Robbie Buckley

WHAT A STUNNING FLATTIE

Bob, as he was then, was an 18 month old Flatcoat Retriever Cross. This adorable boy had been straying so he was taken in by Martina from Babydog Rescue.

He was been nicely groomed and was in foster in Ireland for nearly a month before travelling to the UK where he quickly charmed his new fosterers. He was neutered and vaccinated and, of course, obtained his Pet Passport.

UPDATE FROM HIS UK FOSTERER 18.5.2015

John tells us Bob has been with them for 5 days and they are impressed by how easy he is. He was a bit unsettled on his own at night to start with but now he settles OK. Apparently, he seems to prefer people to other dogs and just ignores most other dogs.

We had some small children to visit and he was fine but they think his size (35 kilos) would be a bit intimidating for any children who were not used to dogs. They have used a harness successfully and Bob had no problems walking along a busy road. He was very well behaved at a pub lunch where he was greatly admired. He has a lovely glossy coat which he loves having groomed.

PERSONALITY: Bob is a super sweet boy and very relaxed. He likes to be with people and followed his fosterers round the house and into the garden. He will, however, settle alone in his bed in the kitchen overnight and when needing to dry off after a muddy walk. He is quite strong but is very biddable and happy.

He has been very friendly with the many people and dogs they met while out and about. He loves water!

SOCIAL LEARNING

Housetraining: He is fully house trained

Travel: He travels very well, jumping happily into the car and lying down for the trip. He is very good in the car so is absolutely no trouble to transport

Leadwalking: He is very keen to go for walks. He did not react to bikes on the towpath. He pulls a bit on the lead so a Mekuti harness is recommended. That should improve, though, with more practice as he is so keen to please. After having a long walk, he can be found asleep on his bed in the kitchen.

General obedience: He seems to understand basic commands. He will go to his bed when told and obeys “down” and “sit”. He is not toy possessive and is keen to play with his people and his pulley toy. He is not food possessive either.

Children: His fosterers didn’t meet many children on their walks so that wasn’t properly tested but they would not expect problems as he is so friendly. However, because of his age and size, he would probably be better with slightly older children.

Dogs: He is very friendly and gets on extremely well with other dogs. Even when a grumpy terrier got snarly he just walked on and ignored her.

Cats: He is, so far, not cat tested but is so sweet natured we really don’t envisage a problem.

Other animals: Although interested in the rabbits and ducks they spotted, he did not attempt to take off after them.

WONDERFUL NEWS May 2015

Robbie has gone to his Forever Home with Ann and David and their cat in Cannock