Tom

Tom came to us from a good home In Ireland when his owners had a change of circumstances and could no longer look after him.

UPDATE on TOM

Tom is doing so well. He really is settling in now. He has put on lots of weight since the change of food and his coat is looking a lot thicker and healthier. He is even becoming well behaved off the lead, at last. He comes back and I have started venturing into woods and trusting that I wont lose him.

OUR SPECIAL BOY TOM-TOM

In September 2006, my husband and I decided it was time to extend the family and I quickly got in touch with IRR to see if they had any furry friends. Lorraine told me about the adorable Tom and within a week, we had our first meeting with his foster mummy Joan and within two weeks we were united. We really haven't looked back since. He is a truly special boy.

I have to say the first six months were tough. Tom-Tom had zero recall skills and it was difficult to let him off the lead other than the local park which was totally enclosed. He also seemed to burn up a lot of energy and was not putting on weight. He suffered separation anxiety and needed to have us in his sight at all times. Even putting him to bed downstairs proved difficult as he would cry for us and I'd end up sleeping on his bed until he fell asleep!

Luckily things are different now. It has taken lots of patience and money but it has been worth it. I think a lot of his problems were just from the upheaval he must have experienced in his puppyhood and it has just taken time for him to feel secure.

The changes started when I signed us up for gundog training. Once a week, we went to a local farm and joined a group, teaching junior doggies. It's been fantastic fun teaching him to come to the whistle and collect dummies on command. The interaction really helped us bond.

Tom-Tom still can't be left alone for long, but I think that's partly because we haven't practiced it enough. We always like him with us. ‘Meals for two' have become ‘meals for three' and we have discovered every pub/restaurant which allows dogs. We upgraded our bed from a double to a super king. My husband insisted it is for the benefit of our sleep, but Tom-Tom thinks the extra room is great!

He has really enhanced our lives and he is so precious to us. He has the kindest nature and everyone that meets him, falls in love with him. Here is his profile to give you an insight into our furbaby:

Name: Tom-Tom
Age: about 3 years old
Home: Surbiton, Surrey
Bestfriend: Sydney (a Hungarian Visla doggie)
Favourite food: Ice-cream and liver cake
Favourite toy: a cuddly toy called Simba from The Lion King
Favourite daytime activity: charging round the woods, gundog training and swimming
Favourite evening activity: curling up in a ball on my lap and watching Eastenders
Likes: Tummy rubs and humping strangers
Dislikes: cats, squirrels, rabbits, boxers and black poodles
Most naughty behaviour: stealing and eating half the turkey on Christmas day

By Sarah (Tom-Tom's proud mummy)

©2006 Irish Retriever Rescue UK