Charlie Pearson

14/03/2011 – 30/09/2021

Charlie (was Prince) crossed to Rainbow Bridge on 30 September 2021.

His mum, Amanda, wrote: “We are so heartbroken to have lost our beautiful boy, Charlie, after a short illness, which came to light after a vet visit at the lake district.

He loved his holidays there, although would never go in deeper than his shoulders and enjoyed a few days there before his passing.

From day one he fitted in so well with our (golden) family, and spent a wonderful 5 years with us. He never lost his love of balls, and always had a happy smiley face, and a waggy tail, even to his last day. He adored his family, especially his dad and would follow him around everywhere. He also loved cuddles with us, and was so in tune with our moods he would come up and just stare at us, to then be cuddled.

He was an absolute snuggle monster, with a gorgeous big head and we will miss him so so much. Charlie was our first rescue goldie, and he won’t be our last.

Rest in peace our beautiful beautiful boy. You will be missed so so much. x”

HISTORY

Prince is a five year old, neutered, cream coloured male Golden Retriever. This wonderful boy has received all the vaccinations necessary for his Pet Passport and was groomed in Ireland before travel.

Price came from a loving home and never suffered any form of abuse. They had a small garden and it was difficult for them to cope. They didn’t have enough time for him and thought the best situation was to get him a new home where he would be loved. IRR promised his owners that we would make sure he has a wonderful life.

HEALTH
The middle part of Prince’s spine is slightly raised and the vet thinks this is either due to some past trauma or it may be congenital. It is not impeding him in any way and is not painful. He also has a large lump on the middle of his back. The vet is confident it is a Sebaceous cyst. It doesn’t bother him and does not need immediate surgery but it may be a good idea to remove it at a later date once he is settled in his adoptive home. This will remain IRR’s responsibility.

One of his ears needed cleaning but there was no irritation and it is fine now. He also had a slight cough in the morning and when he is really excited (as opposed to normally excited). Honey was used just to calm his throat and now the cough is virtually gone but his fosterers are still avoiding lead walking on a collar.

PERSONALITY
Kathryn said “He has a loving personality, and like most Goldens, is very affectionate”. David and Alison, his UK fosterers, say “Prince is a super dog who has a constant wagging tail. He adores people and playing ball, loves a cuddle and being involved. He gets on well with other dogs but does seem to prefer people. Prince likes to take his time to work out new experiences but he is usually happy to follow the girls’ lead. His happiness in life does not spill over into boisterousness which is an endearing feature.

Prince has a lovely temperament. This lovely smiling Goldie wants to be with people, likes a good game but it never gets out of hand. He is never happier than when carrying a ball or toy around. He is very responsive, well-mannered but active and so happy with life”.

SOCIAL LEARNING
In Ireland, Helen of Carrick Dog Shelter, our good friend of old, again came to the fore when we needed someone with experience to assess him initially. After 10 days in foster in the UK, David tells us “ Prince likes his food, shakes paws, likes being brushed, takes treats well and likes walks. He prefers to be led on a slip lead rather than guided by his collar which makes him drop to the floor.

He is unsure in new situations but is happy to try them. He fully trusts the girls and us now and soon adapts once he has worked it out”.

Travel: Although he had never travelled in a car, when Kathryn collected him, he was able to settle and was ‘not an ounce of trouble’ as he lay on the back seat for nearly three hours. After 10 days in his foster home, he now hops in the car for trips out. He loves travelling it was just a problem getting him in the car initially which David sorted by feeding him in there for a few days.
Housetrained: He is fully housetrained.
Leadwalking and recall: He was strong on a lead and did not have good recall. He did jump up and this needed to be worked on. Prince now walks loose lead on a body harness. He walks extremely well on his own and is a pleasure to take out but he is a bit more excitable with the girls although he soon settles. His recall is good in the house and garden but Prince will need more work in a secure field although he always brings his ball back.
Resource guarding: He isn’t food or toy possessive
Children: This wonderful sweet boy is not suitable for young children as he, we have been told, becomes protective of them.
Cats: He, apparently, isn’t great with cats but this would need further investigation and his fosterers don’t have access to them.
Dogs: Initially, he was very submissive when playing with David’s females and, due to no fault of his, there were handbags at dawn with the resident foster dog, Ben but, now, he is great with the girls and foster dog Ben. He is not really into other dogs but he will play. He prefers a game of retrieve the ball.

Prince likes time to assess strange dogs when out on his lead. He tends to do a bit of posturing, lunging and there is occasional growling until he is convinced he is safe. More socialisation will sort this out with other dogs on and, better still, off lead in a secure place.

PRINCE’S DREAM HOME

Prince needs an adult only home without cats and possibly without another dog or with a slightly older, submissive one who can show him the ropes. His owners must be active and prepared to spend time with him. They also need to be patient and understanding especially around strange dogs but, with just a little continued training, someone is going to have a wonderful dog who will be loving and loyal.

AUGUST 2016

Prince has gone to his Forever Home