HARVEY | STELLA | DANCER |
| PHIL | SANDIE | WENDY | OWEN | JO | JANE | BELINDA | AMY |
BERYL FRY
Beryl is a lovely 10-year-old yellow Labrador who was fostered in Somerset by Belinda and Terry at the same time as a Golden Retriever called Pollyanna. She, sadly, needing rehoming when her owner could no longer take care of her dogs but it was obvious that she had always been well treated and was used to being one of the family as she went straight into the house and made friends with their other dogs immediately.
Belinda said “She is very happy, friendly and good natured and never stops wagging her tail, even when she came back from the vets after being spayed. Beryl is very enthusiastic about everything that is going on, loves lots of attention and tends to push her way to the front, particularly at meal times! She loves being stroked and having a fuss made of her.”
As predicted, she very quickly settled into her new home, quickly making friends with all Denise and Phil Fry’s dogs. She soon managed to go up the stairs unaided and on to the bed for mornings cuddles and made herself at home on the sofa. Her nicknames range from The Flying Beryl (loves her walks), Miss Pushy (loves to get in on all the fuss that goes on) and Miss Upside Down Girl (because that’s her position on the sofa 90% of the time).
Everyone on the common loves her and she loves everyone too and goes flying up to them as though they are her long lost friend! She mainly walks with Ronnie’s younger brother Freddie (GSD) and he keeps an eye on her making sure she doesn’t get too far behind or ahead! Den and Phil say they couldn’t have chosen a better dog to just walk into their family and become part of it so quickly and they feel like she has been with them for years.
Beryl and her dad, Phil, did very well at the show and she won the Best Veteran Cup.
MOLLY BISSETT
Molly is a 7-year-old Golden Retriever who was surrendered to Sandie by her owner as an alternative to having her put to sleep. She had been incontinent all of her life but, as she had always lived outside, it had never really been a problem for her owner until when he was having to change her bedding (probably straw) every 3-4 days!!! Molly was very timid when she first arrived and her condition was not helped by the fact that she was full of fleas. When she lay on the tiled floor she would be wet up to her shoulders because of the leaking urine. Basically, her left urethra doesn’t go into the bladder and it has two holes in it and the bladder walls are inflamed so she needed an urgent operation at the Veterinary College which was paid for by kind donations from her sponsors. We knew it wouldn’t be a cure but rather that it should improve her situation and make her more comfortable. Post operation, Molly continues to receive bi-weekly acupuncture treatment from her kind vet, Gary Creegan.
Molly quickly proved to be a very outgoing little lady who just wanted to have fun. She got on well with all Sandie’s dogs. Molly was such a joy to have around that her incontinence wasn’t too much of a problem for Sandie as, fortunately, she has a tiled floor throughout her house so just needed to always have a bucket and mop at hand. Molly soon got used to her baths, so they ceased to be a struggle and she quickly began to love her home comforts which included sleeping on the sofa, always cuddled up to another dog.
Sandie says “ Molly is a gorgeous girl who has adapted easily to her new life here and gets on really well with my other dogs. She is very obedient and loving and it would be hard to imagine life without her. The rewards of seeing her so happy far outweigh the hard work that her care involves.” Everyone was delighted to meet her in the flesh looking so well and happy.
GEORGE TOLHURST
George was about 18 months old when he was picked up as a stray, in a very poor condition with his coat in a terrible state. George was fostered by Andy and Val in the West Midlands at the same time as Woody who became his very good friend.
After a few weeks of their special brand of TLC, Andy took George to the vet’s and was delighted to find he had put on about 1 stone in weight since they have had him and his coat was now really soft and well-groomed.
Wendy, his new mum said “George is an absolutely gorgeous dog and has settled in with us really well. He is great with the children and with Shadow, our German Shepherd and loves being out with us on walks. Whilst Shadow tends to stay very close to us when out, George tends to follow a scent but is now very good at coming when called.”
Due to his lack of socialization and understandable fears, George has had a few issues but the family are working on them with the help of a behaviourist and trainer and are confident that, with time and patience, they can be overcome. They all absolutely love him to bits.
HARLEY EDWARDS
Harley is a young Golden Retriever who was neutered in Ireland and was found to get on well with other dogs, was clean in the house and very affectionate. Harley went to his forever home with his new family straight after the 2008 Reunion but, unfortunately this home didn’t work out so he went into foster with Claire and family in Scotland who fell for his charms and decided to keep him.
Harley was doing great and they described him as a wonderful dog. He adored the children and all Claire’s other animals. He liked to play fetch and loved swimming and playing in the surf. Claire said “ I will admit I am more of a Mastiff girl but when Harley looks at me I just want to melt into his chocolate eyes. When my eight year old son was poorly, Harley lay with him all day, he is there for us all the time. He is a good boy, who is great on and off the lead. He loves other dogs and loves my cats. He is the most wonderful dog I have ever met! I love him so much.”
Sadly, a change in family circumstances meant that Claire could no longer keep him so, with a heavy heart, she handed over to Pauline for fostering. He very nearly became Jefferey dog number 7 but Owen and Sandra fell in love with him as soon as they met him and decided they would like to adopt him. As they could give him a much more exciting life (doing agility etc) he has spent time getting to know them all so he could go home with them after the Reunion. His new brother Brian was also one of Pauline’s foster dogs.
OSCAR BYRNE
Oscar is a lovely young Golden Retriever whose previous owner, sadly, had to give him up because of work commitments and did not enough time for him. He had quite clearly been well loved as he was neutered, was great on the lead, his recall was good and he was also happy to travel in the car.
Once in the UK, he went into foster with Jo and family in Wiltshire and they, like many fosterers before them, failed at the first hurdle and fell totally in love with him. Luckily for us, as he is such an adorable dog, they are still willing and able to foster for us.
Jo says. ” Oscar is simply adorable. We couldn’t ask for a dog with a better all round temperament. Laid back? You bet!!”
HARVEY WHITE
Harvey is a neutered Golden Retriever who is approximately two year’s old and he was fostered by Jane and her family in the Midlands. He gets on really well with their dog, Tess, with them enjoying a rough and tumble in the garden and he very rarely bothers with their two cats, except to pinch their food! He is a larger than life character and is a ‘nearly perfect gentleman’.
His one major fault was his lead-walking which was extremely bad and needed a lot of hard work by Jane and Malcolm. He was always very strong on the lead but improved after using a Halti. For more free running they used a long line but he often used to get side tracked and would just bolt. Being so strong, there was no way he could be held back if he had a mind to go. He would eventually come back when he was ready so, despite being absolutely perfect in the house, outside was a work in progress.
Because of all the extra work that was necessary, Harvey stayed for such a long time that Jane and Malcolm couldn’t bear to let him go so they joined the long ranks of failed fosterers!
STELLA McAVOY
Stella is an 8 year old lady who went to Belinda and Terry for fostering with her daughter, Honey and her kennel sister Holly. She was the smallest of the three and just wanted to follow her fosterers around and lie at their feet. She walked very well on the lead and she proved to be a very gentle, though quite nervous dog. She loved to greet them in the morning with anything she could pick up, making little whimpering noises as she took it to them. One morning she picked a rose and gave it to them. She got on really well with all the other dogs and was very gentle with children. She was fascinated by the cat and used to stand and stare at her.
The other two dogs went off to their wonderful new forever homes but Belinda and Terry had totally fallen for Stella so yet again have become failed fosterers.
Stella is now part of the family and enjoys her daily walks with the others. She gets bouncier every day and her coat, which was very thin, is thickening up. They say she is an absolutely delightful, gentle little dog and they love her to bits.
Stella went to her first Dog Show back recently and was looking so good and thoroughly enjoyed her time in the ring so much that she won the Senior Citizens Class.
DANCER with AMY HYDE
Dancer is a lovely young Retriever x Collie who is in foster with Amy who says “ I have just had Dancer off lead in the field near my home….she was an angel! so very attentive, she would make a great obedience dog some day although a lot of work would need to be done on the stay as she will not want “mum/dad” to leave her.”
Her only problem seems to be that she makes attachments very, very easily and is not too keen on other dogs coming for affection when out walking, even the dogs she knows. Amy recommends that, when she goes to her new home, the “dad” does most of the work: feeding, walking etc to help her build up confidence and prevent her from over-bonding with mum which could cause a lot of problems in the future.
Not in the parade but at the show were:-
LEVI
Levi is a Labrador cross aged about 2 years old who was fostered by Nicky. He is a full on live wire who adores everybody. He is constantly looking for human attention and his tail never stops wagging. Levi is exceptionally strong and due to his enthusiasm he tends to lunge at items of interest; to curb this he was introduced to a halti to make him more controllable on walks. He has an unusual habit of trying to jump at cars as if he thinks he should be getting in them
He went to his forever home but it didn’t work out because he was very naughty with the cats so he returned to Nicky and they decided to adopt him. He can still be very vocal and strong on the lead but they are working hard with him and are beginning to succeed with the help of clicker training and the use of a long line. He is obsessed by his ball so, as long as his human has 2 balls to throw for him, he will give 110% attention.
LUCY
Lucy is a beautiful young looking 8-year-old Golden Retriever. Her previous owner was unable to properly exercise and care for her and give her the love and attention that she needed so she was handed into the care of IRR and was originally fostered by Maria and Martin in Cheshire . It was here, when she went for spaying, that we learnt the true severity of her condition and it was decided she would need a total hip replacement.
She went to her forever foster home and we began fund raising for her hip operation which she desperately needed to get her out of the pain that she had probably been in for at least a year. This was done by one of the top orthopaedic surgeons in the country and her convalescence was quite long and difficult but Colin and Carol were absolutely amazing and nursed her through it all with love and devotion. Fortunately, the operation appears to have been a resounding success and Lucy is able to walk really well again. The next job now is to make up for her total lack of socialisation in her previous home.
Lucy won the Pudsey Memorial Award for her bravery.
FREDDIE
Freddie was advertised in a Free Ad publication for 80 euro. When Sandie spoke to the owner she asked the usual questions “is he house trained? good with kids?cats? good on the lead?” and she was told that he had had no training whatsoever and that he was wild. Fortunately, Sandie still decided to help him as she immediately found he had very severe entropion and he needed surgery at the Veterinary College to try to help the condition. He must have been in a huge amount of discomfort but his amazing good temperament still shone through.
Sandie kept him and cared for him in her home whilst he recovered from his operation and Monty was sent to Simon’s, in the Midlands, for fostering to give Freddie the peace and quiet that he needed but the two dogs were swapped over as Sandie made her way down from Holyhead on her way to the reunion so Simon and family took over as Freddie’s fosterers.
BEN
Ben is 9 years old who was surrendered to Sandie by a family who no longer had any interest in him.
He had been left to his own devices living in the garden and was never taken for a walk. When he arrived, Ben had a bald patch on either side of his hips which was Cheyletiella (walking dandruff ). The poor boy was alive with these mites. Ben proved to have a great temperament, allowing Jan and Sandie to bath him three times to get rid of the awful smell and later grooming him, cutting away some very matted hair. It was only the next day when he was taken to the vet for neutering that his actual condition was diagnosed.
He went to a home in Ireland but it didn’t work out as he hated cats and found the young dog a little bit too much for him so he came back into IRR’s care and went for foster to Andy & Val. He has some possession issues and needs a very experienced owner so, sadly, he is still waiting for his perfect home to come along.
BEAVEN
Beaven is a lovely young dog who is, we think, probably three quarters Golden Retriever. He was surrendered to Sandie just before the reunion and came over to the UK with her. He is in foster with Jo and family in Wiltshire and he has proved to be great with other dogs, good with children and is even fine with cats so he has a lovely forever home ready and waiting for him.
Jo says Beaven is wearing Oscar out with playing, with their tug of wars lasting 15-20 minutes and with them managing to move around the house and garden without letting go.
BIANCA
Bianca is an 18 month old small sized crossbreed girl with a beautiful temperament. She is one of our 4 lovely little Romanian dogs and is a sister to Peppy and Sacha.
Bianca first went into in foster with Jo and family in Wiltshire. She was very timid and shy, as Peppy was, but with the help of her Jo’s dogs, cats and children, she began to come out of herself already.
She is currently in foster with Hayley in Somerset where her 3 dogs have worked miracles and Bianca’s personality has really started to come out. We feel she will need to be rehomed with other dogs and sympathetic owners to continue this process of rehabilitation.
Sponsor Dogs Parade
Unfortunately, ALICE, ANGEL & ALLIE, BOUNCER and MOLLY were unable to come to the Reunion this year but hope to see all their sponsors next time.
CONNIE
Connie is one of our newer Sponsor Dogs. She was about a year old when she was surrendered to the pound and possible instant death, with her two lovely puppies (now Drake and Brian) in 2007. The owner obviously believed that by producing cross breed 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.
Connie is now loved to bits in her forever home with Belinda and Terry in Somerset. She has 3 sisters (Millie, Abigail and Stella) who are all also IRR rescues and she often happily welcomes foster dogs into her home and helps greatly with their rehabilitation.
She does obedience and agility for fun and has her Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze Award.
She is very happy to be a Sponsor Dog to help other breeding bitches who are no longer of any value to their owners.
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. Many people don’t even realize he has a disability and he is totally adored by everyone who meets him.
Digby is now in a wonderful forever home with Tracey in Devon together with lots of other lucky rescued animals including cats, horses and chickens.
He is happy to be a Sponsor Dog to help other dogs like himself who may be overlooked because of their physical problems.
DRAKE
Drake is a black crossbreed who was initially called Minstrel and, when just a tiny puppy, he was surrendered to the pound with his brother Brian (then called Merlin) and mum Connie, a purebred Golden Retriever, who was originally called Maisie. All three were rescued and fostered in Ireland before coming to the UK.
Drake is a good boy and has his Bronze Kennel Club Good Citizen Award. He is also very intelligent and takes part in Heelwork to Music competitions and has also been to Crufts demonstrating how he does Can-ix racing. He represents all the clever crossbreed dogs who so often get overlooked.
GIZMO
Gizmo was found scavenging on a rubbish tip as a very young puppy. We thought he was a Retriever Cross when he was tiny but he now actually looks more like some sort of hound.
He is a very loving dog but certain behavioural issues made him unable to be rehomed to a “normal family” so he was adopted by Steve and Pauline. He still has him “moments” one of which (on his usually reliable recall) cost him his KCGC award but, on the whole, he is a very lovely and loving dog.
He lives with his 4 brothers and one sister, who are all also rescue dogs, and he regularly welcomes foster dogs into his home.
Gizmo is happy to be a Sponsor Dog to help other dogs who, like him, have some behavioural issues.
LOLA
Lola was a young ex-breeding bitch who was mated at her very first season which meant she was undersized when we rescued her. When she first arrived in foster, she was extremely nervous and needed a lot of work and many natural remedies before she was ready to be rehomed. However, she really fell on her feet as her fosterer was Lynne, our flower essence expert, and she and Ian fell in love with Lola and adopted her.
Lola is now very happy, playful and well adjusted. She adores her clicker training and learning doggy dancing moves aswell as doing obedience and agility for fun. She is also a KC Canine Good Citizen Bronze Award winner.
PENNY
Penny was found as a very young stray who ended up in the Pound and, initially, she was fostered by Pauline and Steve. There she met her boyfriend Dazzle who had also been in the same Pound and, as they hit it off immediately, they were rehomed together in Gloucester with Diane and her family.
Two years on, they have both settled in wonderfully but continue to be partners in crime with Penny as the boss. They had a very exciting first year with floods to cope with (or, in their case, enjoy). Despite always being up to mischief, they are still loved to bits.
Penny is very happy to be a Sponsor Dog to help other dogs who find themselves homeless or abandoned through no fault of their own.
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. This includes Agility and Heelwork to Music.
He has featured many times in magazine articles and he is probably our most popular Sponsor Dog.
Stevie is a Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Bronze Award winner and is the most wonderful ambassador for his breed and for disabled dogs.
ZENA
We were all absolutely delighted to see Zena with her mum, Lorna, as they have not been able to make the long journey down to the reunion before.
Zena is a sprightly lady who was an 11 year old cuddle monster when she came to us with Ben, a lovely old boy of 12 years who has since, sadly, passed over to Rainbow Bridge. They were unwanted by other family members after their beloved owner died. This is a very common problem and one reason why older dogs often end up in our care. Fortunately, they found a really wonderful, very loving, forever home with Lorna and her daughter, Rachel.
She has been in the wars a few times with various health problems and has given us one or two scares but she is a very strong and determined lady, as is her devoted mum.
Zena has a Golden Retriever brother, Merlin, who is also an IRR dog and she also has another older rescue sister Della.
Zena is happy to be a sponsor dog in order to help us rescue other dogs who have lost their very special owners and become a nuisance to, or burden on, other people in the family too.