Results
Obedience and Novelty Class Results
1. Obedience – IRR First Timers Judge: Denise Cribb
For IRR dogs (and bitches) who have never won a first prize in any obedience competition.
Sponsored by Jackie & Ron Adams in memory of Dixielab, their very first, very special, foster girl.
Heelwork on lead 40 points
Recall on lead (no sit or finish) 30 points
30 sec sit or down stay done alone on lead 30 points
| CLASS 1 | ||
| 1st | No. 85 | Steve Grist & Callan (Crossbreed) |
| 2nd | No. 10 | Joan Phillips & Louis (Labrador) |
| 3rd | No. 63 | Denise Regula & Pudsey (Labrador) |
| 4th | No. 72 | Debbie Fievez & Molli (Golden Retriever) |
| 5th | No. 21 | Pauline Jefferey & Rhani (Crossbreed) |
| 6th | No. 18 | Shona Grant & Jack (Golden Retriever) |
| Happiest Worker | Molli (Golden Retriever) | |
| Darcy Cannon Award for the Most Useless Obedience dog. | No 67 | Brian Hammond (Golden Retriever cross) |
2. Obedience – Starting Outers Judge: Pearl Bray
For ANY dogs (and bitches) who have never won a first prize in any obedience competition.
Sponsored by Caroline and Paul Wilkins in memory of beautiful Fuller.
Heel on lead 40 points
Recall on lead (sit but no finish) 30 points
30 sec down stay done alone on lead 30 points
| CLASS 2 | ||
| 1st | No. 50 | Kelly Smalley & Jet (Collie x Lab) |
| 2nd | No. 58 | Sue Ellis & Brigz (Australian Shepherd) |
| 3rd | No. 10 | Joan Phillips & Louis (Labrador) |
| 4th | No. 44 | Kirston Rae & Lillie (Whippet cross) |
| 5th | No. 11 | Tracey Roberts & Gracie (Golden Retriever) |
| 6th | No. 70 | Sandra Hammond & Jay (Labrador) |
| Happiest Worker | Guiness (Springer x Lab) with Olivia Lewis |
3. Obedience – IRR Trying Harders Judge: Denise Cribb
For IRR dogs (and bitches) who have never won a prize for obedience at an Open or Championship Show.
TRYING HARDERS sponsored by Lucy Lockley who does try to be good………….honestly!!!!
Heel on lead 40 points
Recall off lead (sit but no finish) 30 points
1 min down stay done alone off lead 30 points
| CLASS 3 | ||
| 1st | No. 9 | Sue Ellis & Chance (Golden Retriever x Collie) |
| 2nd | No. 10 | Joan Phillips & Louis (Labrador) |
| 3rd | No. 97 | Linda Nicholls & Bonnie (Labrador) |
| 4th | No. 110 | Bob Warwick & Ivan (Retriever cross) |
| 5th | No. 29 | Maggie Long & Daisy (Golden Retriever) |
| 6th | No. 16 | Helen Boyd & Drake (Golden Retriever cross) |
| Happiest Worker | Ivan (Retriever cross) |
4. Obedience – Trotting Alongers Judge: Denise Cribb
For ANY dogs (and bitches) who have never won a prize for obedience at an Open or Championship Show.
Sponsored by Caroline and Paul Wilkins in memory of beautiful Fuller.
Heel on lead 40 points
Recall off lead (sit and finish) 20 points
Retrieve (handler’s article / dumbell / dummy) 20 points
1 min sit stay done alone off lead 20 points
| CLASS 4 | ||
| 1st | No. 11 | Tracey Roberts & Gracie (Golden Retriever) |
| 2nd | No. 69 | Owen Edwards & Helga (GSD cross) |
| 3rd | No. 81 | Tammy Inkpen & Henry (Labrador) |
| 4th | No. 80 | Tammy Inkpen & Annie (Labrador) |
| 5th | No 75 | Julie/Abi Paginton & Raph (Crossbreed) |
| 6th | No. 99 | Jean Bodey & Katie (WS) |
| Happiest Worker | Helga (GSD cross) |
5. Obedience – IRR Improvers Judge: Pearl Bray
For any IRR dog (or bitch), no matter how smart he / she is.
Sponsored by Caroline and Paul Wilkins in memory of beautiful Fuller.
Heel on lead 20 points
Heel free 20 points
Novice Recall off lead (sit and Finish) 20 points
Retrieve (handlers article or dumbell) 20 points
2 min down stay (done alone, off lead) 20 point
| CLASS 5 | ||
| 1st | No. 9 | Sue Ellis & Chance (Golden Retriever x Collie) |
| 2nd | No. 17 | Joanne Mceveney & Jasmine (Golden Retriever cross) |
| Happiest Worker | Jasmine (Golden Retriever cross) |
6. Obedience – Clever Clogs Judge: Liz Board
Open to ALL DOGS (and BITCHES)
Sponsored by Diana Heyer in memory of Dillon and his party tricks
Heel free 30 points
A recall 20 points
Retrieve (handlers article or dumbell) 20 points
2 min sit stay (done in a group) 15 point
2 min down stay (done in group) 15 points
| CLASS 6 | ||
| 1st | No. 9 | Sue Ellis & Chance (Golden Retriever x Collie) |
| 2nd | No. 69 | Owen Edwards & Helga (GSD cross) |
| 3rd | No. 73 | Joan Milford & Josh (Golden Retriever) |
| 4th | No. 98 | Fred Turner & Rose (Labrador) |
| 5th | No. 15 | Helen Boyd & Teal (Bernese Mountain Dog) |
| 6th | No. 17 | Joanne Mceveney & Jasmine (Golden Retriever cross) |
| Happiest Worker | Helga (GSD cross) |
Novelty Classes – Judge Pat Arnold
7. Child Handling 7-10 years
Sponsored by Maria Cooper in memory of Spangler www.spangler.co.uk
| CLASS 7 | ||
| 1st | No. 49 | Craig Norman & Danny (Golden Retriever) |
| 2nd | No. 74 | Abigail Paginton & Raz (Crossbreed) |
| 3rd | No. 4 | Joseph Millar & Millie (Golden Retriever cross) |
| 4th | No. 17 | Megan Mceveney & Jasmine (Golden Retriever cross) |
| 5th | No. 75 | Abigail Paginton & Raph (Crossbreed) |
8. Child Handling 12-16 years
Sponsored by Maria Cooper in memory of Spangler www.spangler.co.uk
| CLASS 8 | ||
| 1st | No. 48 | Daniel Norman & Danny (Golden Retriever) |
| 2nd | No. 66 | Dylan Seal & Maisie (Labrador) |
9. Best 5 or 6 Legs
Sponsored by Julie Granger for the inimitable and much loved Ricky
| CLASS 9 | ||
| 1st | No. 59 | Shelley Jennings & Finn (Border Collie) |
| 2nd | No. 31 | Tracey Reader-Hoer & Digby (Golden Retriever) |
| 3rd | No. 61 | Georgia Seal & Dyson (Labrador) |
| 4th | No. 75 | Julie/Abi Paginton & Raph (Crossbreed) |
| 5th | No. 50 | Kelly Smalley & Jet (Collie x Lab) |
| 6th | No. 74 | Julie/Abi Paginton & Raz (Crossbreed) |
10. Best Trick
Sponsored by Helen Boyd for the very brave and inspirational Teal, very much still with us!!
| CLASS 10 | ||
| 1st | No. 9 | Sue Ellis & Chance (Golden Retriever x Collie) |
| 2nd | No. 15 | Helen Boyd & Teal (Bernese Mountain Dog) |
| 3rd | No. 76 | Mark Beardshall & Dexter (Labrador) |
| 4th | No. 67 | Sandra or Owen & Brian (Golden Retriever cross) |
| 5th | No. 10 | Joan Phillips & Louis (Labrador) |
| 6th | No. 44 | Kirston Rae & Lillie (Whippet cross) |
| Special | No. 17 | Joanne Mceveney & Jasmine (Golden Retriever cross) |
11. Best Veteran 7-10 years
Sponsored by Sally Tooke in memory of her beloved IRR forever foster boy, Jimmy
| CLASS 11 | ||
| 1st | No. 32 | Tracey Reader-Hoer & Cleo (Golden Retriever) |
| 2nd | No. 56 | Gwen Flynn & Casey (Golden Retriever) |
| 3rd | No. 37 | Lynne Jones & Jilly May (Bernese Mountain Dog) |
| 4th | No. 70 | Sandra Hammond & Jay (Labrador) |
| 5th | No. 41 | Kate Morgan & Dawn (Golden Retriever) |
| 6th | No. 6 | Aileen Smith & Angel (Golden Retriever) |
| Special | No. 55 | Christine Astor & Twinkle (Golden Retriever) |
12. Best Veteran 10 years and over
Sponsored by Sally Tooke in memory of her beloved IRR forever foster boy, Jimmy
| CLASS 12 | ||
| 1st | No. 71 | Sandra Hammond & Kirby (Golden Retriever) |
| 2nd | No. 57 | Gwen Flynn & Cracker (Golden Retriever) |
| 3rd | No. 40 | Kate Morgan & Roger (Labrador Cross) |
| 4th | No. 2 | Joan Phillips & Sophie (Crossbreed) |
| 6th | No. 84 | Ruth Allingham |
| Special | No. 19 | Craig Norman & Danny (Golden Retriever) |
| Special | No. 46 | Tony Elton & Bella (Labrador) |
13. IRR Best Condition Dog
Sponsored by Maria Cooper in memory of Spangler www.spangler.co.uk
| CLASS 13 | ||
| 1st | No. 18 | Shona Grant & Jack (Golden Retriever) |
| 2nd | No. 65 | Richard Seal & Mackenzie (Labrador) |
| 3rd | No. 31 | Tracey Reader-Hoer & Digby (Golden Retriever) |
| 4th | No. 10 | Joan Phillips & Louis (Labrador) |
| 5th | No. 51 | Anne Jones & Jumble (Golden Retriever Cross) |
| 6th | No. 8 | Gemma Little & Bailey (Golden Retriever Cross) |
14. IRR Best Condition Bitch
Sponsored by Anna & Kevin Hamill and dedicated to our current love Lola Jane AKA Lolly.
| CLASS 14 | ||
| 1st | No. 5 | Aileen Smith & Allie (Golden Retriever) |
| 2nd | No. 29 | Maggie Long & Daisy (Golden Retriever) |
| 3rd | No. 14 | Kerry Williamson & Kaleigh (Golden Retriever) |
| 4th | No. 13 | Anne Tuck & Daisy (Golden Retriever) |
| 5th | No. 87 | Val Dagger & Ellie (GSD) |
| 6th | No. 6 | Aileen Smith & Angel (Golden Retriever) |
15. Most Appealing Eyes
Sponsored by Maria Cooper in memory of Spangler www.spangler.co.uk
| CLASS 15 | ||
| 1st | No. 13 | Anne Tuck & Daisy (Golden Retriever) |
| 2nd | No. 77 | Olivia Lewis & Guiness (Springer x Lab) |
| 3rd | No. 79 | Oliver Inkpen & Annie (Labrador) |
| 4th | No. 62 | Georgia Seal & Jess (Labrador) |
| 5th | No. 31 | Tracey Reader-Hoer & Digby (Golden Retriever) |
| 6th | No. 83 | Diane Bowler & Issy (Retriever x Collie) |
| Special | No 30 | Sally Tooke & Dolly (Collie x Spaniel) |
| Special | No. 7 | Diana Noad & Toby (Labradoodle) |
16. Best IRR Brace
Sponsored by Caroline and Paul Wilkins in memory of beautiful Fuller.
| CLASS 16 | ||
| 1st | No. 1 & 39 | Connie & Lola (Golden Retrievers) |
| 2nd | No. 89 & 90 | Elmo & Jake (Golden Retrievers) |
| 3rd | No. 55 & 56 | Twinkle & Casey (Golden Retrievers) |
| 4th | No. 53 & 54 | Penny & Dazzle (Golden Retriever & Samoyed x Lab) |
| 5th | No. 67 | Brian & Drake (Golden Retriever Crosses) |
| 6th | No. 29 & 28 | Daisy & Charlie (Golden Retrievers) |
17. Best Fancy Dress
Sponsored by Caroline and Paul Wilkins in memory of beautiful Fuller.
| CLASS 17 | ||
| 1st | No. 94 | Mary Tout & Bridie (Golden Retriever) |
| 2nd | No. 41 | Kate Morgan & Dawn (Golden Retriever) |
18. Shiniest Coat
Sponsored by Caroline and Paul Wilkins in memory of beautiful Fuller.
| CLASS 18 | ||
| 1st | No. 60 | Kay Jennings & Willow (Border Collie) |
| 2nd | No. 95 | Ann Marshall & Cassie (Lab Cross) |
| 3rd | No. 75 | Julie/Abi Paginton & Raph (Crossbreed) |
| 4th | No. 92 | Ruth Allingham & Fritz (Miniature Pinscher) |
| 5th | No. 8 | Gemma Little & Bailey (Golden Retriever cross) |
| 6th | No. 17 | Joanne Mceveney & Jasmine (Golden Retriever cross) |
19. IRR Irish Eyes Are Smiling Judge: Sandie Bissett
Sponsored by Anna & Kevin Hamill in memory of Cassie our first golden
| CLASS 19 | ||
| 1st | No. 51 | Anne Jones & Jumble (Golden Retriever Cross) |
| 2nd | No. 47 | Chris Hartley & Flynn (Retriever Cross) |
| 3rd | No. 64 | Denise Regula & Eddie (Crossbreed) |
| 4th | No. 42 | Anita Leggett & Toby (Golden Retriever) |
| 5th | No. 5 | Aileen Smith & Allie (Golden Retriever) |
| 6th | No. 31 | Tracey Reader-Hoer & Digby (Golden Retriever) |
20. Best Condition under 5 years
Sponsored by Diana Heyer in memory of Bogey, my perfect first retriever
| CLASS 20 | ||
| 1st | No. 27 | Tom Phipps & Sam (Golden Retriever) |
| 2nd | No. 44 | Kirston Rae & Lillie (Whippet cross) |
| 3rd | No. 65 | Richard Seal & Mackenzie (Labrador) |
| 4th | No. 86 | Rebecca White & Buddy (Retriever) |
| 5th | No. 7 | Diana Noad & Toby (Labradoodle) |
| 6th | No. 31 | Tracey Reader-Hoer & Digby (Golden Retriever) |
21. Best Condition 5 years and over
Sponsored by Diana Heyer in memory of Inka, beautiful to the end
| CLASS 21 | ||
| 1st | No. 37 | Lynne Jones & Jilly May (Bernese Mountain Dog) |
| 2nd | No. 88 | Danielle Bishop & Scamp (Golden Retriever) |
| 3rd | No. 15 | Helen Boyd & Teal (Bernese Mountain Dog) |
22. Most Like Owner
Sponsored by Helen Boyd in memory of Ronnie, a creature of habit just like his dad.
| CLASS 22 | ||
| 1st | No. 7 | Diana Noad & Toby (Labradoodle) |
| 2nd | No. 42 | Anita Leggett & Toby (Golden Retriever) |
| 3rd | No. 62 | Georgia Seal & Jess (Labrador) |
| 4th | No. 61 | Georgia Seal & Dyson (Labrador) |
| 5th | No. 94 | M Tout & Bridie (Golden Retriever) |
| 6th | No. 88 | Danielle Bishop & Scamp (Golden Retriever) |
23. Best Brace
Sponsored by Julie Granger for her special pair, Ricky & Megan
| CLASS 23 | ||
| 1st | No. 12 & 13 | Bella & Daisy (Golden Retrievers) |
| 2nd | No. 44 | Lillie & ? (Whippet cross) |
| 3rd | No. 26 & 27 | Stevie & Sam (Golden Retrievers) |
| 4th | No. 61 & 65 | Dyson & Mackenzie (Labradors) |
| 5th | No. 31 & 32 | Digby & Cleo (Golden Retrievers) |
| 6th | No. 59 & 60 | Finn & Willow (Border Collies) |
| Special | No. 74 & 75 | Raz & Raph (Crossbreeds) |
24. Waggiest Tail
Sponsored by Lucy Lockley, a very happy labrador
| CLASS 24 | ||
| 1st | No. 32 | Tracey Reader-Hoer & Cleo (Golden Retriever) |
| 2nd | No. 68 | Sandra Hammond & Casey (English Springer Spaniel) |
| 3rd | No. 36 | Aileen Smith & Sam (Golden Retriever) |
| 4th | No. 129 | Julie Granger & Ricky (Golden Retriever cross) |
| 5th | No. 106 | Kay Mansergh & Nelly (Cavalier Spaniel) |
| 6th | No. 18 | Shona Grant & Jack (Golden Retriever) |
| Special | No. 52 | Anne Jones & Finn (Jack Russell x Staffie) |
| Special | No. 125 | Jane & Tess (Labrador) |
BEST IN SHOW AND OTHER AWARDS
Best In Show: Aileen Smith & Allie (Golden Retriever)
Reserve Best In Show: Shona Grant & Jack (Golden Retriever)
A VERY PROUD ALLIE
Best Veteran Sandra Hammond & Kirby (Golden Retriever)
Reserve Best Veteran Tracey Reader-Hoer & Cleo (Golden Retriever)
Best IRR Obedience Dog Joan Phillips & Louis (Labrador)
Best IRR Obedience Bitch Linda Nicholls & Bonnie (Labrador)
Darcy Cannon Award for a “Free Spirit” Obedience dog: Brian Hammond (Golden Retriever cross)
ALLIE, BEST IN SHOW 
JACK, RESERVE BEST IN SHOW
MOST IMPROVED IRR DOG and BITCH 2008
There are a few dogs that were considered for these awards, all of which truly are now reformed characters, thanks to the patience and dedication shown by their owners. We believe that really is what rescue is all about and makes everything worthwhile.
BRUCE (MURPHY)
BRUCE was approx 3yr old in 2007 when he was surrendered to make room for a new baby. He had never been in a house before he arrived at Sandie’s and had never walked on a lead. He was anti-social to other dogs and needed a lot of training.
Bruce (now Murphy) has learnt to share toys with Myrtle our other dog. He still chases shadows and has a strange habit of hitting anything in his way with his paw, especially if it’s something new. He loves his daily runs in the woods with our friends’ two dogs, Sadie and Maisey, and insists on dragging half a tree along (not satisfied with a small log). Maisey is a collie cross and a real tease, but is great to play with as Myrtle, our Jack Russell, prefers a more dignified walk. We are so happy to have him.
P.S you’re not getting him back
FINNEGAN
Finnegan was a total hooligan when he came to us in 2006. He had no manners with humans or other dogs and was very food aggressive. Fran fostered him for months and started the gradual process of his rehabilitation which has been continued, and then some, in his wonderful forever home.
Here is Finn with some friends……….Jasper and Ellie and the other one was rescued by a German friend after being found tied up on a motorway in Crete last year! Finn has turned out to be a truly lovely boy…he is now very calm, very relaxed, healthy and I am sure he is a happy chap. Jasper and Finn are inseparable and spend each and every day playing, playing, playing. We go for some wonderful walks together on the Downs and Finn now walks nicely on the lead. He has lots of doggy friends here.
JAKE
Jake originally arrived in 2006. He had no social skills at all and was very aggressive to some other dogs. He was fostered by Denise and Phil and they fell in love with him and decided to keep him. He seemed to improve a little but, as their doggy family increased, so did Jake’s behavioural problems to the point that the best and only thing for everyone was for him to find another home. A quiet stay with no dogs at Andy & Val’s followed and then he found a wonderful, dedicated forever family in 2008.
Jake is the most amazing dog. He has added even more love and joy to our home & we all love him dearly. He has taken to training like a duck to water and responds to the 12 steps of training amazingly well. My twins adore him and he is incredibly gentle when around them, which is so beautiful to watch.
Jakie is absolutely full of life and just needed a lot of love and understanding.
JENSEN
In 2007, Jensen arrived with a lot of behavioural issues, no doubt due to his past, but in his case, Amy, his fosterer, gently taught him some manners. He was just a lovely boy who had previously been allowed to, basically, do as he pleased. He then found his forever home in Essex with kind people who were prepared to continue his training.
Jensen is a lovely dog and we are delighted with him. He has put on a little weight and has adapted to our way of life. Jensen and I go to training classes every Sunday morning to help with a few minor problems (pulling on his lead, jumping up & a little bit of aggression towards other dogs). We were warned that most rescue dogs come with ‘baggage’ and it’s no surprise when you read the awful things some of these poor animals are subjected to…..by their supposed guardians !! Who was it who said …there are no bad dogs…only bad humans !?
McKENZIE
Unfortunately, McKenzie wasn’t a perfect dog and need a lot of lead training when we got him originally in 2007 aged about 8mths. He thought it was great fun to jump up and try and grab the lead out your hand and he mouthed you at the same time. He would also try to bite a fabric lead so had to be walked on a chain lead at the moment. Also, like most labs, he had a strong love for food so he would try to steal food at any cost. We thought he had found his perfect forever home and his master managed him very well but, sadly, he got the better of the lady in the house so needed to be re-homed. We thought his exuberance might be well placed as a sniffer dog but, after passing initial assessments, he failed because a lack of commitment to the job.
Luckily, it was then that Richard came along and the rest is history. He is now deliriously happy and well behaved and loves the company of his cousins (also Labradors) and he even has his own photo album on the Internet.
STEEL
Steel was a very poorly dog when he came to us in 2008 but he also bullied other dogs to the point that we were extremely worried where we could even foster him. Then along came Sally who did a wonderful job on both his health and his manners.
Steel is almost like a different dog now. The overweight, gasping, drooling wreck that came to us first, is nothing like the happy character that he is now. His breathing is almost normal, only panting after running around, far less drooling and the biggest waggiest tail ever seen on a dog.
After a few unsuccessful possible adopters, along came Lucy and John, who have completely fallen in love with him, so we are delighted that this gorgeous boy now lives with them and their 2 cats in his new forever home and boy does he deserve it. We don’t think he could have found a better family and he even has his own blog now.
BONNIE
Bonnie was a real handful when she arrived in 2007. Despite this, we could all see the lovely and loving girl that lurked behind the unruly teenager. She was fostered by Jackie and we thought she had found her perfect forever home but, after a few months, they decided she was too much for their resident male Labrador. She then went into foster with Tammy in Devon and, by last year’s Reunion, she was winning prizes in our basic obedience classes. Not long after her perfect forever home came along and she continues to do brilliantly.
Linda says “Bonnie was a big, bouncy, girl who had never had any boundaries or training, and so was very undisciplined. She is also a somewhat sensitive soul, and all the moving about made her very insecure and somewhat manic! She loved “acquiring” objects, shoes, handbags, knives etc… as well as trashing her bed, cushions etc!
Tammy fostered Bonnie for a couple of months, and started her off on the right route, and we followed on with that when we brought Bonnie home. It has taken a year of hard work, but she is now much more relaxed and chilled about life, and is very much enjoying agility, and her life with our other lab Poppy. In the last year she has acquired her KC bronze and silver Good Citizen awards, won a prize at Obedience club, proved to be a star at agility with her first competition in a months time, camped, been to Norfolk and Scotland, been to kite festivals and off road events.
When people meet her now they cannot believe it is the same dog. She is very intelligent, and a stable home environment with lots of mental challenge and a job to do, has made a world of difference to Bonnie. We love her to bits!”
LULU
Lulu was two years old when she came over in 2007. She had been passed around a few times in her short life and had not had chance to settle with a loving family and no-one had taken the time to train her. All this changed when she came into the care of IRR and she went to a very experienced foster home where Gemma, her fosterer, worked really hard with her for several months, including gaining an obedience award at the local pet dog training club (see picture)until she was ready to be adopted.
We looked for a home for her where someone would give her lots of time and commitment to continue her training and we found the perfect home for Lulu in Devon where she continues to live happily and enjoys life to the full.
NIKKI
Nikki was about 3yrs when she arrived in 2007. She is a really lovely, gentle girl who has always been absolutely great with children of all ages and adults alike and is a total delight to have around the house. Unfortunately, again without due to some fear issues from the past, she could be extremely bad with strange dogs. She is a big girl and could do real damage so she had to be muzzled at all times when outside the house although she learnt to live happily with 2 dogs once she trusted them. She remained in foster for several months with Fran who never gave up on her. Finally, the perfect home for her has come along with someone who is prepared to keep to very strict guidelines with her but whilst also completely adoring her.
Nikki is still a work in progress but first reports from her new home couldn’t be better. Karen says, “Nikki has settled in very well. I expected some crying due to missing the other dogs but she has been so good and has made herself at home and is enjoying the attention from everyone who comes to visit. We have been working hard on her aggression towards other dogs and, apart from the odd grumble on her part, we are sure, with time and patience, we will hopefully overcome this very bad habit”.
MOST IMPROVED IRR DOG sponsored by Pauline Jefferey in memory of Jake, a little guy with a big heart (see Rainbow Bridge)………………JAKE O’CONNOR
MOST IMPROVED IRR BITCH sponsored by Pauline Jefferey in memory of the wonderful Lady Isabelle (see Rainbow Bridge)……………….BONNIE NICHOLLS
OVERALL MOST IMPROVED IRR DOG / BITCH: JAKE O’CONNOR
JAKE
FROM MARY:-
I just wanted to take a moment to let you know about the progress that we have made in making Jakey a full fledged member of our family! As you may be aware when we received Jakey, he was a lovely, yet very fearful, dog prone to growling and being a little grumpy and was somewhat in the last chance saloon! This is no longer the case for our boy! Thanks to the support given to us by the Irish Retriever Rescue service and the love support and training from me and my family, Jakey is a changed dog.
He goes for walks with me and my daughter Shannon, who has autism and he is perfectly behaved. Because of Shannon’s autism, she had not been out of the house for a very long time and having Jakey has really helped her, more than you could ever know.
He is loving and open and trusting with all members of the family. He no longer growls but comes to my side if he is unsure in a situation. He has conquered his fear of other dogs in the street, walking calmly by my side with his handsome head held high. I am very proud of what we have managed to do with him and proud of Jakey for what he has managed to do for himself but one of the greatest joys we have had is in teaching our fella to play with us and accept our love without fear. Jakey has forged an individual relationship with everyone and is loved by the whole family including extended members, with his funny character and his loving nature, he is so much fun. He is gentle as a lamb with my children and, while it was very hard for him initially, he has found his place in our family and our hearts.
I would like to share an aside story with you quickly. My daughter, Shannon, was given a new toy that makes an unfamiliar noise and she took it upstairs to play, the unfamiliar noise came ringing out down the stairs and then my daughter began to cry. Jakey tore up the stairs and when I got there he was gently sniffing around her room for danger. It touched my heart to see this former loner being the big brother to her that he is now.
We would no sooner part with Jakey than we would any other member of our precious little family. He is loving and devoted and as good a dog as anyone could ask for. We are enormously grateful to Irish Retriever Rescue for bringing Jakey into our lives and I know that Jakey would thank you too for helping him find his family.
Progress in Training:
Jakey sits and waits on command Goes to his bed when requested
Waits for his snack at bedtime Does not take food without permission
Has reciprocal play skills. Allows us through doors first
Is no longer aggressive around food
Jakey continues to improve all the time and tries very hard to be a good boy. Much love and many thanks the McKenzie family, and of course a special thanks from our newest member, Jakey.
KENNEL CLUB GOOD CITIZEN BRONZE AWARD
The 20 dogs listed below passed their Kennel Club GC Bronze award with 4 not being ready yet.
The examiner was Sharon Arnold from Somerset.
Drake Boyd Golden Retriever cross with Helen
Connie Dagger GSD with Val
Ellie Dagger Whippet cross with Val
Jack Grant Golden Retriever with Shona
Casey Hammond English Springer Spaniel with Sandra
Ferdie Jefferey Labrador x Collie with Pauline
Rhani Jefferey Labrador x Whippet with Pauline
Willow Jennings Border Collie with Kay
Lola Jones Golden Retriever with Lynne
Sammy Jones GSD cross with Lynne
Connie McAvoy Golden Retriever with Belinda
Millie McAvoy Golden Retriever cross with Terry
Lucy Lockley Labrador with Nigel
Louis Phillips Labrador with Joan
Sam Phipps Golden Retriever with Alison
Stevie Phipps Golden Retriever with Alison
Allie Smith Golden Retriever with Aileen
Angel Smith Golden Retriever with Aileen
Bertie Worsley Golden Retriever with Phil
Zach Worsley Golden retriever with Phil
The examiner’s special award went to Ellie Dagger who didn’t put a paw wrong throughout the whole test.