Roxy Small

OUR DOG IN A MILLION HAS GONE (10.10.2016)

A devastated Jennifer told us “ Very sadly, our much-loved Roxy, whom we adopted in 2011, went to Rainbow Bridge on Monday 10th October.

She had been suffering from advanced kidney failure and then had a mild stroke that badly affected the control of her back legs . Over the last couple of days, her kidney problem accelerated and she went disastrously downhill; she refused to eat or drink and became progressively weaker. We called the vet who said that she probably had a couple of days left but they would not be good or pleasant ones for her so we decided to do the kind thing and she was very gently and peacefully put to sleep at home with her head in my lap.

Roxy was a dog in a million and we loved her from the first moment that we saw her.

We are so grateful to IRR for letting us have her and we miss her dreadfully.”

WENT TO RAINBOW BRIDGE 10.10.2016

We adopted Roxy in 2011 and loved her from the moment that we met her. It’s hard to describe what a fantastic lady she was. She was the gentlest of dogs with the sweetest nature. She loved being petted and fussed and being brushed; rolling on her back to have her tummy rubbed and lying by the side of my chair or on my feet.

She adored going anywhere in the car; she wasn’t a swimmer but a very enthusiastic paddler and it was impossible to keep her out of the rivers, streams and the sea, where she would stand with the waves washing over her. She always brought us a rock from the river bed as a present and we eventually had quite an extensive collection.

Very early on she decided that she didn’t like her new, soft bed and she’d rather sleep on a rug in our bedroom which she happily did; not an early riser, she contentedly slept until we got up and her breakfast was ready.

She was very partial to the occasional cocktail sausage and also quickly worked out which of the neighbours was a soft touch for a biscuit and would sit patiently outside the door and tap on it with her paw. She rarely waited for the door to be opened but got on her back legs and pulled the door handle down to let herself in!

Roxy wrapped us round her big, furry paw from Day 1 and we were very happy to be there. We were incredibly lucky to have had such a gentle, loving and loyal companion; we just wish that it could have been for longer.

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?

I’ve lived my life and done my best,
An example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
And set my spirit free?

I didn’t want to go,
I fought with all my might,
But something seems to draw me now
To a warm and loving light.
I want to go, I really do,
It’s difficult to stay.

But I will try as best I can
To live just one more day,
To give you time to care for me
And share your loves and fears.
I know that you’re sad and afraid
Because I see your tears.

I’ll not be far,
I promise that and hope you’ll always know
That my spirit will be close to you
Wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too,
That’s why it’s hard to say goodbye
And end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time
And let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me,
You’ll let me go today.

ROXY’S HISTORY

ROXY WENT TO HER FOREVER HOME DECEMBER 2011

8 yr old Roxy who adores children was surrendered into Wexford Pound because she wanders on to the road.

FOSTERER’S INITIAL REPORT

Roxy is being fostered in Warwickshire by Helen and John. She is settling in very slowly, each day she is spending less time hiding under our table and is allowing us to show her affection now. She is now happy to sleep in her basket at night rather than on the floor.

She gets on very well with our two girls and also with Buster. She is very nervous when we are out walking and meet other dogs but she walks on the lead like an angel.

She is very fond of the children, but has taken a real shine to Jon. When he stops stroking her she growls and barks and pulls some very strange faces. At first Jon was a little unsure in case it was aggression, but it clearly is Roxy’s way of speaking and liking the fuss.

She is eating well and we are giving her a healthy diet as she is a little overweight. She has had no accidents in the house.

She has allowed me to groom her and each day I have been able to take more and more knots and tangles out of her coat.

ROXY HAS NOW GONE TO HER FOREVER HOME (DEC 2011 )

Roxy happily went off to her forever home

AUGUST 2012: UPDATE FROM ROXY’S FOREVER HOME

Roxy has been with us for 8 months now and we could not have wished for a more affectionate, gentle and loving companion. She settled in extremely well from the first night and has grown in confidence by the day – she now has the entire household arranged entirely to her satisfaction!

She had a bit of a difficult start as, less than 2 months after she arrived, she snapped her rear cruciate ligament; however, after an operation, physiotherapy and lots of hydrotherapy, she is now back to her old self and bouncing around.

We still have a small, occasional problem with recall; mostly she is excellent unless the menu offers the prospect of paddling in the stream and river or chasing rabbits! She rarely lets us out of her sight though, walks very well on the lead and will always wait for us when she is off.

We’ve found out a lot about her likes and dislikes! Unlike our previous Golden Retrievers, she is not food-orientated and is an extremely delicate eater, except where dog chocolate buttons are concerned. She loves going out in the car, adores water and her favourite pastime is putting her head and upper body under water and retrieving large stones – we will soon be able to build a drystone wall!!

She is very friendly with other dogs and adores fuss and people! As the pictures show, she has made herself very much at home and we are so happy to have her!